15 Best Toddler Camera Picks | Digital Cameras for Toddlers to Pretend Toys in 2024

Looking for the best toddler camera? Look no further! Preschool kids will love these pretend play toys AND digital cameras that takes real pictures!

In this complete guide to finding the best camera for your toddler, you'll learn how to choose the best preschool camera – including sorting through features like rechargeable waterproof, polaroid or instant print functionality, toy cameras with slides, and so much more!

How To Choose The Best Camera For Toddlers: 

It’s not surprising that after watching their parents or older siblings snapping pictures, that your toddler would want a camera of their own. But that doesn’t mean you’ll give them your mirrorless or DSLR! You’ll want to pick something that’s age appropriate and incredibly durable. Consider the following as you shop for a toddler-friendly camera.

Size

Little hands means that you’re not going to give your child a camera that they can’t possibly manage without help. This means that your child should be able to easily hold and take pictures simultaneously.

Additionally, you don’t want anything too heavy as this might make it more likely that your child will drop their camera or accidentally hurt themselves.

Durability

Toddlers aren’t known for being the most gentle with their toys. And even though a toddler camera can fall under the category of tech gear, let’s face it — to them it’s another toy. Look for toddler cameras that are durable and less likely to break when they’re dropped even for the hundredth time. 

Additionally, look for cameras that come with nice features like shock absorbent skins, neck straps, or reinforced seams. This helps to ensure that when your child drops their camera (which they will), it’s less likely to break. 

Purpose

Just like cameras made for adults, toddler cameras come in a variety of formats/features within both the pretend play sector and digital camera space.

Pretend Play Camera:

• Lights/sounds for entertainment
• Audio for education
• Completely analog for more imaginative play

Digital camera:

• Only shoot stills
• Video and audio recording
• Instant printing: polaroid or thermal print
• Games
• Filters and frames
• MP3 functionality

Really think about the age of your child, their interest, and how much exposure to technology you want to give them when selecting a camera for a toddler.

Photo Quality (for digital camera)

Even if you’re not buying a state of the art camera for a preschooler, that doesn’t mean that you won’t want to print or display their handiwork. Check to ensure that the camera offers enough megapixels to create a clear image. Ideally, you’ll want a camera that comes with 12 megapixels (MP); though in brighter light you can get away with less in some scenarios for a more “retro” feel.

Similarly, if your child likes to shoot in darker spaces, a camera with a built-in flash is helpful. 

Water Resistance

This won’t be a requirement for everyone, but if you plan on taking your preschooler camera around water, a water resistance rating is going to be important. Note that these ratings can vary. 

A camera that’s designed for shooting in or under water will usually list water resistance as 3 ATM, 5 ATM, or 10 ATM which means that the camera can be fully submerged by as much as 30, 50, or 100 meters below the water’s surface and still function properly. 

In contrast, a camera that’s rated for water exposure (such as occasionally getting splashed by or quickly being submerged in shallow water) will list water resistance as IP or IPX and can vary widely from minimal exposure to a light rain to as much as occasional submersion in water of up to 1.5 meters deep. Note, if you think your child will dunk their cameras in water frequently, target a rating of IP68 or higher. 

Accessories

At minimum when selecting a toddler camera you'll want some sort of carrying strap whether it's a wrsit or neck strap.

Beyond that, some come with bonus accessories like stickers or pretend play accessories.

Additionally for digital cameras, some include an SD card while others you'll need to purchase separately. Similarly, some toy cameras need batteries while other use a rechargeable lithium battery. You'll want to check both of the aforementioned before giving the camera to a toddler to avoid a meltdown.

Best Digital Toddler Cameras That Take Real Pictures

Most Popular Toddler Digital Camera: OZMI, Seckton, Prograce Kids

This style toddler camera is fairly mass produced and under several names: Ozmi, Prograce Kids, and Seckton being some of the most popular.

While they're certainly not the best quality kids digital camera, we give them best overall given the price and durability.

There’s a selfie function as well as a time-lapse option – both of which my kid loves. Along with USB charging it’s also preloaded with games.

