On page one, we looked at photography-related toys that you should NOT buy your children this Christmas. Now we'll look at some digital cameras that should be crossed off your list...
3. Digital Camera Not Worth Discovering?
Discovery Slide & Shoot Digital Camera is a digital camera designed for children ages 8 and older. You can record video, take up to 93 photos and use this digital camera as a webcam. It’s compact, comes with photo editing software and includes sticker sheets so you can create stickers from your photos. So, what’s the problem? Most complaints are that the digital camera’s picture quality is extremely poor. In all fairness to this product, what do you expect from a digital camera that costs only $30? The reason this product makes the list is because it seems there is an awful lot of consumers who think they can purchase a pro-level digital camera (for their kids) for next to nothing.
If you are considering getting your child a camera for Christmas, keep in mind that low-cost cameras probably mean low-quality photos. But is that such a bad thing? Consider this: you spend a few hundred dollars on a decent quality digital camera for your child this Christmas. (S)he’s thrilled, in fact, downright ecstatic...but for how long? Compact camera’s belonging to kids can be lost, stolen, laundered (it isn’t always a positive feature that a digital camera is compact enough to fit in your pocket!) or wrecked by dirt, water, dust, spilt food...Spending top dollars on a digital camera doesn’t necessarily result in the camera life being any longer than a low-end cheap digital camera.
Another complaint of the Discovery Slide & Shoot Digital Camera is that it doesn’t have a flash, to read the reviews for yourself, please click here.
4. Digital Camera Key Chain
There are several digital camera key chains out there that are designed for children. If you’re considering buying one for your kid this Christmas, no matter which brand you go with, do not expect quality. However, if quality isn’t your concern and you feel a digital camera key chain would be a great introduction camera for your child, here is one you should avoid:
Sakar’s Keychain Digital Camera will take up to 70 photos and can also be used as a webcam. The digital camera key chain comes with photo editing software, comes in a variety of colours and costs around $20. Problems that have been reported include poor quality photos and the inability to take decent pictures in low light. Both of these issues I would expect from a camera of this size and price. However, other complaints brought to my attention make this digital camera key chain fall into my “do not buy” list:
- No LCD screen – Though I wouldn’t expect there to be an LCD screen on a key chain digital camera, it is something you should think about before purchasing one for your child. One of the main features that children like to have is the ability to review their photos after they take them. Won’t be happening with this product.
- Just doesn’t work – There have been several user reviews that claim this product just doesn’t work. After photos were taken with the digital camera key chain, consumers were unable to upload the photos to their computer.
You can check out user reviews for yourself by clicking here.
5. Disney’s Pix Click Digital Cameras
Disney is usually well known for making high-quality products, so I was surprised to see so many negative reviews of Disney’s line of Pix Click digital cameras. Besides the usual complaints you’ll see for any kids digital camera (poor quality photos, as example), other cons include:
Disney Pix Click Digital Camera’s come in a variety of different styles and prices. Click on product name to view price and negative reviews:
If you search Amazon for “Disney Pix Click”, several digital cameras are listed, all containing horrible reviews. Click here to see for yourself.
*Please note that I have not personally tested these photography related toys. This list has been created by scouring the internet for numerous products and reading and researching user reviews.
Best Christmas Gift Ideas for the Digital Photographer - 2008 Buying Guide
Do you have a special photographer or shutterbug in your life, but are completely stumped on what to give them this Christmas? This article series will provide you with a wide range of perfect gift ideas, suitable for whatever your budget may be and ideal for anyone who owns a digital camera.