Kids' cameras reviewed: VTech and Lego stand out, but none match basic point-and-shoot

In Consumer Reports' first-ever evaluation of digital cameras made for kids, two models -- the $40 VTech Kidizoom and the $60 Lego Digital Camera -- stood out. However, none of the kids' cameras produced pictures that were on par with a basic point-and-shoot digital camera that was used for comparison.

"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 kids' cameras tested produced images that matched the regular digital camera they were compared to: The $80 Kodak Easy Share C123. 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 Consumer Reports' standout choice for kids 3 to 7.

Consumer Reports' digital camera experts examined the toy cameras for features common in adult digital cameras as well as a few performance factors such as shutter lag.

We also put these child-oriented cameras in the hands of 30 kids, ranging in age from 9 to 12, and let them snap away.

Our experts and kids did note that the larger sizes and bigger buttons did make the children's cameras easier for younger hands to use. And some cameras were just plain fun to use. (The Lego camera, for example, is composed of the colorful plastic bricks and can be built into other Lego creations.)

For tech-savvy kids over 9, however, Consumer Reports says a "real" camera is likely to be a better choice, especially one like the Kodak Easy Share C123 used in this review, which includes some kid-friendly features such as waterproofing.

Check out our test results for more of our findings—including how the kids' cameras compare to the Kodak Easy Share C123. And if you're a subscriber, you'll find more detailed information on the model reviews of the Crayola 2.1 MP Digital Camera With Preview Screen, the Disney Pix Jr., the Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera, the Lego Digital Camera, and the VTech Kidizoom Camera.

—Paul Eng