Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 Kodak - Review 🏆

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is an affordable and durable point-and-shoot camera designed to withstand the elements. As part of Kodak's PIXPRO line, it's built to be shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and waterproof, making it a great option for outdoor adventures and travel.

Despite the rugged design, the WPZ2 still offers impressive imaging capabilities. It has a 16MP CMOS sensor and 4x optical zoom lens, allowing you to capture detailed photos and get closer to the action. The camera produces vivid images and decent low-light performance. It also shoots 1080p full HD video.

Other notable features include built-in WiFi for wireless transfer, a 2.7 inch LCD, and various scene modes and filters to get creative with your shots. The WPZ2 runs on AA batteries so you can keep shooting even if you run out of juice.

Overall, the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 aims to deliver good image quality and versatility in a durable point-and-shoot camera body. It's designed to handle the bumps and spills of everyday use. Keep reading this review for an in-depth look at the WPZ2's design, features, image quality, and more.

Design and Build Quality

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 has a rugged and durable design meant for outdoor use. It measures 4.5 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches and weighs 7.4 ounces, making it lightweight and pocketable. The camera body is made of a sturdy plastic material that can withstand bumps, drops, and the elements.

One of the key features of the WPZ2 is its waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof construction. It has a JIS/IEC protection class 8 rating, meaning it is waterproof down to 33 feet and can withstand temperatures as low as 14°F. The camera can be used underwater without needing a separate housing. It is also sealed against dust and sand so it can be used in dusty or sandy environments.

The WPZ2 feels solidly built in the hand. The buttons have a nice tactile feedback and the compartments for the battery, memory card, and ports have secure latches to prevent water from entering. Overall, the rugged build quality makes this an ideal outdoor camera for activities like hiking, camping, boating, and beach days.

Another excellent choice is the Kodak PIXPRO AZ405-BK. The AZ405-BK is designed for users who need a versatile and easy-to-use camera with a 40x optical zoom and a 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, allowing for high-quality photos in a variety of lighting conditions. It also features optical image stabilization and an array of scene modes to help you capture the perfect shot.

Image Quality

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 has a 16MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, which is fairly standard for a compact camera in this price range. 16 megapixels gives you enough resolution for printing photos up to about 13 x 19 inches.

The lens has a 4x optical zoom, with a 35mm focal length equivalent of 28-112mm. This versatile zoom range lets you shoot wide landscapes and group shots, as well as getting closer to distant subjects. The maximum aperture is f/3.1 at the wide end and f/6.9 when fully zoomed in.

For reducing camera shake, the WPZ2 has optical image stabilization. This helps produce sharper handheld shots when using slower shutter speeds. The camera has an ISO range of 80-3200, which is decent but a bit limited compared to some competitors. Higher ISOs introduce more noise, so image quality suffers in low light. Overall the image quality is fairly good for a budget compact camera, but it won't match larger sensor cameras, especially in dim conditions.

Another option to consider is the Kodak Pixpro AZ528. This camera boasts a 52x optical zoom lens, giving you a much greater range for capturing distant subjects. It features a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor and Full HD video recording. The AZ528 also includes optical image stabilization and a range of shooting modes, which makes it versatile for various photography styles. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily share photos and control the camera remotely using a smart device.

Features

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 has a decent range of features for an affordable tough camera. Here are some of the key features:

Zoom Range

The WPZ2 has a 4x optical zoom lens, which provides a 35mm focal length equivalent of 28-112mm. This gives you a nice wide angle for landscapes and group shots, extending to a modest telephoto for getting a bit closer to distant subjects. The 4x zoom range is fairly standard for this type of camera.

Screen

The WPZ2 has a 2.7 inch LCD screen on the back. It's not a touchscreen, you navigate using the buttons and dials. The screen resolution is 230,000 dots. It's easy to see in most lighting conditions.

Battery Life

Kodak claims you can take up to 240 shots per charge with the WPZ2. This is decent but not outstanding battery life. Real world usage will depend on how much you use the screen, flash, zoom etc. You can extend shooting time by turning off some features and being careful with battery usage.

Ports

For connectivity the WPZ2 has a micro HDMI port to output video to a TV. It also has a micro USB port which can be used for charging and transferring photos to a computer.

Shooting Modes

The camera offers a range of basic shooting modes including Auto, Program, Scene (for landscapes, portraits etc), and Movie mode. There are also some fun modes like Panorama. Advanced users may wish for more manual controls and RAW shooting, but the WPZ2 aims for simplicity over advanced features.

