There’s no better way to capture lasting memories than with a photograph. Today it’s easier than ever to take photos of our favorite moments, but sometimes current technology is overly complicated and there are too many choices when it comes to how to take and store photos digitally. To help make things simpler, we’ve rounded up a list of easy to use cameras for seniors so your loved one can take an active part in capturing memories they want to relive over and over again.
These cameras make the process of taking and printing photos as straightforward as possible. Your loved one will enjoy taking their new camera with them on a trip or to a family gathering, and being able to print and share their favorite photos.
The best cameras for seniors
Kodak PIXPRO Digital Camera
This slim digital camera from Kodak can be easily slipped into a pocket or bag for taking photos on the go. The camera is equipped with standard features that enhance each photo, including a 4x optical zoom and 27mm wide angle lens so your loved one can get the perfect closeup or capture a beautiful, sweeping landscape. The back of the camera is equipped with a 2.7 inch super bright LED screen so they can quickly check whether their photo turned out how they want.
We really love how slim and portable this camera is. Unlike most newer digital cameras, this one relies on AA batteries, so they don’t need to worry about a dead battery or remembering to charge the camera. This camera also boasts settings that improve photo quality but doesn’t go so overboard as to overwhelm the user with too many buttons and switches.
Pros
- Easy to use point and shoot camera is perfect for beginners
- Slim and portable, so they can take this camera with them everywhere
- Has all the features they need to get good quality photos without getting overwhelmed with too many settings
Cons
- The camera can go through batteries quickly
- While the settings aren’t overwhelming, it will take some time to get acquainted with the camera and which settings to use for each situation
Key Features
- Uses both optical and digital zoom for ultimate detail and clarity
- 16 megapixels improve photo quality
- One-touch settings to switch to video mode, remove red eye, and more
- Comes with a wrist strap for easy carrying
Specifications
- Brand: Kodak
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Dimensions: 1.1 x 3.7 x 2.4 inches
- Requires two AA batteries (included)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera
The Canon PowerShot ELPH is a well-known name in the digital camera world for a reason. These little cameras shoot high quality images thanks to a 20 megapixel sensor and powerful image processor. These features, along with an 8x optical zoom with image stabilization, make it a breeze for your loved one to capture detailed, rich images full of color and texture.
This camera is perfect for seniors because it’s so intuitive and easy to use. They can switch to video mode with a dedicated button to quickly shoot video and capture special moments. The camera is also equipped with automatic settings to make zooming and shooting photos and video in any shooting situation incredibly easy. No more wasted time trying to find the right camera setting – with the Canon ELPH they can point and click and trust that the camera will do the rest!
Pros
- Eco mode helps preserve power to prevent dead batteries
- A Help button on the camera makes it easy to learn and discover new settings without having to dig up the manual
- Automatic features make it foolproof to capture beautiful images
- Includes several fun settings such as fisheye lens, monochrome, and fireworks
Cons
- Battery needs to be removed from the camera for charging, doesn’t charge with a standard USB cord
- There’s no way to force the flash, it’s either on auto mode or turned off, which can be difficult for some low light situations
Key Features
- 8x optical zoom with image stabilization can also be used in an automatic mode
- 720P HD video capabilities for shooting high quality video
- 20 megapixel camera delivers crisp, clear images
- Digital image stabilization reduces blur and camera shake
Specifications
- Brand: Canon
- Weight: 4.5 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.8 x 0.9 x 2.1 inches
- 1 lithium polymer battery required (included)
Samsung TL205 12 Megapixel Digital Camera
We love that this Samsung model features two LCD screens, one on the back for easy photo shooting and one on the front if your loved one wants to get in the photo themselves. Perfect for travel or taking group shots! Like other point and shoot models, this camera is light and compact, making it the perfect companion for taking on the go. Digital image stabilization technology gives confidence in low light situations and minimizes the need to constantly make sure the flash is on.
Another great element is the smart auto feature which automatically selects from a range of modes to best suit the subject and shooting conditions. These auto features make it stress free for your loved one to use this camera, and they don’t have to try to toggle between several settings to get the photo to turn out just right.
Pros
- Smart auto feature helps choose the perfect camera setting for the shooting condition
- Front screen is a fun way to take selfies and encourage your loved one to get in the shot themselves
- Easy to access and intuitive camera menu make it easy to change settings
Cons
- 3x digital zoom isn’t as powerful as some other models
- We recommend always keeping the camera safely stored in a case to protect the two screens
Key Features
- Dual LCD screens – a 1.5 inch screen on the front and a 2.7 inch screen on the back
- 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom for great closeups
- 12.2 megapixels for high quality and more detail
- Video capabilities
Specifications
- Brand: Samsung
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.5 x 2 inches
Our Best Cameras For Seniors Guide
When it comes to purchasing a camera, there’s no shortage of bells and whistles available to help anyone feel like a professional photographer. Camera companies like to tout the megapixel size and zoom capabilities of their cameras, but what do you really need to capture nice photos? Our buying guide will make it easy to decide which camera to buy for your loved one based on their interests and needs. When shopping for a new camera, we recommend paying close attention to whether the camera has automatic settings, included accessories, and also the general size and weight of the camera. If your loved one is a budding photographer and is constantly taking photos, you may want a model with more pizazz. For those looking for something simpler and easy to use right out of the box, it’s important to look for intuitive, automatic features. Here are all of the things we recommend considering when buying a camera:
Usage
How often does your loved one take photos? Are they familiar with photography and cameras and looking for something advanced, or are they a beginner looking for a simple point and shoot model? Thinking about the use case will help you determine if you need a more advanced, professional camera or if you should opt for a simple to use model. Another consideration is whether your loved one will prefer a digital camera or a classic Polaroid-style camera that allows them to instantly develop photos. Digital cameras come with more advanced settings for higher resolution images, but instant cameras come with the satisfaction of being able to immediately print and enjoy photos.
Size
If portability and a lightweight body are important, we recommend choosing a compact camera that can be easily tucked into a pocket or bag. There are many lightweight yet powerful models available and these cameras are great for travel or snapping photos on the go.
Specs
Often when browsing cameras the first things you’ll notice are the number of megapixels or the level of zoom available for each model. The higher the number of megapixels, the better the image resolution. Digital and optical zoom are also elements to consider. Optical zoom refers to using the camera’s lens to zoom in on the subject of the photo, whereas digital zoom uses software to crop the subject to achieve a similar effect. Typically a higher optical zoom creates better results. Both of these specifications are important to consider for image quality, but also keep in mind that the more advanced the zoom and megapixels, the more expensive and often bulkier the camera will be.
Available Settings
Your loved one’s photography skills will likely dictate how many settings the camera should have. Many professional models offer robust settings to fine tune each photo, while more basic models offer automatic settings that allow the user to just point and snap without having to fiddle with buttons. Some cameras also offer more fun settings to change the color or size of a photo, mimic different lighting or effects, or other ways to manipulate the image.
Accessories
To protect their new camera, it’s important to have a proper case and cleaning equipment. Many cameras come with an accessories bundle that will include cases, straps, cleaning cloths, and other accessories. Some models also include SD cards for storage, extra sets of batteries, or cables for charging or syncing the camera with a computer. Most of these items can be purchased individually, but it’s often worth it to look for a bundle that includes accessories so your loved one has everything they need right out of the box.
