Best stop motion kit | Top 5 to get started with animation
I’m sure you’re already feeling inspired by stop motion feature films like Wallace and Gromit or Corpse Bride.
But have you ever wondered how these movies are made?
It’s actually not as hard as you might think to make your own stop motion at home.
But surely you’ll need to have a good stop motion animation kit you can use for everything from taking photos, to editing and even making the characters.
The Stopmotion Explosion Complete HD Stop Motion Animation Kit contains a camera and software to help you create an original high-quality stop motion with your own handmade puppets or action figures.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best stop motion kits on the market you can get and use to make high-quality animations.
Check out this table of the top products based on category and then read the full reviews below.
| Best stop motion kit | Images |
| Best overall stop motion kit & best for adults & professionals: Stopmotion Explosion |  (view more images) |
| Best stop motion kit with camera: Hue Animation Studio Kit (for Windows) |  (view more images) |
| Best stop motion kit for kids, for claymation & iPad: Zu3D Complete Animation Software Kit |  (view more images) |
| Best stop motion kit for beginners & for phone: Zing Klikbot Zanimation Studio |  (view more images) |
| Best stop motion kit for brickfilm (LEGO): Klutz Lego Make Your Own Movie |  (view more images) |
In this post we'll cover:
- 1 What is a stop motion animation kit?
- 2 Buying guide
- 3 Top stop motion animation kits reviewed
- 3.1 Best overall stop motion kit & best for adults & professionals: Stopmotion Explosion
- 3.2 Best stop motion kit with camera: Hue Animation Studio Kit (for Windows)
- 3.3 Best stop motion kit for kids, for claymation & iPad: Zu3D Complete Animation Software Kit
- 3.4 Best stop motion kit for beginners & for phone: Zing Klikbot Zanimation Studio
- 3.5 Best stop motion kit for brickfilm (LEGO): Klutz Lego Make Your Own Movie
- 4 FAQs
- 5 Takeaway
What is a stop motion animation kit?
A stop motion animation kit is a set of tools that you need in order to create a stop motion animation.
This includes a digital camera, tripod, computer with editing software, and stop motion animation software.
Some kits designed for kids may also include action figures or the supplies kids need to make their own puppets.
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Buying guide
Ideally, a stop motion animation kit includes all the supplies you need to film your stop motion film. This can make the process much easier, especially if you are new to stop motion.
First, think about the supplies you need so to make a stop motion video:
- A digital camera
- Tripod
- A computer with editing software
- Stop motion animation software
- Paper or a whiteboard or green screen
- Clay for clay puppets or other figures and characters
Will most kits have all of these supplies?
Probably not, but they should contain some, or else they can’t be considered stop motion animation kits.
When choosing a stop motion kit, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The quality of the camera: some low-resolution cameras may make your final product look pixelated.
- The software: is it compatible with your computer? Does it have the features you need?
- The tripod
- The editing software & how user-friendly it is
- The stop motion animation software compatibility and features
When it comes to supplies for making the puppets (whether that’s clay or action figures) this isn’t as important.
You can make your own clay puppets, armature, or use action figures. As you’ll see soon, some kits DO contain small figurines you can use for your stop motion film.
Compatibility
It’s important to make sure that all the components of your stop motion kit are compatible with each other.
For example, if you’re using a Mac computer, you’ll want to make sure that the stop motion software you choose is compatible with Mac.
The same goes for the digital camera or webcam – you’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with the stop motion software.
There are a few different types of stop motion animation software, so be
Once you have all of your supplies, you are ready to start making your stop motion film!
Price
If you already own a compact camera, DSLR, mirrorless, or webcam, you might not even need a camera in your kit.
Therefore, you can buy a cheaper kit that contains the software.
But if you need a camera, I recommend splurging a bit on a complete kit with an included webcam. That way you can get started with your stop motion animations right away.
These kits cost over $50 while really cheap ones can cost less than that.
Top stop motion animation kits reviewed
Here is a list of the best stop motion animation kits and full reviews so you can choose the one that works best for your specific needs and skill level.
Best overall stop motion kit & best for adults & professionals: Stopmotion Explosion
Stopmotion Explosion has long been an industry favorite when it comes to stop motion animation kits because it offers HD quality and is very user-friendly.
The kit includes a camera, software, and an animation book so you can easily get started with your stop motion film projects.
