Hooking My Little One On Photography - Vtech Kidizoom Review
There is only one way that will allow you to take a ton of photography gear on a family trip and get away with it. Hook your family on photography.
My wife is a lost cause, so I decided to try and lure my 5 years old daughter into the photography dark side. I got her a camera. Specifically, the Vtech Kidizoom Plus Pink Digital Camera. Below you can find my reasons for getting this camera as well as my thoughts and review. I would also love to hear your thoughts about getting a camera for your little one, share them in the comments.
The Things I Kept In Mind While Shopping For a 5 Years Old
Before I go into my kinda in depth review of the camera, I wanted to share some of the reasons that got me into buying this specific model in the first place.
I was looking for a camera for kids. Now this is an important thing to remember as (in my mind) kids have a very different set of requirement from their digital picture taking friend.
1. It is pink
Believe it or not, this actually was one of the key factors in choosing a camera. My daughter loves pink, and while giving her a camera will make me a 9.9 cool dad, giving her a pink camera will make me a complete 10 cool dad. (The only really competitor on this was the Fisher-Price Kid-Tough model.
2. Megapixels are not an issue
It takes photos. You can watch on the little (1.8") screen / TV / computer. This is good enough. Kids don't care about mega pixels. So I was OK with getting a camera that has low MP count.
3. Good-solid-fall-resistant build
I figured anything less would simply be throwing my money away (I was right, less than 10 minutes after package was open, little son got jealous and up in the air it went).
4. Price
Had to be around 50-60 USD. It is a kids camera.
There were lots of other considerations to take into account, but those four were the major ones. The Vtech Kidizoom was a close finalist Vs the Fisher-Price Kid-Tough, and it won. Why? More in the review.
Vtech Kidizoom Plus Pink Camera Review
1. Image quality
I was looking for this one kinda hard, but could not find it. On the other hand I don't really care. For its intent it provides great images. Sure - the size is small, it is grainy in the smallest shade. Guess what it is OK. It is being judged on different parameters. My daughter was thrilled to take images even if they were grainy. Actually, some of the images have a nice Lomo quality to them, which I kinda liked.
When it comes to indoor pictures, it is a bit more complicated. Under low and medium light the quality was very poor. The Kidizoom features a flash, but it is often to weak to light a subject that is more than a meter and a half away. Fun? Yes. Usable? Only sometimes.
2. Viewfinder and screen
The screen is fairly small, 1.8". If you use metrics, this means a bit bigger than a biggish postage stamp. IT performed OK while in the shade, but was almost impossible to watch in bright dun light (ironically enough, the best image quality is produced under strong sun light).
To compensate, the Kidizoom comes with a unique view finder. It actually ahs two view finders, so the young photog does not have to blink one eye close to use it. This worked out quite well for my daughter, and she adjusted from sing the screen to using the double viewfinder and back in no time.
3. Buttons and usability
I love the way the Kidizoom is built. It feels strong and I think that my daughter felt the same. She did not have to worry about the camera not getting damaged and could focus on her photography. The camera is coated with elastic rubber (pink rubber) that protects it from falls and minor bumps. The batteries and SD card slot are protected by screws. Very child safe.
There are very few buttons on the camera, which I think is a very good idea for kid's camera. Each button has exactly one functionality like shoot; change mode / view. I was amazed at the time it took my (not that techie) daughter to get a grasp on operating the camera. Another good thing is that the shutter button is duplicated. In addition to its traditional location - top right index finger - it is duplicated to the back of the camera, next to the screen. This is easier for small hands to use. (Thanks Darwin for our opposable thumbs)
Last on this category is battery time. One nice thing is the indicator on the screen. Another coolness is the auto off feature. As kids are, the camera goes to auto off more often than it is being turned off intentionally. Since the LCD is always on, this is a major power saver. We are still running on the same 4 AA bats since we bought it. Over 300 pictures and many many six-cards-memory-games.
4. Movies, Tricks and inline games
One of the best features on this camera is that it has built in pirate hats, goofy eyes, weird noses and set of built in picture frames. Those can be applied in a primitive in-camera image editor. Or, better yet while the image is being taken. The camera puts them on the screen, and all you need to do is frame your father so it has a pig's nose. This simple feature provided tons of fun and amusement.
