Those who are 35-40 years old today probably remember how in childhood they were waiting for the showing of cartoons on TV. They walked infrequently. Two or three a day for 10-30 minutes. Children's films were shown on weekends or during vacations. Overhead projectors often came to the rescue. It was enough to close the curtains tightly, hang a white sheet, or simply direct the beam onto a plain wall and plunge into the world of a fairy tale. The metal case was warming up, the film was regularly jammed, the slides did not want to be installed in place, but this did not bother anyone. Surprisingly, even today they find their buyer. The choice of popular models is not rich, but their functionality cannot but please. How to choose the best overhead projector for kids? Let's try to figure it out.
Content
Overhead projector - what and how
Overhead projector has many names. Frame projector, slide projector, filmoscope. Their basic construction is quite simple. The housing contains a tape scroller and a lamp. The image is reproduced through the lens. When projected onto a surface, it increases. Slides are often used instead of film.
The overhead projector introduces children not only to fairy tales and heroes of popular cartoons. Its use in games is educational in nature. By choosing the right collection of filmstrips, you can acquaint your child with the surrounding nature, climb to the stars and sink to the bottom of the ocean. And by reading the subtitles, you can easily learn the alphabet. Working with small details, perfectly develops fine motor skills.
What are
Currently, there are many models to choose from, depending on the child's age and budget.
- Simple overhead projectors are designed to show the picture and subtitles to it. The option is quite budgetary and is not designed for a long service life. In addition, you can rarely purchase an additional set of slides for them, and they quickly get bored with children.
- The characteristics of more functional filmoscopes involve manual and automatic film scrolling, voice guidance. Such models will help to interest both the smallest and older children, who themselves want to act as a cameraman.
- Modern overhead projectors that allow you to get a small cinema at home. In addition to the listed functions, they have USB inputs for connecting to a laptop and work with removable media. Allows you to watch filmstrips in high quality and with good resolution. There are several disadvantages. As a rule, they work from the network, which means they will require the participation of adult family members when starting the equipment. Far from being a democratic cost.
The best overhead projector manufacturers don't stop there. Filmscopes-constructors, slide-projectors-cameras, and projectors for drawing are created. Most models are safe for children. They can run on batteries and their plastic cases do not heat up.
Best Overhead Projectors According to Buyers
The criteria for choosing the best overhead projector for children are rather vague. Much depends on the age, interests of the child, and even his gender. Today, when choosing a filmoscope as a gift, it is easy to choose a toy for both boys and girls.Therefore, it is worth focusing exclusively on reviews on the Internet, advice from friends and acquaintances only when it comes to quality characteristics. Therefore, we will consider a number of models depending on their average price.
Projection flashlight-keychain "Photon"
Foton is a well-known Russian brand specializing in the development and production of educational toys for children based on the optical component. The keychain has many functions. First of all, it serves to store keys. It also acts as a flashlight. And projects the image at a distance of up to 7 meters.
Advantages:
- Functionality;
- Large assortment of keychains with characters from your favorite cartoons;
- You can pick up a keychain in pink, blue and other colors;
- Lightweight and compact;
- Powered by LR41 batteries. Four pieces are supplied with the toy.
Disadvantages:
- Despite the fact that the toy is positioned by manufacturers as an overhead projector, it is not fully such, it projects only one frame;
- Bothers children quickly;
- Poor build quality.
The projection key fob can be used by children over 3 years old. But, most likely, he will be of little interest to them. The toy is more focused on younger students who have keys. The low cost of 160-170 rubles allows you to please kids too.
Flashlight BONDIBON
A flashlight from a Chinese company is perfect as an educational toy. Simple and safe device to operate device. Discs with slides are inserted into a special receiver, frames are switched using a button. Powered by batteries.
Advantages:
- The set includes three disks, 8 frames each;
- The plots are educational in nature, they are mainly related to space, oceans, animals and birds;
- Can work in flashlight mode;
- Simplicity and safety, no need for close supervision by adults.
Disadvantages:
- There is no option to purchase additional slide discs. If you want to change the subject, you will have to purchase a new flashlight.
- Blurred picture. To obtain a high-quality image, the surface must be perfectly flat and uniform.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 8. For an older or younger age, it may not be interesting. The cost of a projection flashlight: 180-200 rubles.
Multi-flashlight "Photon"
Will serve as an excellent gift for children aged three and older. Like the previous model, it is made in the form of a flashlight. Lightweight plastic body with a wide range of colors. However, as well as the variety of slides with your favorite cartoons. The set includes three discs. Powered by three LR44 batteries included in the package.
Advantages:
- High-quality assembly;
- Easy frame switching;
- Crisp images with vivid colors from 0.3 to 3 meters;
- Focus adjustment by rotating the lens;
- You can choose models with legs for surface installation;
- Serves as a night light, flashlight, overhead projectors;
- Possibility to purchase additional discs with slides in online stores.
Disadvantages:
- Given the budgetary cost, none.
The purchase of a projection flashlight will cost 290-300 rubles.
Overhead projector "Photon"
It will allow you to have fun with your child at home, on the road, in the country or on vacation. It will be of interest to children from 1 year old, however, it can be used independently from 3 years old, due to the presence of small batteries. Unlike previous models, it works not on cassettes with slides, but on film with 26 frames. Repeats the plots of popular fairy tales and cartoons.
Advantages:
- In appearance, it resembles a real movie projector, which the kids will like;
- Easy to operate, frames are switched using a volumetric key located in a prominent place. Image brightness is adjusted by rotating the lens;
- Compact, easily fits into a children's backpack and does not take up much space in a suitcase with things;
- Projects images of excellent quality.
Disadvantages:
- There are complaints about the build quality;
- The film is embedded inside the frame projector. You can watch only one fairy tale.