- compatible with: Mac OS X & Windows
- webcam included
- puppets not included
The stop motion explosion animation kit is suitable for kids and adults alike. It’s easy to use whether you are a beginner or it can help you out a lot even if you’re more experienced.
Professionals will also find this kit helpful because it offers a lot of features that can make your work look more polished.
STEM educators love this kit because it offers a wide range of applications for the classroom, from stop motion and claymation to product photography and green screen backgrounds.
The kit comes with a separate webcam which has a flexible stand so you can position it in any way you want on your computer.
The USB connection is also long enough that you can place the webcam on a tripod if you want to.
Also, the camera has a focus ring which gives you manual zoom control and focus. This is really helpful because you can get close-up shots without the risk of blurring your images.
The software that’s included is Windows and Mac compatible and very user-friendly. It offers a lot of features, detailed instructions, and tutorials.
The only downside of this kit is that some of the editing software has to be downloaded separately which can be a hassle.
Also, since it’s a cd rom, you might not have a cd drive on your computer which can make installation difficult. Luckily, you can download the drivers and software from their website.
When editing, it’s easy to delete or replaces frames, add sound effects or music, and even create lip-sync animations.
The quality of the animation webcam is pretty good and the stopmotion explosion book will teach you all the necessary skills.
Even a beginner can make a movie in as little as 30 minutes but you need to have your pre-built puppets or use action figures and other toys.
Compared to a cheap webcam, you get HQ detailed images (1920×1080) and there’s less pixelation.
Best stop motion kit with camera: Hue Animation Studio Kit (for Windows)
The Hue animation studio kit is a great stop-motion animation kit for all ages and even beginners.
It comes with a camera and is compatible with Windows computers.
- compatible with: Windows
- webcam included
- puppets not included
It’s easy to use and has a wide range of features, making it perfect for those just starting out in stop motion animation.
The kit includes:
- A digital camera
- Tripod
- Editing software
- Hue stop motion animation software
This kit has been around for many years and it’s a bit outdated because of the limited compatibility (Windows only) but it’s still a very handy kit.
For years, the Hue animation studio has been a leader when it comes to stop motion kits.
It’s almost a complete animation kit but it lacks the puppets. You’ll have to make those yourself, find my guide on creating stop motion characters here.
The web camera that comes with the kit is pretty good. It’s not as good as the one in the stop motion explosion animation kit but it takes clear pictures and is perfect for stop motion animation.
This camera can take up to 30 frames per second which is pretty good. You can also take time-lapse shots and add them to your animation.
This kit is mostly recommended for kids and beginners but I don’t see why adults can’t have fun with it.
The Hue HD USB camera is easy to use and even comes with a tripod.
It also has a built-in microphone so you can add sound effects or your own voice to your animations. Audio recording is optional, of course.
The software is also very user-friendly and it’s not hard to create your own animations.
You can use either a laptop or PC and use the animation handbook that’s included to make the best animations.
According to some users, setting up the software isn’t quite as simple as it seems and you need a secret code for activation, plus Quicktime (which is free).
But overall, the user experience with this software is overwhelmingly positive.
People are using the Hue animation studio to animate LEGO and create clay animations (claymation) too.
The video editing aspect is user-friendly and easy to learn. However, the overall interface is a bit outdated, especially for kids.
But it’s still a good value purchase and you get a nice webcam with a good program.
Stopmotion Explosion vs Hue Animation Studio
These two stop motion kits are very similar but there are some key differences.
The Stopmotion Explosion kit is more expensive but people are saying the webcam is better and produces blur-free images.
The software is also compatible with Mac and PC, which is a big plus.
However, Hue excels when it comes to usability. The software is very user-friendly (even for kids) and comes with a helpful handbook.
Although the interface looks a bit outdated, the program is functional and quick to use.
If you compare the webcam quality, the one in Stopmotion Explosion is said to be better. It produces blur-free images and has a higher resolution (1920×1080).
It’s the better choice if you want your animations to look professional and well-made.
Best stop motion kit for kids, for claymation & iPad: Zu3D Complete Animation Software Kit
Did you know that Zu3D created the original software that HUE used when they initially began making their animation kits a number of years ago?
Since then, the businesses have split up, and Zu3D has begun to create its own line of excellent stop motion animation kits.
- compatible with: Windows, Mac OS X, iPad
- webcam included
- modeling clay included
This one is specially designed for kids so it’s easy to use and has a kid-friendly interface. It’s also a great kit for claymation because it includes modeling clay.
