Are you planning your next underwater adventure but still searching for the perfect camera to capture your memorable moments? The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 might be the solution you need.
This compact waterproof camera combines durability with functionality to give you an excellent photography experience in even the most challenging environments.
In this review, we will explore all aspects of the Kodak PixPro WPZ2, from its design and build quality to its performance underwater and in various lighting conditions. We will help you decide if this affordable rugged camera deserves a spot in your adventure gear collection.
Key Takeaways
- The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 is a budget friendly waterproof camera that offers excellent value compared to more expensive rugged cameras on the market
- This camera can survive underwater depths up to 15 meters (49 feet) making it perfect for snorkeling and shallow diving adventures
- With its dustproof and shockproof design, the camera withstands drops from heights up to 2 meters (6 feet), making it suitable for rough outdoor conditions
- The 16 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor delivers surprisingly good image quality for a compact camera in this price range, especially in good lighting conditions
- While the 4x optical zoom is limited compared to some competitors, the camera makes up for it with WiFi connectivity for easy photo sharing and Full HD 1080p video recording
Design and Build Quality
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 truly stands out with its rugged and durable build. The camera features a tough hard plastic body that comes in attractive color options including yellow, red, and blue. This design choice makes the camera stand out while also making it easier to spot if you drop it in water or snow during your outdoor adventures.
The camera measures just 4.06 x 2.62 x 2.06 inches and weighs only 6.21 ounces without the battery. This compact size means you can easily slip it into your pocket or attach it to your backpack without feeling weighed down. The size is perfect for one handed operation, which is important when you are busy with other activities.
The body has a textured grip that provides a solid hold even with wet hands. This important feature ensures you can maintain a firm grip on the camera during underwater photography sessions. The buttons are well spaced and offer good tactile feedback when pressed, though they are not oversized for use with gloves like some specialized underwater cameras.
One of the most impressive aspects of the WPZ2 is its waterproof rating. The camera can function underwater at depths up to 15 meters (49 feet), making it suitable for snorkeling and even shallow scuba diving. The waterproofing is achieved through tight seals and a double locking mechanism on the battery compartment door to prevent water intrusion.
The shockproof rating of 2 meters (6 feet) means the camera can survive accidental drops onto hard surfaces. This makes it particularly suitable for adventure travelers and families with children who might not always handle equipment with the greatest care. The dustproof design also protects the internal components from sand and dirt, ensuring the camera remains functional in beach environments.
Camera Controls and Interface
The control layout of the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 follows a straightforward design that most users will find intuitive to use. The camera features a power button and shutter button on the top plate, both clearly marked and accessible with one hand operation. The shutter button provides good tactile feedback when pressed halfway for focus and fully for capturing an image.
On the back of the camera, you will find the 2.7 inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230,000 pixels. While not the highest resolution display on the market, it is bright enough to use outdoors and provides a clear view for framing your shots. Next to the screen is the standard array of buttons including zoom controls, playback button, menu button, and a mode button for switching between shooting modes.
The navigation buttons double as shortcuts for frequently used settings like flash, macro mode, and display options. This dual functionality helps maximize the limited space on the compact camera body without making the interface feel cluttered. The menu system is arranged logically with settings grouped into categories that make sense for different shooting scenarios.
The camera offers several shooting modes including Auto, Manual, Waterproof, Scene, and Panorama modes. The Waterproof mode is particularly useful as it automatically adjusts settings for underwater photography, compensating for the loss of light and color that typically occurs underwater. Switching between modes is quick and straightforward using the dedicated mode button.
One small complaint about the interface is the slight lag when navigating through menus or reviewing images. This is not unusual for cameras in this price range but can be slightly frustrating if you need to change settings quickly. The camera also lacks touchscreen functionality, which some users might miss if they are accustomed to smartphone photography.
Image Quality
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 features a 16.35 megapixel 1/2.3 inch BSI CMOS sensor that delivers surprisingly good image quality for a compact camera in its price range. Images taken in bright daylight show good detail and accurate colors with that classic Kodak color rendition that many photographers appreciate. The colors appear vibrant without being oversaturated, making for natural looking photos.
The camera performs best when shooting landscapes or static subjects in good lighting conditions. Detail capture is reasonably sharp in the center of the frame, though you may notice some softness in the corners at wider apertures. This is typical of compact cameras and generally not noticeable in casual photography situations.
For close up photography, the WPZ2 offers a macro mode that allows focusing as close as 5cm from the subject. This feature is particularly useful for capturing small underwater creatures or detailed textures during your adventures. The autofocus system works adequately in good light, though it can sometimes struggle with fast moving subjects or in low contrast situations.
