Ever since Christmas when his cousin received a different instant camera as a present, seven year old grandson had been looking longingly at it whenever he saw her using it. However it must be said this Photo_Creator camera from Canal Toys is far superior to her camera, in a variety of ways.
It became an immediate success and two weeks on I’m still greeted with a full explanation (and whoops of joy) of what he has discovered it can do now. Not just photos but also videos and selfies. And as time has gone on the quality of what he produces has significantly improved. Helping him to concentrate, be patient and endeavour to get better. Excellent skills to learn when young.
The camera needed very little setting up and a simple demo of how to fit the paper and he was away in dreamland. It is just the right size for smaller hands and comes with loads of extras – 4GB card for storing photos, USB cable to download to a laptop and four rolls of plain thermal paper to get started. It’s easy to buy refill paper and there’s an opportunity to buy refills in a variety of colours not just white.
The Photo_Creator instant camera comes with lots of extras – colourful sticky photo frames, four coloured markers to enhance the finished photos and loads of smaller stickers and two decorative sheets to decorate the camera case. This makes it more personalised.
Allowing our grandson to discover features for himself promotes independence, an enquiring mind and achievement. He is totally absorbed when he takes the photos or videos. When the four cousins get together he loves taking videos and then playing them back afterwards during their "showtime". This promotes co-operation, language development and most importantly fun and enjoyment.
It has come as no surprise to me that our grandson has taken his camera on holiday to Singapore over Easter. I’m looking forward to seeing the photos on his return.
Although appearing expensive I think it gives good value for money given the number of features it has. The literature says for children eight Plus but it certainly is manageable for slightly younger children. It is robust and durable so will last a long time.
Needless to say I highly recommend Photo _Creator Instant Camera from Canal Toys as does our grandson.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
RRP £69.99 but currently £52.99 at Smyths Toys and Amazon.
