Best Canon Cameras for Kids
They're Not for young kids

Are you looking to spark a love for photography in your child? A Canon camera can be a fantastic tool for learning and creativity. But with a ridiculous number options, how can you choose the right one for your newbie photographer? Here's a guide to help you choose the best Canon camera for kids.

So, you want to beyond the point and shoot photography of a cell phone and you're looking for the best Canon cameras for kids?  

Your child wants to grow up and be just like you, so it's only natural they want to use a real DLSR camera. Kids like to copy what moms and dads are doing. That includes using a camera.

Getting interested in photography can have a lot of benefits for children. Increased visual awareness of the world around them, an appreciation for textures, colors, and learning about composition are all benefits.

Kids also develop more confidence, better communication skills and higher self esteem as benefits of learning a skill like photography. See Why Kids And Cameras Go Together.

You have two general choices when it comes to choosing the best camera for your child. 

For the Youngest Children, under 8 years old, simplicity and durability are most important

For pre-K and early elementary school-aged children, the key is simplicity, durability, and a fun factor. While Canon doesn't make cameras specifically marketed as "kids' cameras" with cartoon characters and built-in games (like some other brands do), there are still Canon options that can work.

Digital Camera + Projector

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Teach them the importance of holding the camera steady
2. Get them to see where the light is coming from
3. Look at and talk about each photo right after it's been taken.

Kids Camera Buying Advice

On the surface of it, you might think it's just a matter of looking for a camera that is drop-proof, waterproof and generally kid-proof, and take good pictures.

If you are looking for a quick answer, you can just visit one of the kids digital camera reviews sites and you'll see which one they think is a top performer.

I'd encourage you to put a little more thought into, at least initially.  Asking the right questions is often more productive then looking for the quickest decision.

Are you expecting your child to be able to create great creative works of art? Is the camera just a toy for entertainment, or more of a tool for teaching?

Consider a used or older Canon point-and-shoot camera: These are often more affordable and less complex. Models from the Canon PowerShot ELPH series or older PowerShot A-series could be good choices.

Look for Simple controls: Few buttons, easy-to-understand modes. Compact size: Easy for small hands to hold. Decent image quality: Good enough for printing small photos or viewing on a screen. Affordability: You won't be heartbroken if it takes a tumble.

Why these work: They offer a step up from toy cameras without being overwhelming. They introduce the basics of photography in a straightforward way.

Perhaps unfortunately now more than ever, kids feel that they need to be constantly entertained to keep their interest.

One of the biggest disappointments for a parent giving their child a gift is when the child plays with a new toy for a few minutes, and then sets it down and moves onto something else.

You don't want that to happen when you buy your child a camera.

Brightly colored. Easy to hold
VTech KidiZoom Camera For Young Children

Features the Best Cameras For Kids Should Have

1. Optional flash. A simple on-off button would suffice.  The biggest complaint against kids cameras is the image quality they produce.  Poor quality is often due to motion blur in darker situations.
2. Bright LCD.  Another complaint against the typical kids camera is the LCD.  One of the appeals of digital photography is instant gratification of seeing the image you just captured on your camera.
3. Games and special effects.  Not everyone will agree on this one.  Games that involve the photographs you've taken and special effects possibilities will add interaction with the photos

The colorful, but poorly rated Lego camera for kids.

ADVICE FOR BUYING ONE OF THE BEST CAMERAS FOR KIDS

1. Have realistic expectations on the quality of images you'll get with a $40 or $50 dollar kids camera.
2. Take an active roll in your child's photography.  Be a supportive mentor. Research a few fun projects that you can work on together.
3. Use a reliable source for reading the ratings.  Try a big retailer like Amazon, where the reviews are written by consumers, not professional camera reviews website bloggers.

Have a blast. Shoot a Canon.

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr.   Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

Canon Geek on Google My Business

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