Camera for the kids

[jhammond3966]

Considering purchasing a "tough" camera (ie able to withstand falls, go underwater) for my 5 and 7 year olds to use during our upcoming trip - so they can take pictures from their perspective and of what interests them. Curious to see the world from their view. Has anyone done this? Any camera suggestions?

 

[isabellea]

I have the Olympus TG-630 and I love it for vacations. Even my 2yo uses it and I don't worry. It has been dropped many times without any problem and I love taking pics underwater. The only negative is that it doesn't take great pics indoor but the quality outdoor is almost as good as my DSLR.

 

[msmama]

I gave my son my old camera (one I didn't care if it broke) for a couple of our trips. Lots of pictures of his feet, lol.

No suggestions as to a camera, but I think it's a great idea. I made him a photobook of only his pictures and I think it's a great keepsake!!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have an Olympus TG-3 waterproof camera. It takes great pictures, but it's a bit expensive for kids.

 

[terynmsa]

Great idea!

 

[GWhitten98]

Not a camera, but we gave DD one of our old Iphones with an otterox case and she goes to town with...takes some pretty amazing photos.

 

[Mousemommy1]

The kids "tough" cameras honestly take some pretty terrible, fuzzy pictures. My kids have iPod Touches (protected with heavy duty Otterboxes) and they take tons of pictures, which come out pretty good.

 

[Limmer]

The kids ones are horrible. Not good enough for prints or a photo book, hardly good enough to view on screen. I also have 2 Olympus "tough" models and I love them. I let the kids take them places, in the pool, kayaking. I would highly recommend it.

 

[Mouseketeers4]

I have the Fujifilm XP70 on my list for the kids.

 

[ParkHopperFan]

I would suggest taking a look on eBay for a used digital camera. A Sony or Canon digital elph is usually a pretty safe bet. You can find plenty in very nice condition with extra batteries, SD cards and cases for around $20-$30. The kids will take some great pics and if the camera gets damaged or lost, you won't be out a bunch of money. For those prices you could buy them each a camera!

 

[Pookasaurus]

Would love to hear more suggestions on this! I agree that the actual "kids" cameras take awful pics and I won't waste my money on one again. My boys have ipods but I don't want them lugging those around, either. My 7year old loves taking pics (and has a pretty good eye) so I really want to get him a decent (but economical - he is 7) camera so I can see what Disney looks like through his eyes. I've been looking at a few sport/rugged cameras but haven't yet found anything that really fits the bill as I'd like to keep it around $100-$150.

 

[megsoro]

I was at Disneyland week before last and I saw a few kids wearing go pro cameras in the chest mounts! Talk about an awesome pov! You can find go pros used for around $150, although i heard that they're going out with a cheaper base model soon. And those cases are crazy durable.

 

[Mouseketeers4]

Would love to hear more suggestions on this! I agree that the actual "kids" cameras take awful pics and I won't waste my money on one again. My boys have ipods but I don't want them lugging those around, either. My 7year old loves taking pics (and has a pretty good eye) so I really want to get him a decent (but economical - he is 7) camera so I can see what Disney looks like through his eyes. I've been looking at a few sport/rugged cameras but haven't yet found anything that really fits the bill as I'd like to keep it around $100-$150.

The Fujifilm XP70 I mentioned above is only $163 on Amazon. That's not too far off your budget.