Teenage kids have a strong interest in photography in this day and age. Considering how rapidly it’s growing every day, it would be a magnificent idea to gift them a camera for their upcoming birthday.
On my 11th birthday, my father surprised me with my first camera- a Canon 500D, which I still have. And the images it produced blew my mind—the contrast, saturation, and depth of each photo I took. I fell in love with my photos right away, and thus my passion for photography began.
So, if you are just getting started with photography, check out my list of the best cameras hand-picked for you.
Buying Guide
It’s not easy to find one ideal camera for everyone in this community, as you would imagine. When it comes to choosing a camera, there are several things to consider. Each recognizes their own set of standards before choosing the ideal camera. It may be the cost, the type of camera they want, or the features that are most important to them.
So, before we search for a list of the best cameras for teenagers, let’s learn about the different variables and types of cameras available. It will assist you in selecting the correct camera for your needs.
Things to Know
Here are the factors that you need to consider before going for a camera for your teenagers.
Cost
If you ask my opinion, I would advise you to be more careful with your budget. Kids, in my opinion, maybe reckless at times and may not take care of things as they should. That is why it is preferable to buy cheaper so that you can replace it if anything goes wrong.
Fun Type
The perfect camera for teenagers should be the one that is easy to use. Besides, it has to have some fun features too! So, going for a camera with features like a touch screen or a built-in photo editor is a smart choice. It will inspire the teens to express themselves artistically from the very beginning.
Dimensions
A teen’s camera, in my opinion, should be backpack-friendly. Hence, I suggest getting a small, light camera. As a result, you can quickly slip it into and out of your pocket or purse, as well as wear it around your neck comfortably.
Usability
Usability is one of the most important aspects when it comes to buying a camera. So choose a camera that suits your purpose. A point-and-shoot camera, for instance, would be perfect for photographing special occasions.
Know the Types
We want your budding photographer to have the best cameras available. As a result, we want you to be familiar with the various types of cameras that would be suitable for your child. Furthermore, it will help you determine which one to purchase based on your child’s interests.
DSLR Cameras
DSLRs are cameras that are mainly intended for use in the field of photography. They are equipped with a wide range of control systems, resulting in a dynamic picture.
Mirrorless Cameras
DSLR and mirrorless cameras are functionally identical. But, the only difference is that they do not have mirrors like DSLRs.
Point-and-shoot Cameras
Point-and-shoot cameras are the first cameras with which a person can play around. They have a limited set of functions and provide users with some power.
Bridge Cameras
A bridge camera is a hybrid of a point-and-shoot and a DSLR camera. It inherited all of the advanced features of DSLR cameras as well as the best aspects of point-and-shoot cameras.
Instant Cameras
Among teenagers, instant cameras are extremely popular. They are highly common among them since they can print the captured images right away.
Disposable Cameras
Disposable cameras are cameras that are meant to be used once and then thrown away. They’re just seen on adventures and journeys.
Best Cameras for Teenagers
|
Image |
Product |
Features |
Price |
Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sony DSCW800/B |
20MP 720p HD resolution 5x optical zoom 0.55 pounds |
$70-$90 |
|
 |
Nikon COOLPIX B500 |
16MP 1080pHD resolution 40x optical zoom 1.19 pounds |
$250-$350 |
|
 |
Canon Rebel T7 |
24.1MP 1080p HD resolution 3x optical zoom 1.75 pounds |
$550-$650 |
|
 |
Sony Alpha A6000 |
23.4MP 1080p HD resolution 3x optical zoom 0.76 pounds |
$600-$650 |
|
 |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 |
1/60 shutter speed 2.7 meter flash range 0.8 pounds |
APEMAN Trail Camera |
|
 |
Kodak 8004707 |
No pixel No resolution No zoom 0.15 pounds |
$15-$20 |
1. Sony DSCW800/B
If you’re looking for a lightweight camera, we suggest the latest Sony DSCW800/B with a 20MP Zeiss lens to suit your needs. It guarantees up to 100 minutes of shooting time, and if video time is taken into account, it can last up to 45 minutes.
The camera is built in a beautifully designed manner. It has a 2.7-inch screen with directional buttons for displaying the images you’ve taken. It also features SteadyShot technology. It eliminates blur and creates blur-free images, lets the lens droop from the body, and gives you the perfect capture. It also has a smile recognition feature that will come in handy in photography. All you need to do is smile and the camera will take your picture.
PROS:
- Smile-shutter Technology
- Portrait upshot
- Panorama effect
CONS:
- Insufficient optical zoom
- A bit outdated
2. Nikon COOLPIX B500
Do you know that Nikon is the world’s leading camera brand? The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is here to answer for you. It has the layout and texture of a high-end DSLR, but its function is as basic as any point-and-shoot camera.
