Help me shop for a digital camera?

[Slache]

I need more than one digital camera for the kids. I'm looking for waterproof and shockproof, but inexpensive and easy to print. If I have to buy a printer for it it needs to be cheap.

My problem is that there are 9,000 options and I'm sure y'all know more about this than me. I've been using my phone for 10 years. 

Thank you. 

[Vasha]

I just wanted to comment that I quit using my Canon DSLR in favor of the ease and quality of using my iPhone.  Good luck on your endeavor!

[SHP]

Do you have a camera store nearish you? I would look at used Canon PowerShot ELPH cameras. You can get older ones in really good condition for really cheap and then look at printers. I have one that has been to 3 continents, backing through Philmont,  and is currently kept in a vehicle and used when they find something interesting.

If your budget allows and you want something new I would get a Fujifilm Hybrid Digital/Instant Film Camera.

 

[Boymama5]

What is the purpose? Is the goal to learn to shoot in manual?  Or simply better quality pictures than a phone?

[stephanier.1765]

12 hours ago, SHP said:

Do you have a camera store nearish you? I would look at used Canon PowerShot ELPH cameras. You can get older ones in really good condition for really cheap and then look at printers. I have one that has been to 3 continents, backing through Philmont,  and is currently kept in a vehicle and used when they find something interesting.

If your budget allows and you want something new I would get a Fujifilm Hybrid Digital/Instant Film Camera.

 

People sell old cameras at garage sales all the time, especially Cannon PowerShots. I've seen them for as little as a $1. If you have the time, this might be the way to go. Get your kids engaged in the treasure hunt. It might be a fun family activity.

[SHP]

1 hour ago, stephanier.1765 said:

People sell old cameras at garage sales all the time, especially Cannon PowerShots. I've seen them for as little as a $1. If you have the time, this might be the way to go. Get your kids engaged in the treasure hunt. It might be a fun family activity.

That is an option though I would prefer to get one from a camera store or camera repair place that will test the camera and make sure it is working.

Though for $1, I would probably take my chance especially if they said it took funny pictures because many Canon Elph cameras have been converted to IR.

I doubt I would be lucky enough to find a converted one but for $1 I would chance it

Edited May 22 by SHP

[Slache]

13 hours ago, Boymama5 said:

What is the purpose? Is the goal to learn to shoot in manual?  Or simply better quality pictures than a phone?

So the kids can have their own cameras. Travel, nature study, annoying each other out of my presence, things like that. They share an old one, but it's been the cause of drama in situations in which I think they deserve their own. I was going to give one each birthday for a year.

[Boymama5]

23 hours ago, Slache said:

So the kids can have their own cameras. Travel, nature study, annoying each other out of my presence, things like that. They share an old one, but it's been the cause of drama in situations in which I think they deserve their own. I was going to give one each birthday for a year.

So depending on your price range I’d recommend a low level entry to a nice camera like a Canon rebel. It allows you to change settings and interchange lens. You can be as simple as you’d like or learn more. 
another choice is canon power shoot. More of a throw in your backpack and it’ll do its thing. 
 

we don’t have any camera shops around us anymore and I typically look at b and h photo online. They have  huge store in NY. They sell new, refurbished or used.  I’ve been happy with my purchases there.