Cameras for Kids

There are a number of reasons why cameras for kids are a good idea. Involving children in learning basic photography and giving them the opportunity to experiment with it can stimulate learning in a variety of ways.

1. Observation and concentration skills can be enhanced
2. Creativity and imagination stimulated
3. Specific academic skills can be targeted as children mature via the activities chosen such as:

science and nature

history

geography

language skills including story telling

many others (See activity ideas lower on this page)

The possibilities are endless, and the lessons more engaging, when kids use a camera.

Obviously, getting the tools is the first step in the process of introducing kids to photography. How much equipment is involved depends in part upon the age of the child. For children as young as 3, a basic kids camera will be about it; along with some batteries.

Aside from an appropriate camera, tweens and teens may need an appropriate camera bag, a tripod, lens attachments, photo editing tools, and a computer and printer depending upon interest and skill.

What's the best kids camera? Generally a digital camera is preferred over a film camera, especially as children mature, because:

the child can see what they capture without the delay of printing, allowing immediate learning of the process

as photos are reviewed immediately, the cost of printing unacceptable images is held in check

there are more options to share photos and create projects beyond a photo album; slide shows, online photo sharing, e-mail, websites, etc.

the child can also learn photo editing skills and have more control over their creations.

Some other factors to consider when choosing cameras for kids include:

Low cost for the youngest. Preschool kids can be particularly rough on cameras, so the life of it may be limited. Keeping costs low assures you don't lose a big investment. Kids cameras which are built for the youngest kids also don't have a lot of features, therefore your child will outgrow it by the time they reach 6-7 years of age. Preschool children need durable cameras designed specifically for those occasional bumps and drops. Cameras for kids who are slightly older and can handle a few more features, a disposable, hand me down, or refurbished camera may also be an alternative.

For kids who have shown the ability to handle a camera safely; a basic point and shoot camera is good. Waterproof cameras may be worth considering as well. At this point, both a kids skill and interest in photography will determine which features are important.

For kids who are more skilled, and a bit older, offering cameras with more manual controls will be important.

Some features to think about for preschool kids include:
- Easy grip
- Large buttons
- Built in flash for indoor photos
-Tough build to stand up to drops
-Enough memory for at least 50-60 pictures. Ideally a memory card slot would be available to allow your child to take hundreds of photos before having to download
-Connections for and compatibility with computer

Features to consider on cameras for kids that are school age.
The features you want will vary based on the skill and level of interest of your child. At this point you'll definitely want better resolution than what the "kiddie" cameras offer. Five to six megapixels are plenty to create even nice looking 9 x 10 photos and most modern digital cameras offer much more than this.

At this point, tough build won't be so common, but a good camera bag can be a good safety measure. There are of course rugged, waterproof cameras that are "crush proof" and so forth, but they are only one option.

Optical image stabilization is important for getting shots with less blurring; it compensates for minor hand movements that occur as pictures are being taken.

Zoom, especially optical, allows for more interesting shots. Special modes will also be appreciated. Macro allows kids to get up close, night modes are great in low light, and so forth. Many digital cameras will also offer video recording which can add to the fun. Cameras that allow kids to upload easily to sharing sites and view their creations on TV are also popular.

Once you know what you're looking for, shopping should be much easier. Shopping online often offers better deals on cameras for kids, especially when free shipping is offered. Customer satisfaction rates tend to be high with online retailers. A visit to Home Media Store can provide more information and great shopping.

Taking an old digital camera and providing it to a child is a great way of making use of your camera and an inexpensive way of promoting their interest in a hobby or learning activity. See this page about recycling your digital camera for a child on this page.

If you don't have a child to pass your camera down to, there are other options. One example is Global Classroom Connections which accepts donated equipment and uses it in a school based program which pairs up classrooms across the globe. Learn more about donating or how to sign up your classroom to receive cameras for kids if you're a teacher by visiting the site.

The activities a parent can engage kids in with a camera to develop and expand interests, foster learning, and provide a sense of achievement for their youngsters is limitless. With a little imagination, the camera can open up a whole world to the curious mind and eye of a child, but for those who need a jump start here are some suggestions...

