Children's cameras: advantages and disadvantages of the digicam alternative

So that the youngsters do not scrap the digital SLR camera, there are special children's cameras as an alternative. We explain whether these cameras are worth their money or whether you would rather use a compact cam.

Advantages of a children's camera

Basically, the structure of children's cameras differs little from that of conventional compact cameras.

• In terms of design, the cameras for kids are tailored to the little ones: the cameras are brightly colored and therefore appeal to the children optically.
• In addition, most digital cameras for children have other functions that you would never find in normal compact cameras.
• Many a children's camera integrates games and a music player in addition to the actual photo function and also offers numerous photo editing options. This turns the camera into an all-round toy for children.

Disadvantages of a children's camera

With so much entertainment in one device, of course, compromises must also be made.

• Specifically, this means that the children's cameras can do a little bit, but nothing correctly.
• It starts with the photos: With a resolution of 2 megapixels, the photos don't even come close to the quality of a cell phone camera. If you dig deeper into your pocket, there are now also children's cameras with just over 13 megapixels.
• The screen is tiny compared to the actual area that would be available on the cameras. It is exhausting to look at photos, edit them or play the built-in games - the camera cannot get to the comfortably large displays of a PlayStation Vita or a Nintendo 3DS.
• In addition, there are far too many buttons around the screen - in terms of standards, it almost looks like a normal compact camera for adults.

Which camera is right for your child?

Above all, you should consider one thing: Should the camera also be appealing to my child in the long term?

• Especially with increasing age, the appeal of childish design loses more and more and the kids want to take pictures with cameras like mom and dad. Poor quality can quickly lead to disappointments
• Nevertheless, a children's camera is primarily a toy, and should be viewed as such. And especially children between four and seven years old can spend hours on children's cameras.
• So if it's more about the fun of junior and less about the quality of the photos, then it makes sense to buy a children's camera.
• And if it absolutely has to be a children's camera, then we can recommend the VTech Kidizoom product range to you.

Note: With the web app from netmoms all information for families on the go

With the progressive web app from netmoms, you can easily access information on the subject of offspring and family online. Whether on the desktop, with a tablet or smartphone, the app gives you access to the Internet portal on all devices.

• Tip: what are progressive web apps? We'll just explain that to you in this article.
• Note: Like CHIP, netmoms is a subsidiary of Hubert Burda Media

If you are looking for a camera for yourself, you may come across the acronym VR. We explain what VR means for a camera in the next practical tip.