My kids have enjoyed our digital cameras, but I always cringe when my 8-year-old walks away to take a few pictures with my $800 digital camera. However, it's a good creative activity with low consumables costs.

Any recommendations for a simple camera for the kids? I have tried to find a Coolpix 100, since it sounds indestructable. Any possible sources? Other suggestions? I really don't want to spend over $200.

-- Scott Christie (scott.christie@shawpittman.com), November 04, 1999

Answers

I know Mattel makes a digital camera/Barbie combination. The price range is probably what you are looking for but I would think the image quality is poor.

PC Magazine has a review in it's latest issue of several better, less- expensive digital cameras.

Good luck.

-- Jody Kind (josy@3rdm.net), November 05, 1999.

Check out the JamCam. It's a 320x240 or 640x480 digicam that would be just right. Or look at the Agfa Smile camera. Both have limited features, built in memory and serial connections so you can download the pics. They should be available for about $100-120.

-- Tony Reynolds (treynolds@gte.net), November 06, 1999.