Inexpensive cameras for a 7 and 8 year old

[Arkitech]

I want to get my kids involved in photography at a young age, especially since they have shown a level of interest in it. I would like to purchase a couple of cameras to get them familiar with the basics, but obviously at that age the camera would need to be durable or either with some kind of a strap. I'm working with a budget of about maybe $150-170. Once I get a dslr for myself I want to plan weekly photo outings.

Any suggestions?

 

[Syborg1211]

I saw this a while back and thought it would be the perfect first camera for a kid that is old enough to appreciate it:

http://www.bigshotcamera.com/

You build it yourself so you get to learn about some of the inner workings of the camera.

 

[Arkitech]

That looks really incredible. Thanks, this might be just what I was looking for.

 

[corkyg]

This made me smile. I hope it works out. I started photography about 1942 when my dad got me a Kidak Baby Brownie. It was a small, Bakelight film camera, but it taught me a lot. By 1948, Dad gave me his Kodak 35mm rangefinder camera, and that really got me going. (He got himself a Leica IIC.) I later advanced through a couple of Minolta 35mm SLRs, and then a Nikon F2AS in 1978. I transitioned to digital in 1996, and have always been grateful to my dad for that venerable old Brownie.

Good luck with the kids!

 

[fralexandr]

Old dslrs can be had on Craigslist or keh for around that. Like the Pentax k100d or istD, Nikon d40, Canon xti, etc.

 

[bigi]

Fuji x-a1/a2 Kit.

Used Nikon D3100/3200 Kit.

 

[Redfraggle]

My sister gave my 5 yr old her old point and shoot digital. I think at young ages, anything with some basic options will be fine.

Though there is something to be said for building your own. But if that's not feasible, I think most kids would do well with whatever is available.

 

[Denly]

Give them a used Nokia 920, you should able to find them for $150ea.

Have them to use it like a prime. Nokia Pro app have all the manual adj they can play around.

Also have a camera button, you press it and ready to shoot. No need to login the phone.

dslr is too big for 8yrs old unless you get them a mirrorless.

Or I will get them a Olympus tough series so you don't have to worry about drop or other condition.