Bigshot Digital Camera Kit for Kids

BigShotCamera.org has made a new prototype digital camera for kids - it's available in multiple colours, and is designed to be built and used by kids. The Bigshot camera has an LED flash, wind up power charging, and a rotating lens that allows normal, panoramic and 3D photos! (shown below) Although designed for kids, I'm sure it would appeal to adults, if it were available.

"A camera designed for kids can be much more than just a toy: it can serve as a powerful educational medium. We believe that such an educational camera must have a radically different design from that of a typical consumer camera. (a) It should be designed as a kit for assembly by students. The assembly process should not only demystify the workings of the camera, but also expose students to various science and engineering concepts. (b) It should include features that cannot be found in other cameras, allowing students to explore new creative dimensions. (c) It should be low-cost, with the potential to serve as the basis for a scalable social venture. Bigshot has been designed with these goals in mind."

More links: Engadget, Make, Wired, TheRecord, Gizmodo

Lego Digital Camera Announced

Gizmodo have posted details of the new Lego camera (pictured), which would make a great kids digital camera, unfortunately you don't get to make it yourself, but it does look pretty neat. Specs and features are so far unknown. More details at Kids Tech Review

Buying a Digital Camera for Children?

Photodoto have written an excellent guide on introducing your children to photography. They suggest starting off with an older 2 megapixel camera and seeing how it goes from there, if they like it, then move on to a better camera, such as the Kodak Easyshare C613 or C713 (£49 at Amazon).

"Don’t rush out and buy a new camera for your child’s first attempt. You’ve probably got an old camera somewhere, it doesn’t matter if it’s a film camera or an early digital camera with 2 MP, as long as it works it’ll do. If your child shows interest for more than a week or so then the chances are a new camera just for him will be used and appreciated."

My only concern with this is the the extending lens could be easily damaged, and while the Olympus 1030SW would survive rough treatment, it's price is a little too much for small kids. Are there any new cameras available that don't have an extending lens, but are still budget friendly?