7 Best Cameras for Kids 2024

With summer festivities in full swing, you'll want to capture it all. Whether you've booked a vacation at one of the best all-inclusive resorts for families or are giving them a back-to-school camera, pictures make the memories last.

Better yet, grab one of the best cameras for kids and let them play photographer for the day. Here are our top kids' camera picks so you'll never forget the glory days of summer.

What to look for in the best camera for kids

There are a few things to consider when looking for cameras your kids will love.

• Size: The kids camera you choose must be ergonomic and easy to fit in their hands. The last thing you want is a hard-to-hold device.
• Durability: Kids drop things! Look for plastic, rubber or silicone encasements that buffer falls. If your little one loves water activities or you're heading on vacation to a sunny, water-inclusive spot, consider a waterproof or water-resistant model.
• Features: Easy-to-use large buttons, zoom-in and zoom-out features and neck straps are all good things to look for.
• Photo storage: Aim for at least 2 GB of storage or more, or the ability to add additional SD cards. Kids take lots of photos!

The best cameras for kids 2024

• Best overall: Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie Camera
• Best budget: SINEAU Kids Camera
• Best rated: VTech Kidizoom Duo 5.0
• Best for toddlers: HANGRUI Kids Digital Camera
• Best instant print: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
• Best design: CIMELR Kids Camera Toy
• Best digital: Agoigo Kids Waterproof Camera

Best overall

Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie Camera

If you're in the market for a well-rounded, "does it all" kind of camera for kids, the Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie Camera fits the bill. Made with a shockproof, non-toxic and anti-breakage outer shell, this camera is durable enough for even the rowdiest kid crowd.

The Upgrade is easy to use, lasts up to two hours fully charged and takes auto-focus photos with fun frames to add a little pizazz to every moment. It even utilizes a time-lapse that allows everyone to pose. The kit includes a portable lanyard, one USB data line & one 32GB micro SD card to store thousands of memories.

Pros

• Sturdy construction for little hands
• Easy to snap with the push of a button
• Offers fun frames to make photos stand out
• Seamless shooting mode
• Nontoxic materials
• Comes in multiple bright, engaging colors
• 4K video
• More than 29,000 reviews and an average 4.5 rating on Amazon

Cons

• Some say this camera is quite small so consider your child's size

Best budget

SINEAU Kids Camera

For budget-savvy parents, one of the best cameras for kids has a lot going for it. The SINAU Kids Camera offers digital zoom, improved clarity, a self-timer, video recording, and more. The built-in rechargeable battery will keep your kids busy for hours. This kids' camera is the perfect size for little hands, supports 10 languages and even has filters and photo stickers to create extra fun photos.

We think the clever zoom lens and oodles of brilliant features at an affordable price make this one of the best kids cameras on the market—especially for the price. Young photographers also rave about all the bright, cheerful colors it comes in.

"This camera is so perfect for a toddler and for the price it’s incredible," shares verified Amazon purchaser, Meshi. "I did a ton of research on cameras that were good for toddlers and this consistently appeared as the best low-cost camera and I can see why. For the price it’s incredible."

They continue, "It’s durable and has survived being thrown. Just make sure your child turns it off when they are done and you will avoid a meltdown later when they want to play again."

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Drop-resistant
• Non-toxic and durable
• Includes lanyard for easy carrying and SD card to store photos
• Fun photo stickers and filters

Cons

• Has a slight learning curve

Best rated

VTech Kidizoom Duo 5.0

With well over 5,000 glowing ratings, this V-Tech kids' camera is easily our best-rated option on the list—and for good reason. It features a robust 2.4" vibrant color LCD screen and takes both photos and videos. We love the added rear-facing camera that’s perfect for taking selfies—just what kids love to do.

This colorful option also comes with five games, including three that are motion-controlled. It's a video game center and method of creative self-expression all in one. Download photos and videos to a computer using the micro USB cable.

"This has got to be the most durable kid camera out there," writes verified Amazon purchaser, Kel. "We have used them with each kid and start them out around age two getting their first camera. My kiddos love taking pictures, and I love their individual creativity along with watching them get better and better over the years."

She continues, "My oldest, almost 10, is a great photographer. These cameras have withstood drops from over two feet, being thrown (although thankfully not often) and even inclement weather. I highly recommend getting a memory card and carrying case to accompany it."

Pros

• Top-rated camera for kids on Amazon
• Connects to computers for easy image and video download
• Including hand strap
• Color-ready LCD screen that's big enough for kids to enjoy
• Choose from three popular colors
• Added video games (some with motion control)

Cons

• Not rechargeable, requires 4 AA batteries

Best for toddlers

HANGRUI Kids Digital Camera

Even toddlers can get in on the photo-taking action with the HANGRUI Digital Camera. The adorably-designed camera produces 20 high-quality pictures with the option of adding filters and funny frames. Charge for a while and snap away for up to four hours.

