In-depth review
VTech KidiZoom PrintCam Review (2027)
Research review of the VTech KidiZoom PrintCam: instant black-and-white thermal printing, a selfie lens, games and effects, and kid-proof running costs.
VTech KidiZoom PrintCam
A kids camera that prints black-and-white photos instantly on low-cost thermal paper.
Our verdict
The PrintCam understands its audience: kids do not ration film, so it prints on thermal paper that costs almost nothing per shot. Black-and-white prints are the trade, and for bedroom walls, journals, and endless experimentation, it is the right one.
What we like
- Built-in printer uses thermal paper, so prints cost a fraction of film or ZINK refills
- Prints instantly in black and white, with a paper roll included to start per the listing
- Digital camera with a selfie lens, photo effects, stamps, and games built in
- Rechargeable battery charges over USB, with no disposable batteries to buy
What to watch out for
- Black-and-white prints only
- Thermal prints fade faster than film prints over the years
- Paper rolls are a consumable to keep reordering
What owners report: VTech KidiZoom PrintCam
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Parents praise thermal paper pricing that lets children print freely without a film budget conversation
- The built in effects, stamps and games keep it in use between printing sessions
- A rechargeable battery over USB ends the disposable battery treadmill of kids electronics
Common complaints
- Black and white only prints disappoint children who expected colour like a phone photo
- Thermal prints fade over the years, so they are fun now rather than keepsakes
- Paper rolls join the household reorder list once the novelty printing starts
Who it is for
Children roughly four and up who shoot constantly, and parents who want instant-print fun without per-shot film costs.
Thermal printing changes the economics
Every other camera in this guide charges real money per print, which quietly teaches kids to stop shooting. The PrintCam prints on thermal paper rolls, so a weekend of experimentation costs very little and a starter roll is included per the listing.
The prints are black and white, sized for journals, walls, and handing to friends.
A camera kids actually use
Beyond printing, the PrintCam is a full kids digital camera: a selfie lens, photo effects and stamps, and built-in games. Those extras matter because a camera that is also a toy gets carried, and a carried camera gets used.
The rechargeable battery charges over USB, ending the disposable battery routine of older kids cameras.
Print permanence, honestly
Thermal prints fade with heat and time faster than film or ZINK. For keepsakes, photograph the print with a phone, or step up to the film cameras in this guide for the shots that must last.
As a daily creative tool rather than an archive, the PrintCam has no running-cost rival here.
Key specifications
- Prints
- Black-and-white thermal prints
- Camera
- Digital, with selfie lens
- Extras
- Photo effects, stamps, and games
- Power
- Rechargeable battery, USB
- Model
- 80-549106 (Pink)
Sources: Amazon Canada product listing, VTech
Also consider
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
The point-and-shoot Instax Mini that gets exposure right automatically.
Why consider it: Choose the Mini 12 if you want real color film prints that last, and accept the per-shot cost.
- Film format: Instax Mini, 54 x 86 mm card, 46 x 62 mm image
- Lens: 60 mm f/12.7, 2 components, close-up mode 0.3 to 0.5 m
Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro
A hybrid camera-printer using low-cost 4PASS cartridges and square prints.
Why consider it: Choose the Kodak Mini Shot 3 if you want color prints with a screen at predictable cartridge costs.
- Print format: 3 x 3 in square, 4PASS dye sublimation
- Camera: 10 MP, autofocus, 1.77-inch LCD viewfinder display
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Are PrintCam prints in color?
No. It prints in black and white on thermal paper, which is exactly why its running costs are so low.
What paper does the PrintCam use?
Thermal paper rolls made for the PrintCam; a roll is included per the listing, and refills are inexpensive compared with film.