Kids can be motivated when creating things for a younger brother or sister. One possible project is to make a list of items that begin with each of the letters in the alphabet, seek out and photograph those items, and fabricate an alphabet book.

A somewhat more advanced project would be the development of a story book. For instance, a child could follow a sibling or even a pet for a day, taking pictures and then using those images to create a short story for a younger child to enjoy. Story telling and imagination are just two of the skills that can be enhanced by such activities.

Of course kids can also use a camera to keep their own photo journal of vacations and trips, large or small. A record of such events may well become a keepsake which would be further enhanced when accompanied by written entries.

A more advanced journal activity can help to broaden a child's interest in travel and geography. For example, a cardboard character could be made to go far beyond where the child may go. The character can be supplied to friends and relatives who may be traveling. The character can then be captured in pictures at the various destinations. The character's human travel companion can then provide a picture, with a brief written description of the location to the child to place in the character's travel book.

Raising an awareness of science and nature comes quite naturally with a digital camera in hand. Collecting insects, leaves, rocks, or flowers via photographs is more simple and lasting than capturing live specimens. The camera also allows children to capture what would otherwise be unobtainable: animals, sunsets, waterfalls, footprints, and so forth.

With photography, children can also study many of the processes of nature. As an example, a child can follow the development of a new born kitten over time, a flower as it grows, opens and closes in the morning and evening, and so forth. Activities such as this encourage good attention and fosters an interest in sciences.

School age kids have even more options. One possibility is to ask them to put together a family history book complete with photos and the inclusion of a short biography of each family member.

Some kids, with experience, can even take on the role as the primary recorder of family events.

Publishing a monthly newspaper complete with pictures can be a great summer time project for older kids as well. Cues can be taken from local publications as to what sections and articles should be included but they can be scaled down to a more personal level: from reports on a family trip, new neighbors, the escapades of a family pet, or recent events such as the purchase of a new car are examples of stories that could be enhanced with a picture and included in the publication.

Telling stories with pictures can stimulate learning. A basic digital camera can be used to create a sequence of pictures to tell a story. The fun begins when others try to tell the story without the presence of words.

An adaptation of this project can help to develop the critical skill of reading comprehension. In this activity the child is provided a short story and asked to illustrate it with a handful of photographs using family members, pets, props, costumes, drawings, and so forth if needed.

Cameras for kids can turn a hobby into a study of a favorite topic. For instance, a child who enjoys racing can photograph cars, events, drivers, and so forth developing their interest beyond it's original focus. The camera guides the child to study things in more depth and perhaps discover new, adjacent interests. In this instance, automotive history, engine design, geography, or travel are just a few of the possible areas of new interest related to racing.

Another possibility is to encourage a child to develop a how-to or instructional guide to share their love of a hobby with others. How to build a rocket, grow a vegetable garden, or how to raise a ferret are examples that would allow a child to put together an illustrated, step-by-step guide; encouraging good verbal expression and organizational skills.

Of course, with a child who is old enough, handing down a point and shoot camera is perfectly fine, and won't cost you a thing. However, keeping operating costs low is important as well. When kids begin using a more traditional camera that offers a number of automated features, usage of battery power can sky rocket. Automated functions from focusing, to flash, zooming, and more will eat up batteries quickly.

Investing in rechargeable batteries will be important in holding down the long term operating expenses.

Introduction Photo Credit: muha.

A Few Ways Cameras Can Promote Learning Photo Credit: joelogon.
Getting the Right Tools Photo Credit: kecko.
Cameras for Kids- Donating: Phil Romans. (no derivative work allowed)
Camera Based Activities Photo Credit: woodenmask.
Creating Something For Younger Brother or Sister Photo Credit: plasticrevolver.
Journal of Adventures Photo Credit: irene.
Discovering and Appreciating Nature Photo Credit: McGun.
Biographies Photo Credit: exrorro.
Story Telling Photo Credit: ladnlins.
Add a Camera To Any Favorite Activity or Hobby: Southern Foodways Alliance.

All photos are copyrighted as indicated above and no derivative work is allowed.