The movie quality on the Kidizoom is very close to its image quality, kinda poor. I am not going to get into this very deeply. I will mention, though that it is one of the most lovable features of the camera. My daughter spends infinite amount of time taking movies. The only thing to remember is that movies are memory consuming, so you may want to get an extra SD card. The only rival to the movies is the ...
... games. The camera comes with three very basic inline games: 3three-pairs-memory-game; a four-piece-puzzle-game and a TIC-TAC-TOE. It is very obvious that she is my daughter. She gets that glazed look in her eyes whenever she starts playing and it is virtually impossible to make her stop. Is this a good feature for a camera? Not sure.
5. Editor and bundled software
Don't use them. After each shoot out we download the pictures to the computer and look at them. We discuss a bit (if she has patience) and go on. I figured using more software and prolonging the image taking process will take the fun out of taking pictures for here. She'll have plenty of time to master actions, layers and masks when she turns six.
Conclusion
All and all I am very happy with this purchase. And so is Liri, My daughter. I got mine via a Toys R Us store in Frederick, Maryland (59.99) which was a bit cheaper than the one @Amazon. I also got some great service and assistance as the store was closing. I'm definitely coming back there if I get the chance.
Up till now we have hours of fun with the camera, and Liri is really starting to get the hang of it. She has a great eye and seems like she has a natural talent for composition. (I wonder if all kids are like that, and we, as adults, have to re-learn those skills?).
We take the camera everywhere we go now, and Liri is definitely on my side of the force when it comes to photography.
Links:
- Kidizoom Digital Camera - Pink @ Amazon
- Kidizoom Digital Camera - Blue @ Amazon (yep, one for boys too)
- VTech Preschool Kidizoom Junior Pink @Amazon (A slightly lower end model. Still pink)
- Kidizoom Digital Camera - Pink @Toys R Us
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Comments
My wife bought this digital
My wife bought this digital camera from the Disney Store for my 5 year old daughter.
Pix Jr. Disney Princess Digital Camera
I am impressed with the solid build and rugged design. It's got rubber grips. It uses 4 AA batteries and slot for an expansion SD card. It also comes with some fun templates to add fun disney characters in the frame.
re: Pix Jr.
Oh my!! It is pink and has a process design on the front. Man, if I only knew...
It looks like a very valid alternative to the Ficher Price and Vtec line of kids cameras. And I bet the princess templates would do much better then them pirate hats.
The only thing I see that is a big difference is the single viewfinder.
Thanks for the review. I have
Thanks for the review. I have two daughters 9 and 7 and they both loved pink too. The younger one still does. I gave her "best present ever" when I got her a pink bike.
They both act up like models when I take their pictures especially if I use lights like "real" photographers. They also want to shoot pictures of me with my camera so I let them.
The older one is getting very interested in what can be done in Photoshop but she lacks patience. If it can't be done with a couple of clicks it's boring. I'm sure she will learn more later.
We have enough old point and shoots around to go out on photo walks and I'm planning on doing just that next weekend. Anyone have any ideas for that? It will be in London.
re: Thanks for the review
Hi Bernie,
Looks like there is a defined cycle for kids behavior in front of the lens :) my daughter just started to act out when ever I pull a camera out. Any tips will be greatly appreciated.
I bought my 2 year old
I bought my 2 year old daughter a camera this past summer and she LOVES taking pictures with me. We decided to skip the kids model altogether, and we went with a little Kodak EasyShare. We wanted the better LCD because at 2 she just couldn't get the whole viewfinder concept. I guess it is technically a bit of a risk as far as build quality and what not- but the Kodak has thus far proven to be a tough little thing, and it was only like $100 (on clearance).
I guess she wasn't quite 2 yet when we got it for her, and she loved it, but didn't really get the whole "what's in the LCD is what your photographing" thing back then. She just liked the flash and pushing the button.
But now, at just over 2 she's become very intentional about taking pictures. She walks around constantly looking for things to take pictures of, at least 3 or 4 times a day she asks me to get her camera for her- because she sees something interesting. She has to photograph all of her block and playdough creations to show daddy when he gets home. And while I make dinner at night she takes pictures all over the house. The other day I caught her lying on the floor with her face and the camera shoved under the couch taking pictures of who knows what, dust bunnies I guess. But she'll get out her dolls and line them up and take pictures, today she was taking pictures of a bowl of popcorn she was eating- the bowl, the popcorn, close up farther away, it was almost a little object study.