In this kit, you get a bendable and flexible webcam with a metal frame and stand. This makes it super easy to adjust the webcam to get the perfect angle for your shots.
It also comes with Zu3D’s software which is very user-friendly and has a lot of fun features, like sound effects and filters.
Plus, the software is compatible with both Mac and Windows as well as iPad.
iPad compatibility is important because many people, especially kids learn to make stop motion using a tablet.
With your purchase, you receive two everlasting software licenses so you don’t have to keep paying a yearly subscription and you’re guaranteed all the latest updates.
Another cool feature is the green screen which can be used to remove the background in your animation.
Also, I appreciate that this is just like having an animation app but even better because you get a high-quality HD camera too.
Compared to other sets, this one is the best stop motion animation kit for kids because it also includes modeling clay and a miniature set where your toys or characters can be placed.
This saves parents from ordering all the extra supplies like clay separately.
And while you can easily create clay animations, you can use action figures, toys, or LEGO bricks to make other stop motion styles.
Zu3D contains animated guidebook with suggestions for you so you can start making your own movie right away.
Installing it is quite simple, and you may quickly start using it.
The software is incredibly fantastic because it allows you to immediately doodle over your recorded frames and add sound effects.
Some users are saying the software can crash sometimes and you may need to download additional files.
But overall, it’s quite simple to export your videos, upload them to YouTube, etc., and share them with classmates, family members, or for a class project.
Kids can master timing and animation skills by using the fantastic “onion skinning” function, which gives you the position of the previous frame so you know how far to move your character on the next frame.
Numerous schools presently use Zu3D, a fantastic stop motion kit for youngsters and starting animators.
Looking for some inspiration? These are the biggest stop motion YouTube channels to check out
Best stop motion kit for beginners & for phone: Zing Klikbot Zanimation Studio
Zing’s Klikbot Zanimation Studio is a great stop motion kit for beginners because it includes everything you need to get started – all you need is your smartphone and a good story idea!
Think of it as a mini movie studio. The kit includes a mini set or mini stage and green screen.
- compatible with: Android and Apple
- phone stand included
- webcam not included
- flexible figures included
You also get the Klikbot figurines which are very flexible so they’re easy to pose.
The figures have what is known as “klik separators” and these plastic bits let you switch the joints and add or remove accessories easily.
These klik characters look like plastic armatures and they’re so easy to mold and work with. However, they’re not ideal for claymation since they’re not made of clay.
Covering them with clay is too time-consuming so I recommend this kit for non-clay stop motion animations.
The great thing about using your smartphone is that you probably already have a good-quality camera and you don’t need to worry about buying a separate webcam.
The Zanimation app is free to download and is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.
Once you have the app, you can start making your stop motion movies right away.
The app is very user-friendly and has a lot of fun features, like sound effects and filters.
Since Zanimations is a dedicated app, it’s more stable than some of the other stop motion software out there.
The onion skinning function is also very helpful for beginners.
Another neat feature is the 2-in-1 Z screens. The large Z-Screen stage lets you set up the ideal atmosphere to quickly drop in a background using the Stikbot Studio software.
It has one side that is blue and one that is green so you can drop the characters onto the small prop boxes – then you can make them look as if they’re flying.
Klikbot figures are also available in a 2-pack so you can have two characters in your stop motion videos.
One criticism is that the klikbots tend to fall over very easily and they lack stability. You might have to create separate stands (like these stop motion rig arms) for them which can be a hassle.
However, if you’re keen on learning about stop motion and want a cheap way to animate using your phone, this is the kit to get.
Zu3d vs Klikbot
If you’re looking for a stop motion animation kit, you might be wondering which one is the best – Zu3D or Klikbot?
Both kits have their own unique features and benefits.
Zu3D is a stop motion software that is very user-friendly and great for beginners. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
The software is very stable and the onion skinning function is very helpful for beginners.
The Klikbot studio kit contains a useful device holder, so you can use your smartphone to animate.
It also comes with 2-in-1 Z screens which are handy for quickly dropping in a background.
Klikbot figures are also available in a 2-pack so you can have two characters in your stop motion videos.
The Zu3D kit is ideal for claymation using clay puppets whereas the Klikbot isn’t – the figurines they include in the animation kit are small plastic armatures.
But they’re very lightweight and tend to fall over so you have to shoot images carefully without toppling them.
Finally, it all comes down to convenience and what you like.
