Camera for a child?

Mikki

Hello,

I'm thinking of getting a camera for my 7yr old dd for Christmas. She really enjoys taking photos and at a party a few weeks ago took great ones with my sister's DSLR - she seems to have an "eye" for a good picture.

I'm not sure what to get her. I can't afford an expensive DSLR (and don't think a 7yr old even needs that!) - something simple she can point and shoot, but takes good quality pictures, macro function as she enjoys taking photos of things we see out & about in the woods (such as mushrooms, insects etc lol) and also video.

I'm also looking for one for my 10yr old son - again with macro (for taking pics of his lego guys) and video.

I've been looking at the Nikon Coolpix series, but to be honest I don't really know what I'm looking for! I was also wondering if I'd be better off looking for refurbished ones, or are these more bother than they're worth?

I'm not too worried about the kids dropping the camera - they're generally very careful with things. I'd also rather pay more and get a good quality camera that will last a few years and that they will be happy to use.

TIA!

gonzo127

depends on how much you are willing to spend really, the fuji finepix z70 is pretty good, not top class by any standard but does a respectable job, i got my then 11yo step daughter the z100fd and we found it great as it had a 5x internal optical zoom so nothing sticking out of the front and has a metal body so feels more sturdy than the plastic affaris you can get

http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2010/07/15/Fujifilm-FinePix-Z70/p1

is the review on the z70 which you can generally get for under £100

N1mr0d

I have really enjoyed using my Canon Powershot A640 both at work for close up product images and for leisure use mainly because it is very easy to use. It now comes as a 12 megapixel waterproof version called the D10 - around £200.

Hope this helps

Mikki

Many thanks!

Thinking again, my son mainly uses the macro fuction (as I said - pics of lego!). Are there any compact digital cameras that have a really good macro function, or am I asking too much?!