| Brand: | Polaroid | ||
| Average Rating |
|
Built for growing hands and growing minds, the kid-friendly Polaroid pixie digital camera is fun, easy to use, and includes features geared to captivate your child’s imagination and further their creativity. Best of all, it’s ruggedly designed to withstand the rough and tumble play in your child’s world. That’s something every parent will appreciate. more info
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Absolute JUNK!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
We bought this from Target on sale, so it’ no problem to return. Do not buy this camera! Even at the sale price of $49.99 it’s not worth it. The pictures are very orange. It’s nearly impossible to get a clear picture because the camera takes FOREVER to actually open the shutter after the button has been pressed. It also only fits 11 pictures. We went back to Target and I got the Fisher Price Kid Tough camera and took identical shots with both cameras. The Fisher Price had better picture quality overall. The Polaroid may have larger files, so you can print up to 8×10, but it’s such horrible quality why would you want to? The Fisher Price serves its purpose – a sturdy camera for a 5 year old. With technology so good and affordable these days I still don’t understand why these kid’s cameras take crummy pictures and are so overpriced!
Poor pictures, poor quality. Not worth the money
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
We bought this camera for our three year old daugher. The picture quality was terrible. Within a few hours of buying the camera it began to continuously flicker on and off. Since other reviewers had the same problem this seems to be a general issue with the camera. I’ll be returning it today.
It’s okay, depending on how much you pay for it.
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I picked up this camera on clearance for $20. For that price, I have found it well worth the entertainment and fun it continues to provide. (and for that price, I give it 4 stars) If I had paid the full price, I would not have been satisfied with the quality.
We use rechargeable batteries, the battery life did show that they were half dead upon freshly recharging. We still managed to take all the pictures we wanted to on our outing. I bring a screwdriver and second set of fully charged batteries along just in case.
Indoors the pictures are very bad. Outside it’s a 50/50. Movement really effects the quality, by both motion blur and also sometimes the picture appears “curved”. I have taught my son that he has to hold the camera very still until it beeps, which is difficult for a small child. I believe the packaging suggested for age 6 and up and my son is a little younger.
We haven’t tried the games on it, but it has been worth the investment so far. We also haven’t tried printing any. But I think once we pick out the best ones and print them, they will print fine at 4×6. I’ll edit my review if they don’t
The camera does not feel like one of them that could be dropped and survive, fortunately we have not dropped it yet.
OK, maybe the best of the bad choices
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
We bought this for our four year old for Christmas. We wanted to try it first before wrapping it up. It took one picture and then started cycling between the opening screen and the picture screen (in other words, after one picture, it was “dead”). Like others, I assumed the batteries were fine because the game mode seemed to work fine.
Before returning it, I emailed Polaroid support, and they responded that you need batteries with at least 900 mah if you’re using rechargeables. I was using 750 mah.
Sure enough, we replaced the batteries and the camera now seems to be working fine. The pictures are not great, and the flash dramatically over exposes things when you are up close (as we assume our daughter will be much of the time). Still, we are hoping that over time, it will take better pictures than some of the other choices out there (the VTech Kidizoom and Fisher Price Kid Tough are both only 1/3 MP if I recall correctly).
All in all, someone should be able to package a decent 3MP camera into a simple plastic case — but it doesn’t seem like anyone has yet. So, like the title says, this one may be the best of a very disappointing batch of “kid friendly” cameras out there right now.
Awful Camera, Don’t Buy!!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
We bought this camera for our daughter for Christmas last year. First of all the picture quality is terrible, do not think you are getting even Polaroid quality!! We were going to return it, but she wanted to keep it for the games. The cheesy games, remind me of the Atari games. Now it isn’t even a year later, and the photo button doesn’t even push in anymore!! Oh, and did I mention that that the batteries need to be replaced about every 5 minutes when she is playing the games! Stay away from this one, not worth the money.
Polaroid Pixie Kids Camera
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
My daughter was bought this for her 6th birthday and at first I was impressed. I realized the quality wasn’t going to be excellent due to it being for kids. However after a week it switches itself off for no reason and when playing games, it starts making a loud screeching sound after a minute or two. I am returning the item and may buy a proper camera instead!
Don’t even waste your time!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
This camera is garbage. It takes below average quality pictures and then dies. When I put in fresh batteries, it shows 1/2 battery life. These are not rechargable. In game mode the batteries last about an hour, otherwise you get about 10 pictures. If all that wasn’t bad enough, it was accidentally dropped 1 foot and broke. Just as another reviewer stated, the mechanisim that is attached to the microchip below the button to take a picture is so poorly installed that it was bound to break off sooner or later anyway. I was actually able to solder it back on but it only worked for one more picture and broke again. By the time I was done testing it, the batteries were dead again. The games are pretty lame and they are not all that intuitive for game play since different games use different buttons to do the same action. Just absolutely do not even think of buying! This lasted 3 days.