Made with nontoxic silicone, this break-resistant soft rubber is a great first camera for little fingers. It comes in four cute designs and allows your toddlers to use burst-shooting, timed photos and even a few puzzle games to keep them busy.

Going on a long car trip with a little one? Try tossing them this fun kids' camera in their convertible car seat or toddler car seat to keep them busy snapping pics along the way. It's a great alternative to an iPad or using Mom's phone.

Pros

• Easy for toddlers and younger children to hold
• Comes with an extra 32G SD card to store thousands of photos and a lanyard to carry
• Fun, playful designs
• Durable exterior and case
• Engaging puzzle games included

Cons

• There is no delete button, which can be tricky to maneuver

Best instant print

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

Fujifilm's Instax Mini is one of the best cameras for kids for a few reasons. Exposure adjusts automatically, no matter the lighting, the built-in mirror makes flawless selfies look easy, and the one-touch selfie mode works with a simple pull of the lens. With the use of Instax Mini Instant color film (not included), your kids can print photos on the spot.

We love this one for young children, big kids and teens alike. Heck, we have a few of these nifty cameras in the office as adults and love them. It's our favorite real film camera option and one the whole family is bound to get a kick out of.

"I bought this for my four-year-old nephew and he loves it!" says Sarah, a verified Amazon purchaser and five-star reviewer. "He learned very quickly to always put the strap around his wrist so it doesn't drop and he can easily take pictures."

"It's also easier than I thought to change the film." Other reviewers note the prints being the perfect size to display on bulletin boards, refrigerators and school lockers. We also love how many fun colors there are to choose from.

Pros

• Comes in five colors
• Instant photo printing with Fujifilm
• Takes great photos in any light thanks to an included flash
• One-touch selfie-mode is one of the most fun features they'll use non-stop
• Built-in mirror
• Compact and great for travel
• Instant film for instant happiness

Cons

• Fujifilm not included, and can be pricey to keep buying

Best design

CIMELR Kids Camera Toy

Nearly 5,000 reviewers agree—the CIMELR Kids Camera Toy has one of the best user designs for small hands. This environmentally-friendly camera is made with anti-drop silicone which makes it durable and shock-resistant, while the full HD lens promises to keep your child's eyesight safe.

With 28 stickers and six filters for fun photographs, kids will love snapping photos or taking videos for up to three hours. And, they can save to the included 32G SD memory card. Also included are a USB charging cable, a cartoon protective case, and one lanyard.

"I bought this as a present for my nieces and nephews and they loved it!" says verified Amazon purchaser and five-star reviewer, Urooj. "They found it easy to use. The process of transferring pictures to the computer is also very convenient."

They continue, "This is a great gift for young kids. The picture quality is great too."

Pros

• Modern, clever design elements made to appeal to children
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Comes with a removable protective case
• Shock and break-resistant casing
• Three hours of battery life
• HD lens for safe viewing
• One of the easiest compact cameras for little hands to carry

Cons

• Does not include a touch-screen

Best digital

Agoigo Kids Waterproof Camera

For all the adventurous kiddos, the Agoigo Kids Waterproof Camera can take photos deep underwater (up to 98 feet). Complete with puzzle games, time-lapse, video recording, playback, delay capture and more, charge this camera and snap away for up to three hours.

With 28 frames and six filters to choose from, this single-lens camera makes a great pre-vacation gift. It shoots HD video and makes a great action camera for older kids and little ones alike.

"This is my six-year-old's first personal camera, and my kids are pretty rough with their things so the fact that it has lasted well for the first week is great," writes verified purchaser, Daisy. "We've used it underwater at the beach, water park and pool and the camera is still intact thanks to the waterproof cover."

She continues, "We've also used it at home of course, and playing outside. The camera has a lot of storage before needing to have pictures and videos moved to another storage space."

Pros

• Waterproof up to 98 feet
• Ideal for older children who love to swim, run through sprinklers and venture around waterparks
• Automatic shut-off when the battery runs low
• Puzzle games to keep kids busy
• Three-hour lifespan before charging
• Stands up to moderate heat if left out by the pool or beach

Cons

• Doesn't record sound underwater

How we chose the best kids cameras

We looked at a variety of features ranging from easy hand grips to fun-to-play included games, but more so, we chose products with durable exteriors and cases. That's because kids are prone to drops and rough play, and a good camera for kids should be one that lasts.

We tried each model with our own children, and considered battery life and internal storage as well as factors like added SD storage cards. Finally, we looked at shopper ratings and overall price/value.

Whatever you're looking for, the best cameras for kids are the ones that capture the best moments of their lives. Happy shopping!