Choosing a children's camera

It's hard to imagine a child who doesn't want to have their own camera. However, not all parents know how to choose it correctly. And it's not so much about the price as about ignorance of the main selection criteria. From the material of this article, you will learn the features and types of the best models. In addition, we will tell you what is important to know when buying a quality product for your child.

A child's introduction to photography begins at different ages. Someone begins to be interested in this later, others show interest in photography as early as 3-4 years old. At the same time, buying a plastic toy instead of a real camera can cause a loss of children's interest. Children's cameras contribute to the adequate formation of the surrounding world, its reality. Models in this segment are notable for their availability, they are reliable and easy to use.

The key features of these cameras are:

• simplicity of customizable functionality;
• the widest range of models;
• variability of colors and shapes;
• matching to different age groups;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• optimal weight and size;
• user-friendly interface;
• the ability to install games.

Cameras are distinguished by their original design. At the same time, models for boys are more restrained than options for girls. Children's cameras can be decorated with stickers. Such devices weigh less than 500 g. Their body is made of durable plastic, often with inserts made of metal or anti-slip rubber. This technique is protected from contamination, it is equipped with moisture protection and does not allow water to penetrate to the electronic filling.

Children's cameras have a basic set of options for their adult counterparts. For example, when you press the button of the models for the smallest, a sound is emitted, which means that the actions are correct... The camera is equipped with a timer, composition settings, and can correct brightness. In this case, the user can correct the pictures by decorating them with special effects or frames. Frames can be loaded into computer memory.

Besides, children's cameras often have a micro-SD slot... As for the battery capacity, it depends on the type of cameras themselves. In some models, the charge lasts for many hours, in others - several. Gadgets are charged from the USB cable that comes with them. Depending on the model, they can be equipped with a touch screen with large buttons to make taking photos easy.

Children's cameras often have a FullHD video recording function. Among the characteristic features, it is worth noting the recessed type of lenses in some models. This is done in order to protect the gadget from accidental scratches. The presence of motion sensors on individual cameras is also encouraging.

Children's cameras are different. For example, in the assortment of shops you can find compact-type models or so-called "soap dishes". They are small in size and easy to operate. However, they have no configurable options. Poor image quality is also a significant drawback.

These cameras are suitable for amateur photography, for example, when traveling. But the quality of the images taken with their help is inferior to the photos from an ordinary smartphone. This group also includes models with a fixed lens.In comparison with their simple counterparts, though not much, they have better zoom and photo quality. Moreover, their cost is also higher.

A separate group of children's cameras is represented by professional compact cameras. They are distinguished by a large sensor and good zoom, which explains the good quality of photos. Outwardly, they are slightly larger than compact counterparts, but less than the classic professional ones. Such models are good for teenagers, they can be taken on trips, they are suitable for amateur photography.

The most advanced products are considered to be children's SLR cameras or so-called "SLRs". Their advantages include high quality photographs, large matrix size, the ability to change the lens, the ability to adjust, and ease of use. The main disadvantage of such products is the cost. It is significantly higher than that of other modifications.

SLR models are referred to as standard digital cameras. Their functionality can be different, so you can pick them up for any needs of a young photographer. In this case, DSLRs are divided into 3 types: amateur, semi-professional and professional. Their key difference is the type of matrix. In amateur and some semi-professional models, it is reduced.

Models differ in design. Depending on the age category, they are classic or made in the form of funny animals (more often bears and bunnies). The price of the product for very young photographers is relatively low. On average, such a camera can be bought for 1900-2500 (3000) rubles.

Wherein the number of built-in games in other varieties can vary from 2 to 5... As for the built-in options, depending on the type of product, its functions can be face recognition, smile detection, anti-shake, timer, digital zoom.

Many well-known companies are engaged in the production of cameras for children. The lines of brands include models for every taste and wallet. If you wish, you can buy both standard "soap dishes" and models with ears, on a stick, options with different flash drive volumes. At the same time, according to the type of photographing, cameras are digital and instant. Conventionally, all types of products can be divided into 2 age groups. The top of the best models includes several cameras for different age groups.

Products for young photographers are distinguished by bright colors. They can be blue, pink, black and white, blue, white, green.

• Lumicube Lumicam DK01. Model with ears, memory card and a resolution of 2592x1944. It has a two-inch screen, weighs 60 g, is distinguished by the simplicity of the device and an intuitive interface. Suitable for children from 3 years old, has a 5 megapixel camera. Powered by a battery that lasts for 300 shots, it has a rubberized case.

• GSMIN Fun Camera Rabbit. A camera with a minimalistic design in the shape of a bunny. Suitable for children 3-5 (6) years old, has a 12 megapixel lens, resolution 2592x1944, memory card. Differs in convenience and ease of control, the presence of built-in games, runs on a battery.

• VTECH Kidizoom Duo. A camera for children from 5 to 7 years old, with the option of instant printout. Differs in futuristic design and shock-resistant body type, has a resolution of 2592x1944 images and a 5 megapixel camera. Includes a macro lens and weighs 307 g.

This category includes cameras for children aged 8-10 years and older.

