Kidizoom Twist Review
Our first children's digital camera was the VTech Kidizoom, which Tiny Toy Reviewer #1 got for his second birthday. It is still going strong after 4 years despite various knocks and drops, which unfortunately means I can't really justify going out to buy the new Kidizoom Twist (which looks far more fun). So I was keen to get the opportunity to try someone else's.
What are the specifications of the Kidizoom Twist?
I always like to see a brief overview of the specifications of a product I'm considering buying, so I'll print them here. For anyone who just wants to know if the product is any good, please just feel free to skip down the page.
2 megapixel camera
4 x digital zoom
256 megabytes of storage (enough for around 500 photos).
SD card slot - please note, an SD card is not included.
Edit your pictures with stamps, backgrounds and sounds.
Comes with 5 games.
Designed with kids in mind - dual viewfinder and sturdy build.
Comes with USB cable so photos and videos can be transferred to the computer.
Manufacturer's recommended age: 3 and up
What is good about the Kidizoom Twist?
The photo capacity is impressive. I didn't think 256MB sounded much until I realised the early Kidizoom cameras had a mere 16MB. You can buy an SD card for it separately (which will cost under £10) but I think 500 photos is enough for most children's amusement, even with particularly snap happy youngsters.
The voice recording function was especially popular with the boys. Our prehistoric Kidizoom has the ability to record sounds over pictures (in this household, this usually involves Tiny Toy Reviewer #1 taking photos of his little brother and recording made-up songs about him to go with the images). The Kidizoom Twist is much more sophisticated and you can change your voice with several effects - slow, pitch up (a.k.a "the squeaky voice" effect), pitch down and robot.
The stamp function is another great feature that Kidizoom kids cameras have always had, but there is a bigger, better range and more advanced photo editing options.
The "twist" function is great. The difference between a Kidizoom and Kidizoom Twist is that you can flick the lens over so it is facing you, allowing you to take photos of yourself. Who hasn't tried to take a photo of themselves with a normal camera? Well, this makes it incredibly easy and greatly increases the enjoyment for young kids. Having looked at the Twist, I now really wish our old Kidizoom had this capability.
As always, VTech have done really well in creating intuitive controls. Even fairly young children can probably figure out most of the functions without their parents help, or without anyone having to look in the manual. A lot of consideration has also gone into creating an ergonomic design, so little children will find it easy to hold, position and click. The double viewfinders are a great feature on Kidizoom cameras - very few toddlers are able to squint through one eye to take pictures.
Kidizoom cameras are unmatched in their robustness. As mentioned at the start of this toy review, we've had our Kidizoom digital camera for over 4 years and it still works as well as the day we got it despite some rather rough treatment. The Kidizoom Twist seems of equal quality and durability so I am certain this would be just as long lasting as a toy.
The games are the part we spent the least time looking at, so I can't give a particularly in depth opinion on them. But they seemed good fun and will expand the amount of play time the camera gets.
Where has the best deals on the Kidizoom Twist?
There is no real price difference between the Kidizoom and Kidizoom Twist. Both have a full retail price of £49.99, although it is easier to find discounts on the regular Kidizoom because it is an older product. Personally, I would try Amazon for the cheapest deals - at the time of writing this review, the cheapest deal they have had on the Kidizoom Twist is £37. John Lewis, who aren't usually the best place for bargain toys, also currently have it at the price. Avoid Debenhams, who at the moment are selling it for £5 more than its recommended retail price.
Verdict
I love our Kidizoom, but wish we had the Kidizoom Twist. It's a really good children's camera and has enduring play appeal (rather than being something the kids get excited about for a couple of days before they relegate it to the back of the toy cupboard). I should imagine it will be one of the bestselling kid's toys for Christmas 2011, and deservedly so.
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