Image: MomJunction Design Team
Cameras help capture the fun moments in life. Even children love this activity, and the best toy cameras can help them click real pictures and photograph their playful moments. Toy cameras have several features, such as filters, frames, video recording, and timelapse. They are also waterproof and safe to use for underwater shoots. These point-and-shoot cameras can bring out your child’s creative side and encourage them to learn basic photography skills. Here are some parent-recommended toy camera options of various sizes, features, safety, and durability you can choose for your child.
Top Picks
17 Best Toy Cameras
1. Best Auto-Focus: Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie Camera
The HD digital video camera is recommended for children from three to nine years. This navy blue camera comes with a 32GB SD card, USB, autofocus, an eight-megapixel camera, and a 1080P video recorder. It offers a big head sticker to click photos with 28 funny frames. The durable dual camera allows you to click selfies by opening the switch.
The role-play camera has a portable lanyard hang that is easy to carry around. The battery lasts for almost two hours after it is fully charged. It is safe, durable, shockproof, and made using non-toxic, high-quality soft plastic.
Pros
- Protective shell for anti-fall protection
- Six color filters for creating interesting effects
- Time lapse feature for enough time to pose
- Comes with automatic white balance settings
- Superior video quality
- Available in four bright colors
Cons
- Camera may be smaller than expected
- Buttons may not be easy to maneuver
"Features like the goofy filters and games have made it the perfect find for my little guy. The different buttons for different functions also make it easy to use, and the battery life is satisfactory. Plus, the inclusion of a memory card was a bonus."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 19,987 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
2. Best Easy-To-Carry: Vatenic Kids Camera
The five-megapixel multi-functional kids’ digital camera includes video recording, playback, game, and date-setting features. The photo and video mode offers 14 scene selections, and the camera features a built-in 3.7V lithium battery connected with a USB slot that lasts for three hours.
The toy camera is easy to carry and made of eco-friendly, non-toxic, shockproof, and drop-resistant material, ensuring safe use for your child. It has an auto-shut feature to preserve battery life, and it comes with a 32GB SD card and a lanyard. This digital camera has a shooting speed of 30fps.
Pros
- Can be used while traveling
- 24-hour time lapse
- Two-inch IPS screen
- Five attractive filters
- Burst shooting helps capture significant moments
- Great for children aged three years and above
Cons
- May be smaller than you expect
- Image quality may not be satisfactory
"Whether going to the park or grandma’s house, my son has to have this camera with him. He and I were thrilled to discover that this little thing can even click videos. That said, battery life can be a bit short-lived. Still, it has been excellent to introduce photography to him."
Trivia3. Best Dual Camera: VTech Kidizoom Duo Selfie Camera
The Kidizoom camera is equipped with a 2.4-inch color LCD screen and has a dual camera to shoot selfies. The laugh-out-loud photo, cartoon, and collage effects allow your little one to be creative with their photography skills. It also includes a USB micro cable to transfer photos to a computer. Besides, the camera model features five games, including three motion-controlled games.
The camera is not rechargeable and operates with four AA batteries. Suitable for children from three to nine years, this camera comes with a wrist strap. You may check out this product testing video to know everything you want before buying.
Pros
- Front- and rear-facing cameras
- Four white balance settings
- Durable enough to survive drops
- Has 1080p video capturing resolution
- Can store pictures in internal memory and SD card
Cons
- Slightly big for little hands
- Batteries may drain out quickly
"The controls of this camera were so intuitive that my kids could use it right out of the box. Its ability to personalize photos with decorations is a fun plus. The images it takes may not be comparable to professional ones, but it works well for a kid's camera."
4. Best Waterproof: Ourlife Kids Camera
The selfie action 1080P, eight-megapixel camera features a 2.4-inch screen with an eight-gigabyte TF card, 12 different built-in frame photo effects, and seven video filters. This camera can shoot FHD 30fps videos and is suitable for children aged six to fifteen years. It features face detection, self-timer, strong light suppression, and dual fill light functions and has a long battery life that lasts for two hours.
This creative camera comes with a durable waterproof case to help you capture underwater photos up to 100ft deep. It has a durable neckband, a silicone handle, and a tripod bracket for protection. Check out a review video of the camera, showcasing a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Flexible camera lens
- Dilutes glare in excessive lighting conditions
- Can be mounted on a bicycle
- Makes a great gift for any occasion
- Comes in three bright colors
Cons
- May not be easy to set up
- Buttons may stop working with time
"The various included cases, from rubber for drop protection to waterproof for those rainy adventures, have made this camera a great buy. Besides, the little tripod helps keep it steady, and my kids have thoroughly enjoyed taking photos of things they like on our vacation."