I've found this suitable for ages two and up. My 2 year old was able to figure out how to do the timer, selfie, and frames on his own. While my 4 year old was also able to figure out the games. 

Best Quality Digital Camera For Toddlers: VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix Plus

Especially for very young children, you’ll want to pick a camera that’s easy for them to handle and age appropriate. The VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix Plus features a built-in dual grip that’s easy for small hands to maneuver and comes with a wrist strap. 

This two megapixel camera offers 4x digital zoom and a 1.8-inch screen. Toddlers will love creating a talking create a Talking Photo with their own photo, voice and voice effects plus they have over 40 camera effects to spice up their photos.

There are four preloaded games on the camera, with the option for parents to disable.

This is a camera that will grow with your child as it offers loads of creative flexibility from the option to stitch together two to five images for unique collages or animate photos. Although not included, you can expand the storage by using a 32 gigabyte microSD card. However, this camera requires four AA batteries.

Most Versatile [+ Easiest Grip]: SHOWCAM Kids Camera for Children

Who wouldn’t love an easy to use camera that goes underwater and doubles as an mp3 player?

This camera offers 8 megapixels but also shoots 1080P video. Children will appreciate the larger 2.4-inch screen and the fact that this pick features a 180-degree rotating lens to support selfie mode. You’ll also like that it comes with a wide array of accessories for mounting.

Runner Up: VTech Kidizoom Camera Duo 5.0 Deluxe

For parents that like the KidiZoom, but want it upgraded, the VTech KidiZoom Duo 5.0 Deluxe Digital Selfie Camera is the way to go. This camera has an mp3 player and also comes with headphones. You’ll also appreciate the dual grip which makes this ideal for younger tots. 

This camera is fairly similar to the VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix Plus mentioned ealier, with less creative photo finish options and a built-in MP3 player instead.

We chose it as the runner up to the SHOWCAM Kids Camera due to the fact it runs on batteries (SHOWCAM is rechargeable), and the SHOWCAM comes with more accessories.

Best Toddler Camera For Instant Print: VTech KidiZoom PrintCam

If you’ve got a toddler who thrives on instant gratification, the VTech KidiZoom PrintCam is perfect. This cute point and shoot compact camera that prints photos as you take them gives us Polaroid i-Zone vibes from the early 2000s that we love, even though it It only prints in black and white on thermal paper.

It also has preloaded games and parental controls to set printing and time limits so little ones don’t burn through the printer too quickly. This camera can support a microSD card up to 32 gigabytes.

Runner Up: Koko the Panda by Kidamento

If you like the VTech KidiZoom — but not the fact that it doesn’t come standard with the microSD card, then the Koko the Panda by Kidamento is a great alternative.

But you’ll get a better print quality and 1080P video support. This camera also comes preloaded sticker paper! Yes, the print photos are actually stickers! As is standard, it relies on a micro USB port for charging and to transfer images.

While both this camera and the VTech KidiZoom PrintCam thrive in bright light (no flashes!) to avoid super dark photos, the VTech KidiZoom does do better in that arena and offers more print templates as well as more gender neutral casing which is why it won.

Best Waterproof: Agoigo Kids Waterproof Camera Toy

If your little one is going to be taking pictures around the water, be ready to upgrade your toddler camera search to prioritize a waterproof model. The Agoigo Kids Waterproof Camera is a great option that takes pictures and video as well as comes with a waterproof case. 

There are also preloaded games, a camera timer, and loads of mounting accessories for helping your toddler learn to get the perfect shot. It's basically the same as the most popular camera pick from this list, but it saves a little money with the included waterproof casing.

Best Camera Toy For Young Kids

Best For Young Babies: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Click & Learn Instant Camera

If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic for those classic Polaroid cameras, the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Click & Learn Instant Camera will help you stroll down memory lane with your baby.

The lens lights up and a friendly voice sings along to more than 25 songs, sounds, and phrases as your child presses the alphabet and number buttons. There’s even a fun winding button to mimic the sound that old-school film cameras made as you wound the film to the next frame.

