Camcorders for kids
Ever since my daughters Bellamy, 7, and Molly, 5, saw Malia and Sasha Obama filming moments during their dad’s inauguration, they’ve been angling for a digital camcorder of their own. So, with a little help from the editors at Time Out Kids, we set out to test four models. Read on for my mini Spielbergs’ verdicts. I only hope a Portuguese water pup isn’t next on the wish list.
1. Crayola Video Camera
Don’t be deceived by this camera’s toylike appearance: Mastering it isn’t child’s play. After asking her father for help switching between photo, video and playback modes, Molly shot crystal-clear scenes around the house (Mom at her desk! Dad washing dishes!). Later, the software allowed her to add effects on our computer, such as changing the footage to black-and-white and framing it—just like a photo.
Molly: “There are too many buttons, but it was fun. My favorite part was picking out the flower frame.” $80; at crayolastore.com
2. Night Vision Video Camera
Who knew that the hearts of Wes Craven and John Carpenter beat inside my girls? After killing the lights, they took turns running around and yelling “I’m a monster! I’m gonna get you!” while the single-setting camera captured them in all their shadowy glory. One problem: The control buttons don’t light up.
Bellamy: “The camera makes you look like you don’t have any eyeballs, so you can make really scary movies!” $80; at toysrus.com
3. Disney Flix Camcorder
As soon as I spotted images from High School Musical on the box, I knew this camera would be a hit. The included Director Pack software lets users film copycat scenes from HSM or Pirates of the Caribbean. Once the program is uploaded to the computer, an audio track suggests scenes, offers acting tips, then hollers “Action!” Molly and Bellamy shot themselves singing “Start of Something New,” and the software inserted brief clips from HSM into the footage. Image quality seems to have been an afterthought, though: Our indoor scenes came out grainy. Molly: “We get to be Sharpay and Gabriella! But why does it look so fuzzy?” $80; at amazon.com
4. Flip Mino
The Flip isn’t specifically designed for children—which is clear from its hefty price tag. But since it’s the one Sasha O. has, we gave it a whirl. My girls loved the sleek design. Plus it was the easiest of the four to use; six buttons control all the functions. Bellamy filmed Molly in a one-minute “escape from prison” flick on the jungle gym. A pop-up USB plug connects the camera directly to your computer.
Bellamy: “It’s so cool: It looks like an iPhone! And the screen is easy to use.… Sasha has this one? Awesome!” $180 with custom design; at theflip.com
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