5. Best Zooming Feature: VTech Kidizoom Camera Pix
Your toddler can have fun clicking photos using the Kidizoom digital camera, which features automatic face detection, a video recorder, a voice recorder, and four in-built games. Suitable for children aged three to eight years, this trusted camera for toddlers has a two-megapixel camera with four times zoom and requires four AA batteries.
It offers 35 photo effects, including collage templates and animated photo effects. It is also equipped with four creative apps, built-in memory, and a micro memory card slot for memory expansion.
Pros
- Can be connected to a computer
- Durably made to survive drops
- Can create collages using templates
- Includes four games
Cons
- Menu may not be easy to navigate
- Strap may be flimsy
"This nifty device lets my kids snap pictures and also enjoy playing games. While its functions are simple, transferring the photos to other devices could be smoother. Still, it looks adorable and has stood up well to accidental drops and rough handling."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 1,951 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
6. Best Compact: Xinbeiya Kids Selfie Digital Camera
The pink digital selfie camera, suitable for two- to ten-year-olds, is equipped with 15 funny frames, three photo effects, and six filters to allow your child to be creative with their photography. It is designed with shockproof, safe, non-toxic, compact, and durable materials.
This five-megapixel camera has a built-in five-volt rechargeable lithium battery that can last for almost three hours on a full charge, and it has a two-inch display screen. The compact camera has a 32GB SD card, USB cable and 1080P video, and a durable lanyard for portability.
Pros
- Charges fully in less than two hours
- Comes with five built-in games
- Camera lens with high contrast
- Automatically turns off to save battery
- Available in five colors
Cons
- Camera screen may freeze occasionally
- May be smaller than you expect
"The kitten design pushed me to get this camera, and the same has charmed my little girl. Its low-light pictures are a little blurry, but the ones clicked in daylight almost rival professional photos. Moreover, its large storage capacity allows her to click pictures nonstop."
Quick fact7. Best Portable: Voltenick Kids Camera
The 1080P digital camera is designed for three- to ten-year-olds with safe and durable material, a two-inch HD screen, and a 32GB SD card. It has 15 frames, six filters, five puzzle games, and three picture modes and enables continuous shooting at a speed of 30fps. This durable and portable camera with lanyard comes with a USB cable for charging and downloading pictures into a computer.
Pros
- Comes with fun photo frame effects
- Helps cultivate interest in photography
- Can capture landscapes and animals
- Suitable for gifting on any occasion
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Cons
- May require frequent resetting
- May be smaller than you expect
"This camera helps foster my daughter's creativity through photography and the fun frame options. Its size is right for her little hands, and though it took her some time to figure out how to use it properly, it has been an entertaining yet educational find."
8. Best With Rechargeable Battery: Asiur Digital Camera
Instill a love of photography in your little one with the Asiur digital camera. The five-megapixel camera allows capturing of clear photos and videos and features multiple functions such as photo capture, video recording, self-timer, playback, recording, and date settings. Further, its 600mAh built-in rechargeable battery supports three to four hours of photo capturing. This camera is made of durable material and withstands drops. It has a two-inch IPS LCD screen and a 32 GB SD card for storage.
Pros
- Comes with a fun game
- Seven fun effects and 15 frames
- Comes with an instruction manual
- Auto shut-off feature saves battery
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"Lightweight and user-friendly, this camera has become a constant companion for my little ones when they go outdoors. The variety of photo frames adds to their fun. While the battery life could have been longer, that’s a minor hitch compared to its overall features."
9. Best Eye-Protection Screen: Aimego Unicorn Kids Camera
The mini digital camera for three- to eight-year-olds is an anti-drop 20MP camera with a dual camcorder, 32GB SD card, and a two-inch HD IPS eye protection screen. This camera offers six filters, five special effects, and 28 cartoon photo frames. It allows you to click selfies, record videos in 1080P, and play three classic games. It can click nearly 2,000 photos after a full charge with a standby time of five hours for endless fun.
The make-believe camera is safe, portable, made of non-toxic, high-quality silicone, and has a unicorn silicone protective case and lanyard. The product includes a USB cable and a card reader.
Pros
- Makes a great first camera for kids
- Capture timer of up to ten seconds
- Can magnify images up to eight times
- Comes with time stamp feature
- Anti-fall design
Cons
- Picture quality may not be satisfactory
"My son could use this camera independently despite the lack of clear instructions. Its build also looks charming, and the picture quality is fine for kids. Besides, the built-in games have made it a fun and interactive present for him."
