Camera for my son-HELP :) please About This Page:

[hoosiermomma2]

Ok, so here's the issue. My six year old son loves to take pictures--we've let him use ours inside (and even outside a couple of times) but I want to get him one of his own that he can take to WDW adn where ever else we go--to get his view on what's important and interesting and whatever.

Here's the catch. He has ADHD and Sensory processing disorder. While he's very well controlled sometimes, he's also just as apped to forget he's holding a camera and drop it, take off running and drop it, run into someone or something, etc. I've looked at both cameras I've seen on the market directed at kids (one by Fisher Price and one by Nickelodeon) and both of them have VERY poor reviews--from poor batteries to really bad picture quality etc. Now I realize that this is a small child taking a picture and they may not be very good...but I don't want to pay $50 for a camera that sucks.

Are there other cameras out there that aren't marketed specifically at kids that could handle being dropped a couple of times (we will obviously be watching him and reminding him to be careful..but accidents so happen ). Has anyone specifically used either of the cameras marketed at kids and had a good experience?

Thanks for your input.

[LizardCop]

Originally Posted by hoosiermomma2

Ok, so here's the issue. My six year old son loves to take pictures--we've let him use ours inside (and even outside a couple of times) but I want to get him one of his own that he can take to WDW adn where ever else we go--to get his view on what's important and interesting and whatever.

Kids can take amazing pictures, their minds are uncluttered and open...

Here's the catch. He has ADHD and Sensory processing disorder. While he's very well controlled sometimes, he's also just as apped to forget he's holding a camera and drop it, take off running and drop it, run into someone or something, etc. I've looked at both cameras I've seen on the market directed at kids (one by Fisher Price and one by Nickelodeon) and both of them have VERY poor reviews--from poor batteries to really bad picture quality etc. Now I realize that this is a small child taking a picture and they may not be very good...but I don't want to pay $50 for a camera that sucks.

I haven't seen any good reviews or gotten many good comments on the "kid" cameras. They may take some abuse, but the quality of the photo isn't good...

Are there other cameras out there that aren't marketed specifically at kids that could handle being dropped a couple of times (we will obviously be watching him and reminding him to be careful..but accidents so happen ).

The only cameras that I am aware of that are manufactured specifically for that type of environment are the Olympus Stylus Tough cameras. They're build for a 6 foot drop, will withstand 220 pounds standing on them, are waterproof and can be used in the freezing cold. They are not cheap but can be found for a couple hundred dollars...

Maybe someone else can provide some info here...

[A & J's Dad]

I've experience a few kids cameras. They're all bad. I'd advise you stick with a model that has a fixed lens and no other moving parts. If you drop a motorized lens and it gets stuck or damaged it becomes a paper weight. There aren't a lot of them available any more. I've found some great deals on my local cragslist.

Cheers
Craig

[Charlie97]

suggestion.......how about a decent quality camera tied to a laynard around his neck. i too will look into investing into three cameras for the kids (youngest will be around 4 when we go, but would like to expose him to taking pictures of his own). the cameras i have seen for kids do have bad reviews. if you find anything i too would like to know

[eff051102]

I agree with getting a cheaper regular camera with a fixed lens and a strap
around his neck. That way if he drops it then it won't fall to the ground. However
with his sensory issue I don't know if he would like the strap. I would start off
having him wear it and go from there.

My DBF has a FP kids camera and the pictures stink.

[belladorable]

I've never used any of these cameras but I've been looking around for a suggestion to give you. There HAS to be something that would work!

1. Vivitar VIVICAM-6200W - This one costs a little more than you had mentioned, but it seems to get good reviews so it might be worth looking into.

2. Have you thought about maybe getting him a film camera? Just in case you're interested in that there's a FujiFilm Q1 that is an APS film camera. It also comes with a neck strap. I just pointed the link to a search for that camera on Amazon. You can buy new ones but I don't know if they're still in production. There are also some really good prices for the used ones!

3.And finally, another one that's more than you wanted to spend - sorry! It's the Olympus Stylus 6000. It's one of those "Tough" cameras. The prices on Amazon range from $179 up. I included this camera because I did a search for "silicone camera cover" and I found this one for the Olympus Stylus 6000.

I don't know that any of these will work for you but maybe it will give you something else to look into anyway.

Good luck!!

[hoosiermomma2]

Originally Posted by belladorable

I've never used any of these cameras but I've been looking around for a suggestion to give you. There HAS to be something that would work!

I don't know that any of these will work for you but maybe it will give you something else to look into anyway.

Good luck!!

Thanks for all the info! I will take a look at them!
hugs

[modisney]

My DDs have the Olympus Stylus models; built to withstand minor drops, go underwater, go outdoors down to a certain temperature. I haven't looked back on spending the money on these cameras. They've taken a licken and are a still ticken after 2 years.