Even if the set doesn’t include a camera, a good webcam shouldn’t run you more than $20-$30. While having a separate camera does make it easier to film, it also adds to the cost of the kit, and most cameras require a laptop or desktop to work. Some of these sets include a camera, while others require you to provide your own, either a webcam or a phone/tablet camera. Note that in the case of kits that provide software licenses, these usually cover only one installation of the software if you plan to install the software on multiple devices, that will mean paying more. While having an app supplied takes some work out of the process, there are many excellent animation apps available for every OS, and if the kit uses a proprietary app it can be annoying if the manufacturer stops supporting it.

However, not all of them include apps that can be used to capture stop motion, so it’s up to you to provide your own.

Most of these sets are designed to allow your kid to film with a phone or tablet camera. Having additional props can make it easier to just jump into movie-making, and they still have toy value even if your kid gets bored with stop-motion.

Others are just software, a camera, and/or instructions on how to do stop-motion animation. Some of these kits include figures, props, backgrounds, and other toys your kid can use in his or her movie-making. It’s unlikely that younger children will have the attention span to stick with it, so make sure you buy a kit that matches your kid’s age. Even with the best kit, making stop-motion animation is a painstaking process that requires patience.

Stop motion animation software mac