camera for dd (8)

[mabelbabel]

We're looking at cameras for dd - a real one rather than a toy. At the moment we're interested in the Nikon S01 which can be got for about £55 off amazon (tiny, touch screen, cool-looking) or the S32 which is available elsewhere for about £80, but is waterproof, shockproof etc. That's our upper price limit, would rather spend less. Anyone have any thoughts or any successful camera purchases for a similar age?

Marking my place, as I'm thinking of getting my 8 year old dd a camera.

Bump? Anyone?

We bought the 2013 equivalent of this www.johnlewis.com/nikon-coolpix-l30-digital-camera-hd-720p-20-1mp-5x-optical-zoom-3-lcd-screen/p1239550?colour=Red

It was a great choice and gets used a lot. It isn't shockproof or anything like that but we bought a decent case and our 8 year old has looked after it. She took it with her to the forest today to photograph fungi!

We got DS1 (who was 8) the Nikon Coolpix L27 for Christmas last year and he's loved it. It isn't waterproof but he's looked after it and is now taking some really good photographs.

DH wanted to get him something with interchangeable lenses etc, but I knew that that was too complicated for a first camera and I'm really pleased I stuck to my guns and got this one for him.

We also got a basic hard case to protect it when it isn't being used.

Can highly recommend Nikon cameras - our first digital in 2000 was a Nikon!

Thanks for replies - the L27 and L30 look good but I was concerned about the fact that they use disposable batteries. What's battery life like?

Sorry I hadn't noticed that, ours has a rechargeable permanent battery and the battery life is excellent, I think that we have only charged it twice since its initial charge just before Christmas last year.

I will see if I can find our model no.

Ours is this one - Nikon COOLPIX S3500, I am surprised it is still available as they change so quickly I paid £85 from JL but I see that it is more expensive at Amazon a year on.

DS1's just uses standard AA batteries so we've just got a set of re-chargeable ones which seem to last pretty well and are charged when needed.

Thanks - good to know that kids of this age get on well with this type of camera. I'm tempted to go for the tiny S01.

I think I would say don't get anything too small as the dials etc can be fiddly. What I do recommend though is that you make sure that whenever they have it in their hands that they have a strap which goes round their neck as even the wrist straps can herald disaster!

DS1's camera has been saved a number of times because it hasn't landed on the ground when he has!