The PXL-2000

About

The PXL-2000 is a video camera made for children. It was released in the 1987 by Fisher Price. Since this was intended to be a toy, Fisher Price most likely didn’t see the quality of the footage it output as much of a concern.

The PXL used ordinary audio cassette tapes rather than video cassette tapes such as video 8 or a film strip. While a neat concept, this unfortunately resulted in the video being low quality, greyscale, and the ratio being vertical instead of horizontal. Additionally, the microphone was directly next to the tape compartment, so any sound recorded was drowned out by the recording mechanism, which spun the tape at a very fast RPM.

The PXL, interestingly, became popular with teens as well as children, since despite the video quality it was an easy and inexpensive way to record them and their friends before other handheld cameras and smartphones became commonplace.

pictures

The PXL-2000.
The PXL-2000 and the manual, the cables, the rf switchbox, and a tape that came with it.
A print ad for the PXL-200.
The PXL-2000 hooked up to the mini television included, plus the box.
Another print ad.
A specially branded PXL-2000 tape.

videos

A video shot with a PXL-2000, uploaded to YouTube by swmpr1

A TV commercial for the PXL-2000, uploaded by Old Dusty VHS Tapes.

sources

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