Last updated on March 12th, 2024 at 06:09 am
Kids are wont to spend time playing games or watching TV these days. If you want to shake them out of this sedentary routine, get them a camcorder.
This would get them springing to their feet to do something active. A video camera would ensure they are active physically and mentally.
Capturing Outdoor Activity
It is also one of the best ways to get them outdoors. For example, if you take your kids out for walks, they may get easily bored with the passive activity. Put a camcorder in their hands and ask them to capture interesting sights and you get their creativity activated.
Educational
A camcorder would not only give kids a fun time. It would also add to their educational experience. For example, if you take them to the zoo, you can ask them to shoot the animals there.
Back home, as you help them edit their videos, you can ask them to add captions to the animals they shot. It is a good way to help them remember the names of animals, which is much easier and more fun than learning from books.
Making Short Movies
With a camcorder, you can also encourage them to make short movies. Encourage them to write a script and round up their friends to act.
The video can be uploaded to YouTube for the world to see. This would give your kid a sense of accomplishment, apart from helping them sharpen their creativity.
Who knows, your kid may be the next Steven Spielberg, who made short movies with an 8mm movie camera when he was a kid.
Keeping Them Away from Your Expensive Gadgets
A camcorder for kids will also prevent them from getting curious about your expensive gadgets and equipment. Many children like to play with their parents’ smartphones or cameras. Giving them camcorders would turn their attention away from your expensive gadgets.
Technology has ensured that getting a video camera for kids is a no-fuss affair. Unlike a few decades ago, you don’t have to worry about buying tapes, or a video capture device for transferring recorded video to a computer to edit it.
The best video camera for kids uses memory cards to store video. They can easily be transferred to a computer through a card reader and imported into a free video editing program.
Let’s now look at what you should consider when choosing the best camcorder for kids.
Cost
You don’t have to worry much about the cost. The best camcorder for kids below 10 years old is affordable, for the most part.
Kids these days are luckier compared to those of decades past. There weren’t any special camcorders made for children back then. Steven Spielberg had to borrow his father’s movie camera to shoot his short movies.
You can put a decent camcorder into a kid’s hands without burning a hole in your pocket.
Expect to spend from $30 to $50 for a decent video camera for kids.
Size and Shape
The idea of getting kids acquainted with camcorders is to make the devices look like toys. In that sense, the manufacturers have done a good job of turning electronic equipment into something like a kid-friendly toy.
Most also come in bright colours like pink, yellow, and cyan, as well as big, heart-shaped buttons to make kids feel at home with them.
Sizes are nice to fit into kids’ palms and convenient to handle.
Still, you would want to choose a shape and size with which your kid would feel at home.
Video Quality and Storage Capacity
Of course, you can’t expect the video quality of a high-end camcorder or DSLR. But then these camcorders for kids can deliver video in 1080p resolution.
High-quality still images can also be shot, mostly up to 12MP. There are also effects and filters that your kids can use to play with them.
Most of these video cameras can also support memory cards of up to 32GB. That’s sufficient space to shoot a video for an hour or two.
Weight, Comfort and Durability
The best video camera for kids is lightweight so that kids would be comfortable operating them.
Most are also durable and shock-proof. So, even if your kids knock or drop these units, no real harm is done.
Connectivity and Operability
Most kids will learn how to operate the camcorder easily once you show them how it works.
Also, you can easily charge the camcorder through a USB connection. There’s no need to remove batteries and attach them to an external charger. The batteries are built-in and you just have to connect a USB cable from the video camera to your computer.
Let’s now look at some of the best camcorders for kids.
GKTZ Kids Camcorder
This video camera for kids comes in eye-catching color. A 32GB memory card is thrown in to get your kid to shoot videos instantly.
It comes with 15 attractive photo frames, 3 eye-catching distorting mirror effects, and 6 filter effects. That’s hours of experimenting fun for your kids.
Be informed though that you can’t put the camcorder on a tripod for stability. But then a lanyard is provided to hang it around your child’s neck so that it doesn’t fall off in case your child loses his grip on it.
Still images are captured at 12MP. The 2.4-inch screen should be large enough for your kid to preview what she’s shooting.