10. Best Versatile: Prograce Kids Camera
Children find objects more entertaining when they have attractive and colorful designs. Aimego’s unicorn-themed pink camera is exactly that. It is a two-inch screen and an eight-megapixel camera featuring 15 frames, six filters, and three special frames for your child to click creative photos. It can record videos with 1080P clarity and supports burst shooting, time-lapse, and voice recording. The creative play camera comes with a rechargeable battery and a 32GB micro SD card.
Pros
- Comes in seven colors
- Mini camera is easy to carry around
- Puzzle games tickle children’s brains
- Supports AVI flash player
- Has a 720mAh battery
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Cons
- Requires data extender to connect to computers
- Camera does not have a flash
"I was skeptical about getting a children’s camera, but this one won me with its picture quality and add-ons like the lanyard. It even came with an SD card. My little one took some time to get used to its setup, but now she keeps snapping photos."
Quick tip11.Best Interactive: Minnie Mouse Disney Junior Picture Perfect Camera
The Disney Junior camera is suitable for three-year-olds and features lights, and a button that plays Minnie Mouse phrases when pressed and pops a photo from the bottom of the camera. It has a flash and three double-sided images of Minnie Mouse and Daisy in cute poses. The trusted camera has a crossbody strap, and it operates using three AG13 batteries.
Pros
- Realistic camera sound effects
- Iconic toy camera inspired by Minnie Mouse polka dot bow
- Ideal for on-the-go fun
- Suitable for gifting on any occasion
Cons
- Volume may be low
"I gifted this toy camera to my little niece, and she instantly fell for its Mickey design. She now uses it to click the whole family's photos when we come together. The only drawback is that it drains the battery quickly, but that's a minor issue compared to the fun it brings."
12.Best High-Quality:Aileho Kids Camera
The pink bear-shaped digital camera has an eight-megapixel camera, a 1080P video camcorder, an eight-gigabyte micro SD card, and a two-inch LCD screen. It has a silicone body that is soft, abrasion-resistant, and high-temperature resistant. There are 15 frames, nine fun effects, time-lapse, and continuous shooting features. The playtime camera has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to two hours and comes with a USB charging cord.
Pros
- Built-in 1000mAh battery
- Comes with a lanyard cable for easy portability
- Can zoom up to four times
- Comes with four camera resolutions
- Tested and approved by RoHS, CPSC, and FCC
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Cons
- Small parts may pose a choking hazard
- May not be easy to maneuver
"The best part about this camera is its silicone build, which makes it easy to hold. Its interface is also easy to navigate, and the pink hue is very welcoming. Overall, seeing the world through my kids' eyes via the photos they click has been fascinating."
13. Best Shock-Proof:Coodoo Kids Digital Camera
The shock-proof camcorder comes with a 32GB SD card and a 5MP camera with a two-inch wide-angle IPS screen. Featuring four times digital zoom, this model offers high-quality inputs and two hours of shooting with its 3.7V lithium battery.
Tested by many reviewers, the camera is made of premium, non-toxic, lightweight silicone material, which is safe and crash-resistant. It includes a lanyard for portability.
Pros
- Can store up to 4,800 photographs
- Can record videos in 1080p for 80 minutes
- Includes 15 photo frames for kids’ photo fun
- Suitable for children aged three years and above
- Features a 600mAh rechargeable battery
Cons
- May require parental supervision
- Camera may be smaller than expected
"Although smaller than expected, this camera has proven sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of my son’s play. Its picture quality is also impressive for its size. All in all, it gets my approval due to its ability to encourage creativity and independence."
14. Best For Underwater:Luoba Kids Camera
Luoba pink camera is a waterproof FHD 1080P video camcorder with a 32GB SD card and an eight-megapixel camera. Ideal for underwater shooting, this camera is easy to carry, and you can transfer the MP3 files to a PC using a USB cable. It has a self-timer mode and a burst mode that allows clicking three to five photographs in succession. This imaginative play camera has ten cartoon frames, four filters, and eight mirror effects.
Pros
- Can be mounted on bicycles and helmets
- Screen protector helps prevent scratches
- Camera can play recorded content
- Waterproof up to a depth of 100ft
- Suitable for hiking and picnics
- Available in three colors
Cons
- May be tiny
- Buttons may get stuck with time
"I got this for my son to capture his memories during his summer break. Though the battery life could be better, the storage is compatible with the computer, so I could quickly transfer his snaps for safekeeping. Moreover, he seemed to enjoy the creative freedom it provided."
15. Best For Long-Lasting:Elctman Kids Camera
The rechargeable and portable toddler digital camcorder features a two-inch display, eight-megapixel camera, and 32GB SD card. This camera for toddlers supports eight times digital zoom and can shoot 1080P high-resolution videos. There are 15 frames and nine filters for your child to have fun while clicking creative photos.