• Nikon Coolpix S31 intended exclusively for children. This camera has a waterproof body type and a 10 megapixel CCD matrix. This is a shockproof camera with 3x optical zoom, original built-in modes and filters. Differs in the ability to record video, it can have a pink, yellow and blue body color.

• Pentax WG-10. The device for children over 10 years old, has an original design. It has a 14MP CCD matrix, 5x optical zoom, a display with a resolution of 230,000 pixels. This camera is waterproof, shockproof and frost resistant. Supports video shooting function.

• Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TF1. A model with a stylish design and a light metallic sheen of the case. It features an automatic shooting mode, as well as a stabilization lens with a 4x optical zoom. Has a matrix with a resolution of 16MP CCD type and an underwater shooting mode. Powered by a lithium-ion battery.

• Fujifilm Finepix XP60. A teenage camera featuring a mature design, high continuous shooting speed and 240fps recording capability. It has a 5x optical zoom and is designed for high quality video shooting. Has a waterproof and shockproof housing type.

To choose a really good and practical product, you need to consider several nuances. For example, it is important to pay attention to the size and weight of the camera. For children of preschool age, models of the standard type and products that fit in the palm of the hand (mini-cameras) are suitable. It is better for teenagers to take SLR cameras, while the design of this or that product is not so fundamental.

The material of the body of a child's camera must be durable, reliable and practical. It is important that it keeps the electronics from mechanical damage, scratches, and is resistant to dirt. It is desirable that the camera has a shockproof, waterproof, rubberized body. For additional protection, you can choose the option in a silicone case, or buy protection separately. For teenagers seriously interested in photography, you can take an underwater camera.

The number and types of shooting modes directly depend on the age of the child and his desire to study photography. For kids, a basic set of options is enough, which includes portrait, sports, landscape, macro, sunset, night photography. At first, the child must understand the difference between them, learn to correctly set one or another regime. With increasing interest, a more serious camera is needed.

Optical image stabilization is one of the important options for the purchased product. If it is, you can not be afraid that the picture will be blurry. Even if a child at the time of taking a photo is not sure to hold the camera in his hands, this will not affect the quality of the picture. It will be sharp.

This option is considered one of the most important. The child will shoot with his camera not only nature, favorite toys or something else significant, but also people. When buying a children's camera, you need to pay attention to the presence of an automatic face recognition option. Models of this type perfectly "catch" the right focus. Therefore, the pictures are clear and of high quality.

This feature is considered optional. However, if there is one, it will be a significant advantage of the product you like. It's hard to imagine a kid who doesn't like recording videos for their YouTube or Instagram channel. As a rule, it is not difficult to record it on cameras. Such equipment can be taken with you for a walk, on a trip, or on a hike with friends.

No matter how carefully the child uses his belongings, it will not be possible to avoid dropping the camera. So that this does not affect the quality and duration of its further work, you need to buy a product in a shockproof case. This technique is tested, and therefore does not break if accidentally dropped or mechanical shock. It will not be easy for a child to break it.

This criterion belongs to the list of the most significant. The waterproof type of cameras is considered the best. Products with protection from water are not afraid to be immersed in water to a depth of 3 meters. They can be used to take pictures underwater, which is great when the family goes on a seaside vacation. Waterproof cameras are not afraid of splashing water, rain, moisture.

Having a frost-resistant camera, you can not be afraid to shoot in sub-zero temperatures. Unlike typical counterparts, this does not reduce the service life of the product. but in order to shoot outdoors in the cold season, it is necessary to correctly set up the technique, taking into account the peculiarities of winter shooting.

This option is optional, but if present, it extends the life of the product. However, when buying it is worth considering: cameras with waterproof and dust protection are rare. In practice, there is one thing. If you take the second option, it will have to be protected from moisture, immersion in water.

Opinions about the advisability of buying a camera for children are controversial. This is evidenced by the reviews left on the vastness of the World Wide Web. Not all parents believe that this technique is really necessary for their children. In the comments, they point out that this is superfluous, a regular smartphone is quite enough for children to take pictures.

They argue this opinion with the number of pixels, which is not inferior to traditional soap dishes. In addition, they write that often a child's interest in a new thing is lost very quickly. Therefore, there is no particular need for a purchase.

However, among the reviews there are many opinions about the benefits of buying. In particular, these parents write that supporting the interests of their children is a prerequisite for proper development. If funds allow, forum users write, it is possible and necessary to take children with high-quality equipment.

In their comments, they point out that without the culture of photography, keen children will not be able to understand the difference with ordinary “photos” from smartphones, which often do not differ in the aesthetics of composition and correct proportions.

There are other opinions among the reviews. They say that support for children's interest should be in the event that the child has a craving for photography. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to buy an expensive camera to begin with. A preschooler does not need to take an expensive option with a lot of settings.

But in this case, there are objections. In particular, the reviews indicate that a cheap technique without settings can not develop a child's interest. If the child is seriously carried away and does not lose interest, it is worth thinking about a good DSLR. At the same time, as indicated in the reviews, the child can independently choose a model, taking into account the settings and functions necessary in his opinion.

For an overview of the most popular children's cameras, see the next video.