The camera includes a 4x optical zoom lens with a focal range equivalent to 27 108mm on a full frame camera. This modest zoom range is suitable for most travel photography scenarios, letting you capture both wide landscapes and zoom in moderately for portraits or details. The lens has an aperture range of f/3.0 at the wide end to f/6.6 at the telephoto end, which is fairly typical for this class of camera.
The WPZ2 also offers a 6x digital zoom, bringing the total zoom capability to 24x combined zoom. However, as with all digital zooms, image quality deteriorates significantly when using the digital zoom portion, resulting in noticeably pixelated images. It is generally better to stick with the optical zoom range for the best image quality.
Low Light Performance
When it comes to low light photography, the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 shows some limitations that are common to cameras in this price range. The small sensor size means that noise becomes apparent when shooting at higher ISO settings, which are necessary in dim conditions. The camera has an ISO range of 100 3200, but image quality starts to degrade noticeably above ISO 800.
In low light situations, the camera automatically adjusts settings to compensate, but the results can be mixed. Photos taken indoors or at dusk often show some noise and loss of detail, particularly in shadow areas. The built in flash helps to illuminate nearby subjects, extending the camera’s usability in darker environments, but it has limited range and can sometimes result in harsh lighting.
The lack of optical image stabilization is particularly noticeable in low light, as camera shake becomes more evident with slower shutter speeds. The camera does include digital image stabilization, but this is less effective than optical systems. As a result, it is advisable to use a stable surface or tripod when shooting in low light conditions to avoid blurry images.
For nighttime photography, the manual mode allows for long exposures up to 30 seconds, which can produce interesting effects with stationary subjects like cityscapes or star trails. However, this requires a tripod and some patience to set up properly. The automatic night scene mode attempts to balance exposure and flash use for night shots, but with limited success compared to dedicated low light cameras.
Underwater photography in low light conditions presents additional challenges, as water absorbs light quickly with depth. The WPZ2’s underwater mode helps to some extent by adjusting white balance and exposure settings, but for the best results, underwater photography should be done in bright conditions and relatively shallow depths where natural light can still penetrate.
Video Performance
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 offers full HD video recording capabilities at 1080p resolution with a frame rate of 30 frames per second. This specification is fairly standard for cameras in this price category and produces smooth, detailed video footage in good lighting conditions. The video quality is more than adequate for capturing vacation memories or creating simple social media content.
One of the strongest features of the WPZ2 is its ability to record video underwater. The waterproof design means you can capture fascinating footage of marine life or family fun in the pool without worrying about water damage. The dedicated underwater mode adjusts settings to compensate for the blue color cast that typically affects underwater video, resulting in more natural looking colors.
The camera records audio through a built in microphone that captures decent sound quality above water. However, underwater audio is limited mostly to muffled sounds and bubbles, which is expected for a camera of this type without an external microphone input. For serious underwater videographers, this may be a limitation, but for casual use, the visual footage is the main attraction anyway.
Video stabilization on the WPZ2 is handled digitally rather than optically, which means that it works by cropping the video slightly to compensate for movement. This is less effective than optical stabilization systems found in higher end cameras, resulting in some shakiness in footage shot while walking or in motion. For the best results, holding the camera steady or using a mount is recommended.
The zoom function can be used during video recording, but the mechanism produces some noise that may be picked up by the microphone. The zoom speed is also slower during video recording to minimize abrupt changes in framing. The autofocus works continuously while recording, though it can sometimes hunt for focus if subjects move quickly or lighting conditions change dramatically.
Battery Life and Storage
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium ion battery that provides reasonable endurance for a compact camera. According to CIPA ratings, the battery can last for approximately 200 shots or 70 minutes of continuous video recording at 1080p resolution on a single charge. This should be sufficient for a day of casual photography during vacation or outdoor activities.
Battery performance can vary significantly depending on usage patterns. Features like WiFi connectivity, flash use, and extended video recording will drain the battery faster. Additionally, cold temperatures, which are common in some adventure settings like skiing or winter hiking, can reduce battery life further. It is always advisable to carry a spare battery for extended outings, especially if you plan to be away from charging opportunities.
The battery is charged in camera through a USB C port, which is protected by the same sealed compartment that houses the battery and memory card. This means you can charge the camera using a power bank or laptop when traveling, adding convenience for users on the go. However, the camera does not come with an external charger, so charging a spare battery requires purchasing a separate charger accessory.
For storage, the WPZ2 has a minimal internal memory of just 8MB, which is essentially useless for practical photography. The camera requires a microSD card for any serious use, supporting cards up to 32GB in capacity. The use of microSD rather than standard SD cards is a minor inconvenience but understandable given the compact design and the need to share space with the battery and ports in a waterproof compartment.
