Tips for Choosing and Using A Kids Camcorder

Here are a couple of things to think about when getting a camcorder for kids:

If the child is 10 years or younger, then you probably want something with an easy to grip design to avoid dropping. Certainly something a bit more rugged is a good idea in case of a drop. Large buttons and simple operation is key, the youngest of users don't need multiple shooting modes, extensive editing, and manual controls for focusing, lighting and so forth.

Kids camcorders for children under 10 are generally toys and won't offer high resolution video, optical zoom, or other higher end features. Digital zoom is common however and can give young kids the opportunity to get more creative.

Most kids and parents want the ability to view videos on TV, so getting a camcorder that offers a connection to the TV can be important.

Like any digital camcorder or camera, these devices consume a great deal of battery power. Certainly AA batteries are easy to buy, but rechargeable ones will save a good deal of cash over time.

The basic kids camcorders for the youngest children often have poorer performance in low light settings; doing better outdoors than indoors. Some do offer a light however in an effort to allow indoor recording.

Think about memory. Obviously, children like adults, want to be able to record for a while before downloading images. Having 32MB of built in memory is good, but an SD card expansion slot that will accomodate 1GB or more of additional storage will save a lot of hassles.

Nearly all kids camcorders come with an LCD screen, the flip out version however provides easier viewing.

For older kids there are a number of economical options that provide pretty nice video quality. Such devices are not toys. These camcorders are highlighted for kids due to their affordability, ease of use, super portable size, and easy uploading to internet sharing sites.

If an older kid wants to be more creative, then editing software becomes more critical and should be considered when making a purchase. Be sure the camcorder selected will be compatible with their computer and includes a USB arm or USB cable for easy downloading.

When choosing a camcorder for an older kid, looking at the memory is critical. Being able to film for at least an hour before having to download is desirable. VGA quality filming at 30fps or better provides nice looking video and having zoom and image stabilization features are pluses. Be sure to review feedback from current users when clicking on any of the camcorders below to see what they have to say about the device.

If you have a more creative high school student that will be doing more extensive editing and creative filming then a kids camcorder may mean going to a budget conscious but full sized, full featured camcorder.

If you have young children, you'll obviously need to cover some basics before turning them loose with their new camcorder.

Be sure to cover how to hold and handle the camcorder to assure it isn't mishandled. How to grip it, lay it down, how to turn it on and off, how to record and so forth. Be sure they understand it should be kept dry, clean, and so forth. They need to know how to store it and potentially how to change the batteries.

They can begin to learn the basics of how to frame a shot, when to zoom and when not to zoom, how close is close enough and how close is too close. They can learn a bit about lighting; how to get more lighting when needed and how to avoid looking into the sun. How to avoid filming in too much noise and how to avoid making too much noise themselves when filming.

As they grow, kids can also learn much more: panning, uploading, editing and so forth. By the time they're in their teens there are a number of books that can help them master filming techniques and more.

With a kids camcorder, a child can film just about anything. They can make a movie about a birthday party, a visit to grandma's, a vacation, the dog, an older sibling's big game, wildlife in the back yard, or even an instructional video on baking chocolate chip cookies the right way.

Certainly, children can also devise interviews to film with family, neighbors, or friends. They can do a news cast, film commercials, write a story/script and make a short film.

For those who are more ambitious, there are tools online that can help as well. Just to learn a bit more about editing, young kids can visit National Geographic's Wildlife Filmaker to mash up their own nature film.

For kids and parents who want to make a holiday film Microsoft offers some step by step instructions for making the perfect film for just such an occasion.

Make a Movie Studios offers scripts and "movie directors" to help kids make their own Hollywood style movie for a class or just for a Birthday party.

For older kids who are more serious about film making sites like Reel Action can provide many tips on perfecting their craft.