Looking for a easy rugged camera for my 8 year old dd?

[2littleprincesses]

Any suggestions? This is what she wants for Christmas. I thought I would start looking for good deals. Thanks

 

[Gdad]

My 5yo daughter uses my Pentax Optio sometimes- It is fairly durable and waterproof which I like. She even takes it into the pool and shoots underwater videos. I have the W-30 but I think there are other newer models out there now- this one is a couple years old.

 

[2littleprincesses]

THanks, I will have to look into that one. Forgot to add that I don't want to spend a ton on it either. THanks again for any help!

 

[Frantasmic]

I would look for ease of use first. Nikon, Samsung, Canon, nearly all the manufacturers have some good entry level cameras for under $130.


The rugged part is going to be a little more difficult to determine. My 8 year old son has dropped our oldest point and shoot and it continues to work, but it's not rugged.

In times like these, it's easy to consider a new camera for the parents and a hand-me-down for the kids.

Otherwise, I'd check the Staples, Best Buys, Office Depots/Max' each week and see what is offered in the under $130 range and go and see which one she's likely to use and like.

 

[ssanders79]

I gave my 2yr old daughter my old Sony P&S. She loves it. I put it on a lanyard so she cannot drop it, but is still gets bumped around.

Basically, if you have an older camera laying around pass it on. I am sure they will be thrilled to have a camera. I plan to pass along my dslr when she gets older, if she is interested in photography.

If you want to get her a new camera go for the rugged waterproof model. This will help buffer any accidential drops and you will not have to worry about it be left out at a picnic table in the rain. Plus, the added enjoyment of underwater photography.

 

[jann1033]

i bought my granddaughter( just turned 5) the best buy brand Insignia digital last yr and it 's still working after being dropped a few times. takes nice photos as well. my daughter and son in law used it more than her canon p&s on their last vacation. it was under $80 last Nov. it really works well in the rainforest portion of our zoo which is dark/tough lighting and she just uses it on "auto" everything. people are always surprised when they see the photos she has taken i also put it on a lanyard for her and got a hard-sided case for it but i am pleased with it . since she was pretty young i didn't want a kids camera since they take lousy shots but didn't want something expensive since the chances are good she will drop it, repeatedly. but at least it keeps her mitts off mine sometimes