Kodak PIXPRO AZ421-WH Kodak - Review 🏆

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 is a compact digital camera designed for flexibility and versatility. With a 42x optical zoom lens, 16 megapixel sensor, and array of easy-to-use creative features, this camera aims to deliver excellent image quality and performance for a wide variety of shooting scenarios.

Kodak is targeting this model at photographers who want an affordable all-in-one camera option. The AZ421 has an extensive zoom range, manual controls, and built-in WiFi for sharing photos directly from the camera. This makes it well-suited for everything from wide vistas to distant wildlife. Its compact body and simple interface also appeal to beginner photographers looking for an intuitive, do-it-all camera.

While it may lack some of the advanced features and build quality of higher-end cameras, the AZ421 brings together core capabilities at a budget-friendly price point. For its class, it offers impressive versatility and imaging power. This review will take a closer look at the camera's design, features, image quality, performance, and overall value as a mid-range superzoom model.

Design and Build Quality

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has a lightweight plastic body that keeps the camera portable while still feeling sturdy. It weighs just over 1 pound, so it won't weigh you down during a long day of shooting. The materials used are durable enough for regular use without showing excessive wear.

The camera is fairly compact for a superzoom model with a 42x optical zoom lens. It measures 4.7 x 3.3 x 3.9 inches, so it can still fit into a jacket pocket or small bag when powered off. The lens does extend quite a bit when fully zoomed, but the camera remains easy to handle.

Overall, the AZ421 has a simple, functional design focused on usability. The plastics don't have a premium feel, but they get the job done for typical real-world use. This isn't a fragile camera and it should hold up well for travel and family photography needs. Just be sure to use the included strap as the smooth body could be prone to drops without it.

Image Quality

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has a 16MP CMOS sensor that allows it to capture detailed images. The sensor produces sharp images with good resolution when there is ample lighting. However, image quality does suffer in low light conditions where noise becomes more apparent.

The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.1 on the wide end, which isn't the brightest but allows you to shoot in lower light situations. Images are reasonably sharp towards the center but do lose some sharpness around the edges. There is also some chromatic aberration visible when viewing images at 100%.

Color reproduction is fairly accurate and vibrant in good lighting conditions. The colors don't seem overly saturated which is preferable for everyday shooting. White balance performance is also solid, producing natural looking results in different environments.

Overall, the image quality is quite good for a superzoom camera in this price range. The sensor captures a good amount of detail in ideal conditions but low light performance could be better. Still, the image quality should satisfy casual users looking for a versatile all-in-one camera.

Zoom Capabilities

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has impressive zoom capabilities thanks to its 42x optical zoom lens. This allows you to get very close to distant subjects without losing image quality. The optical zoom range is equivalent to a 24-1008mm lens on a 35mm camera. This versatile zoom range lets you capture wide landscape shots as well as tightly framed telephoto images.

In addition to the optical zoom, the AZ421 also has a 2x digital zoom feature. This extends the maximum zoom range to 84x, though image quality will decrease when using the digital zoom. Still, it's a useful option when you need some extra reach.

To help counteract camera shake at such long zoom lengths, Kodak has equipped the AZ421 with optical image stabilization. This helps produce sharper images when zoomed in by compensating for small hand movements. The image stabilization is quite effective and allows you to capture blur-free photos even at the full 42x optical zoom setting. Overall, the impressive zoom range and effective image stabilization make the AZ421 well-suited for wildlife, sports, and travel photography where you need flexibility in framing your shots.

Video Recording

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 can record 1920 x 1080p full HD video at 30 fps. It also offers 720p HD video recording at 60 fps for smoother motion capture. Some useful video features include optical zoom while recording, autofocus tracking, and wind noise reduction. There is no external microphone input, but the built-in mono mic is adequate for casual video.

A dedicated video record button makes it easy to start and stop recording. Video is saved in MOV format with H.264 compression. Maximum clip length is 29 minutes or up to 4GB file size. Overall, the AZ421 provides decent full HD video recording capabilities for a bridge superzoom camera in this price range. The optical zoom allows you to get closer to distant subjects when filming video.

Camera Controls

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has a good control layout that is intuitive and easy to use. The top panel has the power button, a mode dial, and a zoom rocker. The mode dial allows you to quickly switch between different modes like Auto, Program, Shutter/Aperture Priority, and Manual. There's also scene modes like Portrait, Landscape, Sport etc. The zoom rocker provides a convenient way to zoom the lens in and out.

