Kodak is a brand that has been around for quite a while. The company has been producing photography equipment in one form or another since the 1880s, most commonly known for its film stock, which is still replicated today. Kodak may not be as obviously popular as they once were, but their rich history of producing point-and-shoot cameras is still alive today. Therefore, we’re bringing you the best Kodak point-and-shoot cameras currently available.
Ironically, you can still get hold of the old type of disposable film cameras, which for the price of a franchized coffee and muffin, can provide the shooting experience of yesteryear. But if you wanted a more contemporary point-and-shoot solution, Kodak is still very capable in this department.
1. Kodak PIXPRO AZ901
I have to admit, there’s a warm sense of nostalgia being able to get my grubby paws on any type of Kodak camera. However, Kodak point-and-shoot cameras need to be up to muster in the current marketplace, which is where the Kodak PIXPRO AZ901 comes into play.
The camera itself centers around a 20.68MP, 1/2.3 inch BSI CMOS sensor, with an ISO range of 80-3,200, a burst rate of five fps, and the capability to shoot HD video at 30p.
The zoom lens on this camera has an impressive 22-1,980mm equivalent reach, which is backed up by an optical image stabilization system for shooting in low-light conditions. There is also a 4x digital zoom facility for those times when you need to squeeze out that extra bit of focal length.
Point-and-shoot also means the need for automatic facilities, which the PIXPRO AZ901 covers in the form of face detect, smile detect, and pet mode for posed or candid portraits. Plus, simple-to-use panorama mode and built-in Wi-Fi allows for easy transferring of all your images.
Obviously, this isn’t a camera to completely replace a full-fat DSLR or mirrorless solution and it’s not intended to be. What this camera does provide is good image quality for the price point with lots of automatic features and ease of transfer. Plus, the very long focal reach is great fun to play around with, being able to zoom into subjects other cameras can’t reach.
2. Kodak PIXPRO FZ53
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 follows the basic framework of all good Kodak point-and-shoot cameras. It’s simple to use, very cost-effective, and provides solid image quality. The straightforward-to-use and compact camera features a 16.15MP, 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, with an ISO range of 80-1,600, HD video at 720p/30, and a five-times optical zoom lens.
Even though the lens doesn’t have the zoom range of the camera above, it still features digital image stabilization for extra steady shots. The rear of the camera features a bright, 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD screen which is used for both shooting and running through the simple menu system. The same sort of shooting facilities are featured here such as face detection AF, with the camera being able to detect smiles and shoot 180-degree panoramas.
The PIXPRO FZ53 is extremely straightforward to use, providing good picture quality without the need to dig into extensive settings. This camera serves as a great solution for both young and old who just want to concentrate on snapping away.
3. Kodak PIXPRO AZ652
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ652, like the AZ901 above, is part of the Astro Zoom Collection. It has more or less the same working, just with a shorter zoom range for a bridge camera. The same 20.68MP, 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor has been included here, shooting full HD video at 1080p/60 fps, with a five fps continuous shooting speed and a respectable (for a point-and-shoot) camera ISO range of 80-3,200.
The 65x optical zoom covers an equivalent focal length of 24-1,560mm, with basic automatic detection facilities for spotting faces and pets. Just like the cameras above, there are only nine AF points to choose from, that may be low by today’s standards, but that also simplifies the selection process.
Considering the price point of this camera, it can provide sharp images in both JPEG and RAW formats, with very straightforward workings.
4. Kodak PIXPRO AZ421
For just under $200, the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 is a convenient little zoom camera, which stands out for having a long-reaching zoom range and respectable image quality. This camera features a 16.15MP, 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor, with a reasonable ISO of 80-1,600, video coming in at 720p/30 fps, and a 42x zoom lens with optical image stabilization.
This camera has the same autofocus system as the other cameras on this list, featuring nine AF points with added face detection and object tracking. The camera is reasonably good at detecting faces and the 180 degree panorama setting is a straightforward way to capture wide expanses of a scene.
The PIXPRO AZ421 will need good light levels to perform at its best, but there is a built-in pop-up flash when a spot of extra light is needed. This camera will serve as a good family imaging solution, which can be easily passed around and churn out good-quality images without the need to dig into extensive settings.
5. Kodak FunSaver 35mm (Budget Winner)
You may already be thinking why on earth in the age of digital imagery and everyone owning a smartphone you would own any type of film camera. Solutions like the Kodak FunSaver 35mm are growing ever more popular at events such as weddings, where guests can take a quick snap and later see the results in all their printed glory. You may not get the instant gratification of digital, but there is something exciting about having to wait to see how your images actually turn out.
These type of cameras also show how we used to shoot back in the day when we didn’t own an expensive camera and smart phones would have seemed like a device from Star Trek. For roughly $15, each camera has 27 exposures, loaded with Kodak Gold ISO-800 film, which also includes a built-in battery and flash, all contained within a reasonably hardy outer shell.
The camera may have a plastic lens and the workings may be as point-and-shoot as you can get, but as this is film we are working with here, the final results have a look and quality which you can only get from the old styles of working. This camera may seem limiting in the amount of exposures you take., but in reality, it’s so much fun to use. Considering the cost, one of these cameras is worth picking up from time to time, just for the sheer shooting experience.
Kodak Point-and-Shoot Cameras Are a Classic
Kodak still produces reliable point-and-shoot cameras, which is one of the many reasons why photography has become such a democratized art form. Anybody can pick up one of the cameras above and, with a few compositional skills, easily produce good-looking images.
These cameras may not be the cutting-edge of digital performance, but they do provide a great point-and-shoot experience without having to trip over lots of complicated settings.