The camera can save images in JPEG format only, with no option for RAW files. This limits post processing flexibility but is typical for cameras in this category aimed at casual photographers. At the highest quality setting, the 16 megapixel images take up approximately 5 6MB each, meaning a 32GB card can store around 5,000 photos, which is more than enough for most vacation scenarios.
WiFi Connectivity
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 includes built in WiFi functionality, which adds significant convenience for modern photographers accustomed to sharing their images quickly. This feature allows you to connect the camera directly to a smartphone or tablet using the free PIXPRO Remote Viewer app available for both iOS and Android devices.
Once connected, the app enables several useful functions. You can wirelessly transfer photos and videos from the camera to your mobile device for quick editing and sharing on social media platforms. This is particularly valuable during travel when you might want to share your adventures with friends and family without waiting until you return home to download images from the camera.
The app also offers remote control capabilities, allowing you to use your smartphone as a remote viewfinder and shutter release. This function is especially useful for group photos, wildlife photography where you need to keep your distance, or self portraits beyond the reach of a standard selfie stick. You can adjust basic settings like zoom and flash directly from the app interface.
Setting up the WiFi connection is straightforward, though the initial pairing process might take a few attempts for users unfamiliar with camera WiFi systems. The camera creates its own WiFi network to which you connect your mobile device. The connection range is approximately 10 15 meters in open areas but can be reduced by obstacles or interference from other wireless devices.
One limitation of the WiFi system is that it drains the battery noticeably faster when active. To conserve power, the WiFi function should be turned off when not in use. Additionally, the transfer speeds are not particularly fast compared to direct card readers or USB connections, so transferring large video files can take some time and patience.
Value for Money
When assessing the value proposition of the Kodak PixPro WPZ2, it stands out as an affordable entry point into the world of waterproof cameras. With a retail price of around $179 (sometimes dropping to as low as $137 during sales), it positions itself significantly below competitors like the Olympus Tough series or high end GoPro models that can cost two to three times as much.
For this price point, users get a fully functional waterproof camera that can withstand submersion up to 15 meters, survive drops from 2 meters, and resist dust intrusion. These rugged credentials alone make it worth considering for budget conscious adventurers or families looking for a camera that can withstand rough handling by children and challenging environments.
The 16 megapixel sensor and 4x optical zoom lens deliver satisfactory image quality for casual photography needs, particularly in good lighting conditions. While professional photographers might find the image quality limiting, the target audience of vacation photographers and casual users will likely be pleased with the results, especially considering the price.
The inclusion of WiFi connectivity and 1080p video recording helps future proof the camera somewhat, offering features that users now expect as standard. These capabilities add genuine utility to the package without significantly inflating the cost, allowing users to share their adventures easily across social platforms.
Where compromises become evident are in areas like the small LCD screen, limited low light performance, and basic feature set. The camera lacks advanced shooting modes, in depth manual controls, and the processing power of higher end models. However, these limitations must be viewed in the context of the price point, where the WPZ2 delivers core functionality without unnecessary complexity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 offers impressive waterproofing down to 15 meters (49 feet), making it suitable for snorkeling, shallow diving, and pool use without requiring additional housing. This waterproof capability alone makes it stand out in the budget camera category where many competitors offer less depth rating.
The camera’s rugged construction provides peace of mind during active use. Being shockproof to drops of 2 meters (6 feet) and completely dustproof means you can take it hiking, skiing, to the beach, or on family vacations without constant worry about damage. This durability extends the camera’s usable life and environments.
With its compact size and lightweight design, the WPZ2 is extremely portable, easily fitting in a pocket or small bag. The ergonomic grip makes it comfortable to hold and use with one hand, even in challenging conditions or underwater where controlling a camera can be difficult.
WiFi connectivity allows for easy sharing of photos and remote camera control through a smartphone app, bringing modern convenience to a rugged camera platform. This feature bridges the gap between dedicated cameras and smartphones, offering the best of both worlds for casual photographers.
The affordable price point represents excellent value considering the rugged specifications and feature set. Many comparable waterproof cameras cost significantly more, making the WPZ2 an accessible option for those who want a dedicated rugged camera without a premium investment.
Cons
The camera shows limited low light performance with noticeable noise at higher ISO settings and no optical image stabilization. This restricts its usefulness in dimly lit environments or for night photography without additional lighting or a tripod.
The small 2.7 inch LCD screen with modest 230,000 pixel resolution makes composing and reviewing images less comfortable than on cameras with larger, higher resolution displays. This can be particularly challenging in bright sunlight or when trying to check fine details in photos.