Great for young kids
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Polaroid Pixie 3.0MP Kids Digital Camera with Games – CKA-00302S
These cameras are ideal for young kids, rugged enough to take the beating an 8 year old will give it. Three MP means it wont take pictures like an adult camera, but for a kid it is just fine. I have read others talk about how long it takes to take a picture, but that is only when you are using the flash. The flash needs to “charge” and that takes time. turn off the flash and its 1 picture /sec. I also read they flash on and off, but thats just how they say low battery. It’s really quite a toy. The games will keep a child or adult occupied for hours!
What a piece of overpriced junk
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
What can I spew that hasn’t been spewed before?! For $80, you’d expect more than this piece of crap. Cheap junk. Shame on Polaroid for putting their name on it. Pictures are not even close to a realistic color (very orange-y) and are blurry with even the slightest movement (and this is for kids?!), the flash overexposes, the LCD screen is dark. Not to mention that we gave it to our 5 YO daughter for Christmas today, and have changed the AAA batteries in it TWICE already–they drain in no time flat (and it wasn’t left on unattended). She cried when the pictures looked so awful (she’s used to taking pictures with our “real” digital camera, which frankly isn’t that much more expensive, so she’s used to decent output.) To those who rationalize it’s the “least of all evils,” since when should we WASTE hard-earned money on this piece of garbage(or any like it)?! To Polaroid and the other kids-camera manufacturers, news for you: just because it says “kids” and it’s pink, don’t think our kids don’t know any better and that we as parents shouldn’t expect much! I’m going to let them know what I think of it by returning it first thing tomorrow (and our daughter was fine with that)!
PIECE OF JUNK
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
This camera is a piece of junk! You can’t see through the screen…it is too dark. The flash isn’t even adequate for a well lit room. The pictures are blurry, and the button has to be held for an extended amount of time (10+) seconds for it even to fire. The pictures are dark even when the light is natural and adequate. I am so disappointed that I would like to speak to the manufacturers directly. I am sending it back. It would be an insult to pay this much for this so called camera!
Doesn’t work
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I was excited when I saw this product. We bought my then 3 y/o daughter the Fisher Price digital camera last Christmas. Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera – Pink (New Version)She loves it; its the only toy from last Christmas still in constant play. However, the resolution is low. So, when I saw a 3 MP kids’ camera, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, in less than 24 hours, the camera flickers off continually. She’s been sick on the couch playing with it, so I know it hasn’t been abused. I’m very disappointed and will be returning the camera for a refund.
Very disapointed!!!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I bought this for my son’s 6th birthday presant. It’s all he asked for and it’s all he got because we’re tight on money this year. Well he and I were both very disapointed by the sad performance of this machine. It started having problems the first day we had it. The picture quality is very poor. The picture taking button broke within 3 uses. And it eats batteries like crazy!!! The only thing that works on the camera right now is the game mode. And there isn’t even a volume controll. I thought after all these years polaroid would know what they were doing. Guess not! I give this camera an F- DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY! If you have a responsible child who’s really wanting to take pictures you would be better off just buying one of the cheaper adult cameras at Wal-mart or getting yourself a new one and letting your child enjoy a hand me down.
Would give 0 stars if I could!!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
This camera is a piece of junk! Like the other reviewers stated, my sons camera flickers on and off in camera mode. I’m very disappointed in Polaroid for even putting their name on this product. We got this for him for his birthday and after 3 days it started with the problems. We’ve changed the batteries too many times to count and the quality of the pictures is just aweful! I bought it on clearance a few months ago at Target and have since lost the receipt and threw away the box on his bday. I only spent 20 on it so I wasn’t too concerned about it at the time, I guess. I always read reviews and I really wish I would have because my son is very upset that his camera has broken after only a few days of use! Oh well, guess i’ll be getting him another camera and taking the loss on this one! Don’t make the same mistake as me!
