This is a nice and easy to use camera for 8-12 year olds. an experience that is quite inexpensive. Then it's okay if it breaks or gets lost or the kid loses interest in it.
Nikon COOLPIX L810 Digital Camera: 16.1MP, 26x Zoom, NIKKOR ED Glass Lens, 3-inch LCD (Blue)
95 Review
Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera Body (Kit Box) - No Lens Included, International Version with No Warranty
298 Review
Discontinued Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR π· Camera Body Only with 18 MP CMOS Sensor
88 Review
Canon EOS 60D: 18MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Body - Your Next Photography Companion
125 Review