Vtech Kidizoom and Lego cameras stand out in first-ever review of kids’ cameras

Digital cameras with features such as flash, digital zoom and on-camera graphics are aimed at users as young as 3 years old. In Consumer Reports’ first-ever evaluation of kid cameras, two models—the VTech Kidizoom, $40; and the Lego Camera, $60—-stood out among the five models reviewed. The full report is available free online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports’ selection included three other kid cameras—the Crayola 2.1 MP Digital Camera with Preview Screen, $35; the Disney Pix Jr., $50; and the Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera, $40. The magazine also assessed a modestly priced regular camera, the Kodak Easy Share C123, $90, to see how it fared. Cameras were put through their paces in Consumer Reports’ labs, and the magazine also sought the opinions of 30 kids aged 5 to 12.

“Kid cameras can’t produce images that compare in quality to regular point-and-shoot models,” said Paul Reynolds, electronics editor for Consumer Reports. “But optimal image quality probably isn’t a priority for most kids. And most kids found the cameras we looked at to be easy—and fun—to use.”

None of the kid’s cameras tested produced images that compared in quality to the regular digital camera they were compared to: the Kodak Easy Share C123, $90. The VTech Kidizoom produced fair images overall, however, making it the best kid camera for image quality. With its bright appearance and kid-pleasing ability to add effects to images, it’s the magazine’s standout choice for kids 3 to 7.
For older children, age 7 and up, consider the Lego Digital Camera. It was judged easiest to use by the kid panelists, who also liked the option to build other Lego bricks onto the device.

For tech-savvy kids 9 or older, Consumer Reports says a low-priced, regular camera is also worth considering. That includes the Kodak Easy Share C123, a competent camera with some useful kid-friendly extras such as waterproofing.

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