Best For Older Babies + Young Toddlers: LeapFrog Fun-2-3 Instant Camera

Depending on when you plan to get the camera, you may want to go with the LeapFrog Fun-2-3 Instant Camera which will likely last a bit longer than the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn; though it's rated for 12+ months (the previous pick can be introduced as early as 6 months).

And you can store the photo cards on the included wrist strap. This toddler camera toy also aids in building fine motor skills as children work to push the photo card into the correct spot. You’ll still get working sounds and lights that correspond with pushing the shutter or winding the lens. 

Best For The Future Influencer: Disney Junior Cell Phone + Camera Pack

We've all seen the influencers on IG rocking their Minnie ears and bedazzled jean jackets, and as the Instagram age has kids, it only makes sense that those IG mom's mini me's will want to match with their very own camera and cell phone set.

Minnie’s smartphone features a cover with a flap to store two of her credit cards. Meanwhile the faux camera comes with three pretend double-sided photos. Both items offer fun sounds and lights, as well as cute Minnie phrases.

Best Portable Bubble Camera: Fubbles Bubble Camera with Realistic Shutter Sound

You can’t beat the appeal of bubbles — especially when they’re coming out of a camera you can wear around your neck! The Fubbles Bubble Camera is perfect for toddlers, and even comes with bubble solution.

The compact size is perfect for younger children to manage. There's also a spot to add a carrying strap. It also lights up and plays music.

A close runner up is this one – the reviews are actually a little better, but it doesn't have the trusted FubbleBubble name.

Most Educational Toy Camera: Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. with Robert Irwin

Transport children to feeling like a real nature photographer with the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera!

It features dual eyepieces and a soft grip that’s comfortable to manage. The camera can also be removed from the tripod for pretend play; but the voices/images only work when attached to the tripod. Note that it requires three AAA batteries which aren’t included.

Best Toy Camera With Slides: ArtCreativity Kids’ Camera Toy Set

I will not lie, this is my toddler's favorite camera on this list! Yes, more than the digital or wooden cameras! ArtCreativity's Kids' Cameras come as a pack of 12 – making it great for birthday party or goodie bag fillers.

It's plastic design is lightweight, comes with a wrist strap, and has withstood many drops/tosses in our house.The vibrant colors and playful animals are also toddler friendly.

Best Wooden Camera Toy

Most Affordable Wooden Toy Camera: Plan Toys

Coming in at ~$15, this wooden toy camera is not only aesthetically pleasing and will certainly look great in most montessori inspired homes, it's fun too!

It's rated safe for 18 month olds and up and is made from non-toxic sustainably harvested rubberwood and natural water-based dyes.

Best Wooden Camera With Multiple Lenses: Manhattan Toy Camera

Manhattan Toy Camera is probably one of the most popular wooden pretend cameras on the market and certainly provides the most versatile viewing experience.

Additionally, many reviews said the lenses eventually stopped fitting snugly into the camera, which became a safety concern for me with two kids, since they are kind of heavy. Though I did love the variety.

The other reason we returned this one: shutter button doesn't work. While it is a beautiful and well made wooden camera that does come with a neck strap, it just seemed like a bigger headache in the long run than other options on the list.

Most Fun Wooden Toy Camera For Toddlers: kiko+ Kaleidoscope Wooden Camera

The kiko+ Kaleidoscope Wooden Camera is our favorite wooden toy camera! Made from 100% beech-wood and handcrafted in Japan, there's no denying this camera is beautiful AND fun.

Parents will appreciate that it's all one piece, so there's nothing to lose – yes, even that filtered lens stays attached view a string when removed.

FAQS About Toddler Cameras

When is the best time to give my toddler a camera?

Generally as soon as a child starts to show interest in an object you can introduce a child sized version.

This is inline with Dr. Montessori's beliefs of following the child and Waldorf beliefs of educating the whole child.

Of course, depending on the age of the child you may give a different type of camera.

Can a 2 year old use a camera?