Really eats batteries!!!!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
We bought this camera for our two year old son, as a gift from his new-born sister. We really wanted the Fisher Price Kids Tough but couldn’t find it on a Target store, so we bought this. When I got the camera I installed the batteries and just by switching the camera on the battery indicator showed half-charge. OK, I thought, this alkaline batteries are old and discharged. I took some pictures and the quality is not for a 3.0MP camera, ok since my boy is only 2 years-old he won’t be looking for picture quality. I took 3 pictures and store the camera for 2 weeks until today. The alkaline batteries went off just after 5 or 6 more pictures and about 10min ON. The camera started flickering On and OFF annoying my son. Again, I tought, not a big problem since I have 4 rechargeable batteries ready to use. Unscrew the battery compartemt, remove “old” batteries, install fresh batteries, re-screw the battery compartment and surprise, only half charge showed up again. After 3 more shots and about other 10 min the camera started to flicker On and OFF again. This time annoying ME. I will install fresh new batteries again and take this camera for a little test-drive as soon as I have the will to go through the unscrew, remove, install, screw routine. And I wish I don’t have to repeat this routine every 5 shots.
After my test-drive only 15 pics in memory. Worked fine with the first alkaline batteries I discard, again flickering with the same batteries.
Just to recap:
- The picture quality is terrible
- Eats batteries
- Only holds 12-15 pictures in memory
- Flickers ON and OFF. Like other reviewers I had the same problem, this seems to be a general issue with the camera.
I think I will return this camera and try to buy a better one, my son is very interested in taking pictures of his sister.
My advice STAY AWAY from this!!!!
A bit dissapointed
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I bought this camera for my 3yo. She was able to learn very quickly how to operate the camera, review and delete photos. The lcd screen is bigger and clearer than other children’s digital cameras we have seen. However, the photo quality is poor. There is quite a long delay from when you push the shutter button and when the photo is taken. I would say 99% of the pictures were blurry. The flash is far too bright unless you are 10 feet away. It also takes quite a while to recharge.
We are also experiencing a mechanical flaw. The camera will randomly re-start itself and return to the start-up screen. We have changed the batteries and it consistently malfunctioned. We will be returning it.
disappointing!! Does NOT work.
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
We wanted to try this out before we gave it to our daughter on her birthday. We put batteries in and turned it on. The digital camera part would not even come on or work! It’s not like we had it a while and used it. We just put batteries in and turned it on. I cannot even believe they would sell a product like this. It’s horrible how they advertise how neat it is. IT DOESN’T EVEN WORK! Shame on Polaroid. It’s a good thing we didn’t wait to give to our daughter to find out if it worked or not. She would be highly disappointed.
My Kids Love It. Don’t Expect High Quality Photos!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
If you are expecting a Canon Powershot or Nikon, you will be disappointed.
But, this is not an adults camera, it’s for kids. I have to say, it’s the highest quality kid’s camera I’ve seen. When using the flash, the pictures lean towards the orange and red part of the spectrum. But, my kids don’t care. There is also a long delay when trying to take pictures. Again, my kids don’t care. Annoying for me? Sure! Unlike other toy camera’s, the Pixie’s pictures are clear. All toy cameras have weak flashes and are prone to blurring.
The binocular viewfinder is perfect for kids and the LCD viewfinder does a fine job. Hopefully, the next generation of kid’s camera will improve, but for now, this seems to be the best of the lot.
Not bad for a child…
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I purchased this for my 3-year-old granddaughter. She really likes it, though she has to have a little guidance with it. My 7-year-old granddaughter also likes it, and she likes the games, too. The 3-year-old is not quite ready for the games.
Actually, you do NOT have to hold the shutter down for 10 seconds for a shot, as another person said. Maybe a second, but not 10 seconds. It is a little pricey, but so far both of my granddaughters have had a lot of fun with it. The flash is not great unless you are about 5 or 6 feet away; otherwise, it is too bright, and it takes a good while, about 7 or 8 seconds, to recyle. This camera is better for outdoor shots than indoor shots, like most point and shoot digicams.
There is another camera made by Fisher Price that used to be the same price, but has dropped 20 or 30 dollars. It is not nearly as good as this one, and I’d not recommned it for any child over age 3. This Polaroid would be a good cam for a 3-4 to a 6-7 year-old.
wouldn’t buy again-poor quality but games are good
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
this camera was a 07 Christmas gift for my son. the pictures are awful and useless. he likes it and really liked the games for a while, but they don’t compare to his DS. I wish I would have purchased a regular camera and another DS game. I would not buy this again.
Eats batteries like you would not believe!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
we bought this for my 6 year-old for Christmas, and she had barely taken the 12 pictures it stores when the batteries had died. We thought something was wrong with the camera so we exchanged it. We put the new batteries in the second camera and she forgot to turn it off. It was on MAYBE 20 minutes, and when she returned to it the batteries were dead! She had not even gotten to take a picture on this one! Totally ridiculous!
