Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Review: Compact Travel Camera Verdict
The KODAK PIXPRO FZ55 Digital Camera (Red) has earned a reputation as a compact, budget-friendly point-and-shoot that punches above its weight in portability and ease of use, but shows its limits in low-light performance and advanced features. Across thousands of reviews and community threads, it consistently scores in the mid-to-high range — averaging between 4.1 and 4.4 stars on most platforms — with a clear consensus: it’s a great starter or travel companion, but not a pro tool.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent choice for casual shooters, travelers, and beginners who value portability and simplicity over advanced manual controls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, pocketable design | Weak low-light performance |
| 16MP sensor delivers sharp daylight images | Audio quality in videos is mediocre |
| Intuitive controls for beginners | No wireless transfer (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth absent in some variants) |
| 5x optical zoom with minimal distortion | Slow shutter in Auto mode under shade/low light |
| Affordable price point | No external battery charger included |
| Rechargeable Li-ion battery | Limited zoom compared to superzoom rivals |
Claims vs Reality
Kodak markets the FZ55 as a slim, user-friendly camera with a 5x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens, and 1080p Full HD video recording. On paper, these specs are competitive in the under-$150 segment. However, digging into user experiences reveals a nuanced reality.
The 5x optical zoom is indeed praised for clarity and minimal distortion. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "The zoom is good on this camera too. I would recommend this camera for kids or a budget travel camera!" But experienced photographers found its range limited compared to superzooms like Kodak’s own AZ252 with 25x zoom.
Kodak’s Full HD video claim is accurate, though multiple users point out the built-in mono microphone delivers flat audio. As one Trustpilot reviewer explained: "Video quality is crisp for its compact design. However, the audio quality may be average due to its built-in mono microphone."
Finally, the low-light performance gap is significant. While daylight shots are vibrant, many report grain and blur indoors or at dusk unless using manual tweaks. An Amazon buyer warned: "The auto mode is terrible in shade — it insists on low ISO and slow shutter, so moving subjects blur." This contradicts the “point-and-shoot simplicity” promise for all conditions.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The most consistent praise is for portability and ease of use. Reddit users, Trustpilot reviewers, and Best Buy customers all highlighted how easy it is to carry and operate. A Best Buy customer summed it up: "The camera is perfect, photos are clear and it’s perfect pocket size." This makes it ideal for travelers who want a dedicated camera without the bulk.
Image quality in bright light is another high point. The 16MP CMOS sensor produces sharp, colorful images suitable for social media, prints up to 12x18, and casual photography. A Trustpilot reviewer enthused: "The picture quality itself is really good for the price you’re paying and the compactness of the camera."
The value for money factor resonates strongly. With prices hovering between $129 and $159 new, it’s often recommended as a starter camera. One Reddit reviewer noted: "For around £100, the FZ55 packs in a nice range of features and performance that makes it a good value choice if you want better quality than a smartphone camera."
Common Complaints
Low-light performance is the top complaint, especially in Auto mode. Users across Amazon and Reddit report slow shutter speeds and low ISO choices leading to blur. One Amazon customer described: "It insists on going with the lowest ISO in shade, so anyone even slightly moving will be blurry."
Battery life, rated at ~200 shots, is adequate for casual use but short for heavy shooting days. Travelers often recommend carrying a spare. A Trustpilot user advised: "I bought secondary batteries just in case." The lack of an external charger forces in-camera charging unless you buy accessories.
Connectivity is another sore point. Despite some marketing materials mentioning Wi-Fi, buyers clarify that certain FZ55 units lack wireless transfer. PixelStabbers pointed out: "Unfortunately, the FZ55 does not have built-in wireless connectivity." This means file transfer relies on SD card readers or USB.
Divisive Features
The 5x zoom splits opinion. Casual users find it versatile enough for landscapes and portraits; enthusiasts wish for more reach. Similarly, the 1080p video impresses beginners but leaves vloggers wanting smoother 60fps or 4K options.
Shutter speed responsiveness also divides users. Some find it perfectly fine for casual shooting, while others, like one Best Buy reviewer, note: "The shutter can be a bit slow." For still subjects, this isn’t an issue; for action shots, it can be limiting.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reliability feedback is mostly positive, with owners reporting months of trouble-free use. However, a few negative reports exist: a Best Buy reviewer claimed their unit "broke after 1 use" and cited poor manufacturer response. Another Galaxus.de customer described repeated crashes even after repairs.
Customer service response from Kodak receives mixed reviews, with some struggling to get timely help. This reinforces the recommendation to buy from retailers with solid return policies.
Alternatives
Within Kodak’s lineup, the AZ252 offers a 25x zoom and optical stabilization for those needing more reach, while the AZ405-WH ups resolution to 20MP and adds a 40x zoom. Both sacrifice pocketability. Outside Kodak, users compare the FZ55 to budget Canons and Panasonics, but the FZ55 often wins on weight and simplicity.
Price & Value
Current eBay listings show new units from $144.99 to $201.49, with bundles including extra batteries and SD cards fetching up to $240.99. Given its low entry price, resale value holds reasonably well for a compact camera, especially in vibrant colors like red.
Community buying tips include grabbing bundles with SD cards and spare batteries to avoid accessory costs later. One Amazon buyer highlighted: "Amazon provided a bundle option upon purchasing the camera that included these required items!"
FAQ
Q: Does the FZ55 have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
A: Some marketing mentions Wi-Fi, but many buyers report no wireless transfer. Most models require USB/SD card for file transfer.
Q: How is the battery life for travel?
A: Around 200 shots per charge. Fine for a day of casual shooting, but travelers often carry a spare.
Q: Can it handle night photography?
A: Performance drops in low light. Manual settings can help, but it’s best in well-lit environments.
Q: Is the zoom strong enough for wildlife?
A: The 5x optical zoom is fine for moderate distances but may fall short for distant wildlife shots.
Q: Can I charge it without a computer?
A: Yes, via the included USB cable and a wall adapter, but no external charger is provided.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a casual photographer, traveler, or beginner seeking an affordable, pocketable camera that beats most budget smartphones in daylight quality. Avoid if you need strong low-light performance, pro-grade video, or long telephoto reach.
Pro tip from the community: Invest in a spare battery and SD card bundle, and learn the Program mode to avoid Auto’s slow shutter pitfalls in low light.
