GoPros and action cameras are really awesome ways to capture videos from really unique angles and perspectives. They’re a really great camera for both younger and older kids, so let’s take a look at the best GoPro for kids is.
GoPros can be expensive, and if you’re concerned about your kids losing their GoPros(and effectively hundreds of dollars) on an airplane or a hotel, there are cheaper alternative cameras as well.
What is the best GoPro Camera For Kids?
The absolute best GoPro is the GoPro Hero 9 Black, which is the top of the line. Perhaps it’s better to label this one as a good GoPro for teenagers rather than small children!
The Hero 9 Black is quite expensive, but the footage it captures is absolutely breathtaking.
It’s also a good choice for filming really young kids. Attaching a GoPro to a walker or high chair can get you some really unique footage that will be fond memories for the future!
If you’re confident that your kid is not going to lose the GoPro, the Hero 9 Black is incredibly rugged and very hard to break.
You can reliably toss it around and give it a few knocks before it sustains some serious damage. It’s also waterproof, so if your kid mistakenly forgets it in their pocket before going for a swim, it won’t get damaged.
You can shoot 5K video, take 20MP photos, as well as timelapses and HyperSmooth videos that help eliminate shakes and bumps from your footage.
Some more interesting ways you can use the GoPro Hero 9 Black:
- Attached to the torso to get some unique footage when swimming
- Attached to a helmet for skateboarding/skating/skiing
- Attached to your dashboard to get footage of the kids during a long road trip
- Etc
The possibilities are really endless.
There’s a front display you can use to frame your shots, as well as a touch-screen rear display from where you can access the menu and change any settings.
You can control it from the screen or by using voice commands. The one gripe we have with GoPros in general is that they have mediocre battery life, so it’s always better to carry extra batteries for extended use.
If you’re balking at the price tag, you can pick up older models, too. Some are also available refurbished for an even steeper discount.
GoPro Hero 8 Black: Best action camera for 10 year old
While the Hero 9 Black is top of the line, if you want the best GoPro for kids but for a cheaper price tag, just get a slightly older model.
The GoPro Hero 8 is still quite easy to find and has features very similar to the Hero 9 like a good waterproof rating, voice control, WiFi, a wide angle lens, and the ability to capture great photos and videos(including slow motion).
There are a few differences, though:
The Hero 8 has a less powerful sensor: The Hero 8 can capture 4k, 1080p, and 720p video, but the sensor has a lower megapixel rating than the Hero 9. Will your kids notice the difference in quality? Probably not, as the Hero 8 still captures pretty great quality shots.
The Hero 8 does not have a screen at the front: The Hero 8 only has an LCD panel at the front which shows stats like recording time and battery life. The Hero 9 has a proper LCD screen at the front which you can use to frame selfie shots.
The Hero 8 has a smaller screen at the back: This is actually quite a significant selling point for the Hero 9: the larger screen makes it much more fun to frame shots and shoot with. However, if you’re going to strap it somewhere, you’re not going to see the screen anyway.
The Hero 8 has a smaller battery: The Hero 8’s battery is smaller than the Hero 9, which has 30% more capacity.
Still, considering the savings on this camera from the GoPro Hero 9, it’s a really good GoPro for kids, especially 10 years and older. At 10 years old, kids are transitioning into young adults. This GoPro has features they can start to use and is not going to break the bank.
GoPro Hero 7 Black
If budget is a big concern, you can shave off some more dollars by opting for a GoPro Hero7 for your kids.
It still has the basic features you’d expect on any GoPro like 4K video resolution up to 60FPS, still photos, and WiFi.
On the whole, the Hero 7 and Hero 8 are very similar, except for some small tweaks and improvements in the Hero 8. The size of the touch screen is also the same.
The differences between the GoPro Hero 7 and GoPro Hero 8 are not quite as significant as the differences between the Hero 8 and Hero 9.
However, the Hero 8 does have a higher bitrate than the Hero 7, as well as capabilities of expanding with optional media accessories.
It also has a mounting point that flips down, horizon leveling(great for shooting straight shots), and a new mode called Nightlapse.
