What's the best digital camera for twelve-year-old? I don't want to spend more than $300.

I would actually consider starting them on a slightly cheaper camera, around the $100.00~$150.00 range to see if they really do run with it and take off before making the investment on an extremely high-quality one. The difference between the pictures will be nominal anyways, to say the least.

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Reply · Send thanks · posted 96 days ago · 2 people agree

Samsung EC-ST700 Digital Camera with 16 MP, 5x Optical Zoom and Touchscreen (Black)

The Samsung ST700 DualView 16.1-Megapixel Digital Camera features LCD viewfinders on both the front and rear of the camera, allowing you to take perfectly framed self-portraits. The camera's Smart Auto feature automatically adjusts composition set... read more...

These are great for teens. These days they love to take pictures of themselves and their friends. The DualView cameras has a front screen - so it makes a perfect camera for the self shooter :)

Reply · Send thanks · posted 47 days ago

Nikon Coolpix P7000 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 7.1x Wide Zoom-Nikkor ED Lens and 3-Inch LCD

Nikon Coolpix P7000 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 7.1x Wide Zoom-Nikkor ED Lens and 3-Inch LCD (26233) read more...

Coolpix makes a high res sturdy camera that is a nice starter for that age range. There are manual control options and fun settings to play with, and images are easy to share and manage.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 89 days ago

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full 1080p HD Video (Black)

The Canon 5096B001 PowerShot ELPH 300 HS Black 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Zoom and 2.7 In. LCD Display has a slim profile that will not only make you stand out from the crowd, but it will also deliver incredibly brilliant still images and amazing... read more...

This one would be a really good choice because of the combination of photo quality and simplicity. It's also ultra compact, too small for some but perfect for 12 year old hands. Accessing the different shooting menu modes won't be a hassle and picture quality indoors and out won't be an issue. It's a well performing camera in all lighting situations. It's also very stylish which can be very important to any age group, let alone pre-teen.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 96 days ago

Apple iPod touch 8 GB (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL

See friends while you talk to them with FaceTime. Shoot, edit, and share stunning HD video. Play games against friends, or unknown foes, with the new Game Center. And do it all on the Retina display--the highest-resolution screen on any mobile dev... read more...

Reply · Send thanks · posted 96 days ago

Cameras are very affordable now, good ones start way lower, but as an alternative consider an iPod 4th gen. with camera, many many option for editing and sharing.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 96 days ago

Nikon COOLPIX P300 12.2 CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x f/1.8 NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD...

Convenient auto modes combined with full manual control combine to give you the Nikon P300, a versatile camera that gives you the ability to take the shots you want, rather than having to settle for the shots you get. Smart Portrait modes helps ca... read more...

I'm thinking something like this would be perfect. It has automatic scene selection in which the camera finds the best settings for the environment you are shooting in. This is an excellent feature for the beginner, young photographer. Then, as he/she gets more comfortable, they can switch to manual controls, where one has full control of shutter, aperture, and exposure, for a more custom shooting experience.
It has some fun features that a 12 year old might appreciate, like painting, fisheye, miniature, and cross screen effects, as well as high contrast monochrome. It can also record video in full HD.