The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 is a mid-range bridge camera aimed at photography enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one option with a long zoom lens. Kodak has a long history in photography, starting with film cameras and moving into digital. The AZ421 sits in their Astro series of bridge cameras, offering a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, 42x optical zoom lens, full manual controls, and 1080p video recording.
Bridge cameras bridge the gap between compact point-and-shoots and interchangeable lens cameras. They offer an extended zoom range not possible on most compacts, along with manual controls and features geared for creative photography. The AZ421 hits a sweet spot for hobbyists who want versatility and performance without the need for add-on lenses. It's a true all-in-one with a huge focal range.
Kodak dominated the photography industry for much of the 20th century. Though it struggled with the digital transition, the company still leverages its heritage in optics and imaging in consumer electronics. The AZ421 has the zoom power and image quality Kodak built its reputation on. It's a compelling option for photographers who grew up with the Kodak brand.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has a utilitarian design and solid build quality. The camera body is constructed of high-grade plastics that feel sturdy in-hand without being too heavy. It weighs approximately 500g and measures 126.3 x 94.7 x 78.3mm. The handgrip is substantial enough for a secure hold, even with one hand.
While the AZ421 is not weather sealed, it should hold up fine to light splashes and rain. The plastics have a matte texture that provides a good grip. The buttons are well-placed for easy operation. There is a nice deep thumb rest on the back. Overall, the AZ421 has a no-frills design focused on functionality over style. The build quality is sufficient for regular use and minor bumps.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 features a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, which is a fairly standard sensor size for bridge cameras in this price range. The 1/2.3-inch sensor is smaller than those found in DSLRs and higher-end mirrorless cameras, but still larger than what you'd find in a point and shoot.
With 16 megapixels, the AZ421 provides enough resolution for capturing sharp detail and making large prints. Images have good clarity when viewed at 100%, with minimal noise at low ISOs. However, at higher ISOs noise becomes more apparent and detail suffers, which is typical of smaller sensors with high megapixel counts crammed onto them.
Overall, the image quality is quite good for a bridge camera at this price point. The sensor performs well in good lighting conditions. However, low light performance is limited, with high ISOs becoming noisy. This makes the AZ421 best suited for outdoor, daytime shooting. For low light shooting, a camera with a larger sensor would yield better results.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has a versatile 42x optical zoom lens that covers a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 24-1008mm. This extensive zoom range goes from wide angle to super telephoto, allowing you to capture vast landscapes as well as get very close to distant subjects.
The lens has a maximum aperture range of f/3.1-5.6 across the zoom range. This is fairly typical for a bridge superzoom camera. While not extremely bright, the f/3.1 maximum aperture at the wide end provides some flexibility when shooting in low light conditions.
Image stabilization is also built into the lens, using optical image stabilization (OIS). This compensates for camera shake and allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without blur from camera movement. The stabilization helps when shooting at the telephoto end of the zoom range where camera shake is amplified.
For macro shooting, the AZ421 has a minimum focus distance of 1cm at the wide end of the lens. This allows you to focus very close to small subjects and capture fine details. The macro mode is useful for shooting flowers, insects, and other tiny objects.
Overall the lens is versatile for multiple shooting situations while maintaining good sharpness across the zoom range. Distortion is well controlled, with minimal aberrations. The extensive zoom, stabilization, and macro capabilities make this a great all-around lens for a bridge camera.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 offers a good range of shooting modes and features that make it versatile for different situations.
For basic shooting, it has Auto and Program modes where the camera chooses settings automatically. It also has full Manual mode for complete control over shutter speed, aperture, ISO and more. There are also several Scene modes that optimize settings for portraits, landscapes, night scenes and more.
The AZ421 has a Continuous Shooting mode that can capture up to 3 frames per second, which is decent for action shots. It also has Panorama and HDR modes to capture panoramic vistas and high dynamic range scenes.
Some fun features include Creative Shooting modes like Retro, Old Photo and Elegant. These apply filters and effects like sepia tone, vignette and soft focus to give photos an artistic look straight from the camera.
For minor photo enhancements, the AZ421 has in-camera editing functions like cropping, rotation, color adjustment, redeye removal and more. So you can tweak photos before sharing them.
