Top 3 cameras for taking photographs at the start of the school year

The start of the school year is a special time of year. Brand new school bags, shoes tied tightly, smiles that are a little shy or very proud... These moments deserve to be captured in a way that goes beyond a simple phone snapshot.

A dedicated camera allows you to pause for a moment. There are no notifications or calls to disrupt the moment. Just the gaze, the framing, and the memory that is created in the image. For parents and children alike, it's a simple gesture, but one that makes all the difference.

And for those who are still hesitating, there are affordable, easy-to-use models designed specifically for family use. Compact, waterproof or with a powerful zoom... Kodak offers an ideal range to accompany the start of the new school year, each in its own way.

Why choose a dedicated camera for the start of the new school year?

Choosing a dedicated camera means opting for a simpler, more attentive approach that is better suited to curious little hands. At the start of the new school year, when every detail counts, this tool becomes a real companion for documenting their daily lives without distractions.

Smartphones are not always suitable

We often instinctively reach for our phones to take photos. However, this is not always the best option. Notifications, calls and full memory are all distractions that can spoil the moment.

Smartphones can also be difficult for children to use. The interface is complex and not very intuitive. You risk blurring the image or simply missing the right moment.

With a camera, the experience is different. You frame the shot, press the shutter, and that's it. No distractions, no unnecessary settings. You focus on what matters: the memory.

A simple gesture that refocuses you on the moment

Using a dedicated camera also means slowing down a little.

You take the time to observe, choose the angle, anticipate an expression. This makes the image more vivid and sincere.

For children, it's a way to discover photography in a different way. They can learn to frame, observe and shoot for themselves. With the right automatic settings, the camera does the rest. This makes them proud and creates shared moments.

Back to school: precious moments to capture

On the first day of school, every detail counts. The clean school bag, the well-fitting shoes, the homemade sign, the look towards the playground. These are memories that last.

But back to school isn't just one day. There are the drawings on the fridge, the first school trip, the homework done with care. Having a dedicated camera allows you to capture all of this without thinking too much about it. You shoot when it's worth it, without worrying about technical issues.

These images tell the story of the year. They're not perfect, but they're real.

For everyday memories: Kodak Pixpro FZ45, compact, simple and ultra-practical

Because the best memories can't be planned, it's essential to have a simple, lightweight camera that's always ready to capture the moment. The Kodak Pixpro FZ45 is the ideal solution for documenting everyday life spontaneously and without complexity.

Lightweight, simple, designed to get to the heart of the matter

The Kodak Pixpro FZ45, priced at £91.72, is a compact camera that fits easily into a bag or pocket. Weighing only 117 grams, it is one of the lightest in its class. It runs on two AA batteries, which are easy to find and quick to replace, making it very practical for everyday use.

Its interface is intuitive. Even a child can use it without difficulty. Just turn it on, frame the shot and shoot. There are no settings to adjust. It's the perfect camera for busy parents or curious children.

A good zoom and the right settings to keep up

The FZ45 has a 4x optical zoom, which is enough to frame a detail or follow a movement without getting too close. It also offers a ‘kids’ mode and face detection, which make it easier to focus on moving subjects.

The image quality is very good for everyday use. With 16 megapixels and Full HD video, it captures everyday moments with clarity. The camera recognises smiles and avoids closed eyes thanks to its smart features.

This is a real bonus for capturing a scene on the fly without having to take several shots.

School pick-up, afternoon snacks at home or playing in the garden

This little camera is perfect for capturing simple but important moments. Think of a photo taken at school pick-up, an afternoon snack shared on the sofa or a moment of play in the garden.

The FZ45 keeps up with the pace of the day. It's there, ready to capture what's happening, without getting in the way or weighing you down. It's a great ally for documenting those little scenes that are too easily forgotten, but which make everyday life so rich.

For school holidays or sports activities: Kodak Pixpro WPZ2, the robust and waterproof ally

When the holidays begin or the kids get stuck into their sports activities, you need a camera that can keep up without breaking a sweat. That's exactly what the Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 offers. A model designed to withstand anything, while remaining easy to use.

Robust, waterproof and ready for anything

The Kodak Pixpro WPZ2, priced at £150.10, is built to last. It is shock-resistant, dust-resistant and, above all, waterproof. Waterproof to 15 metres, it can be submerged in a swimming pool or follow a child during their most energetic games. It can withstand splashes, minor drops and outdoor conditions without breaking a sweat.

