In today’s digital age, even our youngest adventurers are looking for ways to capture their world, share their perspective, and tell their stories.
Whether they’re scaling the neighborhood tree, building imaginative worlds in the backyard, or setting out on family vacations, there’s a world of wonder at their fingertips.
As parents, guardians, or older siblings, we often wonder how we can nurture this budding creativity.
How do we give them the tools to document their journeys without overwhelming them with too much tech? The answer might be simpler than you think.
In my quest to find the perfect gadget that balances user-friendliness with capability, I’ve delved deep into the realm of kid-friendly tech to provide you with the best recommendations.
In this post, we’ll explore the best GoPro for kids, ensuring your little explorer is equipped with just the right tool for their big adventures.
So, buckle up as we dive into a world where size doesn’t measure capability, and age is just a number!
Best Gopro Cameras for Kids:
1. GoPro Hero 8 Black
Overview:
GoPro makes some powerful cameras that are suitable for everyone and HERO 8 Black is one of their earlier models.
The camera is one of the most powerful and successful models ever launched by GoPro; it comes with a great video resolution, and a very easy layout which makes it perfect for use for kids who do not need to have to learn about various buttons and settings.
One Button Control:
There is only one button on the camera for control and it allows kids to capture high quality photos smoothly and with precision! Same is the case for videos; children can easily record clear and aesthetically pleasing footage’s just by pressing the record button.
Video Resolution:
The GoPro Hero 8 Black offers a range of video resolutions with 1080p at 240 fps and 4K at 60 fps being the best and more popularly used resolutions.
These resolutions are always good for all kinds of video recording, whether it’s a kid recording his school field trip or a picnic with his family, a vlog for his or her YouTube channel, a video for a school project or anything sports related.
HyperSmooth Stabilization:
The really good thing about this camera is that it delivers great smoothness and minimizes shake a lot, all because of its HyperSmooth stabilization.
This feature makes it free from the need of using a gimbal and hence highly suitable for kids who may find using such accessories complicated and hassling.
Amazing Slo-Mo Feature:
Other than that, the camera also shoots in slo-mo at 960 fps which kids tend to find quite interesting and their inquisitive and creative minds can create some amazing videos with this tool, or maybe pairing it up with some other features.
It is really good to enhance the kids’ creativity skills and introduce them to new technology in the early ages so that they progress with time on the same.
Photo Quality:
The GoPro Hero 8 Black also houses a 2x stronger and powerful processor that allows for the smooth operating system performance along with high quality image capture.
It is safe to say that this camera can’t disappoint you when it comes to stills. It captures amusingly beautiful pictures and I think kids have more use of the camera for capturing stills rather than making long videos, but that really depends on the child’s interests.
Compact Body:
This device also has a quite compact body which is easily portable and kids can easily carry the camera around capturing beautiful and memorable moments in their lives.
The light weight is also one of the bonuses this camera has along with the waterproof outer shell. The camera can go under water to about 10 meters, and hence kids can take them on their adventures for example, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing etc.
MediaMod Tool:
Adding to that, the camera also features a MediaMod tool that allows you to control the lighting, exposure and contrast in the images and compare two different settings by opening another screen and comparing them side by side.
I would say it is quite a useful tool given the possibilities of learning! The children can learn to adjust the settings according to different scenes, lighting, background etc. and produce impressive images.
Microphone Quality:
The microphone also has a relatively good quality when compared with other camera manufacturers with maximum noise cancelling that allows users to capture clear audio, eliminating the background noises to a maximum.
Battery:
With all its greatness, it saddens me to say that it does come with a problem that is, it’s short battery life. I personally tested the product out and in fact, gave the device to my little cousin to test out too! (He’s a little photography and videography enthusiast) and he complained to me that the battery ran out too quickly and that he lost his “funny” recording of an epic fail, as he put it.
However, that should not stop you from buying this camera because this tiny problem can be solved with an extra battery or two in spare, especially during travels!
Technical Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- Amazing video resolution
- Impressive stills
- Good quality microphone
- Compact and lightweight
Reason To Avoid?
- Short battery life
2. GoPro Hero 9:
Overview:
GoPro is famous for its action cameras and I believe those are the best kind for kids and teenagers! GoPro Hero 9 has been a quite popular model in its series of action cameras and it has quite the features that make it perfect for kids.
We know how enthusiastic most kids are for fun adventures and picnics, right? This camera provides the right tools to capture those moments in a creative and fun way.
It can become a hobby or an activity for the kids to record themselves playing sports and recording their personal bests. By using the camera in the right way, kids can create a bunch of dynamic videos and even monetize them.
It is very easily available in the market at prices below $400 which is quite impressive given its high end performance and marvelous video and image resolutions.
