Camera

Cameras are objects introduced in The Sims 3 World Adventures. Sims cannot practice Photography without a camera, like taking classes, because there isn't a rabbit hole to provide the skill. The skill is later re-introduced in University Life with the smartphones. Using a camera presents the player with a first-person view, the second instance of which in any The Sims game. Cameras are also returned in The Sims 4 as well as the photography skill with more features than before.

The Sims 3: World Adventures
Cameras can be bought at the general store in the markets of Al Simhara, Champs Les Sims, and Shang Simla. Different adventure destination has different available camera types. They may also be sold at the consignment store in The Sims 3: Ambitions. Cameras are accessible in Buy mode under buydebug category, using testing cheats. Premade foreign Sims of World Adventures have cameras in their inventory as well.

If both World Adventures and University Life are installed, a ChannonTec Outlaw SE will be placed in every Sim's inventory.

SnapTastic Flimsy-Cam
"'This super-affordable camera is super-basic. Even though it is barely more functional than your cellphone you'll actually learn photography with this object.'"

The SnapTastic Flimsy-Cam looks like a cheap disposable camera. It takes the worst quality photos of the three available cameras. Sims can use the SnapTastic to take small portrait sized photographs but nothing bigger until they hit level 10 of the Photography skill, then they can also take panorama sized photos with this camera. This camera has two recolorable channels and appears to feature a llama on the front, possibly a llama wearing boxing gloves. The SnapTastic could also be modeled on a toy camera to some degree, and intended for Child Sims.

Sims can purchase this camera in Shang Simla, Champs Les Sims, and Al Simhara.

ChannonTec Outlaw SE
"'The Outlaw has been the workhorse of the photography world for years. Its great image quality, diehard durability, and reasonable price has kept it in the hands of photographers despite recent improvements to higher priced models.'"

The ChannonTec Outlaw SE looks like a mid-range compact digital camera (or point and shoot), similar to a Canon Powershot SX130 IS or G12. It takes good photos, but not perfect ones. Sims can use the Outlaw SE to take small portrait and medium landscape sized photographs but nothing bigger until they hit level 10 of the Photography skill, then they can also take panorama sized photos with this camera. This camera has three recolorable channels. For the most part this camera works out most economical to operate, so Sims studying photography should probably start out with this and not the SnapTastic. 'Channon' is a play on the "Canon" camera company, with 'Outlaw' being a reference to their "Rebel" line of cameras.

Sims can only purchase this camera in Al Simhara. This is also the camera that players will find in foreign Sims' inventories.

Hikon QX40di Gladiator
"'More than you ever thought you needed in a camera, the QX40di will open up whole new panoramas of photographic excellence. You don't know you need it, but it knows you do. Trust in the amazing AI built into every Gladiator model.'"

The Hikon QX40di Gladiator is a digital single-lens reflex camera, similar to a Nikon D5000 or Nikon D7000. It is the most fully-featured camera in the game. Sims can use the Gladiator to take all available sizes of photographs that their skill level permits. This camera has three recolorable channels for the body, the flash, and the lens. This camera is expensive to run, so best for Sims seeking to really excel in Photography, otherwise it may not be profitable. 'Hikon' is a play on the "Nikon" camera company.

Sims can only purchase this camera in Al Simhara.

The Sims 4
Cameras used to be exclusive to The Sims 4: Get to Work, but they were added to the base game in patch 57. Three cameras are available from build mode. Sims can also use their phones to take pictures.

Cameras in The Sims 4 have a lot more features than in previous series. Cameras can be used to take pictures and selfies, alone or with other Sims. Taking photos has a new interactive interface in which players can give their photos various filters and tones. Players can also change the camera photo size as well as orientation between landscape and portrait. When taking a selfie, the player is able to rotate the Sims to adjust the background used in the portrait.

Camera studios occupy a large amount of space, but provides a backdrop and good lighting to allow for higher quality photos.