Kids' Cameras

Benefits of Children's Cameras

Allowing children to use cameras offers a number of benefits. Not only can you keep your children entertained (sometimes for hours!), but you can also give them a feeling of independence and self-confidence by allowing them to capture images from their perspective. You may very well end up with some priceless pictures in the process!

Kids' cameras allow children to develop:

• Small motor skills: Using the shutter, flash, and other buttons on a camera help children develop their small motor skills and train them to use precision with their little hands.
• Concepts of time: As children use a camera, they can gain or hone their understanding of time. They realize that the picture must be taken quickly, or the person or thing they wished to photograph may have moved or altered.
• A sense of responsibility: Having their very own camera allows children to take responsibility for something that is an important item, which can contribute to their sense of self-confidence as well.
• Caring for their possessions: Seeing Mom and Dad being careful with a camera or other important possessions is one thing, but learning to take care of them is a different story. Children can and do learn to take care of possessions properly; luckily there are some very sturdy kids' cameras available for children to use as they are in learning process.

Kinds of Kids' Cameras

There are several types of kids' cameras available in today's media-happy marketplace. The most prevalent are certainly digital cameras. If you're worried about plunking down hundreds of dollars for a camera you're afraid your child will soon destroy, fear no more. You have several options if you are interested in getting a digital kids' camera.

Inexpensive Kids' Digital Cameras

There are several companies that have begun manufacturing children's digital cameras at prices parents can afford. These may be equipped to allow several different resolutions and dozens of photos. Some are even programmed for short video clips and other options. One disadvantage of children's digital cameras is that they may not have the LCD preview screen that most standard digital cameras are equipped with. This means that the photos must be downloaded onto a computer before they can be seen,

Mini or keychain digital cameras are another less expensive option. Much smaller than full-sized cameras, they are fun for little hands to hold. These do not usually contain preview screens either, however, and may not be built to withstand a child's inadvertent roughness.

The following digital cameras are available for children, ranging from approximately $20 to $100:

• Hello Kitty Camera: Spectra. Approx. $50. Does not include preview screen.
• Kid Tough Digital Camera: Fisher Price. Approx $60 to $80. Includes preview screen and memory card.
• Pix-Click ($50) or Pix-Max ($80): Disney. Pix-max include LCD preview screen.
• Kids' Digital Camera: Sakar. Approx. $20. Does not include preview screen.

The higher the mega pixels, the better the end photographs will be. Most children's cameras are under 3.0 mega pixels.

Disposable Cameras

Disposable cameras today are very inexpensive and perfect for use as a kids' camera. Many disposable cameras come in fun, bright colors, and even waterproof and digital versions, so you can give your little one the joy of photography without worrying about potential damage to a standard or digital camera.

Standard Cameras for Kids

Standard 35 millimeter 110 cartridge cameras, like Kodak's 110 Point and Shoot, are also sturdy and inexpensive, making them great choices for kids. While kids' cameras are often built to withstand tougher treatment than standard models, older children may be able to care for standard cameras with no problem. The disadvantages to these types of cameras are the cost of film and inability to view pictures before sending them in for processing.

Instant Cameras

Polaroid has jazzed up the ancient instant camera with lots of fun new options kids are sure to love. In addition to the traditional instant camera, you can purchase the small-sized i-zone, wallet sized- Mio, and the digital Joycam. While these cameras have the added initial expense of purchasing the instant camera film, kids are sure to love to love the excitement of watching their photos shoot instantly out of their camera.

Secondhand and Discount Cameras for Kids

Another route that can add up to considerable savings is to look at second hand discount options in cameras. Auction sites like eBay and bargain sites like Overstock may offer more affordable options for purchasing a kids' camera you can afford for your little photographer.