All of these are not available in the GoPro Hero7. However, if you’re just looking for a basic 4K action camera that shoots great video, has WiFi and voice commands, the GoPro Hero7 does the job really well.
Cheaper Alternative Action Cameras To The GoPro
You do not have to spend over three hundred dollars on the best GoPro for kids!
If you’re on a tight budget, it may be difficult to justify dropping so much cash on all those features for a child who’s not that familiar with photography and video recording yet. If you are comfortable stepping away from the GoPro brand and wouldn’t mind some more affordable alternative action cameras, here are some of our personal favorites.
1. Real Action Pro 4K
The RealAction Pro 4K camera is a great option for kids. As far as features go, they’re pretty much industry standard:
- 4K sensor that can capture vivid, colorful videos and photographs
- WiFi capability to use remotely with your smartphone
- Small form factor that’s compatible with most accessories
The RealAction Pro is a little bit more expensive than most budget cameras, but they do provide a 3 year warranty for their cameras(for around $10 extra) which is a huge plus. Aside from the GoPro, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any other camera with a warranty.
Since you’re buying for kids, the warranty is an important consideration.
Also, they have bulk discounts, so if you’re buying for more than one child, you can save on their bundle deals.
2. Dragon Touch Kidicam 2.0
Were you considering the kids GoPro for a younger child, but don’t want to spend that much on a camera that will probably get destroyed? If that’s the case, you could consider a more affordable option in the form of the Dragon Touch Kidicam 2.0.
While the camera may look like a kids’ toy, don’t be fooled by its childlike appearance. The Dragon Touch Kidicam is able to capture 1080P/30 fps videos and 12M photographs. It also has six colour video modes, allowing for more creativity for video recordings.
The Dragon Touch Kidicam also has an impressive battery life. It allows for a whopping 150 minutes of continuous recording time. The action camera is only made with safe materials too, so you will not find any toxic materials in this camera.
Finally, the Dragon Touch Kidicam 2.0 is waterproof as well. In fact, the camera is waterproof up to a depth of 100 feet, which is certainly impressive for a kids action camera that costs so little.
The Dragon Touch Kidicam 2.0 is available in different colours. At the time of this article, the manufacturer provides this kids action camera in blue and yellow. Also, these kids action cameras are suitable for children aged 4 and up.
3. Akamate Action Camera
When you want a versatile action camera for the kids, which provides something the GoPro does not, then you could consider the Akamate Action Camera. What does the Akamate Action Camera for kids provide that the GoPro does not? Three built-in games!
The Akamate Action Camera is built as a toy for kids, but that does not mean it lacks any video or photography features. The action camera comes with a 32GB Micro SD card, so you do not have to purchase an additional memory card, your child can start playing with it as soon as it arrives.
With the accompanying Micro SD card, it is possible to take many videos, as this card allows 300 minutes of video footages and up to 20,000 5M photographs. That’s pretty good!
Much like other action cameras today, the Akamate Action Camera is waterproof up to a depth of 100 feet. And, as mentioned in the introduction, it has three games built into the camera. Not many action cameras provide games, so that is what makes this camera stand out more than some of the other affordable options on the market today.
4. Dragon Touch 4K
We already mentioned the Dragon Touch 2.0, but you could get a step up from that with the Dragon Touch 4K. As the name already suggests, the Dragon Touch 4K enables 4K video at 30 fps, 2.7K at 30 fps, and 1080P at 60 fps. It is also accompanied by 16 MP photo resolution, which is very decent for this easy to use camera for kids.
One of the more interesting features with the Dragon Touch 4K camera is the presence of a remote control that can go around the wrist. This particular feature is often found with some of the best action cameras for adults, as it allows for more convenient capturing of photos and videos.
The Dragon Touch 4K also has a wireless feature; this means kids can easily share their photos and videos on their social media accounts through the app. Of course, not all parents want their kids to have that kind of connectivity online, so it must be something to consider if you obtain this easy to use camera.