Her newest challenge is photographing her kitten- she was just getting the hang of still subjects, and now by the time she gets the shot composed the kitten has run out of the frame. But it's great practice, and she's finally starting to get shots that have at least most of the moving kitten in the image!
Friends and Family think I'm crazy for letting her have a camera already, but we love it. I can shoot more often because she is always willing to go somewhere to take pictures, and I love that she is learning to really look at things. The only problem is that I can't take pictures of her anymore! Every time I get my camera out to photograph her, she needs hers so she can go take pictures too!
re: Never to early
Hi Meg,
This is quite an interesting experience, watching how your little one changes her attitude towards the camera and the world around her.
I wonder what goes through her head as her childhood progresses at this early age and her entire concept towards understanding the world builds up.
One thing that is not a surprise but not a given either is the concept of shooting things that you like. I really wonder is there is any sense of ownership involved....
I also think it is amazing to see that our "adult" interests and their "kiddie" interests are so different. As you said, what can possibly be under the couch...
Thanks so much for sharing this experience .
As for the camera, if it is working well for you, can you share the specific model?
Never Too Early To Learn
I agree, I got my daughter at the ripe age of two, hooked on photography. At first it was because I needed a (cheap) photography assistant but it's turned into so much fun that I ended up writing a series of posts on it on my baby photography blog. There's even a movie about her doing a professional photography shoot.
... as for the camera, we were able to buy a cheap camera from Wolf's before they went out of business. The best part was having a bigger screen on the back which the kids love for <$50.
Loved your article
Loved this article.
I agree with you, children are very creative, and giving them an opportunity at an early age allows them to have fun and learn new stuff all at the same time.
Would a "BOY" use this Vtech Camera ?
Would a "BOY" use this Vtech Camera ?
I know my son would not be caught dead with a "pink" camera.
That is why there are so many photos of BOYS !
re: boys
we get more photos of boys because girls are better photographers :)
As for color, there is also a blue version. not there's anything wrong with pink for boys ;)
info on your decision
Just a quick note, what made you decide for Kidizoom instead of Fisher Price?
I was looking for a camera for my nephew and cant decide which one is the better.
re: decision
Thanks for asking, Luca.
The cameras are a lot alike. They both feature "dual viewfinders", have rugged designs and I think the image quality is similar.
I preferred the Vtec since it had the "fun templates", but the store was out, I would have gone with the Fisher Price.
Kids camera
I also considered the V-tech camera for my 5-year old daughter. One of the pupils in my class (I was a teacher until 2 years ago) brought one to school one day, but I didnt' like it at all! The small screen was one of the things that put me off as well as the price and the resolution. Since I now work at a camerashop (and living the dream of being a free-lance photographer) I decided to just buy the simplest/cheapest camera available. So she is now the proud owner of a Fuji Z-10 and loving it! She had to learn not to put her fingers in front of the lens, but otherwise is very careful in handling it. She loves making little movies and it is fascinating to see what she takes photographs of. (Please excuse any mistakes in my English since I am Dutch :-) )
re: screen
I could not agree more on this. AS I see it the screen is the one big bummer on this camera. Since I know my daughter (and her tornado brother), I do not think any "regular" camera would have survived a day.
I can see how being a freelance photog just make you wanna get the best in terms of quality, when she grows a bit, she'll get my G9 (and I'll get the G20 by then :)
yeah, right....
You seriously expect us to believe you bought that for 'your little girl'? I quote:
"I got mine via a Toys R Us store in Frederick" -
...so you admit it's actually yours, then? Was it the pretty colour that attracted you to it? You say it was cos your daughter likes pink but.......
;0)
I'm Only kidding!!! I'm with you - get'em while they're young! I got into it aged 17 at school. I'm 47 now and still get that same sense of excitement taking a good shot, or looking at new kit. My wifey is a lost cause too. But she did but me an EOS450 last year, and let me but a Tamron 70-300 this year. She does like the Powershot I got her for Christmas though. My eldest (16) is studying Media at school and so she is slightly more interested, but that's it. My youngest daughter (11) LOVES (being in front of!) the camera. My son (13) isn't bothered either way. Families, eh?
re: you got me
OK, you got me!