Overall, the array of shooting modes and features makes the AZ421 versatile for different types of photos and situations. The Scene modes provide automation when needed, while full Manual control allows creativity.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 can record full HD 1080p video at 30 fps. It also offers 720p HD video at 60 fps. The high frame rate 1080p and 720p options allow for smooth capture of fast action and motion.
For audio, the AZ421 has a built-in stereo microphone. There is also a microphone input port to connect an external mic for upgraded audio quality. The camera provides manual audio level controls to adjust recording volume.
Additional video controls include manual exposure adjustment and focus peaking to help keep subjects sharply focused. The AZ421 has an HDMI output for direct playback and viewing on HDTVs. Overall, the video capabilities give a good set of options for both casual and more advanced videography needs.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has decent connectivity options for sharing photos and videos. It has a micro HDMI port for connecting directly to HDTVs and USB 2.0 for transferring files to computers.
For wireless connectivity, the AZ421 has built-in WiFi and NFC. The WiFi allows you to connect the camera directly to smartphones and tablets via the free PIXPRO Remote Viewer app. This lets you remotely control the camera, view images, and transfer files. NFC provides quick one-touch connections between the camera and NFC-enabled mobile devices.
The PIXPRO Remote Viewer app is available for both iOS and Android. It provides full manual control over exposure, zoom, and other settings. You can also use your smartphone as a remote viewfinder. Overall the wireless connectivity of the AZ421 is very handy for sharing images on social media or getting creative with remote shooting.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that provides approximately 400 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. This is decent battery life for a bridge camera with a long zoom lens.
The AZ421 has some battery-saving features to help extend shooting time. There is an Eco mode that reduces power consumption by dimming the LCD screen brightness and using other power-saving settings. The camera will also automatically switch to sleep mode after a short period of inactivity to preserve battery life. Overall the battery performance is quite good for this class of camera.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has a number of strengths as well as some weaknesses that are worth considering.
Overall, the AZ421's extremely versatile zoom lens, effective image stabilization, tilting LCD, and manual controls are its biggest assets. However, image quality is just decent and autofocus can struggle in dim lighting. The lack of a viewfinder and limited wireless features are also downsides to consider. Still, it offers good value and a great focal range for the price.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 is a decent bridge camera for beginner photographers looking for a versatile all-in-one option. It offers a generous 16MP sensor, 42x optical zoom lens, full manual controls, and 1080p video recording. The camera produces decent quality images and video for the price point.
Overall, the AZ421 is easy to use and handles well. The menu system is intuitive and the camera includes a range of shooting modes from full auto to full manual. This makes it suitable for beginners learning photography, as well as more advanced users who desire manual control.
A key highlight is the 42x optical zoom, which provides great versatility for everything from wide landscapes to far away subjects. Image stabilization helps reduce blur at longer focal lengths. The lens performs reasonably well in good lighting conditions.
Video quality is sufficient for casual home videos and YouTube. Autofocus can be slow and unreliable at times. Low light performance is limited. But at this price point, it delivers good value overall.
The Kodak AZ421 represents good value for money as a budget superzoom camera. It's ideal for beginner photographers, travelers, families, and anyone desiring an all-in-one camera with expansive zoom range. More advanced users may be frustrated by its limitations in low light, autofocus, and image quality. But it's fully capable of capturing great shots in favorable conditions.
