Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Review: What a Budget Compact Really Delivers
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is a reasonable pick for a child, a gift or a simple grab and go camera, because it offers a 16 megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom in a pocketable body for very little money. It is not a step up from a modern phone in image quality. If you want better photos, the Sony ZV-1F or the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 cost more but deliver clearly superior results, while the Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 is the cheaper sibling if you only need the basics.
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is a sensible choice as a first camera for a child, a cheap gift or a simple backup, because it puts a 16 megapixel sensor, a 5x optical zoom and easy point and shoot operation into a pocket sized body for a very low price. It will not beat a recent smartphone on outright image quality. If you want noticeably better photos, the Sony ZV-1F and Panasonic Lumix ZS70 are worth the extra outlay, while the Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 covers the same idea for slightly less.
Budget compact cameras like the FZ55 exist for a specific reason: to be a dedicated camera that does not cost much, does not depend on a phone, and is simple enough for a child or a technophobe to use. The FZ55 pairs a 1/2.3 inch 16 megapixel sensor with a 28 to 140mm equivalent 5x zoom and runs on a rechargeable battery. We compared sensor resolution and real world image quality, optical zoom reach, battery type and endurance, video specification and overall value against six other cheap compacts, then weighed those against what owners report about soft images in low light and dated screen and video quality.
The shortlist, ranked
Kodak PIXPRO FZ55
The PIXPRO FZ55 is aimed squarely at buyers who want a cheap, simple, dedicated camera: a child learning photography, a gift, or a lightweight backup that does not rely on a phone. Its strengths are its low price, genuinely pocketable size, a useful 5x optical zoom that reaches further than most phones, and straightforward fully automatic operation that anyone can pick up. The honest weaknesses are real: the small 1/2.3 inch sensor struggles in low light with visible noise and softness, the fixed rear screen and 1080p video feel dated, and in good outdoor light a modern smartphone will usually produce a cleaner image. Judged as a low cost point and shoot rather than a serious camera, it does what it sets out to do.
Pros
- Very low cost and pocketable
- 5x optical zoom beyond most phones
- Simple fully automatic operation
Cons
- Weak low light image quality
- Dated fixed screen and 1080p video
Kodak PIXPRO FZ45
The FZ45 is the closely related, slightly older model that offers the same 16 megapixel resolution and a 4x optical zoom for a fraction less money. Based on specifications the main differences are the shorter zoom and minor feature tweaks. It compares to the FZ55 as the choice when you want the absolute lowest cost and can live with a little less reach.
Pros
- Even lower cost than the FZ55
- Runs on easy to find AA batteries
- Same simple point and shoot handling
Cons
- Shorter 4x zoom range
- Only 720p video recording
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS
Canon’s compact ELPH 360 HS steps up to a 12x optical zoom and adds built in Wi-Fi for transfers, at a higher but still modest price. Owners report cleaner images than the Kodak thanks to Canon’s image processing. It compares to the FZ55 as the pick for anyone who wants more reach and easier sharing while staying in the budget compact class.
Pros
- Long 12x optical zoom
- Built in Wi-Fi for transfers
- Cleaner processing than the Kodak
Cons
- Costs more than the FZ55
- Still limited in low light
Panasonic Lumix ZS70
The Lumix ZS70 is a travel zoom compact with a 30x lens, a tilting selfie screen, an electronic viewfinder and 4K video, sitting well above the Kodak in both capability and price. It compares to the FZ55 as the choice for a traveller or enthusiast who wants one versatile compact and is willing to pay considerably more for a big jump in features and image quality.
Pros
- Huge 30x travel zoom range
- Electronic viewfinder and tilting screen
- 4K video and better image quality
Cons
- Several times the price of the FZ55
- More complex for a first time user
Sony ZV-1F
The Sony ZV-1F uses a much larger 1 inch sensor and a bright wide lens aimed at vlogging and content creation, delivering image quality in a different league from the Kodak. It compares to the FZ55 as the pick for anyone whose priority is photo and video quality rather than lowest cost, at a substantially higher price and with no long zoom.
Pros
- Large 1 inch sensor for clean images
- Excellent 4K video for vlogging
- Bright wide lens for low light
Cons
- Fixed lens with no zoom
- Far more expensive than the Kodak
Kodak PIXPRO AZ255
The PIXPRO AZ255 is Kodak’s budget bridge camera with a 25x optical zoom in a larger DSLR style body. Based on specifications it trades pocketability for far more reach at a low price. It compares to the FZ55 as the option for someone who wants big zoom on a budget and does not mind a bulkier camera.
Pros
- Long 25x zoom for the money
- Comfortable bridge style grip
- Runs on common AA batteries
Cons
- Too large for a pocket
- Same small sensor limits image quality
Minolta MND30
The Minolta MND30 markets a very high headline megapixel count and a 3x optical zoom at a rock bottom price. Owners report that the interpolated resolution does little for real detail, so it compares to the FZ55 as a similarly basic point and shoot where Kodak’s more honest specification and longer zoom generally make the better buy.
