I Tested Amazon’s Bestselling Kids’ Camera, and It’s a Keeper

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One evening, while reaching for my phone, I noticed that my preschooler had used it to snap a series of photos. There were sweet portraits of his older brother, a view of cotton candy clouds from his bedroom window, a candid picture of me immersed in dinner prep, and more. Scrolling through the images felt like seeing our family home through his eyes. I made a mental note to update my phone’s lock code and purchase this little guy a camera of his own. After comparing various options on Amazon, I settled on the Goopow Kids Camera Toy ($28, originally $37), and it has been a delightful introduction to photography.

What I Like About the Goopow Kids Camera Toy

At under $30, it serves as an affordable, low-risk entry point for a children’s camera. As a parent who has invested in many toys to encourage my children’s budding interests, I have learned that some educational toys stick while others do not.

The camera is available in several colors and designs; I opted for the blue, cat-themed version for my animal-loving child. Beyond being inexpensive and cute, it is surprisingly versatile. In addition to taking pictures, it features a selfie mode, video recording, fun frames, and even built-in games. It also includes a neck strap, a 32GB memory card, and a USB cable for charging. The device is lightweight and simple to toss into a backpack for trips to the park, the zoo, or long car rides.

What’s Worth Noting About the Goopow Kids Camera Toy

With a 2.62-inch screen and low pixel count, it won’t produce images that rival the quality of an iPhone. That said, the fact that my son has total freedom to use it seems to matter more to him than the image resolution.

Although the interface is fairly intuitive, my 4-year-old son still requires assistance to navigate it. He often gets stuck in specific modes and needs my help to switch back. Conversely, my 7-year-old son can easily cycle through the functions, jumping between selfie mode and the three games without any trouble. The manufacturer suggests this camera is suitable for ages 3 to 8, but I struggle to imagine a 3-year-old doing much beyond snapping photos once an adult has set the device to photo mode. Depending on the level of independence you prefer, ages 5 to 7 seems to be the sweet spot.

Both of my children frequently forget to power down the camera after they are finished playing, and it provides about one and a half to two hours of continuous use before requiring a recharge.

Who Is the Goopow Kids Camera Toy Best For?

This camera is ideal for anyone searching for an inexpensive toy for young children or a great gift for a child who seems to have everything. While it may not offer the same level of endless engagement as a set of Magna-Tiles, it definitely encourages curiosity and experimentation. If you aren’t expecting professional-grade photos and are instead looking for a portable, durable toy for your child to enjoy, this is a solid choice.

It features a 2.62″ LCD screen design.

Its functions include photo capture, video recording, playback, game play, date setting, and frame selections.

It’s intended for children ages 3 to 8.

It has a built-in 3.7V rechargeable lithium battery, one and a half to two hours of run time, and an SD Card slot with a 32GB card included.

Where Is the Goopow Kids Camera Toy Available to Shop?

You can purchase the Goopow Kids Camera Toy ($16) at Walmart and Amazon.