Video Quality

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 can record full HD 1080p video at 30fps, which should be sufficient for everyday use. It also has 720p HD recording at 60fps for smoother motion. The videos are recorded in .MP4 format.

For audio, the WPZ2 has a built-in mono microphone. There is no external mic input, so you'll have to rely on the internal mic for audio quality. The audio is not amazing, but decent enough for casual videos. Wind noise can be an issue when recording outdoors.

Overall, the video quality is quite good for a budget compact camera. The HD resolution gives you crisp and detailed footage. The frame rates are standard and provide smooth playback. Lack of mic input limits the audio quality, but it works fine for casual home videos and social media clips.

Connectivity

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 has decent connectivity options for a budget camera. It has built-in WiFi which allows you to wirelessly transfer photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet using the PIXPRO Remote Viewer app. Setting up the WiFi connection is straightforward using the camera's menu.

The WPZ2 does not have NFC or Bluetooth connectivity. For physically connecting to devices, it has a micro USB 2.0 port which can be used for charging and data transfer. The micro USB port is located under a rubber flap on the side of the camera.

Overall the connectivity options are fairly basic but suitable for a budget tough camera like this. The WiFi functionality is handy for quickly sharing photos from the camera without having to mess with cables. Lack of NFC and Bluetooth is understandable at this price point. The inclusion of at least a micro USB port allows you to connect to PCs and printers when needed.

Ease of Use

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is designed to be simple and intuitive to use. The menu system is straightforward, with options clearly laid out. There are dedicated buttons for the most frequently used camera functions like flash, self-timer, and macro mode. These buttons make it easy to quickly access settings without having to dig into menus.

The buttons and dials are well-sized and have a nice tactile feel when pressed. The mode dial makes switching between different modes like auto, manual, scene modes effortless. The 4-way navigation buttons provide easy navigation of settings and menus. There is also a dedicated video record button for quick access to start and stop video recording.

Kodak offers the PIXPRO Remote Viewer app which allows you to connect the WPZ2 to your smartphone via WiFi. The app provides remote control of camera functions like shutter release, zoom, and more. It's a handy way to operate the camera remotely for self-portraits or group shots. The WiFi connectivity makes transferring images to your phone for quick sharing convenient too.

Overall, ease of use is a strong suit for the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2. The straightforward menu system, well-designed buttons and dials, and wireless connectivity through the app come together to deliver an intuitive user experience. Even beginners should find this camera easy and enjoyable to operate.

Pros

• Rugged, waterproof and shockproof design allows it to withstand drops up to 1.5m and use underwater up to 10m, making it great for outdoor adventures and travel

• 16MP sensor captures good quality images for its class, and the 4x optical zoom lens provides decent versatility

• Easy to use automatic and scene modes make it accessible for beginners

• Shoots full HD 1080p video which is smooth and stabilized for a camera at this price point

• WiFi and Bluetooth allow wireless image transfer and remote control from smartphones

• Good value for money for a tough, waterproof camera with decent image quality and features

Cons

• The camera has a small 1/2.3" sensor, which means image quality isn't as good as larger sensor cameras, especially in low light. There's more noise in photos taken in dim conditions.

• While the camera is waterproof, it's only waterproof to 16 feet. So it's good for swimming pools and shallow snorkeling but not deep diving. The waterproofing also makes the buttons a bit stiff and hard to press.

• The LCD screen is quite small at just 2.7 inches. It's fine for framing shots but not great for reviewing and previewing photos.

• Video quality maxes out at 1080p full HD, not 4K. The video capabilities are pretty basic without any advanced options like slow motion modes.

Conclusion

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is a decent budget-friendly rugged camera that can produce good images and videos. It's designed to be waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, making it suitable for outdoor activities and travel.

The 16MP sensor captures decent detail in images, especially in good lighting conditions. While image quality suffers a bit in low light, the results are acceptable for a camera in this price range. Video quality maxes out at 1080p resolution, which is fine for casual home videos and social media sharing.

Some nice features include built-in WiFi for wireless transfer of images and videos, and different scene modes to help optimize settings depending on the shooting conditions. The 4x optical zoom lens provides a versatile wide angle to short telephoto range.

Ease of use is a strong point, with a simple menu system and buttons/dials that provide quick access to the most important functions. The camera feels sturdy thanks to its durable body, though it's still compact and lightweight enough to carry anywhere.

Overall, the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is a good choice if you want a waterproof camera on a budget. It can deliver pleasing images and videos in many situations, while withstanding the elements and accidental bumps/drops. For outdoor enthusiasts and families, it's an affordable way to capture memories without worrying about damaging the camera.