Pros
- Very low price point
- High headline resolution mode
- Lightweight and simple
Cons
- Interpolated megapixels add little detail
- Short 3x optical zoom
How to choose
Who should buy the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 This camera makes sense for a narrow but real set of buyers. It is a good first camera for a child, since it is cheap enough not to worry about and simple enough to use in full auto. It works as a low cost gift, or as a dedicated camera for someone who deliberately does not want to use their phone, such as at a festival or on holiday where you would rather not risk an expensive device. It is not the right choice if you expect image quality that beats a modern smartphone, because the small sensor cannot match that.
The standout features For its price the FZ55 covers the essentials. The 5x optical zoom reaches to a 140mm equivalent, which is genuine optical reach that a typical phone lacks, useful for a child photographing wildlife or sport from a distance. The 16 megapixel sensor produces perfectly usable images in bright daylight. It is pocketable, light, and runs on a rechargeable battery, and the fully automatic mode means there is nothing to learn before pressing the shutter. A selfie mirror on the front adds a small convenience for portraits.
How it compares to the alternatives Against its own sibling the FZ45 it adds a longer 5x zoom and 1080p video for a little more money. Against the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS it gives up reach, Wi-Fi and cleaner processing, but costs less. Against larger sensor cameras like the Sony ZV-1F or feature rich travel zooms like the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 it is clearly outclassed on image quality and capability, though those cost several times as much. Within the true budget bracket the FZ55 is a fair balance of price, zoom and simplicity.
Verdict on the FZ55 The honest reasons to buy are price, simplicity, pocket size and a real optical zoom, which together make it a sound choice as a child’s camera or a cheap dedicated shooter. The honest reasons to hesitate are weak low light performance, dated 1080p video and a fixed screen, plus the fact that a current smartphone will usually take a better photo in good light. Buy it for what it is, an inexpensive and easy point and shoot, and it satisfies. Expect it to rival a real camera or a good phone and it will disappoint.
How they compare
| # | Model | Sensor | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 | 16 MP 1/2.3 inch CMOS | The one reviewed | 9.0 | Check price |
| 2 | Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 | 16 MP 1/2.3 inch CMOS | Best cheaper sibling | 8.7 | Check price |
| 3 | Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS | 20 MP 1/2.3 inch CMOS | Best zoom for the price | 8.6 | Check price |
| 4 | Panasonic Lumix ZS70 | 20 MP 1/2.3 inch MOS | Best all rounder | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Sony ZV-1F | 20 MP 1 inch CMOS | Best image quality | 9.1 | Check price |
| 6 | Kodak PIXPRO AZ255 | 16 MP 1/2.3 inch CMOS | Best superzoom on a budget | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Minolta MND30 | 1/3.2 inch CMOS with interpolation | Best high megapixel budget pick | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 better than a smartphone?
Generally no on image quality. In good light a modern smartphone usually produces cleaner, more detailed photos thanks to better processing. The FZ55’s advantage is a real 5x optical zoom and being a cheap, dedicated camera you can hand to a child without risking an expensive phone.
Who is the FZ55 best suited to?
It is best for children learning photography, as a low cost gift, or as a simple grab and go camera for holidays and events where you would rather not carry a pricey device. It suits anyone who values simplicity and low cost over outright image quality.
How good is the FZ55 in low light?
It is weak in low light. The small 1/2.3 inch sensor introduces visible noise and softness indoors and after dark. For the best results use it outdoors in daylight, where the sensor performs at its best.
What is the zoom range on the FZ55?
It has a 5x optical zoom covering roughly a 28 to 140mm equivalent field of view. That reaches noticeably further than a typical phone camera, which helps with distant subjects such as wildlife or sport, though image quality softens toward the long end.
Does the FZ55 shoot 4K video?
No. It records up to 1080p Full HD video. If 4K recording matters to you, cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 or the Sony ZV-1F offer it, though they cost considerably more.
How is the battery life on the FZ55?
It uses a rechargeable lithium battery rather than AA cells, giving enough life for casual day to day shooting. Heavy users benefit from carrying a spare, since endurance is modest compared with larger cameras.
Is the FZ55 or the cheaper FZ45 the better buy?
The FZ55 adds a longer 5x zoom and 1080p video, while the FZ45 is cheaper, uses AA batteries and offers a 4x zoom with 720p video. Choose the FZ55 for a little more reach and better video, or the FZ45 to save money and use standard batteries.
Can beginners use the FZ55 easily?
Yes. Its fully automatic mode handles exposure and focus, so a complete beginner or a child can simply frame and shoot. There is little to learn, which is a large part of its appeal as a first camera.
Final word
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 does exactly one job well: it is a cheap, simple, pocketable camera with a real 5x optical zoom, which makes it a sound choice as a child’s first camera, a gift or a dedicated point and shoot. Just do not expect it to beat a modern phone in image quality, because the small sensor cannot, and low light is its clear weakness. If you want better results, the Sony ZV-1F and Panasonic Lumix ZS70 justify their higher prices, while the Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 is the cheaper alternative when only the basics matter.
