Cameras For Kids

Interested in teaching your kids how to take digital photos, but afraid they might accidentally ruin your 12 megapixel digital SLR, such as by dropping it? The following companies offer digital cameras aimed at the younger set.

Fisher Price offers a "Kid-Tough" digital camera that may work for preschoolers and younger kids. It has larger buttons, a LCD preview window, and a USB connection to a Macintosh or Windows machine. The camera is waterproof and according to the marketing materials, "built to survive drop, after drop, after drop".

Polaroid's Pixie comes in pink and yellow or blue and orange, and supports three megapixels. The camera has a larger grip, LCD screen, and eight built-in games.

vTech's Kidizoom camera is built with an easy grip for kids. The camera can be connected to a TV or computer. A few photo editing options are available, and the camera even comes with a few games.

A Camera to Grow Into

Maybe your child is old enough to start using a regular camera, or you'd prefer your kids to use "adult" cameras that they can grow into (rather than a kids' camera that they'll outgrow).

Every low-end digital camera in the sub-$200 range takes better photos than most “made for kids” cameras. And with barely any moving parts all of them are already very rugged by design. When buying a camera for your kids look for the following criteria:

• Easy to use with straight-forward design, big displays and buttons, minimal interface, and easy to understand icons and graphics for modes
• Small enough for kids' hands to operate
• Good image quality and decent LCD screen size
  
• Zoom and video capability
  
• Expandable memory
  
• Nice looking and not intimidating
  
• No additional software required
• Under $150

Whichever camera you get you’ll also want to get an extra memory card (just like with any new camera). You’ll also want to get a soft carrying case just big enough for the camera with an adjustable over-the-shoulder strap.