Camera

Cameras are objects included in The Sims 2: University, The Sims 3 World Adventures, The Sims 3: Island Paradise and The Sims 4. Sims can use them to take photos, similar to snapshots the player can take, and they are typically associated with a photography skill.

The Sims 2: University
The Luminous Pro Antique Camera is unlocked as a career reward for the artist career. Unlike later games, it is associated with the creativity skill instead of a unique photography skill.

The Sims 3
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.

The Sims 3: World Adventures
Regular 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. Pre-made foreign Sims of World Adventures have cameras in their inventory as well.

SnapTastic Flimsy-Cam
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 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 photograph, 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.

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

Hikon QX40di Gladiator
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. Most of the functional cameras work off-the-grid, except for the photo studio.

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.

Budget Stationary Camera
Sims can use this camera, but it doesn't raise the photography skill or take photos/videos.

Makin' Movies Stationary Camera
Sims can use this camera, but it doesn't raise the photography skill or take photos/videos.

Makin' Movies Dolly Camera
Sims can use this camera, but it doesn't raise the photography skill or take photos/videos.

"Can You See Me Now?" Camera
This camera is unlocked in the conservationist career at level 10, while in the Environmental Manager branch.

ClickShot P10 Mirrorless Camera
This camera is unlocked in the freelancer career by maxing out the performance meter for the first time while in the Freelance Fashion Photographer trade.