Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Everyday Photography
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is a compact digital camera designed for users who want something simple, portable, and more capable than a basic smartphone in bright light. It’s aimed at casual shooters, travelers, kids, and beginners looking for an affordable way to take decent photos and videos without diving into complex camera systems. With a 16MP sensor, 5x optical zoom, and 1080p video recording, it stands out as a friendly, entry-level device that gets the job done for under $130.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55’s core specs:
- Sensor: 16.35 MP 1/2.3″ CMOS
- Lens: 5x optical zoom, 28–140mm (35mm equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/3.9 (wide) to f/6.3 (telephoto)
- Video: Full HD 1080p @ 30fps
- Display: 2.7-inch LCD, 230K dots
- Image Stabilization: Digital
- Battery Life: Approx. 200 shots per charge
- Weight: 106g with battery and memory card
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC up to 32GB
Design and Build Quality
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is impressively compact, with dimensions small enough to slip into a pocket or small purse. Its sleek plastic body is available in a variety of colors, including black, red, and blue, making it fun and attractive for younger users or gift buyers.
Despite the plastic build, it feels sturdy and doesn’t creak under pressure. The button layout is simple and easy to understand, perfect for beginners who don’t want to mess with complicated menus. Its lightweight design (only 106g) makes it ideal for travel, family events, or everyday casual use.
Lens and Zoom Performance
The 5x optical zoom lens offers decent versatility, covering a wide-to-medium telephoto range. The 28mm wide-angle is great for landscapes and group shots, while the 140mm telephoto end allows for basic zooming into subjects.
Autofocus is relatively fast in good lighting, but it may struggle in dim conditions. The digital image stabilization helps reduce minor shake, but it’s not a replacement for optical stabilization. This makes it best for handheld shooting in bright environments rather than night or action photography.
Image Quality in Real-Life Use
In daylight, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 produces surprisingly sharp and colorful images for its price. Skin tones are natural, skies look vibrant, and contrast is well-managed. The JPEGs come out ready to share with no need for editing.
Low-light performance is where the limitations show. Due to its small sensor and narrow aperture, photos in darker settings can appear noisy or soft. The ISO range goes up to 3200, but staying below ISO 800 delivers better results.
The face and smile detection features are useful for casual portraits and family photos. In-camera filters and scene modes like night, landscape, or sport allow some customization for casual photographers.
Video Recording Features
The camera supports 1080p Full HD video at 30fps, which is a solid inclusion for a budget camera. One-touch video recording makes it easy to start shooting quickly. Audio is recorded via a built-in mono mic and is serviceable for home videos, but not suitable for serious content creation.
Autofocus during video is a bit slow and there’s no optical zoom smoothness while filming. However, for basic vlogging, travel snippets, or capturing everyday moments, it works well enough.
LCD Screen and Interface
The 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen has a resolution of 230,000 dots, which is enough for framing and playback. Visibility in bright sunlight can be a challenge, and there’s no touchscreen, but the simple interface and menu system are easy to learn.
Menu options are minimal and focus on simplicity. You won’t find manual modes, RAW shooting, or customization options, but for many users, that’s exactly what makes it enjoyable to use.
Battery Life and Charging
The included lithium-ion battery offers around 200 shots per charge, which is typical for this category. Charging is done via a micro-USB port directly in the camera, which adds convenience for travel since you don’t need an external charger.
For longer outings, consider bringing a spare battery or portable charger. There’s no way to charge while the camera is in use, so plan accordingly.
Ease of Use and Shooting Modes
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 was clearly built with ease of use in mind. It features automatic scene detection, face detection, smile and blink detection, and a burst mode that captures multiple shots quickly.
Scene modes include options like:
- Portrait
- Landscape
- Night
- Beach
- Sports
- Fireworks
There’s also a basic panorama mode and several color filters to add fun effects. While there’s no manual control, the auto mode delivers decent results for users who just want to press a button and get a good shot.
Portability: Is It a Good Travel Camera?
Yes, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is a strong candidate for travel. Its small size and light weight mean it won’t weigh you down or take up space in your luggage. It’s great for sightseeing, walking tours, beach trips, or outdoor picnics.
You won’t need a big camera bag, and because it’s so affordable, you don’t have to stress too much about it getting lost or damaged during your adventures.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and ultra-compact
- Easy to use with intuitive interface
- Good image quality in daylight
- 1080p Full HD video with one-touch recording
- Rechargeable via USB (no external charger needed)
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Weak low-light performance
- No optical image stabilization
- LCD screen not great in bright light
- No manual controls or RAW shooting
- Basic audio and video quality
User Reviews and Community Feedback
Many users on Amazon and Best Buy praise the camera for its simplicity and value. Common highlights include:
“Great little camera for everyday use. My daughter uses it for her trips and loves the results.”
“Perfect for beginners or kids. Takes nice pictures in daylight, easy to charge and carry.”
On Reddit and DPReview forums, users also mention its good color reproduction and ease of use. Some noted it’s a good budget alternative to relying solely on smartphone cameras, especially for prints and sharing with older family members who prefer real buttons over touchscreens.
Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 vs Similar Cameras
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 | 16MP | 5x | 2.7” | $100–130 | Balanced budget camera |
| Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 | 20MP | 8x | 2.7” | $110–140 | More zoom, better autofocus |
| Nikon Coolpix A100 | 20MP | 5x | 2.7” | $90–120 | Slimmer, but no 1080p video |
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 | 16MP | 4x | 2.7” | $80–100 | Cheaper, no FHD video |
If you want slightly better zoom or higher resolution, the Canon ELPH 180 is worth a look. But for the price, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 offers one of the best balances of simplicity, features, and portability.
Accessories You Should Consider
To get the best experience, consider these accessories:
- 32GB SDHC card (Class 10 recommended for video)
- Protective carrying case
- Micro-USB charging cable
- Spare battery (Kodak LB-012 or compatible)
- Mini tripod for group shots or videos
These small additions can make a big difference in usability, especially while traveling or shooting outdoors.
Best Use Cases: Who Should Buy the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55?
This camera is perfect for:
- Beginners who want to learn photography basics
- Kids and teens looking for their first real camera
- Seniors who want an easy-to-use alternative to phones
- Travelers needing a pocket-friendly option
- Gifting during birthdays, holidays, or special events
However, it’s not ideal for users who need night photography, fast action shots, or manual exposure control.
Final Verdict: Is the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Worth It in 2025?
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is a compact, user-friendly camera that shines in the budget space. While it doesn’t compete with advanced cameras or flagship smartphones, it offers excellent value for casual use. If you want a simple camera that takes decent photos and videos, is light to carry, and doesn’t break the bank, the FZ55 is a smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 a good camera for beginners?
Yes, it’s one of the easiest cameras to use with full auto mode, smile detection, and simple controls.
2. Can I record video on the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55?
Yes, it records in Full HD 1080p at 30fps with one-touch video functionality.
3. How long does the FZ55 battery last?
Roughly 200 shots per charge. More if you avoid video or flash.
4. What memory card does the Kodak FZ55 use?
It supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards up to 32GB.
5. Does the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 have image stabilization?
It has digital image stabilization, which helps reduce minor blurring but isn’t as effective as optical systems.
6. Can I use it for vlogging?
You can, but with limited audio quality and no flip screen, it’s more for casual clips.
7. How does it compare to a smartphone camera?
It performs better in some daylight zoom situations but worse in low light compared to modern phones.