(I had to check this. I think I took about 20 images ont he camera so far, so I am not that much of a hogger...)
I picked up one for our
I picked up one for our daughter as a 4th birthday gift and she absolutely loved it. Having watched myself and my wife use cameras since she was born, she was quick to mimic what we do with ours. Same camera build as this, but she of course liked the one with the Disney princesses on it. :-)
So it wasn't pink or cheap...
My 5 year old got a Canon D10 for Christmas, with the caveat that she shares it when the family needs it (sandy / tough / wet conditions when I wont bring my DSLR -- at the beach etc.) She'd been using our retired 3megapixel P&S for the past year and a half and hadn't broken or lost that one, so it was time for an upgrade.
It fails the pink test (but she loves blue anyway).
Picture and video quality is great. Image stabilization is awesome for kids.
It's shockproof / freezeproof / waterproof. She's so proud that her camera is tougher than my DSLR, and that it's a real one.
The price was totally crazy for a kid's present, but I've already gotten some great shots from it when it was on "borrowed time" (in the pool and at the beach). I'd never be able to justify buying one for myself or just for her -- combining the two needs sort of tipped me over the edge. An alternative might have been a used waterproof model from Oly or Casio or something, but I wanted IS and she's already used to her old Canon.
Biggest complaint so far is shutter lag. It's really hard to get the timing right for action shots (e.g. people jumping into the pool, etc.)
She's using iPhoto on an old mac to pull the pictures off the card and loves mucking with the sliders to adjust the look of the photos. So far it's been a big win.
Maybe it’s gotten better
Personally I’m very disappointed in the pink vs. blue gender dynamic of this product. I would much rather see something that looks more like a real camera. A friend gifted an older model of this camera to my daughter a year or two ago. She loves the camera but the battery life is horrible and constantly upsets her when it will not work. Hopefully this is something that has been corrected.
How's the battery life?
Thanks for the info. How's the battery life on this one? I wanted my daughter to get into photography as well so we bought her a VTech Kid Tough camera from Amazon a year ago or so, and the batteries sucked. I'm sure it had something to do with the camera because the AAs we would put in would last, and I'm not kidding, about 2 hours. This one looks like like a newer version than the one we bought so maybe we'll try again since she likes using my $300+ Lumix :-)
re: battery time
I think that they did decent job on this one. The batteries (a set of 4 AAs) lasted three sessions and is not dead yet.
Probably the small LCD is a factor, as well as the auto of feature.
The only caveat about batteries is that you must use a screwdriver to replace them. It can suck if they suddenly die on you and you buy a fresh set in a near by store.
Consider this decision carefully
Caution: consider very carefully the idea of giving your child a camera.
You must first ask yourself: "Can we really afford to have two gear heads in the family"
You are probably well aware of the strength of the photo gear acquisition bug.
its tooooo slooooooooow
On paper the Kidizoom is a nice camera for kids. My 3yo neice likes her new KidiZoom. I think she will quickly outgrow it. Now she list likes to look at the back of the camera to see what she has captured. At 3, she is not very steady. She will get better but the camera will not. At some point she will tire of the smeared images. It suffers from the same prob as all cheap digital cameras, a horrible lag time & slow shutter speed. There aren't many alternatives where the lag time is reduced that are reasonably priced.
I bought my son a lego camera
I bought my son a lego camera for Christmas, he loves to use it. Getting children into some form of creative hobby is a must, be it Photography, painting, what have you.
In a couple of years I'm getting one
when Zoey turns 4 or 5 ill get her one (as long as its not pink). if she is interested I want her to learn everyhing she wants to know so that she will be a better photographer than me before she turns 10 (shouldnt be hard). if she wants to do something else I want her to find out what that is and I want to guide her to be the best at whatever she chooses.
Fisher Price
I got my son a Fisher Price camera like this 3 years ago when he was 3. He still uses it to this day.
I agree Childrens now are
I agree
Childrens now are very creative, and giving them an opportunity at an early age allows them to have fun and learn new stuff. thank you for sharing this informative blog.
We've got one of these and
We've got one of these and both of our boys LOVE it.
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