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The best camcorders for kids are easy to use, have a sturdy build, and don't cost too much so they're easy to replace. If you have a budding young photographer or videographer in your family, the cameras on this list are a good way to introduce your child to the basics without having to splash out too much money. All the camcorders on this list are simply enough for a child to use, can stand up to abuse, and won't break the bank.
Our top pick for the category is the VTech Kidizoom Action Cam on Amazon. It checks all the boxes with its dependable, rugged build, waterproof, a large color LCD screen, and a reasonable price. If you're looking for something for more general use, take a look at our list of the best action cams. For everyone else, read on to see the best camcorders for kids.
Dependable, rugged, and easy to use waterproof action cam, for taking photos and videos in any scenario.
A large color LCD screen and included action mounts make it a lot of fun for sports and adventures.
Don’t expect the same photo quality you’d get from adult cameras.
One of the overall best camcorders for kids, the VTech Kidizoom Action Cam is great for video, photos, and is tough enough to withstand just about anything. It makes for an affordable and useful first camera; with a large color LCD screen, two mounts, and the included wrist strap, it’s easy to imagine the fun videos a child could take with this gear.
Although the video resolution doesn't compare to what you’d find in more premium products like the GoPro, the Kidizoom Action Cam is the perfect gift for a child interested in exploring their creativity through video. It’s also a great value, and photos and videos can easily be uploaded via the included microSD card and cable.
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Soft and durable silicone kids camera, easy to use for video or photos.
Front and rear camera provide additional shooting options.
Photo and video quality can be a little grainy.
Younger ones will love the AIMASON Digital Video Camera, as its soft, eco-friendly silicone casing and eye-catching design make it both enjoyable and easy to use. Kids can easily record video via the simple controls and the camera is tough enough to withstand accidental drops and falls. A front and rear camera make it great for selfies too, and its small size means it’ll easily fit in any backpack or kids’ bag.
Filters and frames are included in the camera, meaning kids can get creative and add personal touches to their photos. In addition to photos and videos, there are several built-in games. Although the photo and video quality can be a bit grainy, it’s overall a solid choice for a compact and fun camcorder for kids.
High-quality photos and videos in a kid-friendly action camera.
Included mounts and accessories help you make the most of the device.
The sound quality on video is low.
The Prograce HD Action Camera packs a lot of cool features we wouldn’t expect in an action cam for kids, including time-lapse and burst shooting, facial recognition, and manual brightness adjustment. This rugged and reliable action camera was designed to record videos or take photos on the go, and to withstand drops and scratches. It’s also waterproof and includes a helmet and bicycle mount, along with a wrist strap.
The photo and video quality exceed what you find in other kids’ cameras, but it’s a let down on the sound quality. Still, it’s one of the best cameras for sports and action, allowing your child to record all of their adventures and activities.
Fun and easy to use kids’ camcorder, with large rear camera, great for selfies.
Ergonomically friendly design is created to ensure kids can easily grip and hold.
Low-resolution photos.
Allow your children to explore their creativity with the VTech Kidizoom Duo Selfie Camera. With a 2.4-inch color LCD screen and a rear-facing camera, it a great camera for taking selfies or making unique videos. It’s durable and easy for young hands to hold, thanks to ergonomically-friendly grips on each side of the casing.
For additional fun with selfies and photos, the Kidizoom Duo has built-in cartoons and photo effects that can be added to shots. Unfortunately, it’s not rechargeable, and the photos aren’t at the highest resolution, but it’s more than enough for a starter camera for little ones.
Fun, colorful camera to introduce your toddler to the joy of photography.
Stand-out features include time-lapse and burst shooting, a large rear viewing screen, and several built-in puzzle games.
Very small.
If you’re looking to introduce your toddler or young child to the fun of videography, the Prograce Kids Camera is a great starter model. It’s a bright and cheery camera that's easy to hold, although its small size means it will likely be too little for older kids.
Simply point and shoot or explore some of the camera’s features, such as time-lapse shooting or photo bursts. The camera comes with five puzzle games, making it an educational toy, and built-in frames and filters are fun to experiment with. It’s a budget-friendly camera that makes it easy for young kids to dip their toes into video production.
Incredibly affordable
Generous amount of accessories
IP68 waterproof rating
Memory included
Poor video quality
Poor photo quality
Less than elegant menu system
Green cast on images and video
The Ourlife Kids Waterproof Camera is the ideal starter kit for kids interested in photo and video. The camera already comes protected by a waterproof case and boasts IP68 for water and dust resistance, allowing it to survive 30 minutes in nearly 6 feet of water. You also don't need to worry about taking it to the beach. Other specs are also respectable. While it's no GoPro, it does have a 5-megapixel sensor so it can take reasonably quality shots and video in outdoor daylight conditions. There's a 1.77-inch LCD screen on the back for you to view results, though keep in mind these images won't match most smartphones.
The best camcorder for kids is the VTech Kidizoom Action Cam (view on Amazon). It's durable, can survive under 6 feet of water, and the large, full color LCD panel makes it easy for even young children to use. As a close second we like the AIMASON Digital Video Camera (view on Amazon). It's shaped more like a traditional point-and-shoot camera, clad in soft silicone, and has bright, child-friendly colors.
Durability: Let’s face it—kids drop things. If you’ve decided to place a camcorder in your child’s hands, you’d be wise to make sure it’s durable. Many options out there are waterproof to survive swims in the pool (both intentional and accidental), and some even float. Also, a rugged casing will protect a camcorder from bumps and bruises, and compact designs will fit tiny hands better to prevent drops in the first place.
Price: There’s also the possibility that your child might misplace the camcorder altogether, so you probably want to be fairly budget-conscious when buying the hardware. Luckily, there are lots of reasonably priced options out there. Of course, cheaper options will come with trade-offs (like lower video quality) but they’ll still appeal to your kid’s inner director.
Usability: For anyone dipping their toes into videography—especially a child—a camcorder can be intimidating. With so many buttons and settings, it’s hard to know where to start. Many beginner camcorders keep it simple with just a few buttons and some even come with an accompanying app that helps you edit clips on the fly.