Camera for a 4 year old

[jwmrks]

I was wondering if anyone had reccomendations for a camera for a kid. I'm pretty much always taking photos at family occasions and of course since I'm taking pictures my nephew wants to take pictures too. I do want to encrouage him, so I've let him take over my carmera for short periods of time, and of course worried about having my camera dropped into pools, puddles, dropped on the rocks, getting tons of little finger prints on the lens etc. I've started bringing along a cheap P&S with me so I can hand that one over without worry, but think it would be cool to get him his own camera. I'm trying to decide between picking up a cheap kids camera (fisher price has several kid-friendly cameras) or a ruggedized 'real' camera. I was wondering if anyone had picked up a 'toy' camera for their kids/neices/nephews and if it was really a 'toy' camera, or if it was really an OK camera that they could grow with. Honestly, I think right now my nephew would be happy with a box that only made a clicking noise when he pushed the 'shutter' button , but since the arts seem to be less of a priority in schools, want to do what I can to encrourage him where I can. Any suggestions?

[OsmosisStudios]

Something from a children's brand (you mentioned Fisher Price) or one of the cheaper ruggedized cameras. Kodak has one out now that's bright coloured, rugged and cheap.

[karen_s]

Have you considered an old film camera? I'm sure you could pick one up for real cheap at a thrift store. I see them all the time. That might be just enough to satisfy a four year old. When my nieces were six and ten, we got them digital point and shoots. We talked to their dad to see if he had any preferences in brand or model since he was the one who would be helping them learn to use them. We looked at the toy cameras but they really weren't that much cheaper so we went with the real thing. That was three years ago and they have not lost them nor broken them. Before that, their grandpa bought them disposable film cameras, but of course they went through those in seconds and dad had to pay to get the pictures developed.

[jdepould]

Once he gets a little older (six or seven), I think a real camera would be a great way to encourage creativity and responsibility at the same time. I suspect most four-year-olds don't really care if it's a toy or "real" camera, they just want to take pictures. Either way, I think I'd just try to find something inexpensive and easy to use, the tech changes so fast anyway, and four-year-olds are still developing their fine motor skills. By the time he's ready for something more advanced, cameras will be completely different.

You might try Goodwill-type places. I just bought an old plastic film camera for $2, and they had digital P&S for not much more than that.

[eyalg]

If it's just for fun - get a him a kids camera.
If he's any serious about it - I'd get either a Fuji XP10 or an Olympus TG-310 for $140.
It will stay with you for a few years for sure - and he would be able to enjoy it
without you worrying about it dropping or getting wet and so limiting his fun.

-eyalg

[ik631]

My daughter is four and has been begging for my camera since she was 2. I tried the Fisher Price one and she quickly lost interest because of the EXTREMELY small LCD, doesn't look anything like my camera, and the battery life is horrible. When she got her Leapster I bought the $30 camera adapter for it since it has a bigger LCD screen and it came with software on it where she could "process" the photos. Again not a hit. She wanted a real camera. I reluctantly handed over my old p&s and she has been happy ever since. Get a cheapo from Goodwill as long as it has a big LCD and most importantly looks like a camera NOT a toy.

[cyber3d]

I like ik631 response. Please do tell what camera you eventually choose. And update with pics from your child. Hmmm, you could get a ton of hits on YouTube with a slideshow....

[Selig]

Nice one!
Anyone help me please, I want to buy new camera, Any suggestions? Which is the best brand.. I want to purchase cheap and reliable camera.. It's first time so I am confused..

[ik631]

Originally Posted by cyber3d

I like ik631 response. Please do tell what camera you eventually choose. And update with pics from your child. Hmmm, you could get a ton of hits on YouTube with a slideshow....

I gave her my old Canon powershot A630. When I purchased it new it was an expensive and great camera but time and advancements have taken its toll. I saw one on craigslist the other day for $50. It has a swivel LCD which she loves for taking self portraits and she does this a great deal. The bonus on having a nicer camera too is that if she takes a good pic it is framable while the quality of the toy cameras prevent that. You can't even use them for facebook they are so bad.

If you are interested in seeing/ reading about some of the pics she has taken I started a blog but need to update it: Through The Eyes of a 4 Year Old

Hope that helps and you don't sink money into those garbage toy cameras like I did!