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Unwilling to sit still. Quick. Unpredictable. Taking pictures of kids can be quite challenging for a camera’s auto-focus system.
You need a camera that can take decent shots when lighting is limited and has a fast enough mode that allows it to keep up with toddlers. It should be durable and have a wide aperture. In recent years the many advances in auto-focus technology have made the task of keeping a fast-moving toddler in focus a lot easier.
If you are in need of a camera that can keep up with your squirmy, active little one, we will discuss the features to watch out for when buying one and also provide you with some of the best on the market today.
Contents
Review of the Best Cameras For New Parents
We have shortlisted the best options for parents who want to document all the memorable moments of their cute bundle of joy. Our top picks include:
PROS
Best Overall: Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
- Eco mode helps to retain battery life
- Compact-size makes it ideal for traveling
- Image stabilizer feature helps capture images with ease and flexibility
- Smart auto mode and scene mode intelligently select proper settings
- Toy camera effect, monochrome, and fisheye effect provide creative freedom
CONS
- Does not come with a USB cable
- Comes with a small cord which makes it difficult to carry
- Battery is not of top quality, causing problems for users
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love the fact that Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is a small and lightweight model, which makes it easy to carry. It is a great entry-level, point-and-shoot for new parents, as it is simple and easy to use. Many buyers find the control button on the backside highly convenient, as it allows them to choose between automatic or portrait shot quickly. Its excellent resolution and 8x zoom feature provide new parents with some cool and memorable pictures of their darling baby.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is a high-quality, ultra-portable model able to take some very good pictures. It is highly affordable, which is another plus. You can use it with a tripod and get some excellent results. Moreover, it has many features usually found in high-end models. It’s smart auto mode automatically selects the optimal camera settings for the subject. The auto zoom feature automatically zooms in and keeps the subject in focus.
Who Will Use This Most
The user interface of this model is very simple and easy to use, which makes it ideal for people who are not particularly technologically savvy. There is no learning curve. therefore, it is perfect for novices. It has various options, and the explanations on the camera make it very easy to switch to different modes.
Bottom Line
Excellent definition, beautiful color, and easy to use – the Canon PowerShot ELPH180 is one of the best cameras available. It is so lightweight that it can slip easily into your pocket or purse. If you are looking for a model which is simple to use and provides excellent results, this model is for you.
- 8x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer helps you capture images with flexibility and ease
- 20.0 Megapixel CCD sensor combines with the DIGIC 4 plus Image Processor to help deliver stunning...
- 720p HD video capabilities. Focusing range: Normal: 2.0 inch - infinity (W), 4.3 feet (1.3 meter) -...
Runner-up: Nikon COOLPIX P1000
PROS
- Hot-shoe for mounting film-making accessories
- Manual mode provides more control over your videos
- HDMI port for playback and recording to an external monitor
- Time-lapse and super-lapse recording modes help create extraordinary fast-motion footage
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity enable wireless image sharing and remote camera control
CONS
- Sensor is too small for the camera
- AF is too slow for fast-moving objects
- Absence of the touch screen can be frustrating
What Recent Buyers Report
The best feature of the Nikon Coolpix P1000, which impresses almost all the buyers is its 3000 mm zoom lens. They also find the body of this camera to be sturdy and the EVF bright and sharp. Buyers are satisfied with this product’s performance, as it enables even the less experienced photographers to take mind-blowing pictures. It has many features such as time lapses, scene mode, etc., which make this product user-friendly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are many features of this camera which we find truly amazing. The fully articulated LCD makes it easier to shoot at different angles. The special moon and bird watching functions come in very handy when photographing these two subjects. And above all, the 3000 mm zoom is a true feat of technology. It allows you to cover all situations from wide-angle terrestrial landscapes to the valleys and craters of the moon.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a niche model that will appeal to photographers interested in capturing distant scenes and subjects. People interested in landscape and wildlife photography will particularly like its performance. This camera is also equipped with a number of options such as Cityscape, Night Sky and Star Trails, Sunset, and Landscape. These features allow you to shoot and automatically create a time-lapse video.
Bottom Line
Working with such a long lens requires a level of patience, practice, and a very steady hand. But once you master it, taking some pretty sharp and clear pictures will be a breeze. The 3.2-inch LCD display allows brilliant playback and composition. If you want jaw-dropping clarity delivered in extremely high-resolution, then the Nikon Coolpix P1000is the camera for you.
