Purchasing cameras for kids can be a daunting task. There are simply too many options to choose from.

While there is no definite answer to this question, here are a few things to consider.

What is the age of the child: The needs of your child will be different based on their age. If you are shopping for a pre-teen, consider looking into the durable lower priced digital cameras. This will allow them to explore their inner Ansel Adams without breaking the bank (and the camera!)

What is the intended use: Are your kids serious about photography, or are they simply looking to add pictures to their myspace accounts. If the latter is the case, most cameras available at major chains will suffice.

For budding photographers however, a little more homework is required. Consider looking into Digital SLR cameras if this is going to be much more than a hobby.

Aesthetics vs Durability: For the most part teenagers prefer aesthetically pleasing gadgets. While not always the case, smaller cameras are generally less durable. If your child is not responsible with his/her gadgets, look into larger more durable cameras.

Digital cameras specifically built for kids are built for harsh treatment. These are generally good cameras to purchase for pre-teens.

Ease of use: Look into cameras that are easy to use. This is especially important for kids new to photography and picture taking. This will allow more time for picture taking and less time trying to figure out the manual. For beginners at least, simple is better. As your child’s photography needs develop consider upgrading to a more sophisticated camera.

All in all the best digital camera for kids depends on many factors. The most  important things to consider, are the age of your kids and the intended use of the camera. Not all cameras are created equally. Be sure to do plenty of research before deciding on a final product.