With Zu3D, you can get lifetime software so the kids can keep making stop motion animation for a long time. It’s suitable for younger kids too and quite easy to use.
The good thing about the Klikbot though is that it’s a phone-based app so you can animate on the go.
It’s also very affordable so if you’re just starting out, it’s a great way to get into stop motion.
Best stop motion kit for brickfilm (LEGO): Klutz Lego Make Your Own Movie
Have you ever watched one of the recent LEGO movies and considered doing it yourself? With the help of this Lego and Klutz moviemaking kit, you can now.
- compatible with: Android, Apple, Amazon Tablets
- webcam not included
- LEGO figures included
Brickfilms, or LEGO stop-motion animations, are a type of stop-motion technique have been around for a long time.
The first known one was made in the 1970s by an Englishman named Michael Darocca-Hall. The Klutz stop motion animation kits can help animators achieve amazing results.
But the major selling point is an 80-page book that outlines 10 short movies that your children (or adults) may make using simple step-by-step directions.
This is a complete animation kit and includes:
- 36 authentic LEGO mini-figures with accessories
- paper backgrounds that fold out
Therefore, you have all the things you need to make animations featuring your favorite LEGO characters. You can mix and match the faces to create fun, colorful characters.
There are even some props and scenery and backdrop pages to use. Therefore it’s a very versatile animation kit.
Due to the absence of a webcam in the kit and the lack of a specific program to download, you will need to use your own camera, smartphone, tablet, or another device as a substitute.
Since most children already own a sizable collection of LEGO figurines, there is ample opportunity for them to expand on the skills they learn from this kit and create more movies.
Manufacturers recommend this set for kids aged 8 and up because the LEGO bricks require some assembly.
Also, they need to be able to use a camera, smartphone, or webcam to record frames and edit them into a full movie.
The one drawback is that you’re limited to LEGO and there’s no camera included so you need to get your own. That’s why it’s not at the top of the best stop motion animation kits list.
This Klutz set is often compared to the LEGO Movie Maker which is very similar but lacks instructional booklets.
You can probably find free online tutorials though but both LEGO movie maker animation kits are similar and easy to use.
The Klutz Lego Make Your Own Movie kit is a fantastic method for kids to begin creating their first stop motion cartoons, all things considered.
Therefore, it’s the best animation kit for brickfilm fans.
FAQs
What are the advantages of the Stopmotion Explosion animation kit?
Stopmotion explosion is a unique and interesting way to create animated videos.
The kit includes all of the necessary items to create your own stop motion video, including a camera, software, and even figurine armatures.
The armatures are small plastic figures that can be positioned and moved around to create the desired effect in your video.
The software is easy to use and allows you to add sound effects and music to your video.
The camera included in the kit is a high-quality camera that will allow you to capture clear and precise images for your video.
Stop motion animation kits vs software?
There are many different types of stop motion animation kits available on the market. Some kits include everything you need to get started, while others only come with the basics.
If you are new to stop motion animation, it is recommended that you purchase a kit that includes everything you need to get started animating.
But if you already have a camera and puppets, you only need the software. In that case, I recommend getting the best stop motion video maker software.
Do I need a stop motion kit?
No, you don’t need a stop motion kit. You can use any camera to create your own stop motion videos.
However, if you are new to stop motion animation, a kit can be a great way to get started.
Kits usually include a camera, software, and armature. So, it takes less time to set up, shoot, and create films.
How much does a stop motion kit cost?
The price of a stop motion kit varies depending on the quality of the camera and software .
You can find basic kits for under $40 or LEGO movie makers for approximately $50-60. But some kits which include webcams and other accessories can cost over $100.
Takeaway
Stop motion animation is a great way to bring your ideas to life.
And with the right stop motion kit, you can create high-quality animations that will amaze your friends and family.
When choosing a stop motion kit, consider what type of animation you want to create and how much you are willing to spend.
If you are new to stop motion animation, it is recommended that you purchase a kit that comes with everything you need in one box.
The best stop motion animation kit is the Stopmotion Explosion Complete HD Stop Motion Animation Kit because it’s suitable for all skill levels and contains a webcam and puppets too.
Next, find out what are the best on-camera lights for stop motion (full review)
Hi, I'm Kim, a mom and a stop-motion enthusiast with a background in media creation and web development. I've got a huge passion for drawing and animation, and now I'm diving headfirst into the stop-motion world. With my blog, I'm sharing my learnings with you guys.
