Hoppstar Cameras Compared: Rookie vs Expert vs Artist
Hoppstar cameras are made for small hands: big buttons, a soft case and a simple menu, so children can take their own photos without needing a grown-up for every click. But with the Rookie, the Expert and the Artist looking so alike, which one should you choose?
Here's how they compare, which age each one suits, and the one feature that usually decides it. All the details below are from Hoppstar's own product information.
The short version
- Rookie (ages 3+): photos and video, simple and easy. No selfie camera.
- Expert (ages 3+): everything the Rookie does, plus a selfie camera on the back.
- Artist (ages 5+): prints black and white photos in seconds, with a selfie camera and a bigger screen.
What they all have in common
- Photo frames, filters and face recognition built in
- A 16GB memory card in the box
- A rechargeable battery that charges through the lanyard, so there are no batteries to buy
- Big, easy buttons and no games, so it's all about taking pictures
- No zoom on any of them
Hoppstar Rookie: the simplest first camera
The Rookie is the one we'd pick for a three or four year old taking their first photos. It has a 2" screen, takes photos and videos, and comes in a soft, removable silicone case for grip and bumps. It doesn't have a selfie camera, which keeps it nice and simple.
Hoppstar Rookie Digital Camera - Blush
A first camera with cat ears, big buttons and a soft silicone case. Photos, video, frames and filters, with a 16GB card included. Ages 3+.
£59.95
Hoppstar Expert: for little selfie fans
The Expert looks very like the Rookie, but adds a second camera on the back for selfies. If your child loves seeing themselves on the screen, or taking pictures of the whole family together, this is the one. It also records video and has the same 2" screen.
Hoppstar Expert Digital Camera - Citron
Everything the Rookie does, plus a selfie camera on the back, in a cheerful citron yellow with a protective silicone sleeve. Ages 3+.
£79.95
Hoppstar Artist: prints in seconds
The Artist has a built-in printer, so children can take a photo and hold the print a few seconds later. Prints are black and white, about 8 x 5cm, and use thermal paper rolls, so there's no ink to buy. It has a selfie camera, video and a bigger 2.4" screen, and it's designed for ages 5 and up.
Hoppstar Artist Instant Print Digital Camera - Blossom
Snap, print and stick it in a scrapbook. Instant black and white prints, a selfie camera and video, in soft lilac. Ages 5+.
£98.99
Hoppstar Artist Memo Instant Print Camera & Memory Game - Almond
The full Artist camera plus 24 card sleeves and 6 paper rolls, so they can print their own photos twice and make a matching pairs game. Ages 5+.
£107.99
And the tiny one: Hoppstar Popcorn
Not part of the big three, but worth knowing about. The Popcorn is pocket-sized, weighs about 40g and has a front and a selfie camera. It's a lovely stocking-sized first camera for ages 3 and up.
Hoppstar Popcorn Digital Camera - Sorbet
A tiny camera that goes everywhere, with a selfie camera, big buttons and a charging neck strap. Ages 3+.
£39.95
Which Hoppstar camera should I choose?
- Aged 3 or 4, first camera: the Rookie, or the Expert if they'd love selfies.
- Loves taking pictures of everyone, including themselves: the Expert.
- Aged 5 and up, loves drawing, scrapbooks or sticking things on the fridge: the Artist. Holding a print makes it feel really special.
- Want something small for a stocking or a smaller budget: the Popcorn.
Good to know
- Artist paper: Hoppstar says one refill pack of 3 rolls prints around 220 photos.
- Getting photos off: plug the camera into a computer with the lanyard cable (adapters are in the box) and the photos are in a Hoppstar folder.
- Battery: Hoppstar says a full charge gives around 2 hours of video recording.
Quick answers
What's the difference between the Hoppstar Rookie and Expert?
The Expert has a selfie camera on the back and the Rookie doesn't. Both are for ages 3 and up, with a 2" screen, video, frames and filters.
Does the Hoppstar Artist need ink?
No. It prints black and white photos on thermal paper rolls, so there's no ink to buy, just refill rolls.
What age is a Hoppstar camera for?
The Rookie, Expert and Popcorn are for ages 3 and up. The Artist is for ages 5 and up.
See all our Hoppstar kids' cameras, or find more ideas in our Christmas gifts for 3-year-olds and Christmas gift guide.
