“This program
helps
strengthen
the community through the sharing of experiences. By showcasing unique voices, and simultaneously sharing oneness, we can move towards healing during this challenging time."
— Alana, Assistant Principal, New York, NY
why we make cameras
We didn’t set out to become a camera manufacturer - our mission has always focused on providing accessible, impactful programming.
At 100cameras, we understand how difficult it can be to find affordable cameras that meet the demands of high-quality educational experiences. Over the years, we’ve encountered the challenge of expensive cameras and the volatility of the market—especially as camera companies face growing competition from smartphones and often are not reliably producing point-and-shoot models with essential features like auto-focus, which in our humble opinion, is a dealbreaker for working with adolescents and cameras in an educational construct.
Furthermore, through listening to you, the educators, we realized that smartphone cameras don’t always align with school policies or educational goals. This insight led to a key milestone: the development of exclusive 100cameras models. These cameras offer essential features often missing from low-cost options, such as reliable auto-focus and flash capabilities for indoor use (we know how misleading the term “flash” can be when used loosely in the market).
We’ve worked hard to bridge the gap in the industry, where high costs and exclusivity often limit access to quality cameras. With over 15 years of industry experience, we’re proud to offer affordable, customized cameras that support our curriculum and provide the features educators need, all without the high price tag. By working directly with manufacturers, we’ve tailored these cameras to enhance our programming, helping students improve their emotional intelligence, wellbeing, resilience, and community-building skills by processing their experiences and connecting with others—all through the creative fun of photography.
camera OPTIONS
Why We Choose Point-and-Shoot Cameras
The 100cameras curriculum arc prioritizes student confidence early on in the course, which is why we’ve chosen point-and-shoot cameras for our program. The simplicity of these cameras allows students to feel comfortable with the tool, eliminating the intimidation of complex features. This helps them focus on creativity, storytelling, and emotional expression, setting the foundation for a positive learning experience and preparing them to embrace the components of the curriculum.
We also prioritize student safety. As students document the stories that matter to them, it is essential that they feel comfortable and not stand out in a way that could make them feel vulnerable. Our point-and-shoot cameras are compact and discreet, easily fitting into students’ pockets without drawing attention. This helps ensure they are not viewed as targets while storytelling, fostering a safer and more comfortable environment for their work.
1. THE PRACTICE CAMERA
An affordable, custom camera that works alongside our comprehensive curriculum.
*Many low-cost cameras on the retail market advertise having a “flash” but lack proper indoor flash functionality.
The Practice Camera is designed for classrooms focused on teaching photography and emotional intelligence-building activities, with the goal of education and self-expression. Built for hands-on learning and accessibility, it provides students with a tool to process their experiences and share their stories through photography.
Think of it as a practice microscope in a biology class—ideal for building confidence and learning the basics, but not intended for professional use.
In line with our curriculum’s focus on student exploration within their community, the Practice Camera includes essential features like auto-focus, which is often missing in low-cost retail models, ensuring sharp, clear photos.
To keep costs accessible, this model does not include indoor flash capability* and is designed for outdoor use only. It is not suitable for low-light indoor conditions or higher-resolution prints.
Perfect for building students' confidence in photography, the Practice Camera is an affordable tool tailored for the curriculum’s photography activities, which encourages students to connect with their environment and community through visual storytelling.
DETAILS:
Includes an SD card.
Best for outdoor use, aligning with curriculum activities.
A 6-week lead time may apply based on inventory availability.
Price: $90 per camera when paired with a 100cameras Student Curriculum License.
2. THE EVERYTHING CAMERA
A custom camera that works alongside our comprehensive curriculum which includes indoor capabilities.
The Everything Camera is an ideal add-on for educators seeking a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor photography. With flash capabilities for indoor use, this camera delivers high-quality images suitable for everything from indoor classroom projects to ensuring the option to produce oversized, higher-res quality prints. It offers the perfect balance of functionality and affordability, meeting the diverse needs of our curriculum by enabling indoor activities and ensuring the option for exhibit-quality images, should that be a priority for your school or organization.
DETAILS:
Includes an SD card.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, aligning with curriculum activities.
A 6-week lead time may apply based on inventory availability. Limited inventory may require a minimum quantity order.
Price: TBD based on current market conditions, including industry inflation and active tariff rates at the time of inquiry for placing a bulk order.
*Bulk discounts are available for larger student groups or school districts, thanks to our ability to reduce costs through bulk orders with our manufacturer.
3. SOURCING retail CAMERAS
Our goal is to ensure you get the right camera, when you need it, to support a successful educational experience.
As part of your baseline Curriculum License package, sourcing support is included at no additional cost. Our team will guide you through the process to help you find the best equipment to meet your classroom’s needs.
If the above available camera options do not align with your needs or timeline, we will assist in sourcing retail models that meet the curriculum specifications. Whenever possible, we’ll leverage our retail relationships to confirm availability and secure the lowest price possible.
While we can’t guarantee the availability or reasonable price point of point-and-shoot cameras on the retail market due to supply and demand challenges in the industry, we are committed to trying to find the best options for you. Rest assured, if we source retail cameras, we’ll ensure their specs align with the curriculum needs.
Remember! The 100cameras curriculum is designed to be as accessible as possible and works seamlessly with any camera, including smartphones and tablets. As we all know in the world of education, sometimes the best option is to embrace what we have access to and use it to move forward. We’re here to support!
SEND PROGRAM INQUIRY
For anyone interested in learning more about bringing 100cameras programming to your school, district or nonprofit, please take a few moments to complete our inquiry form. A team member will be in touch!
Photo by Mamatha (Bangalore, India)
Photo by Eduardo (Havana, Cuba)
Photo by Jordynn (Atlanta USA)