Camera Advice, Please!

[pennymom]

I'm hoping that some of you can offer some advice on a good 1st camera for DS7's 8th birthday in December, as I am a complete novice. I'd like to stay under $100 for his first one if possible, and it obviously needs to be easy to use, reliable, and is durable too much to ask for? Until now he has had only disposables, but has shown a lot more interest in using our camera recently. We are surprising both boys with our December trip, DS7 will have his 8th birthday while we are in WDW, and we plan to give him the camera while on the plane.

So, what would you recommend as a first camera for an 8-year-old for under $100? Thanks for your input!

 

[DawnM]

I have always just gotten 2nd hand cameras for my kids. I tyically spend $30-$50 and buy a camera that once cost $200 or so but is a few years old. I get them through craigslist or from friends selling so that I can test them out first and make sure they work well. I wouldn't recommend ebay, but I know some have used it and been fine.

My kids don't care if it is used at all. I am happier because if they lose them/drop them/etc....I don't get too upset about it.

If you aren't wanting used, Nikon has a coolpix that is around $99.

Dawn

 

[mom2rtk]

This is a great idea! I let my daughter use my point and shoot when we are at Disney, and she takes great pride in her photos. I'm really liking your idea of just getting her one of her own. And I love the idea of buying a second hand one to take the pressure off of any mishaps!

 

[pennymom]

I have always just gotten 2nd hand cameras for my kids. I tyically spend $30-$50 and buy a camera that once cost $200 or so but is a few years old. I am happier because if they lose them/drop them/etc....I don't get too upset about it.

If you aren't wanting used, Nikon has a coolpix that is around $99.

Dawn

Thanks for the advice! I'll consider the used, as I am sure it will eventually be dropped...probably multiple times!

Is there any particular brand that anyone can recommend as being easy to use or child friendly?

 

[Frantasmic]

When my son turned 6 or so, we gave him one of those small, flash-based digital camcorder units that also took pictures and let him record things. It was about $85 or so. The pictures aren't tremendous, but they really seem to enjoy the ability to make movies as well as take pictures, etc.

Aiptek makes several of these models.

Otherwise, any camera makers smaller end cameras make great first cameras.

Canon A480 is well-recommended

Also, check out this link. Look at entry-level cameras and the compact line.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best-cameras.html

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I bought a Pentax Optio E80 for my 8 yoa granddaughter. It costs about $120 and is a starter camera with large buttons for small fingers. It is a 10 mega pixel camera with HD video. It has the face detection and the gadgets to make it easy for a child to operate. We have been impressed with the results.

 

[juligrl]

My parents got my daughter a pink p&s for Christmas last year (she was 5). It's an Insignia, that they got at Best Buy - it's actually the same model my dad uses for work (his is black though!). She loves it! She is always taking pictures! I love it cause she's not always begging to borrow my camera(s) anymore. Not sure how much, but I know it was under $100.

 

[pennymom]

Thanks, everyone!