A camera is a great device to give to your little ones and these days, they know how to use technology better than most adults.
Taking pictures is not only fun for kids, but it is also educational and gets them to explore the great outdoors.
However, digital cameras can be expensive and not something we would easily trust a child to be left alone with.
The Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Camera and Projector is an ideal gift for young, budding photographers.
Not only does it take instant pictures, but it also allows users to create instant short stories and is extremely durable so you don’t have to worry about the device getting damaged – or upset kids!
But is the Play Skool Camera worth buying? Let’s take a look.
Play Skool Camera Review
- 2-in-1 digital camera and projector is built for kid play with...
- More than 50 silly effects to customize pics: silly stamps and...
- Stores up to 1000 photos
Last update on 2023-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
True to its name, the Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Camera and Projector projects images as well as taking pictures.
There are over 50 ways to customize pics and 3 ways to project them – entertaining bored kids for hours on end (so prepare yourself for the interesting slideshows).
Taking pictures has never been easier with this digital camera.
The chunky size of the device and kid-sized hand grips make it easy and comfortable for your young ones to hold and snap away.
The colorful big buttons make navigating through the device easy with simple controls.
The built-in photo editing is a feature that provides endless entertainment with fun animations for kids which does not require extra software.
The digital camera is turned on using a green switch situated below the display to the right.
It also has an automatic screen shut-off feature that allows the display to turn off if not in use for more than one minute.
One click of the Silly button allows the user to choose from a wide selection of playful animations, stamps, sound effects, and frames to edit their photos with.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Kids Polaroid Cameras
Projecting the image is easy and works when the user stands 2 feet away from a flat surface such as a wall.
With three different options available to present pictures, the Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Camera and Projector provides users with five fun slideshow themes to customize their presentation however they want.
The Playskool camera stores 1000 photos without the need for a memory stick.
The camera can be plugged into the computer to print images without needing to download any extra software (although it might require some family members’ help).
The Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Camera and Projector measures 13.49 x 25.4 x 17.81 cm and weighs just under one kilogram.
The camera requires 4 AA batteries that are not included, and a USB cable is required should you want to upload pictures to another device.
Available in two different colors, gray with green and blue highlights or white with pink and purple highlights, the digital color screen is 1.75 inches and has a handy grid overlay to help your child position items when capturing an image.
The large orange button to the right of the screen is for taking pictures.
Pictures can only be taken when the Camera/Projector switch is in the “up” position.
This switch can be found on the side of the lens.
Once the user has taken a picture, there is a ten-second wait before the device allows you to take another one. This may be frustrating for impatient kids.
Switching the Camera/Projector control to the “down” position allows the projector feature to work.
Projector mode is generally easy to use and works best against neutral backgrounds in a dark room or gloomy area.
Users should position the Showcam at least two feet away from the specified wall for images to look clear enough for the audience to see.
The resolution is not going to be 5 stars, but the price is a reflection of this.
The controls are easy to navigate around the device with big buttons providing easy access for young kids.
However, there are no words to identify which button is for what, which may be confusing to adults but probably isn’t for kids of ages 3 or 4 who may be unable to read.
The four-way scroll switch is located on the left of the display.
Pressing the left and right buttons allows users to view the pictures that appear on the display.
To delete a photo, simply press the red “X” button which appears on the bottom right. Press this switch once, and a trash can icon will appear.
Pressing the switch twice will permanently delete the image.
The yellow smiley face button lets users edit pictures by adding fun stamps, animations, and other effects such as pirate hats, mustache, etc.
The only downside to this feature is that users need to choose an effect before taking the image instead of the other way around.
This button also lets users choose a slideshow effect when in Projector mode.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the Play Skool Camera.
Pros
Easy to Handle and Fun To Use
The weight of the digital camera is not heavy at all and not something a child would struggle with even at the age of three.
The rubber handgrips and hand strap are perfect for little hands and prevent them from slipping while taking photos.
The play skool camera provides users with endless entertainment from taking pictures of anything they like and then customizing with fun stamps and animation.
The selection of special features is great for keeping the kids occupied and is also educational as it encourages creativity.
Generous Battery Life
Another great feature of the Playskool Cam is it has an automatic screen shut-off if not in use after one minute.
This saves the battery, which will save you money in the long run.
Easy to Get Up and Running
The beauty of the Playskool Showcam is that it arrives fully assembled and takes hardly any time at all to get up and running.
Your kids will probably be able to get to grips with it quicker than you!
The Product Reflects the Price
This product may not be the most futuristic camera on the market, but it does what it says on the box, and the price is a true reflection of the product.
Cons
Batteries are Not Included
For a device that is unusable without batteries, you would think they would be included in the box.
However, this is not the case with the Playskool Showcam.
Screen Quality is Not Great
The screen quality is quite poor, and the grid overlay only amplifies this.
However, although the quality is not the best, we have to remember that this is a camera for young kids who probably couldn’t care less about picture quality!
USB Cable Required
Another item that is not included, but should be, is a USB cable.
This connects the camera to the computer so the user can print or email pictures to loved ones.
Although it is easy to find and cheap to purchase, it would be nice to have it included in the box.
The Screen Shuts off After One Minute
This is also a pro, but the automatic screen shut-off may be annoying, particularly when ready to take the perfect shot.
An option to lengthen the automatic screen shut-off may be more appealing to users.
Lighting
The Playskool Showcam requires a lot of light to take decent pictures. Again, this is down to the picture quality, which is quite poor.
Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Projector and Camera Instructions
Your kids will have no problem getting to grips with the Playskool Showcam – but you might!
The link below provides the user with step-by-step instructions on how to get the camera up and running.
Playskool Showcam Pink Instructions, Rules & Strategies – Hasbro
This video course covers getting to know your camera, lighting, composition, detail, mood boards, shooting concepts, scanning, editing, and more!
Click Here To Learn More
FAQs
How Many Batteries Does this Camera Take?
This camera requires 4 AA batteries, and it is recommended to maybe purchase a few packets when out and about. Your little ones will have so much fun with this Playskool digital camera and projector, so making sure you are well stocked up on batteries is key.
Is it Suitable for An 8-9 Year Old?
The Playskool Showcam is aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 7.
While there is nothing wrong with an 8 or 9-year old using it, they may be too advanced for such a device, particularly if they are interested in photography.
What USB Cable Does the Playskool Showcam Require?
The Playskool Showcam requires a standard USB-to-micro USB cable. The micro USB is plugged into the camera, and the standard USB is inserted into your computer.
From here, a window will pop up, which allows you to download images that can be printed off and admired by your young, budding photographer.
The Bottom Line
There are many devices to choose from when trying to find something to keep your kids entertained.
The Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Camera and Projector does just this by getting your little ones to explore the world around them to create fun images and slideshows.
Overall, the Playskool Showcam is worth buying as it is easy to use, durable, and provides endless entertainment for young children between the ages of 3 and 7.
- 2-in-1 digital camera and projector is built for kid play with...
- More than 50 silly effects to customize pics: silly stamps and...
- Stores up to 1000 photos
Last update on 2023-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Preferably, this product would be more appealing if it came with batteries and a USB lead, but this is a minor flaw.
Emma Johnson
I have loved photography from a young age and more recently started experimenting with Instant Cameras from Polaroid and Instax. I also love dancing and hanging out with my friends :)
This free cheat sheet will improve your instant camera photography skills by providing quick information on using instant cameras, lighting, taking selfies, and more!
