Looking for a good first digital camera for my 6 Year Old

LOMG Bargain on 27/07/2017 - 12:07

Hi All,

My son loves to take photos. Rather than let him run off with our iPhone and go snap crazy, my wife wanted to get him this VTECH KIDIZOOM DUO Kids Digital Camera:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VTECH-KIDIZOOM-DUO-KIDS-DIGITAL-C…

With the recent EBAY Discount Codes floating around though (e.g. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/320271), I was wondering what fellow Ozbargainers would suggest for a more feature rich Point and Shoot Digital Camera instead? Regardless of brand, the craftmanship and quality of the build and the image captured should be better than a plastic VTECH toy… right?

Thinking of spending $50-$100 depending on the model I guess.

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks!

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • spackbace on 27/07/2017 - 12:32
    +7

    Ask around family/friends. Very likely that someone has an older p&s that's been retired since phones basically replaced them

    I think we've got 2x 8MP or 16MP cameras just sitting around doing nothing lol it's either mobile or DSLR

  • tomclancy on 27/07/2017 - 12:32
    +7

    I have a 5 and 6yr old. We picked up 2nd hand point & shoots for them from Gumtree (Canon IXUS $10) and Freecycle (Sony Cybershot $0). Both are small and easy to use. Kids picked up the functions in no time.

    I wouldn't waste money on toy cameras.

  • Ezy on 27/07/2017 - 12:45
    +2

    Try http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-cameras-for-kids-in-2… or
    https://www.lifewire.com/best-kids-cameras-493410

    If it were me shopping for my son/daughter, I would:

    1. Search for current top rated cameras (for kids or adults) for the price range of about $200-$300
    2. Take note of the model numbers I like
    3. Use those numbers to do a price comparison search found here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/list_of_price_comparison_s…
    4. Try Gumtree, that's what it's great for!

    Great camera + good price = happy kids & happy parent

    Yes and I agree Vtech and most "child marketed" cameras are crap, no substance at all, they look attractive at best :)

    Another good thing about Gumtree or EBay is you could probably pick up an old model DLSR camera for a reasonable price, and your child gets a bit of a 'pro' experience, much more interesting than your regular point and shoot type, there's way more to gain from DSLRs if that's what they love doing.

  • OMG Bargain on 27/07/2017 - 12:50
    +3

    Thanks all.

    Shame I gave away my old Ixus a few years ago otherwise that would've been perfect come to think of it.

    I think I'll check out Gumtree and FB Buy/Swap/Sell Groups and see what cheap secondhand P&S cameras are available.

    Cheers!

  • [Deactivated] on 27/07/2017 - 13:21
    +1

    Many normal cameras have auto mode. I wouldn't bother with toys.

    One cheap option is getting a prepaid smartphone and never connecting it to the network.

    • OMG Bargain on 27/07/2017 - 13:30

      Good idea! I have an old iPhone 4 lying around gathering dust but can't seem to operate it without a SIM Card… kind of annoying.

      • John Kimble on 27/07/2017 - 13:46

        Put an old SIM or prepaid SIM in?

  • Randxyz123 on 27/07/2017 - 14:27
    +1

    How about this OP ? https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/132262866966

    • OMG Bargain on 27/07/2017 - 14:43

      Not bad! That's a pretty good deal.

      I found this one before and will enquire with the owner. Seems like a fairly recent model, has a touch screen back as well.

      https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/artarmon/digital-compact-cam…

      • Randxyz123 on 27/07/2017 - 14:52
        +1

        Personally I'd go with the canon. It has slightly better advanced features.

        Touch screens just break and are usually terrible on small screens…

        I wouldn't go for a SLR. They are easy to break and your son being 6 could drop his camera. Not would I give them a iPhone 4. In a few years maybe his 10th Birthday get him a low/mid range slr (if he still likes photography). Then he can start building a lens collection

        A used option seems pretty good. Might also be worth dropping by JB and seeing what they have. If they have a outgoing model/demo on sale/reduced it might be worth it.

  • modsec802 on 27/07/2017 - 21:32
    +1

    Our three kids all have digital cameras: best to get non-kid versions that are water, shock and dust proof as they take good photos and they can't be broken.

    Taking them to the beach and in the water is lots of fun.

    We have a Canon D30 but it might be a bit expensive: I'm sure you can find something similar on Gumtree

  • ddarroch on 01/08/2017 - 11:38

    Yeah, second this. Lots of cheap second hand rugged waterproof cameras on eBay & Gumtree.

    Like the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT series from $20. Even comes with a silicon case to make it more rugged.

  • sandman87 on 01/08/2017 - 19:15
    -1

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/cameras/compact-cameras/nikon/niko…

    These are more expensive but are excellent cameras. Plus theyre shockproof and waterproof. I dont remember the model that came before it but theyre just as good and cheaper.

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