This is a camera you won't be afraid to hand to a child. It's perfect for holidays, leisure activities and sports without fear of breakage. It's sturdy, easy to use and perfectly suited for outdoor use.

Practical features for shooting on the move

The WPZ2 has a 4x optical zoom, enough to frame a detail or capture a scene from a distance. It also allows you to record Full HD videos, so you can keep your memories moving.

Thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi connection, the camera can be connected to a smartphone via the PixPro Remote Viewer app. This allows you to take photos remotely from your phone or transfer your images easily. Handy for parents who want to supervise the shooting without getting directly involved.

At the beach, in the forest or during outdoor activities

The Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 is the ideal companion for all outdoor activities. It can follow a walk in the forest, capture a dive in the pool or keep track of a sandcastle at the beach. Even during a painting workshop or craft activity, it remains comfortable to use, with no risk of damage.

It's a camera you can take anywhere without hesitation. It lets you capture moments of freedom, spontaneous games and action-packed moments.

For big family events: Kodak Pixpro AZ425, the powerful and versatile bridge camera

Big events at the start of the school year or throughout the year deserve a camera that's up to the task. Between shows, family celebrations and moments shared with others, it's essential to be able to capture the emotion without getting too close or disturbing anyone. That's where the Kodak Pixpro AZ425 comes into its own.

A powerful zoom for capturing images without getting too close

The Kodak Pixpro AZ425 is a bridge camera designed to cover large scenes without having to move. Its 42x optical zoom lets you frame a face on the other side of the room while maintaining beautiful image quality. With 20 megapixels and optical stabilisation, it delivers sharp shots, even when shooting handheld.

It's the perfect camera for parents who want to capture a moment without getting in the way, staying discreet while still getting the shot. Its price of £208.47 is also a bonus. It gives you a high-quality camera with a very good zoom without breaking the bank.

Modes designed for emotion and spontaneity

The AZ425 includes several useful features for capturing lively moments. Child mode and party mode are designed to adapt to fast-moving, often unpredictable scenes. Smile detection triggers at just the right moment, without any intervention. Blink detection prevents closed eyes in portraits.

These options make shooting easier, especially when you can't repeat the scene. They allow for more natural shots without sacrificing quality.

For shows, parties and group photos

At a back-to-school show, the Kodak Pixpro AZ425 lets you zoom in on your child without moving from your seat. It's also very useful for taking group photos without having to stand right next to the stage. Its range and precision make all the difference.

This camera is ideal for special occasions such as school parties, performances and family gatherings. It captures the essentials without stress and with faithful results. This means you can keep clear, well-framed memories that reflect the emotion of the moment.

Simple tips for taking better photos of children at the start of the school year

Photographing children at the start of the school year may seem simple, but a few tips are all it takes to transform an ordinary image into a real, lively memory.

Choose natural light

Light plays an essential role in the success of a photo. In the morning or late afternoon, the light is softer. Shadows are less pronounced, colours are warmer and faces are better defined. This is often when photos look most natural.

For a portrait of a child, it is best to place them in soft shade or with their back to the sun. This avoids squinting eyes and harsh contrasts, and gives a more even result. Even a simple light-coloured wall or a tree can be enough to diffuse the light.

If you would like to learn more about this, check out our article: How to manage natural light in photography. It will give you some simple tips to help you take great photos at any time of day.

Involve the child, create a special moment

Sometimes, all it takes to get natural-looking photos is a few small gestures. Getting down to the child's level allows you to catch their eye and create a more direct connection with the camera. The image immediately becomes more lively and more real.

You can also encourage them to participate. With simple cameras such as the FZ45 or WPZ2, children can frame the shot themselves or press the shutter button. They become part of the scene, which enhances the authenticity of the photo.

Finally, establishing a little ritual at the start of each school year can create lasting memories. A photo in front of the house, with the same cuddly toy or school bag, creates a simple yet precious family tradition.

This ritual provides a reference point and allows you to follow your child's development over time.

The right tools to capture what matters at the start of every school year

Photographing your children at the start of the school year is not just about keeping a record of an important day. It's telling a story, following a journey, building a memory made up of little moments of sincerity. A smile, a school bag, a glance towards the school playground... these are all images we love to look back on.

With the right equipment, this becomes easier and more natural. The Kodak Pixpro FZ45 for everyday scenes. The Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 for outdoor adventures, or the Kodak Pixpro AZ425 for special occasions: there's something for everyone, whatever the moment.

Choosing a camera also means choosing a different pace. You shoot when you feel like it, frame what moves you and keep the images that mean something to you. And that's often what it takes to make memories last.