Finally, the Dragon Touch 4K comes in a waterproof case. By securing the camera in the waterproof case, the camera becomes waterproof up to a depth of 100 feet. Add to that two rechargeable batteries of 1050 mAh, and you have an amazing camera for kids with a waterproof case that will keep it safe at all times.
5. Crosstour Action Camera
The Crosstour is a popular action camera for adults, and often an alternative for some of the best GoPro cameras out there. However, this particular option could be suitable for kids too. So, if you are looking for a more advanced GoPro alternative that your kids can use, the Crosstour Action Camera should be on your shortlist.
Since the Crosstour is a little more advanced than some of the basic easy to use kids cameras, we recommend this particular option for older children and teens. Either way, let’s have a thorough look at the features and why this may be the best GoPro alternative.
With the Crosstour, your kids will have access to full HD video and photo resolution, much like you would get with a GoPro Hero or Fusion. It also has the much-desired waterproof feature, although this one only goes down to 98 feet. Nevertheless, that’s not much difference with the other GoPro and lesser known action camera options for kids mentioned here today.
The Crosstour camera also provides two rechargeable batteries with large capacity, which even trumps that of the average GoPro. Battery life is important, even for a camera that will be used by your kids. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that with the Crosstour.
We also need to mention that the Crosstour camera for kids comes with a bunch of useful accessories. Since this camera is designed for adults as well, you can find more advanced accessories with this particular camera. So, be sure to select the ones that are most useful for kids if you want to make the easy to use Crosstour even easier for your kids.
6. Campark ACT74
Another great waterproof camera for kids is the Campark ACT74. Again, this is a waterproof action camera that is often used by adults, but it can be one of the best action cameras for kids too.
The Campark ACT74 allows videos at 4K/30 fps and photos can be taken at 16M. There is also a great wide angle lens feature, which provides an optional 170 degrees for videos and photos with a wider view.
Like most options in this overview, the Campark ACT74 sports a waterproof property, ensuring this camera for kids remains safe up to a depth of 100 feet. So, if your kids are into water sports, this camera is a brilliant option.
With the Campark ACT74, your kids also get access to one of the best features an action camera can provide these days, the remote control. With the remote control feature, you don’t have to fumble around to take videos and photographs at a moment’s notice.
Most retailers do not provide this camera with an memory card, but it is quite compatible with most options out there. The manufacturer recommends a 32GB class 10 memory card, which should be formatted before it is used in this waterproof camera.
Now, one of the features we love the most about this action video camera is its short charging time. Upon testing, this waterproof camera gets a full battery charge in as little as two hours. Since the standard option comes with two batteries already, it is unlikely your kids will miss out on any fun video recordings.
7. Akaso EK7000
One of the preferred video camera alternatives to the GoPro for adults is the Akaso EK7000. It is not difficult to figure out why though, especially when you view the amazing videos this affordable device can deliver.
There are many great features associated with the Akaso EK7000, but the first one to mention is that it provides four times the resolution compared to traditional HD cameras, and that only for a fraction of the price. It also comes with great batteries, as the Akaso EK7000 comes with two rechargeable batteries that can handle 90 minutes of video.
Each Akaso EK7000 also comes with a wristband remote control, so you can take videos easily while controlling the camera at a distance. Since the wristband is easy to operate for videos, you will find that most kids can work with this remote control too.
The Akaso EK7000 has great connectivity too. The device has a built-in HDMI and Wi-Fi, which means videos can easily be shared online in a matter of minutes. It also allows you to easily transfer videos to a computer or a smartphone, keeping the storage on the camera optimal.
Since the Akaso EK7000 is also waterproof, this action camera is a great option for indoors as well as outdoors. And, with a great waterproof resistance up to 100 feet, this video camera is also a great option for all kinds of water sports.
Finally, parents will find that this video camera comes in a range of great colours, enabling some personalisation where design is concerned. At the time of this article, the video camera is available in black, blue, white and yellow.
7. Vtech Kidizoom Action Cam
There are some strong favorites in this overview of popular action video cameras, and the Vtech Kidizoom is among the most popular. When you take a quick look at the Vtech Kidizoom, you’ll immediately find out why this is such a great option for kids.