If you wish, you can purchase a filmoscope with other characters. The cost is about 310-330 rubles.
Bondibon Eagle 2 in1
Most parents, and even more so children, approved the purchase. The overhead projector is made in the form of a blaster pistol. Viewing filmstrips is accompanied by sound and light effects, skillfully matched to the images. The main theme is space and animals.
Advantages:
- An original performance that boys will especially like;
- Good build;
- Convenient and easy dial switching, clear modes for adjusting the sharpness and brightness of the picture;
- Light and sound effects;
- Works as a flashlight or a toy gun without discs;
- Good picture quality even in relatively bright rooms.
Disadvantages:
- The set includes only two cassettes with slides;
- You cannot buy additional cassettes, however, as well as a pistol with a different theme;
- After a short time, children begin to use it like a gun.
Nevertheless, the cost of 380-400 rubles is not so high, the device is really of high quality and is well suited for a gift.
Overhead projector "Umka"
Model from a Russian manufacturer. Made in the form of a real movie camera. Has advanced functionality. He will not only show slides, but tell a fairy tale, read a children's poem and sing a song. The set includes 4 discs with Russian folk tales, 2 discs with pictures of animals and birds, as well as a cassette for soundtrack.
Advantages:
- An interesting filmoscope for young children;
- Can be installed in such a way that the demonstration of pictures is on the ceiling.
- Soft illumination will not allow the baby to be afraid of the dark, the overhead projector itself can act as a night light;
- Good image clarity.
Disadvantages:
- No sound volume control;
- The wheel for rearranging frames is turning hard;
- Many buyers don't like the silos, slides don't have audio or subtitles. And songs and poems do not fit the picture at all.
Parents note that a model with soundtrack is a great idea for children from 4 years old. However, it is difficult for children to operate the filmoscope, and the topics correspond to the age of 1-3 years. The cost of the toy is 750-800 rubles.
MARKETHOT
The device may not rightfully be called an overhead projector, but it will give your child more than just watching slides. With him you can try yourself in the role of a real artist. It is a small table made of white plastic material and a special lamp fixed above it, under which there is a receptacle for cartridges. The picture is displayed on the table. It's bright enough to put a piece of paper on top of it and start painting.
Advantages:
- The original version of the lamp in the form of a duckling;
- There are options in blue and pink;
- The set includes three discs with slides and a set of 12 markers;
- Bright image.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
A drawing kit will cost 1600-1800 rubles.
Firefly Mini
Sound overhead projector, working in three modes. When the automatic mode is turned on, the picture and sound are played. If you wish, you can leave only the sound, and switch the pictures yourself. The older guys are interested in completely manual control. It allows you to switch and read the credits or make up your own story.
Advantages:
- Adjusting the sound and clarity of the projection;
- The device has a carrying handle;
- A special stand allows you to change the angle of inclination of the lens within 90%;
- Large assortment of discs for sale.
Disadvantages:
- Filmstrips and batteries are not included. They will have to be purchased additionally.
A high-quality device costs a lot - in the range of 3800-4000 rubles. Movie discs aren't cheap either.
Glowworm
This model will surely find fans among children 4-10 years old.Stylish design, carrying strap, and the ability to view filmstrips of new and old, Soviet samples. The overhead projector is equipped with a handy wheel for scrolling the tape. The tilt angle is adjusted using a specially designed foot-lock. It is possible to adjust the contrast of the picture.
Advantages:
- Ease of use;
- Sharp image;
- Safe for children. Powered by AA batteries. It is made of plastic and does not heat up during operation.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of soundtrack;
- Many buyers note that a high-quality picture can only be achieved in complete darkness;
- Manufacturers do not recommend using the device for more than one hour at a time.
The cost of the device is 4000-4200 rubles.
Regio
One of the best overhead projectors for viewing film strips from the Hungarian brand. You can scroll both manually and in automatic mode. Convenient control with a few buttons. Despite the fact that the case is made of metal, it does not heat up, since it is equipped with special holes for ventilation and cooling. With the Regio filmoscope, children will enjoy watching entertaining or educational, and their parents can return to childhood.
Advantages:
- Robust metal body;
- The LED lamp allows you to view filmstrips in high quality;
- Works both autonomously on batteries and from an electrical network with a voltage of 220 V;
- Compatible with Soviet films;
- Clear instructions;
- The kit includes a guide on how to show light tricks.
Disadvantages:
- In addition to the high cost of 6500-7000 rubles, it was not found.
Multicube
New generation overhead projector. Suitable for watching cartoons, listening to music, teaching, presentations and more. The filmoscope is equipped with an LED lamp, which makes it possible to reproduce the image not only in a dark room with tightly curtained windows, but also in a bright room. Works in several modes. Can be viewed in movie mode, or in slide mode. The device has multiple connectors and is compatible with most gadgets. Controlled by a remote control.
Advantages:
- High image quality;
- There is no need to buy film or discs with slides, just a connection to a personal or computer, or video materials downloaded to removable media;
- Synchronous soundtrack;
- Compact dimensions;
- Carrying handle;
- The presence of a headphone input, which will allow you to view video content without disturbing others.
- Works from the mains or from a capacious battery.
Disadvantages:
Many parents complain about the lack of instructions for using the overhead projector in Russian. For children aged 6-12 years, this fact does not interfere with quickly understanding the controls.
The cost of the overhead projector ranges from 7,000 to 7,500 rubles. However, on stocks their price is often 4000-5000 rubles. In any case, this is the most budget overhead projector in this segment.
It is not known what caused the surge in popularity of filmoscopes among modern boys and girls. And will he be able to hold his position against the background of tablets and TVs with large screens. But the fact that the device perfectly performs developmental and educational functions, no one can dispute.