It comes with the latest Nikon Snapbridge program, which is an all-in-one camera app. It serves as a remote control and wirelessly transfers photos via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC. Image distortion is minimized and image stabilization is enhanced thanks to the light sensor and Vibration Reduction technologies. Moreover, it is compact (1.19 pounds) and easy to move around.
PROS:
- Features SnapBridge
- NIKKOR Glass
- 80x optical zoom
- LCD screen with 921k dots
- Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC
- Lithium-Ion Battery
CONS:
- Only 1080p videos
3. Canon Rebel T7
If your teen aims to be a professional photographer, you need to go for something that doesn’t make you compromise on anything. Meanwhile, you also need to ensure that it fits perfectly in your budget. So, which one should you choose? In that case, Canon has got you covered.
This camera, like the others in the series, has a DIGIC DV 4 image sensor and a CMOS sensor that ensures excellent low and bright light photography. It has a sensitivity range of up to 12800 ISO, which means that 6400 ISO is the maximum it can go without generating any noise. Pretty impressive!
PROS:
- Set of lenses available
- Impressive battery life
- Intermediate weight
- User-friendly
- Numerous modes
- Features remote app for mobile control
- Durable battery-life
CONS:
- Immovable LCD screen
- Doesn’tsupport 4K video
4. Sony Alpha A6000
If you want instant results with no processing lag, the Sony Alpha A6000 is the camera for you. This noise-free camera can take 360 photos in 1.5 hours and capture 1080p HD videos for up to 40 minutes on a single charge.
Aside from its lightweight, its elegant and aerodynamic nature makes it a pleasure to use. The design is very compact, and it includes a 3-inch LCD screen that can be moved. It’s great for low-light photography and fine-tuning the settings for the best performance.
As a result, it’s an excellent option for teenagers who want to buy their first mirrorless camera rather than a DSLR.
PROS:
- Features PlayMemories Camera app store
- Lightweight
- OLED viewfinder
- Fast Autofocus with 179 phase-detection points
- Multiple color choice
- BIONZ x image processor
- NFC and Wi-Fi Support
- One year warranty
CONS:
- Poor battery life-span
- One-directional LCD
5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Do you have any doubts about the instant camera sets’ limit? The classic Fujifilm is there for you with the Instax Mini 9. If you’re worried that the photo won’t turn out well due to a lack of coordination, don’t be. It helps you to take macro images up to 35cm away. It also contains a selfie mirror, allowing you to take the perfect selfies and see yourself before being photographed.
It has a minimalistic style that is ideal for young people. You may also use the dial button to change the brightness to match the lighting outside. It is also powered by AA batteries.
As a result, you will never have to be concerned about it running out of power. It can carry ten sheets and print photos in three to four minutes. It has the least amount buttons, making it very quick to work. The shutter speed is set to 60 frames per second. Sadly, the flash will still go off.
Since this camera is aimed at teenagers, it was designed to be compact and light. So, if you want to take instant images and experiment with different light modes, this is a good choice.
PROS:
- Luminosity regulation
- Front-camera mirror
- Multiple colors
- Charming design
- Macro connection
- AA batteries
CONS:
- Mandatory flash
- Takes a lot of time to print
6. Kodak 8004707 Sport Disposable Camera
If your children enjoy going on adventures or scuba diving on occasion, you can’t just hand them a high-end camera that isn’t used to such harsh conditions. Instead, you can opt for a single-use camera. So we’ve got Kodak Sport for you, which is fully feature-packed for this reason.
One of the most prolific advantages of this is that it can take up to 800 pictures. Besides, durability and portability are also the best features of this camera.
Since it is designed for use on adventures, you can be sure about its strength. It is coated with a shell that protects it from any type of mishap be it falling or water. It can also operate at depths of up to 50 feet, making it ideal for water sports such as scuba diving.
The Kodak Sport Disposable Camera is also designed to work under the toughest weather conditions. The lens is constructed of a robust material. As a result, even though you have clumsy hands and are going on a hike, you won’t have any problems taking pictures. Because it was designed for adventure, It is minimal-weight and strapping.
PROS:
- 800 film photography
- Water-resistant up to 50feet
- Just 0.15 pounds
CONS:
- One-time use only
Final Thoughts
There’s something for everyone in the camera world. This is simply a rundown of the best cameras for teenagers. I would suggest that you must evaluate each of them before purchasing. This will help you choose the most appropriate option for your teen.
And despite the camera model you choose, the only thing that matters is your knowledge and desire to explore and learn.
I would suggest that you should go for something neither too expensive nor too cheap. Purchasing a camera for your child is going to be a long-term investment.
And of course, if you pick from our list, you can really provide them the scope to explore the world of photography. Otherwise, if you’re on a tight budget, you might get them an instant camera. Waiting for prints to be produced is a pleasurable experience that is all too rare in today’s fast-paced world.
I hope you find this camera guide for teens to be helpful. Overall, photography is an art form, and the tool is the camera which leads the teenagers to begin the journey!
You may also like to read: Best Camera for Astrophotography.