Features of Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 Astro Zoom Bridge Camera - Black | |
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Brand | KODAK |
Model Number | AZ421 Black |
Camera Lens | 24 mm |
Colour | Black |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 5 fps |
Effective Still Resolution | 16 MP |
Has Image Stabilisation | Yes |
Included Components | Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, AC Adapter, USB Cable, Neck Strap, Lens Cover, CD-ROM, Service Card, Quick Start Guide, Warranty |
Item Weight | 0.98 Pounds |
Max Focal Length | 1008 |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 30 |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Min Focal Length | 24 |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 1/2000 |
Model Year | 2014 |
Style | AZ421 |
Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
Brand | KODAK |
Effective Still Resolution | 16 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Model Name | PIXPRO |
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Model | Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 | Canon EOS M200 Kit (White) + EF-M 15-45 IS STM | Casio Exilim EX-ZR200 | Fujifilm XF50mmF1.0 R WR | Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV |
Brand | KODAK | Canon | Casio | Fujifilm | Sony |
Model Number | AZ421 Black | 3700C010AA | EX-ZR200WE | 16664339 | DSCRX10M4 |
Camera Lens | 24 mm | - | 24 mm | 50 mm | 600 mm |
Colour | Black | White | White | - | black |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 5 fps | 6 fps | 6 fps | - | 24 fps |
Effective Still Resolution | 16 MP | 24.1 MP | 16 MP | - | - |
Focus Type | - | - | Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Auto Focus |
Has Image Stabilisation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Included Components | Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, AC Adapter, USB Cable, Neck Strap, Lens Cover, CD-ROM, Service Card, Quick Start Guide, Warranty | - | - | Fujinon XF50 mmF1.0 R WR; lens cap; bayonet cap RLCP-001; lens hood; swaddling cloth; instruction manual (English language not guaranteed). | Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FW50, AC AdaptorAC-UUD12, Micro USB cable, Instruction Manuel, Shoulder Strap, Lens Cap, Eyepiece Cup, Lens Hood, Shoe Cap |
Item Weight | 0.98 Pounds | 229 Grams | 165 Grams | 820 Grams | 1.05 kg |
Max Focal Length | 1008 | 72 Millimetres | 53 Millimetres | 50 Millimetres | 600 Millimetres |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 30 | 1/4000 s | 30 seconds | - | 1/32000 seconds |
Memory Slots Available | 1 | - | - | - | 1 |
Min Focal Length | 24 | 24 Millimetres | 4.24 Millimetres | 50 Millimetres | 24 Millimetres |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 1/2000 | 30 seconds | 1/2000 seconds | - | 30 seconds |
Model Year | 2014 | 2020 | 2012 | - | 2017 |
Style | AZ421 | - | - | - | Sony Cyber Shot |
Zoom Type | Optical Zoom | - | Optical Zoom | - | Optical Zoom |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch | - | - | - | Compact |
Model Name | PIXPRO | Canon EOS M200 | Exilim EX-ZR200 | - | Cybershot |
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Model | Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 | Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 | Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 | Kodak Pixpro AZ528 | Kodak PIXPRO AZ405-BK |
Brand | KODAK | KODAK | KODAK | KODAK | KODAK |
Model Number | FZ55-BK | FZ45BK | WPZ2-BL | AZ528 | AZ405-BK |
Camera Lens | 28 mm | - | - | 1248 mm | 24 mm |
Colour | Black | Black | Blue | midnight blue | Black |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 30 fps | 5 fps | 3 fps | 6 fps | 30 fps |
Effective Still Resolution | - | - | 16 MP | 16 MP | - |
Focus Type | - | - | - | - | Auto Focus |
Has Image Stabilisation | Yes | Yes | - | Yes | Yes |
Included Components | Camera, Li-Ion Battery, USB Cable, AC Adapter, Strap | Camera, AA Alkaline Battery(×2), USB Cable, Wrist Strap | WPZ2 Camera, Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery, USB Cable, AC Adapter, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide | AC Adapter,, Rechargeable lithium-ion battery,, Neck strap,, Warranty card, USB cable,, Service Card, Lens cap,, Quick Start Guide | Camera Body & Lens |
Item Weight | 0.23 Pounds | 0.26 Pounds | 6.21 Ounces | 708 Grams | 15.37 Ounces |
Max Focal Length | 28 Millimetres | 19.6 Millimetres | - | 1248 Millimetres | 172 Millimetres |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/2000 seconds | - | 1/2000 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Memory Slots Available | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 |
Min Focal Length | 5.1 Millimetres | 4.9 Millimetres | - | 24 Millimetres | 4.3 Millimetres |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds | 1/2000 seconds | - | 30 seconds |
Model Year | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2019 | 2022 |
Style | - | - | - | - | Single |
Zoom Type | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch | 1/2.3-inch | 1/2.3-inch | 1/2.3-inch | 1/4-inch |
Model Name | Friendly Zoom FZ55 | PIXPRO FZ45 | Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 | AZ528 | AZ405 |