Photography is not a cheap hobby, and whether you’re searching for new DSLR camera equipment or just want a nice point-and-shoot camera, finding ways to save is a priority. We’ve got tons of camera deals, as well as ways to save on camera accessories like lenses, cases and other camera equipment. You can spend your time searching for the next great shot -- instead of searching for a better deal.

Choosing the Best Camera for You

The key to buying a camera is figuring out what you want to do with it. Are you just looking for an upgrade from your phone camera? Do you need it to shoot great video? Are you looking to break into the world of DSLRs? Wherever you are in the world of photography, remember that there’s no one camera that’s going to be the best in all of the important categories. You still need to research how a camera performs, image quality, design and additional features. It may help to narrow things down by brand, as well. Nikon cameras and Canon cameras are some of the best and if you’re looking for DSLR camera deals, you may want to start with one of those brands.

Best Point-and-Shoot Camera

Since point-and-shoot cameras have to compete with phone cameras these days, companies are working even harder to provide consumers with better quality point-and-shoot cameras. While you can get a good quality point-and-shoot for a couple hundred dollars, expect to pay upwards of $500 for a camera that really exceeds what you’re used to with a basic point-and-shoot. In terms of brands to check, Canon and Sony both feature well-reviewed point-and-shoots in a range of prices to fit your budget.

The Best Cameras for Kids: What to Buy a Young Photographer

Before you go out and buy that big, colorful “kid” camera, think about how fast your child learned to operate your smart phone. The age label on products are often misleading for kids over five. Think about what your child plans to do with the camera and how fast they learn, and then decide on a camera that fits their maturity and skill level.

Ages 3 to 5: Durability and LCD display are the most important features for a camera at this stage. Three to 5-year-olds don’t have a lot of patience and will want to see the image immediately. Fine motor skills are still being developed at this point as well, so durability is a big plus. Realistically, cameras in this age range should be considered toys, but they are also great learning tools for developing a love of photography. The Vtech Kidizoom Spin and Smile is one of the highest rated children’s camera on the market. Our second favorite kids’s camera for this age group, the Vtech Kidizoom Camera Connect features 1.3 MP, 4x zoom, voice and video recorder, plus three games.

Durability and LCD display are the most important features for a camera at this stage. Three to 5-year-olds don’t have a lot of patience and will want to see the image immediately. Fine motor skills are still being developed at this point as well, so durability is a big plus. Realistically, cameras in this age range should be considered toys, but they are also great learning tools for developing a love of photography. The Vtech Kidizoom Spin and Smile is one of the highest rated children’s camera on the market. Our second favorite kids’s camera for this age group, the Vtech Kidizoom Camera Connect features 1.3 MP, 4x zoom, voice and video recorder, plus three games. Ages 6 to 11: Kids between the ages of 6 and 11 are typically a curious group with an endless amount of questions. V-tech Kidszoom Action Cam $65. This is the perfect camera for kids on the go. The Kidizoom Action Camera comes with two mounts, which can be attached to bikes, skateboards or even more stationary objects. The Fujifilm Instax Mini is a much smaller version of the polaroid camera you remember. If your child is ready for their first serious point-and-shoot camera, the Sony Cyber Shot is the way to go. The quality and price of this camera make it a great option for kids starting to take photography a little more seriously.

Ages 12+: This is actually a perfect age to introduce a 35mm film camera. The Nikon D3300 is an award-winning camera that is perfect for learning the ropes of a DSLR. It has a built-in guide mode to help kids as young as 12 learn to navigate through the menus. If you are looking for an alternative option for an entry-level DSLR, the Canon Rebel T5 is an excellent choice, plus it will save you a little money when compared to the Nikon. This camera is just as easy to use as the Nikon and will be able to keep up with kids as their skills develop.

​Where to Shop for Cameras and Photography Equipment

Once you figure out what you want, check out Amazon and B&H Photo Video. Both offer lots of inventory, tons of options for camera lenses and frequent camera deals. If you want to handle the camera before you buy, check out Best Buy or even Walmart, especially if you’re not going super high-end with your selection. Since new models tend to come out at the end and beginning of the year, many retailers put older models on sale in March and April, so it’s a good time to find a deal. You can also typically find good deals during Black Friday and the holiday shopping season.

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