The 600mAh battery offers two to four hours of battery life on a full charge. This childrens’ camera is made using eco-friendly, high-quality, non-toxic, safe, lightweight, and durable materials. It comes with a sturdy lanyard to carry the camera around with ease.
Pros
- Has a resolution of 1080P
- Easy to reset
- Comes with five puzzle games
- Balances brightness automatically
- One-key smart operation
Cons
- Does not work without SD card
- May not turn on while charging
"Handing this camera to my little one during our Disneyland trip allowed me to glimpse how he sees the world. Its compact size is great for tiny hands, and the filters only enhance the joy. The picture quality also lives up to its promise, and the battery life is impressive too."
16.Best For High-Resolution: Bowjoy Nimeseci Kids Camera
The 20 MP and 1080P HD digital dual camera is equipped with a two-inch LCD screen. It is also a video camcorder and comes with a 32GB TF card, and is an ideal camera for kids aged three to nine years. There are six filters, 33 photo frame selections with an autofocus function, self-timer, and time-lapse functions. It also features an automatic shutdown function, and the photos clicked can be magnified up to eight times.
The pretend play camera for kids has five built-in games and is safe, as it is made using anti-drop, shockproof, lightweight, non-toxic, and ultra-soft silicone. It is equipped with a lanyard to hang around the neck and a built-in 600mAH battery that allows continuous camera usage for more than three hours.
Pros
- Works well in humid environments
- Can support up to 50 photos without card
- Includes five puzzle games
- Suitable camera for beginners
- Can be gifted on any occasion
Cons
- Camera may be smaller than expected
"I bought this for my little one, and she especially loved the dual lens that makes it fun to take selfies. Its image quality is also decent, and its durability seems fine. It does not have a touch screen, but she still finds it easy to use."
17. Best Lightweight:Szredu Kids Digital Camera
Szredu video camera is suitable for children aged three to eight years. It features a 32GB SD card, a 4MP camera, a two-inch 1080P HD 1PS screen, and a USB charging cable to transfer photos from the camera to the computer.
The lightweight kids’ camera comes with a sturdy lanyard, 4x digital zoom, and continuous shooting features. It is made using durable, eco-friendly materials. There are six filters, four mirror effects, and 15 cartoon photo frames that allow your child to click creative pictures, ensuring endless fun.
Pros
- Has a protective film to prevent scratches
- Records voice in high quality
- Comes with a user manual for easy usage
- Can be gifted on any occasion
Cons
- Camera is not waterproof
- Screen may turn blurry over time
"My daughter is a photography enthusiast and was chuffed to receive this as a birthday present. Initially, it posed a slight learning curve, but its delightful features, like themed frames, cater well to her creative side, and it has been a fun way to encourage her to capture her little world."
How To Choose The Right Toy Camera?
Here are a few things to consider before buying a toy camera.
- Size: Consider the size and weight so that it is easy to carry around and comfortable to operate.
- Durability: Toddlers and kids tend to drop things, so look for a toddler camera made of shockproof material.
- Functionality: Children may not need an advanced camera with multiple advanced features and high megapixels. An attractive yet rugged camera with basic features and creative frames could be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age should children be introduced to a toy camera?
Children aged between three and five years can use a toy camera for pretend play.
2. Do toy cameras need batteries?
Yes, toy cameras need batteries to function and capture a photo or record a video.
3. Do toy cameras help in child development?
Toy cameras can help improve children’s motor skills and basic photography skills. Besides, it can also encourage them to explore the outdoors.
4. Can a two-year-old use a camera?
Two-year-olds may not be mature enough to hold the toy camera and use it.
5. Does a toy camera need a memory card?
Most toy cameras have memory cards to store photos or videos. However, the memory of these cameras may be limited.
Instill a love of photography in your child by bringing home one of these toy cameras. The options listed here are colorful and include fun features to keep your child engaged. Further, they are easy to use, lightweight, durable enough to withstand rough handling, and do not contain small parts. When picking one for your little one, ensure it comes with basic features and creative frames and filters and is made of non-toxic and safe materials.
Infographic: Toy Camera Activity Ideas For Children
Using toy cameras for fun activities entertains children and lets them explore and practice photography. It may also pique the child’s interest in flora and fauna since they make excellent subjects for pictures. Check out the following infographic to learn the interesting ways your child can use their toy camera.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- George Eastman Kodak and the Birth of Consumer Photography
https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/eastman-kodak.html
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose writes well-researched content around children’s products, toys, and gifts. Based on hundreds of product reviews available on multiple online platforms and trusted websites, she has listed some of the best toy cameras that you can consider having a look at if you plan to introduce photography toys or photography to your little one in a fun way. These cameras for kids are safe, durable, and come with various features. The buying guide she has provided can also help you make the right choice for your kid.
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