Kids love taking pictures and pretending they are professional photographers. Children as young as four have the ability to handle a camera and take some fun pictures. You probably don’t want them toting around that expensive digital camera that you bought right? And they don’t want the old fashioned disposable cameras. So how do you know where to start looking and what you’re looking for? Before you run out and buy the first camera you see, you need to think about what to consider when buying a digital camera for a child. What to look for? Here are five tips in helping you find the best digital camera for your child.
1.Simplicity is extremely important when it comes to digital cameras and children. Think about it, how frustrated have you been trying to figure out how something works? Although kids are smarter than we give them credit for, they need a camera that is simple to operate. When you’re shopping for a kid, you have to think like a kid. If there are more buttons than you care to figure out uses for, then it’s too many for your child. Keep the features automated so they don’t have to worry about turning the flash on, or what kind of setting it needs to be on for the picture to look like a picture. A zoom and a flash are all kids need to take some candids. Too many extras can be very frustrating for a child.
2. Durability is the next most important thing. Even the most responsible child is going to drop their camera every now and then so you don’t want to buy a camera that’s going to shatter if it’s dropped (even if it says it takes the best pictures). You child is going to have that camera all over the place; outside, at school, and in bad weather. The best digital camera to buy for a child is one that can stand the test of time and live through a child’s active life. Look for durability.
3.While it might be tempting to buy a more expensive camera (because after all, the more money you spend the better the camera right?) don’t do it. Keep your costs as low as you can by steering clear of all those extra fancy features. Unless your child is a photographer genius already you don’t need them. You might want to consider the first camera you buy for them as a “tester.” That might be hard to swallow, but their first camera will give you a good idea of how well they take care of it and if they will actually use it. If things work out then you can always upgrade and give the old one to a sibling to try out.
4.Let’s talk Mega Pixels. While searching for a camera for you or another adult you might want to spend some time look at how many mega pixels it has, for kids it’s not so important. Digital cameras with low mega pixels will generally take a lower quality pictures and vise versa. Why do you need to know this? Well, you don’t want to buy a camera with the lowers mega pixels because you want your child to experience success. When they can’t make out who the picture is, they may be somewhat disappointed. You also don’t need to spend a ton of money on a camera with eleven mega pixels because let’s face it, they’re kids and they don’t need that high quality picture. Go for something in between (3-4 mega pixels) and that should suffice for a good enough picture but not the most expensive camera.
5.Remember to accessorize. Just because you’re buying the camera for your child doesn’t mean you should neglect to buy some much needed accessories to go with it. Camera cases, screen protectors, cleaners, and scratch removers are money well spent and worth investing in. You can add some life to your camera if you spend the extra money. You might also consider buy a memory stick or memory card to add some space in your child’s’ memory maker.
Hopefully these tips on what to consider when buying a digital camera for a child will come in handy as you search for the perfect camera.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to