- 3000 millimeter optical zoom-the most powerful zoom lens; Ever put on a Nikon Coolpix camera
- 4k ultra hd video with HDMI out, stereo sound and an accessory hot shoe
- Rock steady dual detect image stabilization and great low light capability. Vibration reduction:...
Best for the Money: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800
PROS
- Convenient button positioning enhances ease of use
- Lightweight and portable, thus making it convenient to carry it in your pocket
- Boosted sensitivity ensures brighter-looking pictures indoors and at nighttime
- 5 cm macro focus distance allows you to capture even close subjects clearly
- 2.7-type clear photo LCD display screen for playing back movies and viewing your stills with minimal effort
CONS
- Picture quality is not so great
- Lack of Wi-Fi can be problematic
- Proper focus is difficult to obtain in the indoor lighting environment
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers of Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800 particularly love the ease of use and straightforward menu of this model, which is very simple to navigate. By selecting the easy mode, you can enlarge the icon and font size, and change the information overlay to show only the remaining shots left on storage, battery life, and the availability of flash. Another great function which the buyers like, is the panorama shot, which lets the user choose the shooting direction photo size and exposure compensation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model offers enough features at an unbeatable price to make it highly popular among novices and new parents. Its high-resolution, 20.1 MP image sensors allow you to capture beautiful scenery in all its glory. Although it does not offer any of the bells and whistles we have come to expect from cameras released in recent years, such as, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC W-800 allows you to capture crisp and smooth footage in an instant.
Who Will Use This Most
This product features a highly pocket-friendly design, thus making it easier for new parents to bring it with them everywhere. This ensures that you will not miss your little angel’s first smile or first step. It is a great entry-level, point-and-shoot camera that offers straightforward and hassle-free shooting for people who do not want to get too technical.
Bottom Line
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC W800 provides great value for money for people who want a camera that will start shooting photos from the moment they take it out of the box. It is lightweight and easy to use, thus making it a perfect model for taking on vacation. You will be hard-pressed to find a cheaper alternative that can take such quality pictures.
- 20.1 MP 1/2.3" Super HAD CCD Sensor Optical 5x Zoom Lens & 10x Digital Zoom
- Equivalent 35mm Focal Length: 26-130mm 2.7" Clear Photo LCD 230k-Dot Monitor
- 720p HD Video at 30fps Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
PROS
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables easy uploading
- High-speed burst shooting captures fast-moving subjects in a series of stills
- Compact and easy to carry, but versatile enough to work with various lenses
- Touch AF allows you to release and focus the shutter by tapping the touchscreen
- Comfortable one-handed shooting and prominent thumb pad for a comfortable and firm grip
CONS
- Navigation menu is a bit confusing
- AF may have trouble with moving targets
- People with large hands may find it difficult to handle
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have found this model Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II to be a masterpiece combination of compactness, lens selection, along with quality, advanced features, and affordability. The state-of-the-art, five-axis image stabilization gives them sharper images. They find the picture quality to be fantastic and the retro look is appealing to many users. The live comp mode is something they really like, as it helps in taking pictures of star trails.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a durable and versatile product from a reputable company which offers great customer service. The robust choice of body upgrades helps you grow as a professional photographer. It offers various pro-level features at a very reasonable price. You can pair it with a number of high-quality lenses to boost its performance. Using the electronic viewfinder, you can see what the final version will look like before pressing the shutter button.
Who Will Use This Most
The model is sophisticated but versatile and easy to use. Whether you are a photo enthusiast who wants to maximize his creativity or are new to photography, the Olympus OM-D E-M 10, Mark II helps to deliver flawless image quality. The intuitively placed controls allow you to operate the camera without taking your eyes from the subject.
Bottom Line
From starscapes to landscapes, this camera is ready for whatever you want to shoot. Its creative effects allow you to experiment with different art filters. Although it is an entry-level model in its class, it offers various features typically available in professional models. Moreover, the scene select mode makes it easier to optimize settings according to the scene conditions at-hand.