It rarely breaks down, however there have been a few cases of the system freezing for a few seconds, but it’s nothing alarming enough to let go of such an amazing product.
Video Resolution:
What makes it unique is the improved video resolution, meaning that unlike its predecessor Hero 8 Black, it can shoot videos in 5K resolution which allows users to capture intricate details even while zooming in.
Same is the case with still images, you can look at what’s written on a billboard in the background far away from the subject, with just enough clarity!
New Photography Feature:
GoPro also added a new feature exclusively for photography where the camera chooses the best suitable image processing for the user depending on the scene and the image resolution, automatically. So the kids don’t have to worry for any fluff or blurry images.
HyperSmooth 3.0 Stabilization:
Along with that, the GoPro Hero 9 also has the more improved version of image and video stabilization, the HyperSmooth 3.0, which provides even better stabilization.
Kids usually move their cameras around a lot, causing their video to be quite shaky and not clear enough to enjoy, but a camera with this stabilization tech definitely solves that problem for good.
TimeWarp 3.0 Option:
Another feature that I quite liked for kids in the TimeWarp 3.0. I think the kids can really just play around and get creative with their videos using this feature as it allows multiple pictures to be transformed into a nice time lapse kind of a video.
Such videos can be made either while moving the camera from one place to another or just by standing still and pointing the camera to a limited number of areas.
Screen Freezing:
I would say the camera really meets my expectations; although there have been some reports of the screen freezing midway and audio’s quality being poor.
Though I did not personally face any frozen screen moments or any crackling audio, I still think one should keep these possibilities in mind. But other than that, overall, this is one of the best cameras out there for kids nowadays!
Technical Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- Impressive image stabilization
- Marvelous outdoor performance
- 5K video resolution
- TimeWarp 3.0
- 20MP image quality
Reason To Avoid?
- Possibility of screen freezing
- Short battery life
3. GoPro MAX 360:
Overview:
This camera is a bit different than the others that I talked about above; it has 360 degrees shooting capability which can prove to be interesting for kids. It is one of the most versatile cameras and offers a great deal of cool, new features!
Kids love to experiment and new things and tech excite them! Since 360 degree footages are not that common or popular among videographers (unless it’s a drone footage), kids might feel like they are producing something unique and the sense of creativity and invention would definitely escalate their self-esteem along with improving their learning!
Video Resolution:
This camera is just perfect for all of those things. First of all, it has the capability to shoot videos in 5.6K resolution at 30 fps.
The resolution and the frame rates, both are exceptionally great! The video resolution is the pathway to shooting some impressive 360 degree videos; the experience being immensely immersive!
These kinds of shots are more popular among sportsmen; hikers, surfers, cyclers, skiers etc.
360-degree Lens:
And as I said above, kids and teenagers love to have adventurous experiences and what’s better than to record them for memories?
The 360-degree lens is great for shooting action videos and it’s more likely to attract kids and teenagers rather than the regular cameras, as wide angle cameras give a better view of the whole situation (the cycling immersive experience for instance).
Panorama Mode:
Along with that, the camera can also capture some superb 270-degree panoramas that users can either post on their social media and boast about their photography skills, or include in their videos or vlogs, if they run a YouTube channel.
TimeWarp Feature:
The TimeWarp feature in this camera allows for automatic adjustments to speed and lighting which is great for total beginners who wanna produce unique and creative results.
You can also dial down the speed of some parts of the video, like a part time-lapse, giving the viewers an immersive real life experience in some sections and moving back to the faster speed (Time Lapse mode).
Battery:
I agree that the camera comes packed with innovative features and surely kids will be thrilled to get this as their birthday present, but I think it’s important to mention that this one comes at a price tag a bit higher than the Hero series, and yes, has a short battery life problem.
You can make use with extra batteries in handy, and about the price; if your pocket allows for spending $500 or a bit more, I would definitely recommend getting this one for your kids!
Technical Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- Good audio quality
- Amazing stabilization
- Impressive 360 degrees’ footage
- Waterproof
- Rugged body
- Editing app compatibility is a bonus
- Panoramas
Reason To Avoid?
- Pricey
- Low battery life
What Are the Alternatives?
While there is no doubt that GoPro is one of the top manufacturers for action cameras and cameras most suitable for kids, it is better to have some alternatives in your list so in case you don’t find your desired GoPro, you can go for the next best option, quite similar to your desired GoPro model.
1. DJI Osmo Action
Overview:
The DJI Osmo Action camera is the most ideal camera one can get for their children (and teenagers)!
The camera has dual screens that would make the shooting easier for the kids as they can frame their shots more precisely using those screens. The front screen is bright and vivid, and it has a display at the back which responds quick to inputs. You can capture breathtaking shots in all light settings, dark or light!
This wondrously works pretty good even in the dark, lowly lit areas and produces amazing results.
