Which P&S camera for 8yr old

[markhout]

He appropriately believes in Santa, and insists that a camera would make a great present. What are the recomendations?

I think as must-haves:
- shockproof
- big screen
- lens must be covered / protected when not in use
- small size

Nice-to-haves:
- weatherproof
- AA batteries
- not too expensive (because this needs replacement if not-so-shockproof)

For this one I won't insist on RAW capability!

Thanks for the input.

[Paul Sumi]

My cousin's 6 year-old son uses my old Canon S400 Digital Elph - turns it on/off, zooms, reviews pictures. He even frames people pictures well (albeit from an up-the-nose perspective because he stands waist-high to many adults).

My point (other than familial pride and making a mental note to take him photographing with me when he's older    ), is that many young kids these days are more at home with consumer electronics than many of us were at a much older age.

DPReview just published a review of budget digicams, all with street prices under $150.  I have no particular recommendations, but at these prices you probably don't have to worry about coddling the camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408budgetgroup/

Best,

Paul

[Prismpic]

Here is a link to useful info on cameras and kids, it's neve too early  good luck!

Visit My Website

or paste this link on your browser:

http://photojojo.com/content/guides/teachi...hy-to-children/

[markhout]

Great, thanks much for all your input!

Mark

[Plekto]

According to that review of budget cameras, the Panasonic LZ8 seems to be the best of the bunch.

- video at 30fps is a must for any kid.
- Normal SD/CF memory cards to keep cost down (Bad Sony!)
- Low Cost (imo, bigger and slightly bulkier is good for kids as well)
- Image Stabilization (Nikon doesn't have this)
- Manual as well as auto modes(part of this is to teach him the basics, right?)
- AA batteries (Fuji is a proprietary Lithium-Ion)

Has me actually wanting one as a cheap backup