Good Digital Cameras for Kids

Digital cameras allow kids to play with taking photos and learn about photography without parents paying to develop film that may or may not be worth developing.

That doesn't mean you'll want to put an expensive digicam into the hands of a small child or a tween. Good thing there are lots of affordable options that will allow kids to get a feel for photography at a young age without parents worrying about yet another expensive gadget breaking.

For the youngest kids, Fisher-Price's Kid-Tough Digital Camera gets a lot of ink because it can take a beating and take decent digital photos. The 1.3-megapixel camera has a 1.6-inch LCD screen, two-eye viewing, and rubber-grip handles. Cost: $70

Polaroid makes a similar camera, the Pixie, but with 3 megapixels and a 2.4-inch LCD screen for $80.

As kids move beyond the toddler years, it starts to make more sense to put a fuller featured digital camera in their hands. Here are a few recommendations for solid but affordable first-time digital cameras. These cameras are not the latest models and are each priced at about $150. Each gets good reviews on sites including Digital Camera HQ and Amazon.

Canon Powershot A570 -- You can find this 7.1-megapixel, 4x optical and digital zoom camera, and 2.5-inch LCD for about $145. It's a good point-and-shoot camera with sound video capability, too, which kids can easily use. 

Sony Cybershot W55 -- For about the same price, this 7-megapixel, 3x zoom camera produces quality prints with ease of use. 

Panasonic Lumix LZ7 -- Again, this is not the smallest, sleekest camera available, but it is an affordable, easy-to-use camera that takes great shots with little shutter lag. It's a 7-megapixel camera with a 6x optical zoom/ 3x digital zoom.

Casio Elixim EX-Z75 -- A 7.1-megapixel camera with a 2.6-inch LCD has an easy mode that makes it extra simple for first-time camera users to choose settings and take good shots.

Related: How to Buy a Digital Camera