On the back, there's a dedicated movie button to start/stop video recording. Next to it are the playback and delete buttons. A 4-way directional pad provides access to drive modes, flash settings, macro mode, and the self-timer. In the center is the OK button to confirm settings. There's also an intuitive quick menu button to change common settings.

Overall, the button layout is well designed and easy to operate even for beginners. The menus are also simple and straightforward. Novices will appreciate the variety of automatic and scene modes, while more advanced users have access to semi-manual and manual exposure modes. The controls and interface make the AZ421 easy and enjoyable to use.

Connectivity

The Kodak Pixpro AZ421 has decent connectivity options for a budget superzoom camera. It has a micro HDMI port to connect to TVs and projectors, and a micro USB port for charging and transferring files to a computer.

For wireless capabilities, the AZ421 has built-in WiFi which allows you to transfer photos wirelessly and remotely control the camera from your smartphone or tablet. It works with the free Kodak Pixpro app for iOS and Android devices. The WiFi has a range of about 30 feet, allowing you to control the camera remotely while still having mobility.

The AZ421 does not have NFC or Bluetooth capabilities. The WiFi system is relatively basic but gets the job done for wireless photo transfer and remote shooting. It's a handy feature to have in a superzoom camera at this price point.

Overall the connectivity options are standard and functional for an entry-level bridge camera. The addition of WiFi adds convenience, allowing you to easily share photos from the camera and utilize your smartphone as a remote.

Battery Life

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides enough power for around 200 shots per charge, according to Kodak. This is a decent battery life for a superzoom camera with a small form factor.

The battery charges via the included USB cable by connecting to a computer or USB charger. A full charge takes around 3-4 hours. There is no separate battery charger included, so charging requires tethering the camera to a power source.

One downside is that there is no viewfinder on this camera, only the rear LCD screen. Constant use of the LCD screen drains the battery faster than an optical viewfinder would. Still, battery life should be sufficient for a full day of casual shooting before needing to recharge.

Overall, the battery performance is average for this class of camera. Having a spare battery is recommended for longer trips or all-day event photography. The battery is removable and widely available from third-party sources at an affordable price.

Pros and Cons

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has both advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering before making a purchase.

Pros

• Powerful 42x optical zoom gets you very close to distant subjects
• Effective optical image stabilization reduces blur from camera shake
• Large 3 inch LCD makes framing shots and reviewing images easy
• Good value for the zoom range compared to other superzoom cameras
• Records full 1080p HD video at 30fps
• Intuitive buttons and dials for controlling camera settings
• In-camera panorama stitching for capturing wide landscape shots

Cons

• Image quality is just average and not as sharp compared to other cameras
• High ISO performance is limited, with more noise in low light shots
• Lens is slow with a maximum aperture range of f/3.1-5.9
• No RAW shooting mode or ability to fully manual control exposure
• No electronic viewfinder, only LCD screen for composing shots
• Autofocus can struggle at the long end of the zoom range
• Short battery life of around 200 shots per charge

Overall, the AZ421's powerful zoom lens is its main strength, making it a good choice for travelers and nature enthusiasts on a budget. Just don't expect stellar image quality or performance in low light. It's a decent superzoom camera for casual photographers.

Conclusion

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 is an affordable superzoom bridge camera that offers a lot of zoom range for the price. With its 42x optical zoom lens, it provides tremendous versatility for everything from wide landscapes to faraway wildlife. Overall image quality is decent though not outstanding, but good enough for casual photographers and those on a budget.

For the price, the AZ421 packs in a lot of features including manual exposure controls, WiFi connectivity, and 1080p video. The zoom range allows you to capture a wide variety of subjects without needing to change lenses. The camera is lightweight and comfortable to hold during long shooting sessions.

While image quality falls short of more expensive superzooms, the AZ421 delivers good photos and HD videos as long as your expectations are realistic. For beginners looking to explore wildlife, sports, and travel photography on a budget, it's a great entry-level camera. More advanced users may be frustrated by some performance shortcomings.

Ultimately, the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 is recommended for novice photographers who want an incredible zoom range to capture distant subjects, without breaking the bank. Just don't expect top-tier image quality and performance. But for the price, it packs a remarkable amount of features and zoom power into a user-friendly point-and-shoot design.