The product also offers a waterproof body that is tolerable till 30 feet underwater (without the sleeve), which would allow your kids to even capture their underwater adventures and enhance their creative minds by using the camera for more dynamic shots.
Electronic Image Stabilization:
The EIS (Electronic Image stabilization) gives the kids a smooth canvas to work on, as it minimizes the inevitable shake to its maximum capability and produces crystal clear images and videos.
This reduces the need for a gimbal, as you can achieve sharp results even with a lot of spontaneous movement.
Video Resolution:
The video resolution is as good as the GoPro cameras. The DJI Osmo Action can shoot in 4K and in 1080p resolution at 60 fps which is great for kids and it can also shoot slow-mo videos at 240 fps!
Geographical Location:
And let me tell you a really cool thing about this camera; it comes with DJI GEO which lets you access the map for nearby areas and you can map out your adventure accordingly. Isn’t that cool now?
HyperLapse:
Along with that, it has HDR image processing and an amazing time lapse feature called HyperLapse, that lets you record smooth time lapse videos without actually moving the camera.
Furthermore, there is the MotionLapse feature that lets the camera shoot a frame every two seconds whenever you are in motion.
DJI Go App:
The camera is also compatible with the DJI Go App and the DJI assistant, which kids won’t likely use but it could be a very handy tool.
It also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity along with a remote control to adjust the camera settings and shoot pictures and videos without having to actually hold the camera, hence your kids can shoot themselves at a distance even if they don’t have a companion!
The remote control also proves to be very attractive to kids as they feel the sense of control even when there’s a certain distance between them and their devices.
Tech Specification
Reason To Buy?
- Waterproof body
- Impressive video stabilization
- No recording time cap
- Range of frame rates
- Remote control and app compatibility
Reason To Avoid?
- Image quality is not as good as GoPro
2. AKASO Brave 4
Overview:
This is one of the more affordable cameras in the market. It is really made for adventurous enthusiasts who love to record their memorable moments but are on a tight budget for this kind of spending.
Video Resolution:
The video resolution is capped at 4K at the highest frame rate of 24 fps. Yes, it is lower than the others but it still provides reliable and impressive footage, perfectly suitable for casual use by kids.
The built-in gyroscope reduces the shake in your videos, and hence it mostly produces clear and vibrant results.
Waterproof:
The body of the camera is water resistant, and the proofing is better than any GoPro camera, which is quite a comfort, given that kids can easily spill water over the device or accidentally drop the device in water.
It also means, it can go underwater and shoot aesthetic images and videos! The underwater limit is 30 meters deep, which is more than enough.
Accessory Kit:
The cool part is that the camera comes with an accessory kit that includes 19 accessories that kids can use in their photography endeavors.
It also comes with 2 extra batteries, so running out of battery is not a hassle with this camera, and no additional spending on those extra batteries, yay!
Battery:
The battery seems to run out faster when shooting in cold water, otherwise it is fairly appropriate.
Mobile App:
The camera can also be used in conjunction with its own app; you can edit and share your videos through that and apart from a few reports, the app seems to be working fine.
At least I didn’t face any issue, however you should know that there were a few reports of poor functionality of the app.
Audio:
The audio also is relatively good and appropriate for casual use.
Tech Specification:
Reason To Buy?
- Good video resolution
- Good image quality
- The built-in gyroscope
- Easily affordable
- Extra batteries and accessories kit
Reason To Avoid?
- Short battery life under cold water
- Possibility of poor app functionality
Comparison of the Cameras:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Should I get my kid a GoPro?
Yes! Definitely, a GoPro camera can be the best present a kid can receive. The durable, rugged body and the mountability of GoPro cameras are just a few of the many features that make them perfect for kids.
These cameras are usually quite compact and easily portable so kids can take theirs around to show to their friends, or to a picnic or a field trip!
2. What is the best GoPro for a teenager?
The GoPro MAX 360 is the best choice for teenagers because they are more likely to go on adventures and sporting trips and they are more likely to start a vlog channel to upload and share their new experiences with the world.
GoPro Max 360’s wide angle lens (360 degrees) provides the best frames for such shots!
3. Which GoPro provides the best value for money?
GoPro Hero 8 Black is the best budget camera GoPro is currently offering. Retailing at $299, GoPro Hero 8 Black is providing a 4K video resolution at a whopping 60 fps frame rate and as you can see above in the comparison table, it is the second lightest camera.
It also offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity along with a very nice 12 MP image sensor! This camera comes fully loaded with features within a very small price tag and offers the best value for your money!
4. Is GoPro easy to use?
GoPro cameras are super easy to use. Their compact design allows for a very small number of buttons and navigators; hence everything is controlled by touchscreen display. The interface is very easy and user-friendly, making them suitable for kids of all ages!
