Suggestions for Kiddie Camera: I have a nephew who is almost 6 years old and has expressed a desire for a camera. Like most such youngsters, cannot be trusted to provide the kind of...

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

I have a nephew who is almost 6 years old and has expressed a desire for a camera. Like most such youngsters, cannot be trusted to provide the kind of care that would be preferred for a very expensive device.

Are there any suggestions for a camera in the $100 to $200 range, ideally one that might survive a small amount of abuse?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

6 as in six years? If his parents wouldn't give / allow a phone, why would an uncle get involved with a camera? Fisher-Price probably has some plastic pretend models.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

cbtsam wrote:

I have a nephew who is almost 6 years old and has expressed a desire for a camera. Like most such youngsters, cannot be trusted to provide the kind of care that would be preferred for a very expensive device.

Are there any suggestions for a camera in the $100 to $200 range, ideally one that might survive a small amount of abuse?

Nikon makes a great one at $156
It is called a Coolpix 100 and has a zoom lens.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1324907-REG/nikon_coolpix_w100_digital_camera.html

david vt Loc: Vermont

I have to disagree with the above.

I think you should give him your entire kit (bodies, lenses, accessories) and then have the excuse to upgrade yourself to a brand new kit. I am sure Chg_canon would recommend mirrorless is the way to go.

What a great excuse for a GAS attack

If you believe any of that, you can always just give me your kit instead. I have always wanted an uncle!
:).

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This one is mirrorless for $15:

https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/030272/Fisher-Price-Changeable-Disk-Camera.html

All the kool kids are shooting film again, here's a film model for $50

https://www.etsy.com/listing/739953892/vintage-fisher-price-perfect-shot-35mm

And uncool digital (but cool mirrorless) is $40:

https://www.amazon.com/OMWay-Birthday-Digital-Camcorders-Included/dp/B07PFDD4LN/

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

A couple of my grandkids had these years ago and these are very durable. I don't think they're waterproof, though, as I believe they have an exposed USB port. I think they were purchased at Toys-R-Us. Don't know if the store is still around.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=J%2bAbuXof&id=3E1C661EE5FCBBE6EEEC2EAE58F67EF61FD74230&thid=OIP.J-AbuXofj7t6n55xxueLxgHaHa&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fak1.ostkcdn.com%2fimages%2fproducts%2f8240525%2fDiscovery-Kids-Digital-Camera-with-Video-Capability-57696096-bd14-4398-aebb-abac89a567ea_600.jpg&exph=600&expw=600&q=digital+cameras+for+kids&simid=608028332622939603&ck=CC68462DCC31CAD45FA30F03C150080A&selectedIndex=68&FORM=IRPRST&ajaxhist=0

Dave327 Loc: Duluth, GA. USA

Just go to Amazon and search “Cameras for kids” - Choices galore with quite a few water proof.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

CHG_CANON wrote:

6 as in six years? If his parents wouldn't give / allow a phone, why would an uncle get involved with a camera? Fisher-Price probably has some plastic pretend models.

I was only 7 when I got my first camera, never broke it, (Kodak 126) and would still have it if the house hadn't burned down around it.
I don't know why some people think kids destroy every thing they get their hands on. I know some do, but many do not.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Look at Fuji. They make a waterproof job that looks more geared to the fun end of the market.

http://fujifilm-x.com/en-gb/products/cameras/xp140/
http://fujifilm-x.com/en-gb/products/cameras/xp130/

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

cbtsam wrote:

I have a nephew who is almost 6 years old and has expressed a desire for a camera. Like most such youngsters, cannot be trusted to provide the kind of care that would be preferred for a very expensive device.

Are there any suggestions for a camera in the $100 to $200 range, ideally one that might survive a small amount of abuse?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D11ZOAK?tag=offersamzn-20&ascsubtag=bst-13-1678076795688126362

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

cbtsam wrote:

I have a nephew who is almost 6 years old and has expressed a desire for a camera. Like most such youngsters, cannot be trusted to provide the kind of care that would be preferred for a very expensive device.

Are there any suggestions for a camera in the $100 to $200 range, ideally one that might survive a small amount of abuse?

If your going to give a 6 year old a $200.00 camera your like the guy who goes on vacation with the family and leaves their 19 year old son home without any directions for behavior.
Let us use some common sense.
My top budget would be $39.00 and not a penny more, he is 6 years old. Do you not remember your children at 6.
Below are a ton of KIDDIE Camera's for your nephew, please look them over and pick one, a cheap one, chances are you will probably buy him another before he is 7.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kiddie+camera&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

dan59019 Loc: Washington Mi

My daughter bought her 6 yr old daughter a refurb digital Nikon for about $60 with the breakage insurance from amazon.
She is now 10 yrs old - had no problems with it - though she used the warranty once. Her daughter is now 10 and graduated to her mom's old SL1.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

PixelStan77 wrote:

Nikon makes a great one at $156
It is called a Coolpix 100 and has a zoom lens.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1324907-REG/nikon_coolpix_w100_digital_camera.html

That looks good, but now he'll need a computer and processing software. And a camera bag. And a tripod. And filters.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

billnikon wrote:

...like the guy who goes on vacation with the family and leaves their 19 year old son home without any directions for behavior.

Like he would listen to directions.

tallshooter

cbtsam wrote:

I have a nephew who is almost 6 years old and has expressed a desire for a camera. Like most such youngsters, cannot be trusted to provide the kind of care that would be preferred for a very expensive device.

Are there any suggestions for a camera in the $100 to $200 range, ideally one that might survive a small amount of abuse?

Osmo Action with floaty handle. It is a little more but kids will use it year-round and the results are great. Pics, videos and will give UNKL opportunity to work post with nephew's results. Oh, waterproof (important at the pool).