Do I need a Digital Camera for a Preteen?

The advent of the tablet computer and the smartphone has allowed many of us to ditch gadgets that we used to depend on for communications, recording important moments, and managing our lives. I remember my Dad lugging a huge video camera to my high school graduation so that he could record my speech. Today, we carry video and digital cameras with our smartphones, and many of our preteens and teens do the same. A digital camera for a preteen may be more of a luxury than a necessity, and it may even be an inconvenience. However, you may find that a tween's interest in photography on a smartphone leads to a desire for better quality in the photos taken.

Check out the colors and pricing, watching for great deals during the holiday season and as tech updates occur.

If you are looking for an entry-level digital camera for a tween, I really like Nikon CoolPix because it is easy to manage and older versions tend to be very affordable. My daughter was a tween when she got her 10 MP version, and two years later, I picked my 12 MP version up at the same price that hers cost previously. The model pictured above is listed in the $140 range, but can be found on sale at $90 or less. Available in tween-friendly colors, the device is a great option, many megapixels stronger than my version from a year ago.

If you select a digital camera for your middle schooler, be sure to find a manageable case and to consider a protection plan as this can be a time of tech casualties as tweens go through many physical and emotional changes.

Cheap Tween Tablets in 2014

I love the impact a few years of use can have on a technology medium, especially when I'm shopping for my tweens. The iPad definitely struck a cord at the time of its release, but as smartphone action has taught us, wait a couple of years, and pricing will equalize. You may still have to pay a pretty penny for the latest option, but you can get an acceptable older version at a fraction of its original price. This year's best cheap tween tablets in 2014 are not merely inferior versions of the primo tablets, they are high-quality variations or earlier versions of popular brands' offerings.

iPad Mini

With the iPad mini now priced in the $250 range, it is a manageable alternative to the traditional cheap laptop and much more desired than the netbook of many years ago. If you have the funding, this is an excellent option for the tween who loves a variety of content, who has a significant collection of iTunes content, and who has a creative spirit. Put that tween to work making videos, photo collages, and music samples with iMovie, various photo apps, and Garage Band. Movies, books, and music abound. Free game apps are fantastic money savers over the life of a system, making this a great alternative to a handheld gaming system with just one or two games.


Kindle Fire HD 6

I picked one of these up right away. I've been wanting a cheap but quality tablet for the kids to use for reinforcing educational concepts. They have taken to the device easily, and it is very easy to navigate and understand. The unit feels sturdy, but I do recommend a protection plan for kid-related tech tools so that you don't end up having an unfortunate loss of function due to a drop or spill. Also, protective gear is wise.

I like the ease of browsing the Amazon app store online and being able to load content to the Kindle Fire. The size of the unit is not harsh on the eyes like an iPod or smartphone. The kids love being able to take turns, and I love the ability to integrate content through Kindle Free Time. If you want to invest in a bigger tablet, the larger Fire tablets for tweens are great choices.  Check out the full line of Kindle tablets here, and remember to keep your eyes out during Black Friday activities and through the holiday season as special deals seem to come throughout the season.