The Digital Blue Digital Movie Creator 3.0 allows kids to discover their "inner Scorcesese" and direct movies of their own design.

The Digital Movie Creator 3.0 allows kids to shoot scenes indoors or outdoors, and then download the video, stills and audio to a compatible PC. Once transferred to a PC, the movie can be edited. Our testers loved the ability to add special effects, music and animation. In fact, once they mastered how the software (included) worked, they spent long periods creating and editing movies, and adding fun special effects.

To use the Digital Movie Creator 3.0, kids hold the slim camera by the handle and look either through a viewfinder or at a preview screen to see what they are filming. Later, the Digital Movie Creator can be plugged into the computer's USB port to transfer data and create edited versions. Movies also can be viewed on a television screen.

The 3.0 version of the Digital Movie Creator has a few improvements from earlier versions, including higher resolution and a live preview feature. The earlier versions didn't have the option to expand memory. With only 32MB of internal memory on the 3.0 version, users should plan to buy more memory. Using the SD Memory Slot, one can add up to two hours of recording time.

We think the Digital Movie Creator is a bit pricey and we'd like to see a memory card included. However, one of the best features of the Digital Movie Creator 3.0 is the ability to email movies. Kids love sending their film creations to friends and family. We also find the planning and executing of a concept from idea to reality builds a variety of skills. The package includes a dock station with USB cable, TV out cable, wrist strap and quick start guide.


Pros: Kids can make and edit movies with special effects
Cons: Price, needs more memory

Warranty
1 year, limited