Adequate toy camera
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
This camera is adequate for a toy. My daughter was ecstatic to receive a “real camera and it’s pink!” It is easy to use for my six year old, and takes a decent photo when she remembers to hold still. It requires an SD card to be useful–children take dozens of junk photos. The camera eats batteries–two AAA don’t last long, and the camera defaults to auto-flash every time it is switched on. The games are mildly entertaining, but don’t compete with her older sister’s Nintendo DS. Overall, cheaper than buying and developing a disposable camera for every family weekend away, but if your child can be trusted with a more complicated and delicate mainstream point-and-shoot, do that instead.
Buyer Beware
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
We bought this for our daughter as she was always wanting to use our digital camera. We set it up and off she went taking photos. When she shot all 11 photos that the built in memory could hold, we went to go download them. Standing next to the computer, the slick plastic camera dropped from her hand(at knee height) and landed on the floor. That drop, of just over a foot, destroyed the camera. The shutter button would no longer work. We were able to download the terrible photos.
I opened the camera to see if it could be salvaged. The part that broke was so poorly designed. The large plastic shutter button pushed down on to a tiny piece which was attached to the circuit board by 2 pin-thick legs of plastic. Those legs are what broke. the $80 camera was now trash.
Since then we have let her use our old digital camera. Its rubberized grip is easy for her to hold. The camera actually takes good pictures and more than 11 of them.
I would strongly consider spending a bit more for a real camera as opposed to this very poorly designed toy.
not as durable as it looks….
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
My 6 year old son really loved this camera, it was really easy to use and (although I found them annoying and battery sucking), he liked the games.I really thought it was a good camera at first. Of course the pictures were of low quality but he really didn’t mind. What makes me not like the camera is the fact that it broke after only a few months of owning it. the button that you press to take a picture stopped working. I work in electronics so I took it apart and found that the hot glue holding the switch in place had come loose. I repaired it but the fix only lasted about a couple weeks, and then the legs of the faulty switch broke off entirely. for the price I paid for this I probably could have gotten a low end camera marketed for grown ups and it would have held up much better.
Sometimes, works, sometimes does not
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
We thought we were getting a great deal on this camera at an especially reduced clearance price, so we purchased two, one for my son and one for my niece. I should of assumed it was clearanced for a reason! Even with the greatly reduced price-not worth the money! The camera only holds 11-12 pictures and the pictures always turn out fuzzy on the camera’s screen, even when an adult uses it. When we download onto the computer the pics only turn out half of the time, again even when an adult uses it. Now after my son being extremely careful with it for the few months he has had it, the camera does not even work as it will only turn on half of the time, then when it does turn on, it jams up after one picture. I gave it two stars only because my son enjoys playing the low quality games and he can have fun with the camera when it works.
So-So Product Ruined by Bad Customer Service
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I bought this camera back in July for my daughter’s birthday gift. I did look up online for reviews and as a product, it seemed like an okay toy camera. and my daughter did enjoy it for the time she had it so far.
As a product, it has some critical design flaws. I will list them by numbers below
1. No rechargeable battery option through its USB port. Basically, you have to replace the batteries every time it runs out (and battery time is fairly short).
2. Games are more of a gimmick… which is shame. It really looks like the product designer put a good effort into having a good form factor to accommodate gaming experience in its form factor. But all the games look like it was developed by couple of guys in China for few thousand bucks. And it doesn’t even have TV out function which is odd choice since it already supports viewing pictures on TV.
I bypassed above short comings mainly due to the fact that my kid will careless about those problems.
Recently, we found out that it was no longer operating properly. I tried popping in new batteries but it just makes high pitched sound and nothing works.
I called Polaroid for warranty repair since I registered the product online after I purchased it. And I found out that you MUST keep your receipt if you want it repaired under warranty. I checked my bank account since I remember the time period I purchased it at the Target store. And I found the record of it although it didn’t list the item itself. But, Polaroid’s representative said it doesn’t mean anything since the bank statement doesn’t list the item in its description. She did say that other customers in similar situation was able to get a copy of receipt through Target and they can fix it if I do that.
So I called Target and found out that by policy, they can’t give out a copy of receipt. I called back Polaroid and their answer was pretty much “Too bad”. They don’t even offer non warranty repair because “it will be more expensive than purchasing the product.”
I have experience with other products such as Nintendo’s both hardwares and softwares where if you register the product online, they will make sure the product you registered will receive proper warranty service.
I have a soft spot for Polaroid from the film camera days and I know they are not doing so good recently. But their poor customer service for a product that could have been a great product just made me lose faith in their company.
I will buy another toy camera for my daughter. But it won’t be Polaroid’s product. That’s for sure.