Snap Happy
Kids' digital cameras are becoming the next View-Master—a learning tool for the budding shutterbug. We gave the latest models to our tiny testers to get the complete picture.
By Sarah Engler
- for toddlers
- Kid-Tough, $70, Fisher-Price
0.3 megapixel ease of use
durability
image quality
The binocular viewfinder and practically indestructible casing are perfect for clumsy little hands. One caveat: The delete button, which makes a loud, giggle-inducing noise, is easy to hit accidentally.
PC/Mac
ages 3+
- For Steady Hands
- Disney Princess Pix-Click, $50, disneyelectronics.com for stores
Digital Blue, 0.3 megapixel ease of use
durability
image quality
-
This sturdy camera comes in five colorful Disney-themed designs (including a Cars tie-in), but kids will need patience and an even hand to keep photos from turning out dark and blurry.
PC only
ages 5+
- For Storytellers
- Kidz Cam, $40, One Step Ahead
Sakar, 0.1 megapixel ease of use
durability
image quality
More toy than camera, this doesn't churn out high-quality photos. The fun is in the postproduction software: story templates, photo jigsaw puzzles, painting tools, and more.
PC only
ages 6+
- For Girly Girls
- Barbie, $40, Oregon Scientific
0.3 megapixel ease of use
durability
image quality
Confusing buttons make reading the directions a must, but it's worth it. Girls will love the Barbie Workshop software for customizing photos and brief videos—with lots of pink.
PC only
ages 5+
- For Serious Shooters
- Hello Kitty Ultrathin, $100, Best Buy
Spectra, 3.2 megapixels ease of use
durability
image quality
Even kids appreciate this model's sleek design and professional results. Its resolution is significantly higher than the others', and the two-inch LCD screen displays a clear shot preview.
PC only
ages 8+
- For Basic Photography
- Ion, $20, Target for stores
Polaroid, 0.3 megapixels ease of use
durability
image quality
This no-frills adult model doesn't have the kid-specific editing options, but it's durable enough to handle what any child might throw at it, and inexpensive enough to replace if it falls into the missing-toy black hole.
PC/Mac
ages 5+
- For Junior Scrapbookers
- Sticker Wizard, $30, Ritz Camera
Sakar, 0.1 megapixels ease of use
durability
image quality
Given the more than 300 sticker templates in different sizes, shapes, and colors, your kid could spend hours playing with just one photograph. The software also includes a CD-label maker, storybook maker, and games center.
PC/Mac
ages 6+
Photography by Ethan Palmer