Video is shot in VGA mode. Time-lapse and burst modes are available. You can easily connect the camcorder to a Windows or Mac computer via USB.
This is one of the best video cameras for 10-year-old kids and below.
Check out the GKTZ Kids Camcorder.
PROGRACE Kids Waterproof Camcorder
If your kids are into outdoor activities like water sports, check out this sturdy, camcorder for kids.
This attractive navy blue camcorder comes with a 1.77-inch screen to preview shoots.
Video resolution of up to 1080p is supported, but photo resolution is limited to 5MP.
There are 40 built-in frames and 7 filters to add spice to recordings.
On top of that, face recognition, time-lapse and burst shooting are supported.
What steals the show, however, is the camcorder’s durability. Its tough waterproof case makes it an ideal companion for activities such as skateboarding, biking, hiking, and swimming.
It comes with an 8GB memory card, but it can support up to 32 GB.
Check out the PROGRACE Kids Waterproof Camcorder.
Heegomn Camcorder for Older Kids
If you have a kid older than 10 years or going into teenage years, then this camcorder would be a good fit.
It looks more like a camcorder for adults and older children would definitely appreciate it.
This camcorder comes with more bells and whistles than its counterparts for younger children.
It sports a 270-degree, 2.8-inch flip screen and has an anti-shake function.
You can also use it as a webcam. Kids who are into vlogging for YouTube would love this camcorder.
The lithium-ion battery bundled with the video camera would last up to 120 minutes.
Video quality is acceptable in low-light conditions. Video is recorded in the AVI format. Memory card support extends to 32GB.
This is certainly one of the best video cameras for kids 10 years old and above.
Check out the Heegomn Camcorder for Older Kids.
If you need more ideas on the best video camera for kids, check out this wider selection.
Also, you may want to give your kid(s) a taste of the old-school Flip video camera.
Check out, too, the best baby video camera monitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a video camera appropriate for kids?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but generally, a kid around 5-8 years old can start using a child-friendly camera. Consider your child’s maturity level and ability to handle responsibility.
What features are important in a kid’s video camera?
- Durability: Look for a shockproof, waterproof (for outdoor use) camera built to withstand bumps and drops.
- Ease of use: Big buttons, simple menus, and a large viewfinder are ideal for small hands and developing skills.
- Photo & Video: The ability to capture both photos and videos allows for unlimited creative expression.
- Image/Video Quality: While high-end specs aren’t crucial, decent resolution ensures clear recordings.
- Fun Features: Silly filters, games, or slow-motion effects can keep kids engaged.
Are there any safety concerns with kids using video cameras?
Yes, take note of the following:
- Online sharing: Ensure adult supervision when uploading videos online.
- Privacy: Teach children to ask permission before filming others.
What kind of kid video camera is best for outdoor use?
A waterproof and shockproof camera is ideal. Look for one with a good battery life for outdoor adventures.
How much should I spend on a kid’s video camera?
Prices vary, but kid’s video cameras typically range from $20 to $100. Consider features and durability when making your choice.
Are there any subscription fees associated with kid’s video cameras?
Some cameras might have apps with optional premium features (like photo editing) requiring subscriptions. Check before purchasing.
How can I encourage my child’s creativity with a video camera?
- Themed challenges: Give them prompts like “film a day in the life of your pet” or “capture the colors of fall.”
- Stop-motion animation: Teach them the basics and let them create a short stop-motion movie.
- Editing software: Consider kid-friendly editing software to add music or titles to their videos.
What are some fun things kids can film outdoors?
- Nature walks: Capture close-ups of insects, plants, or create a “backyard safari” video.
- Sports and hobbies: Film bike tricks, skateboarding attempts, or a game of tag with friends.
- Documenting adventures: Family vacations, camping trips, or even a day at the park become lasting memories.
How can I help my child care for their video camera?
- Teach them to store it safely in a case when not in use.
- Wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth to keep it clean.
- Remind them to be gentle with the camera and avoid roughhousing.
Where can I find good kid-friendly video cameras?
Many online retailers and major toy stores carry a variety of children’s video cameras. Read reviews and compare features before you buy.