Yes! If you want to start with a pretend play toy camera you can, this will teach the basic layout of a camera to the child and then you can graduate to a digital camera and teach them where the buttons are.

For 2 year olds, opting for a digital camera like this one, where the buttons are marked via symbols, can prove easier to navigate ultimately.

Just keep in mind, that many digital cameras for toddlers include game packs; some can be disabled while others can't, so you may want to hold off on those.

What skills do cameras for toddlers promote?

• Motor Skills: Children gain fine motor skills and can improve hand-eye coordination by learning to precisely touch specific buttons.
• Spatial Relations: Child learn how to plan a shot within the frame
• Bonding: using a camera is a playful way to connect with your child as you take turns taking photos
• Lessens resistance to having THEIR photo taken: especially helpful little hack before shelling out hundreds of dollars for professional family photos where you child doesn't look at the camera!
• Encourages independence, creativity, and language: free to explore and capture their insights and tell stories about their photos

What types of cameras are there for toddlers?

There are a wide array of cameras available for toddlers, including: toy, film, digital, underwater, instant prints, video and more.

If you’re not quite sure they’re ready for the real thing, toy cameras help them understand how to properly hold and interact with a camera. 

Meanwhile, digital cameras are a mainstay as they’re easy to use and allow for instant picture development. Today they have many toddler friendly options with shock absorbing exteriors, water resistant casings, and some even record video and audio as well.

Of course, you can always go with an old school disposable film camera which are easy to operate and affordable, while also teaching patience as you wait for photos to be developed.

Additionally, there are also cameras that support instant printing either on film or thermal paper. Film paper is ideal if you want to display your child’s masterpiece. But cameras that print on thermal film often come with markers or other art supplies so children can customize their creations. 

What age should a child get a camera?

The short answer is, it depends. While you shouldn’t give a camera to an infant, you’ll know your child is ready for a camera when they have strong hand-eye coordination. Additionally, they should have refined their fine motor skills so that they can easily press smaller buttons with precision. And in most cases, they should have expressed an interest in cameras either by trying to use an adult’s camera or smartphone when others are taking pictures.

But don’t forget that the camera you select should be age appropriate. Picking a premium (read expensive and delicate) camera like a professional mirrorless or DSLR from the big three (Canon, Nikon, Sony) for a toddler isn’t the smartest option given the sheer weight of the base body and the fact that you usually need additional lenses and accessories to really experience the breadth of their capabilities. 

What size memory card will I need for my toddler’s camera?

Generally speaking 32 GB is a safe size mircoSD card for toddlers. It's typically compatible with most toddler cameras.

Check the digital camera's handbook for their suggestion first before buying though.

If you really want to ensure you'll never run out of room, a 64 GB mircoSD or SD card will definitely will definitely help with that; but again, check that it's compatible.

Ideally, don't go smaller than 16 GB, especially if the camera records video.

Are Kidizoom cameras good?

KidiZoom cameras are generally considered top notch kids cameras.

They come in several models – even more than what we listed here – making it easy to find the age appropriate match for your child.

Beyond that, they are incredibly sturdy, typically support features like selfie mode, supports shooting video, and even comes equipped with computer games. 

Additionally, KidiZoom is made by VTech which has been a leader in kids audio/visual products for years.

Final Thoughts:

Finding the best toddler camera will ultimately depend on whether you want a pretend toy camera or a digital camera that takes real pictures.

All of the picks on this list are great in our experience.

What is the best first camera for a child?

For digital cameras, while the KidiZoom cameras didn't necessarily win “best overall” it's our personal favorite pick since they actually give parental controls for disabling games and setting time limits; though they are pricier and you do need to purchase a separate microSD card typically.

For toy cameras, it really depends on the age and interests of your child. As a montessori family we've loved the simplicity and smart design of the Manhattan Toy Camera; but are also huge fans of the  Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn for all it's educational photocards.

Lastly, the ArtCreativity Kids’ Camera Toy Set make awesome party favors, and are great for families with lots of kids and love the way it functions like an old school red ViewMaster toy with the animal photo slides inside.

Originally published 3/31/22; Updated 1/21/24