The Vtech Kidizoom sports quite the kid-friendly look. It has a cheerful yellow design and attractive shapes, which make it look more like a toy than a powerful video camera. Still, don’t be fooled by the rather youthful look of this option.
With the Vtech, you have one of the most versatile action cameras for children. It has been deemed suitable for children between 2 and 12, and delivers some special effects such as stop motion, slow motion, burst mode, time lapse, frames, and more.
Despite its youthful appearance, you can find all the features you would find with the other cameras we’ve mentioned today. It includes a special slot for a micro SD card, so your child can film to his heart’s content. With a 32GB MicroSD card, it translates to 98,800 photographs at 1.0 MP and 64 minutes of 720p video. While this may be a little less than some of the other cameras, the Kidizoom is a lot cheaper than some of the other cameras we have mentioned in this overview.
We must mention that the Kidizoom is available in various designs, which have been updated over time due to the popularity of this device. The standard design is yellow, but you can also get camouflage options and other cool designs online.
Related
Is The GoPro A Good Family Camera?
Is The GoPro A Good Camera for Kids and Families?
The GoPro camera is a really great option for taking photos and videos of your kids.
GoPros are waterproof and durable
GoPros make for great action cameras for kids because of their durability and ruggedness. It also helps that they are waterproof, which means you can take them to the beach or in the rain without worrying about it.
A good camera for kids has to be able to take lots of bumps and dings, and GoPro cameras are built for action.
GoPros have lots of accessories
The super-wide range of accessories available for GoPro cameras mean you can use it in a lot of different situations.
If your kids enjoy biking or skating, you can get a helmet mount.
If your kids enjoy swimming and snorkeling, you can get a chest mount or head mount.
One parent even strapped a GoPro to his kid’s walker to get a really adorable video:
GoPros have great video quality
There’s no question that GoPros are the industry leader in video quality. Their sensors are much better than the sensors you can find on cheaper cameras, so if the best video quality is an important factor for you, the GoPro is the way to go.
GoPros are easy to use
GoPros are easy to use: you can use WiFi to connect them to an iPad or phone and also use it with voice commands. The touch screen interface is also very intuitive, making it simple for kids to operate.
Which Camera Could I Get For A Three-Year Old?
Most action cameras are designed for children aged 4 and over. However, this does not mean there is not a suitable camera available for three-year-olds! Since you would need something a little sturdier, we recommend the Feeyea Kids Camera.
The Feeyea Kids Camera has a built-in rechargeable battery and comes with a few simple buttons that are easier to operate for small fingers. They are also easier for children whose fine motor skills are not that developed yet.
Despite its rather simple design and functionality, there are some hidden features you would not immediately expect. It provides 8 scene selections, flash light and some accompanying cartoon stickers that can be used to customise the exterior of the camera.
It is also important to note that the software that is installed on this camera is updated on a regular basis. You can connect this camera to a computer or a smartphone and update the software when it is needed. We do recommend updating the software when a new update becomes available, as the new software could considerably improve the image quality.
While the camera is completely safe for young children, charging should only be done by adults or under the supervision of adults. The camera should also be charged fully before it is used for the first time.
Please note that this camera is made with non-toxic materials and that it has a shockproof property. In other words, this camera can be dropped or hit, and it will remain intact. Since younger children are more prone to dropping objects, this feature is an absolute must-have that makes this a strong contender!
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Conclusion: Which Action Camera Is Right For My Kids?
It all comes down to budget and requirements. Older children will want more features, so choosing options such as the Campark of the Crosstour can be better for them.
For younger children, specs are less important, especially if your kids are only 4 years old. When your kids are 4 or 5 years old, you do not have to invest in an action camera with the best video resolution or high-tech features. That being said, even some of the most affordable video camera options in our overview sport some amazing video resolution already!
At the end of the day, always consider your budget and the overall knowledge level of your kids. Even the most affordable cameras have waterproof features and take great video these days, so you do not have to spend hundreds on the latest and best GoPro for your kids.