- Built-in 5 axis image stabilization for sharper images
- 2.3 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.62X magnification
- Silent mode (disables all shutter sounds)
5. Sony RX100 VII
PROS
- Advanced autofocus and eye detection tracking
- Pop-up viewfinder works with a single action
- Can shoot seven consecutive frames at up to 90 fps in a single-burst mode
- Enhanced auto-tracking ensures the camera carries out 60 calculations per second
- Fast sensor allows it to shoot long bursts at 20 fps without blacking out the viewfinder
CONS
- Lack of a written manual makes it difficult to use all the features
- Only comes with a USB charger, which may be inconvenient for some
- Requires an attachment grip as it may become slippery after using for some time
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers of Sony RX100 VII love its various features such as blackout-free shooting, real-time tracking, real-time eye AF, and powerful zoom capabilities. The steady shot feature ensures that the video is not out of focus, which makes this product ideal for vloggers. They love the fact that they can easily carry this powerful product in their pocket.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This camera has various specifications usually found in high-end models. Its high-magnification lens delivers superb image quality. It is engineered to achieve clarity across the entire zoom range and gives maximum resolution. The built-in flash ensures sharp pictures and the auto-focus system is more capable and easy-to-use.
Who Will Use This Most
This highly versatile and extremely capable camera is an ideal option for any vlogger or photographer looking for a powerful model. Image stabilization in 4k video recording helps create super-smooth moving videos. Its impressive burst shooting performance and extraordinary movie eye AF make it an ideal tool for getting photos of active kids.
Bottom Line
The Sony RX100 VII is a compact and versatile product perfect for both the casual and professional photographer. It has the world’s fastest auto-focus of 0.02 seconds, which makes it lightning fast at locking onto subjects. With this camera, you will be able to capture unforgettable pictures of your kids.
- 20. 1MP 1. 0 Type stacked CMOS sensor, Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 24 200 millimeter F2. 8 F4. 5 large...
- 0. 02 sec. High AF speed, 357 point focal plane Phase detection AF and 425 point contrast detection...
- Up to 20 fps blackout free shooting, using up to 60 times/sec. AF/AE calculations. Diopter...
Can You Really Find a Good Camera That’s Affordable?
Thanks to technological advancements, intense competition, and manufacturers clearing out older models to make way for the new ones, you can find a really good camera at a much lower price than you might think.
Typically, the newer models are just upgrades of previous models. Their specifications and features are just slightly different from their predecessors. With a little bit of research, you may be able to find the same performance, functionality, and image quality in a slightly older model at a highly affordable price.
Comparison of the Best Cameras For New Parents
Perks of Investing in a Quality Camera as a New Parent
Having a kid is a good enough reason to buy a new camera. Following are some of the benefits of investing in a camera from our list:
Easy to Carry Around
When you are going somewhere with a baby, you already need to carry a lot of things to make sure that he or she is comfortable outside. Therefore, it is important to invest in a model you can easily put in the diaper bag or carry in your pocket. The cameras on our list are all small, which ensures you can take these with you when you go to the park or on a picnic.
Not a Burden on Your Budget
The entry-level cameras on our list are not too expensive. You do not need to spend a lot of money to have professional-quality photos.
Easy to Use
All our chosen models are characterized by ease of use. New parents have to think about a lot of things, such as baby formula, diapers, toys, etc. They do not have time to learn how to operate cameras that are technical or difficult to use.
Why Did These Cameras Make Our List?
The camera models mentioned in this article are top-of-the-line due to the following qualities:
Works Well Even Without The Flash
Most photographs of kids are taken using natural window light inside the home. This means the camera you choose should have excellent performance at higher a ISO. All the cameras mentioned in this article work great without the flash, thus allowing you to take fantastic pictures without startling your child.
Auto-Focus
While taking shots of a child, it is important to focus accurately and quickly so you do not miss a Kodak moment. If your camera is unable to keep up, you will miss your shot. The cameras we discuss in this article have quick auto-focus.
Depth of Field
These cameras have a large aperture with the ability to collect more light. This helps separate the foreground from the background and bring everything into focus. The colors on the shot look vivid and the entire scene looks sharp.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a New Camera?
There are some considerations you should take into account before buying a new camera:
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization helps to minimize blurriness, which can occur if you take a photo while you or the object of your photo are moving. This is particularly helpful when you are shooting at a low shutter speed or in low-light conditions. As a parent, most of your shooting will either be done indoors where the light is low or you will be moving to capture your kid in action. Therefore, it is vital to make sure the model you choose offers image stabilization.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Some cameras have built-in Wi-Fi that allows them to connect to the internet wirelessly. This makes uploading your photos to social networking sites or your computer very easy. Make sure your chosen model has this great feature.
Video Recording
Video-capture memories you can cherish forever. Make sure the model you choose has a high definition video recording feature.
Conclusion
It is not necessary to own a high-end camera in order to take great pictures. You can also do so with the help of an entry-level model. If you want to capture every milestone of your child, you can choose one of the above models and get some memorable shots easily.
