Walkie talkies are an inexpensive communication option; they allow many people to stay in touch across relatively long distances. They are not replacements for your cell phone but have proven to be essential communication tools in places where cell phone reception is poor or in times where you want to converse for long periods without needing to pay through the nose to your cell service provider.
In many cases, just being able to hear the other person is not enough, especially when you have babies or toddlers around. This need necessitated the reviews of the best walkie talkie cameras on the market. These devices allow the user to hear the other party crystal clear with the added benefit of video support.
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Considerations for choosing walkie talkies with cameras
Shopping for a walkie talkie, especially one with an added camera functionality, is not as easy as it seems. There are a lot of factors to keep at the back of your mind when making that purchase. We have compiled a detailed list of such factors below. They are:
Age
The most important factor would be the age of the person you intend to communicate with using these stylish but functional two way radios. The age would determine the material the radio is made from; it would also determine whether or not the radio should have removable bits. For younger children, it is best to avoid radios with removable parts or nylon coverings to prevent choking.
Camera Quality
The camera is an important consideration when buying a camera walkie talkie. It is important that the camera features a sizable number of megapixels; this translates to better camera resolution and high quality images. The higher end models feature a flash function that enables the user to use the walkie talkie even in low light.
Video Capability
Some camera walkie talkies also offer video recording capabilities; these would be more expensive than the units that can only take still images but would offer more functionality. If a video recorder is a feature, you would love to have, ensure to inspect the length of the video that can be recorded, the video and audio quality. Having a video camera would mean the device would need extra memory space, so it is best that the device have a slot for external memory.
Size
Most people think smaller is always better, but it is not always true. The device should not be so big that it can not be handled easily or that it would hinder mobility. And it should also not be too small that it becomes impossible to use as the fingers would be mashing more than one button at the same time. When it comes to size, it boils down to the preference of the parties that would be using the device.
Ease of Use
The radios should be comfortable to use; it is advised that you pick out a radio pair that is ergonomic and can allow use for extended periods. Also, the radio should be easy to use by people of all ages; the push to talk button (PTT) should be relatively large, so even children can easily and safely keep in touch.
Range
The range is how much distance can be between the radio pairs for you to still communicate efficiently and effectively. You must keep it at the back of your mind that the device is a communications radio first and must be able to bridge distances. The range is affected by two factors—the obstacles/obstructions in the terrain (environment) or the transmission power (in wattage). If the radios are intended to be used by children in the backyard or garden, you do not need to really worry about the radio’s range.
Battery Life
If you intend to use any of these devices as a baby monitor, it is crucial that the radio offers the user an extended battery life. It would be counterproductive if you constantly have to change the batteries, charge the devices or constantly have to worry about finding a power source on the road. It is best if the device offers you various ways to power the device, with the options ranging from solar, aa or aaa batteries and rechargeable battery packs.
Other Features
Asides from the ability to connect people across a distance and the camera and video recording abilities, some of these radios offer some exciting add-ons. Some of these features could range from a call function, a flashlight, some build in games to entertain our child, and an SD card slot to play MP3 music files.
Price
Depending on what you want from the device, there are many radios in different price ranges. Regardless of your budget, you would be able to pick out a radio that would meet and, in many cases, exceed your expectations.
3 Best Walkie Talkies with Cameras
The following products are the best camera walkie talkies on the market; they have been carefully selected after interviewing people who have used the devices.
1. SereneLife Radio
The first thing that grabs at you about the SereneLife radio is the aesthetics and build quality. The buttons are rightly sized and evenly spaced, making it very easy to operate. This beautiful radio features a state of the art display that allows the user to monitor all the radio vitals at one glance.
Features
The Serenlife radio offers the users a long range.
The radio works on a 2.4GHZ wireless frequency.
You can save battery with the sleep mode that turns off the screen.
The VOX mode allows you to use the radio hands free and can serve as a baby monitor as the parent unit would be activated when the baby makes noise.
These units have a thermometer fitted and allow you to monitor the temperature.
The radios have a battery life that can last the entire day.
2. MYPIN Walkie Talkies with Camera
The MYPIN camera walkie talkie comes in two colors, this beautiful cyan for boys and a gorgeous pink for girls. The manufacturers of this radio tried to blend aesthetics with functionality, and from the reviews, we have gotten, they did just that. The simple design means it is not heavy and can be easily carried around by kids, and the host of fun activities mean your child is never bored.
Features
The device features both rear and front cameras, so they can take pictures of their environment and also selfies.
These devices have a transmission range of 30 meters.
MYPIN walkie talkies allow for one to one, and one to many communication
It features a 2 inch LCD screen.
Your child has the option to play games or use the MP3 player feature.
The 32GB TF card means you can copy music files from your computer to the device.
The device is made from child-friendly, non-hazardous materials.
3. Garmin 2 Way Radio
This is the most hi-tech device on the list, and at first glance, you can see how mature the radio is and how this is no toy. One thing that makes this stand out from the rest, asides from the price, is the all black finish and the much larger, much sharper display screen.
Features
This GMRS two way radio has a transmission range of up to 20 miles.
You have the option of communicating with the unit to unit text messaging or by voice.
The radio features a very sensitive GRPS.
The device features a GLONASS satellite reception.
You can pick out the location of other users operating nearby on the same channel.
The 3 inch screen can be read easily, even in sunlight and low lighting conditions.
You have the option to either power the device using AA batteries, which can last for up to 18 hours. Or a lithium-ion power pack that can last 14 hours.
Overall Best Buy
The Garmin Rino Radio. This device costs more than $600, and it is for a good reason. Compared to the rest, this radio is made from premium material and is designed to survive the outdoors. The Garmin radio is a two way radio that offers more miles than you would ever need; with this radio, communication would hardly be a problem. The intelligent GPS and GLONASS systems mean that you can easily orient yourself anywhere you are in the world. And if you intend to spend a lot of your time outdoors in the wild, you need all the battery life you can get. And with a dual power source, you are good to go.
Best Budget Buy
The MYSPIN kids camera walkie talkie. This device comes in two colors, the cyan and pink colors; asides from the attractive designs, the handheld radio is very functional. It features front and rear cameras; this means your child can take selfies and take pictures with friends and family. The two inch screen means your child can check the pictures taken and also monitor the radio vitals. And when you consider that you are getting all these at under $30, you would appreciate how this is the best deal.
