Budget-conscious photographers will be drawn to the Kodak Pixpro AZ401 with the potential of a 40x zoom lens for only $169.99.
However, the camera takes unimpressive pictures; aside from the zoom feature, a capable smartphone produces sharper photos, and shaky image stabilization makes it challenging to frame shots when zoomed in.
Do yourself a favor and spend a little extra on a better camera if you’re looking for one of them.
Although more costly, the Canon SX530 HS ($379.99) offers in-camera Wi-Fi and significantly superior picture and video quality. If money is tight, skip the ultra-zoom and go for the 10x Canon Elph 190 IS, which costs approximately $160.
Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ401-BK 16MP Digital Camera with 40X Optical Zoom...
- You’ll get well defined, detailed images thanks to the AZ401’s 16 million pixels. That’s ample resolution to crop, zoom, or enlarge your photos however the photographer in you desires.
- With a 24mm wide angle lens, there’s no sacrificing what you want in the frame. So go ahead and let your camera see what you see - The sky’s the limit!
- You’ll get well defined, detailed images thanks to the AZ401’s 16 million pixels. That’s ample resolution to crop, zoom, or enlarge your photos however the photographer in you desires.
- With a 24mm wide angle lens, there’s no sacrificing what you want in the frame. So go ahead and let your camera see what you see - The sky’s the limit!
- The optical image stabilization will iron out any small movements as you’re focused on getting your shot, so you never have to be afraid to go for what you want.
- Whether you’re in the moment, or modifying your work at a later time, the bright, 3” LCD screen ensures that you end up with just what you’re looking for.
- Capture everything in your peripherals with the 180 Degree Panorama feature
- The az401 takes a standard SD/SDHC memory card that is at least Class 4 and no larger than 32GB
- The az401 is not compatible with Micro SD, micro/adapter, Ultra, Ultra plus, Extreme, extreme Plus, Extreme Pro, or SDXC cards
Read More: Best Memory Cards for Kodak PIXPRO AZ401
Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 Design
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The AZ401, which comes in a red or black finish and costs $169.99 at Amazon(Opens in a new window), is primarily made of plastic, as you might anticipate given the price. But the lens is surrounded by a metal ring. The body is 15.4 ounces in weight and is 3.2 by 4.5 by 3.3 inches (HWD). It can easily fit in a small purse but is not pocketable. There is no accessory shoe. However, there is an internal flash.
The 40x zoom lens is the standout feature. Compared to models that begin at 28mm, it is more versatile since it can capture angles as wide as 24mm (full-frame equivalent). In addition, the 960mm maximum zoom enables you to focus on far-off things.
However, the AZ401’s stabilization isn’t as excellent as some other ultra-zoom models, so you’ll need to operate at the most extreme zoom setting while being extremely cautious and still retain your frame. View the broad view above and the close-up shot below, both taken from the exact location, to get a sense of the coverage area.
Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 Image Quality
AZ401 moves slowly. It takes roughly 3 seconds to switch on and fire a shot. First, however, the picture will be out of focus. Start-up time increases to an average of 4.9 seconds while waiting for the camera to obtain an initial focus lock.
The image resolution lowers to 4MP when the continuous drive mode is used. However, it shoots at three frames per second. Therefore, expect to wait around 1.9 seconds between shots if you attempt to capture full-resolution photographs quickly in single-drive mode.
Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 Specs
Sensor Resolution | Actual: 16.44 Megapixel Effective: 16.15 Megapixel (4608 x 3456) |
Lens
Focal Length | 4.3 to 172mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24 to 960mm) |
Optical Zoom | 40x |
Digital Zoom | 4x Maximum (160x Combined Zoom) |
Maximum Aperture | f/3 to 6.8 |
Focus Range | Normal 1.64′ to Infinity / 49.99 cm to Infinity (Wide) 6.57′ to Infinity / 2 m to Infinity (Telephoto) Macro 0.63″ to Infinity / 1.6 cm to Infinity (Wide) |
Optical Design | 15 Elements in 11 Groups |
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed | 1/2000 to 30 Seconds |
Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
Exposure Compensation | -2 to +2 EV (1/3 EV Steps) |
Self-Timer | 2/10-Second Delay |
Special Options | Fireworks, Landscape, Night Landscape, Night Portrait, Panorama, Party/Indoor, Portrait, Snow, Sports, Sunset |
Aspect Ratio | 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
Image File Format | JPEG |
Broadcast Output | NTSC |
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC |
Internal Memory | 8 MB |
Monitor
Size | 3.0″ |
Resolution | 460,000 Dot |
Display Type | Fixed LCD |
Flash
Built-In Flash | Yes |
External Flash Connection | None |
Environmental
Battery Type | 4 x AA (Approx. 280 Shots) |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 1.615 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.25 x 6.15 x 4.55″ |
Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 Conclusions
With its affordable pricing and powerful zoom range, the Kodak Pixpro AZ401 is like a siren that draws you to the beach. But don’t let its music deceive you. Although the AZ401 delivers a lot of zoom capability, the image quality isn’t fantastic, and you’ll have a difficult time framing images at 40x due to the AZ401’s mediocre image stabilization technology. The Canon SX530 HS, while being more expensive, is a good alternative if you want a long-lens compact.
Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 Price
Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ401-BK 16MP Digital Camera with 40X Optical Zoom...
- You’ll get well defined, detailed images thanks to the AZ401’s 16 million pixels. That’s ample resolution to crop, zoom, or enlarge your photos however the photographer in you desires.
- With a 24mm wide angle lens, there’s no sacrificing what you want in the frame. So go ahead and let your camera see what you see - The sky’s the limit!
- You’ll get well defined, detailed images thanks to the AZ401’s 16 million pixels. That’s ample resolution to crop, zoom, or enlarge your photos however the photographer in you desires.
- With a 24mm wide angle lens, there’s no sacrificing what you want in the frame. So go ahead and let your camera see what you see - The sky’s the limit!
- The optical image stabilization will iron out any small movements as you’re focused on getting your shot, so you never have to be afraid to go for what you want.
- Whether you’re in the moment, or modifying your work at a later time, the bright, 3” LCD screen ensures that you end up with just what you’re looking for.
- Capture everything in your peripherals with the 180 Degree Panorama feature
- The az401 takes a standard SD/SDHC memory card that is at least Class 4 and no larger than 32GB
- The az401 is not compatible with Micro SD, micro/adapter, Ultra, Ultra plus, Extreme, extreme Plus, Extreme Pro, or SDXC cards