With a basic autofocus system, the camera sometimes struggles to lock focus quickly on fast moving subjects or in low contrast scenes. This can lead to missed shots in dynamic situations where rapid focusing is required.
The limited 4x optical zoom range (27 108mm equivalent) restricts creative framing options compared to cameras with more powerful zoom capabilities. While sufficient for general photography, it may feel constraining for wildlife photography or other scenarios requiring greater reach.
The camera offers a somewhat basic feature set with limited manual controls and creative options compared to higher end models. Advanced photographers may find the shooting modes and customization options restrictive, though casual users will likely find the simplicity appealing.
Who Should Buy the Kodak PixPro WPZ2
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 is an ideal choice for casual photographers seeking a durable camera for outdoor adventures. Families planning beach vacations, pool days, or water park visits will appreciate the worry free operation this camera provides, allowing everyone to participate in water activities without concern about damaging expensive equipment. Parents can even let children use the camera with reasonable confidence in its ability to survive drops and splashes.
Adventure travelers and backpackers who need a lightweight, compact camera that can withstand various environments will find the WPZ2 suits their needs. Its ability to function in dusty conditions, survive accidental drops, and capture underwater scenes makes it versatile enough for hiking, camping, skiing, and water sports without requiring different cameras for each activity.
Snorkelers and casual divers looking to capture underwater scenes without investing in expensive underwater photography gear will find the WPZ2’s 15 meter depth rating sufficient for most recreational water activities. The dedicated underwater mode helps compensate for the challenging lighting conditions below the surface, producing more natural looking colors.
Budget conscious consumers who want a dedicated camera with better durability than their smartphone will appreciate the value proposition of the WPZ2. While most modern smartphones offer good image quality, few can match the waterproof depth rating and drop resistance of this camera without adding bulky protective cases.
The WPZ2 is less suitable for professional photographers or those seeking advanced creative control. The limited manual settings, basic zoom range, and modest low light performance will feel restrictive to experienced photographers accustomed to higher end equipment. Similarly, serious videographers will likely want more advanced features like 4K resolution, higher frame rates, and better stabilization than the WPZ2 can provide.
Conclusion
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 proves itself as a capable and affordable option in the waterproof camera market. It delivers on its core promise of providing worry free photography in challenging environments where water, dust, and rough handling would damage regular cameras or smartphones. The combination of rugged build quality, decent image performance in good lighting, and modern features like WiFi connectivity make it a practical choice for casual photographers and adventure seekers.
While the camera has its limitations, particularly in low light situations and with its modest zoom range, these shortcomings are reasonable considering its budget friendly price point. The WPZ2 represents a solid value proposition for consumers who prioritize durability and simplicity over advanced photographic features or professional image quality.
For families heading to the beach, travelers exploring waterfall trails, or snorkelers wanting to capture the underwater world, the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 offers a practical solution that balances cost, durability, and performance. It might not compete with premium rugged cameras in terms of image quality or features, but it allows users to capture memories in environments where they might otherwise leave a camera behind.
In the evolving landscape of digital photography where smartphones have replaced many dedicated cameras, the WPZ2 carves out a relevant niche by offering something smartphones still struggle to match: genuine ruggedness and underwater capability without sacrificing portability. For the right user, this camera delivers exactly what is needed without unnecessary complexity or cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 go underwater?
The Kodak PixPro WPZ2 is waterproof up to 15 meters (49 feet) underwater, making it suitable for snorkeling and shallow diving activities.
What memory card does the WPZ2 use?
The camera uses microSD memory cards and supports capacities up to 32GB. The camera comes with only 8MB internal storage, so purchasing a memory card is essential.
Can the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 take RAW photos?
No, the camera only saves images in JPEG format. RAW capture is not available on this model.
How long does the battery last?
The battery provides approximately 200 shots or 70 minutes of 1080p video recording per charge under typical usage conditions.
Does the camera have image stabilization?
The WPZ2 features digital image stabilization but does not have optical image stabilization, which affects performance in low light conditions.
Can I control the camera with my smartphone?
Yes, the camera has built in WiFi connectivity and works with the PIXPRO Remote Viewer app for wireless image transfer and remote camera control.
Is the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 good for vlogging?
The camera can record 1080p/30fps video, which is adequate for casual vlogging, but lacks advanced features like a front facing screen, external microphone input, or 4K resolution that serious vloggers might require.
Does the camera float if dropped in water?
No, the camera does not float on its own. For water activities, it is recommended to use a floating wrist strap or buoyant case to prevent the camera from sinking if accidentally dropped.
