Tastemaker Score Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 (Yellow)

Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2

Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 (Yellow) Rear Screen

$149.00

Kodak’s PIXPRO WPZ2 is a great looking piece of hardware, with a rugged industrial design and a bright explorer yellow that will mesh seamlessly with an adventuring aesthetic. However, a mediocre sensor is bogged down by an incredibly dated control set and lackluster performance in its intended underwater use. The PIXPRO WPZ2 is a camera marketed as point and shoot, but requires technical skill and the adjustments of a manual camera. -T42

  • Distinctions - Kodak provides the WPZ2 with a microSD port, a surprising addition considering most of their other PIXPRO cameras require full-size SD, adding to the already compact and functional nature of the WPZ2. Waterproofing is solid, with a strong latched battery panel that did not falter during testing.

    Criticisms - There are quite a few frustrating feature elements. The WPZ2 has some auto features that are frustratingly inconsistent. The flash, for example, seems to randomly deploy regardless of surrounding light, often requiring swapping to manual control to even know what specifically will happen when taking a photo. Similarly, the automatic shutter speed often creates incredibly blurry photos in action settings with randomly slow speeds, while other environments with less light where a slower speed might help for clarity have no flash and an instant speed. A separate problem arrives in the functional use time of the WPZ2 as Kodak themselves cap the microSD size at 32GB.

  • Distinctions - The waterproof battery latch, seals and hinge are all incredibly solid and reliable. The build is very tight, allowing for very little flex between elements.

    Criticisms - Quality on the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is very lacking, with the design language being the limit of where the term ‘rugged’ can be applied. Drop resistance, and resistance is stressed, is only rated to a distance of 2 meters, but in practice differing drop surfaces can result in damage from even those heights. The not-recessed nature of the 2.7 inch LCD screen also presents a vulnerability with drops, particularly on pointed elements. While many contemporary action cameras have rubber coatings on the case and rounded corners to deflect hits, the plastic of the WPZ2 takes damage head on until it cannot anymore, at which point a breakage will result in the camera being totaled.

  • Distinctions - Kodak creates a very rugged looking camera with elements that feel befitting of the intended use. The bright yellow-orange shell gels well with the outdoor adventure aesthetic, while elements like the strap and hex screw attached shell are functional while still espousing the same design ethos of the overall design.

    Criticisms - The PIXPRO WPZ2 is better in pictures. In person, the yellow plastic appears waxy and oily, with decals and detailing that is neither crisp nor particularly distinct, except for that on the front of lens. Most notably, the PIXPRO is remarkably smaller than someone might expect for the dive-camera design, while also not being as compact as other action cameras that have similar or better specifications. The menus are incredibly dated and not visually appealing, while also providing a display that is barely visible underwater.

  • Distinctions - Compared to previous generations of PIXPRO or other Kodak point-and-shoot cameras, the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 has a rechargeable battery instead of the traditional disposable AA or AAA batteries.

    Criticisms - There is no recycling program not offered through a third party. The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is also significantly less durable than comparable dive or action cameras, so disposal will likely not be because of phasing out, rather from irreparable damage. With the lower cost of accessibility, the second-hand market is not the largest, meaning disuse may often result in disposal.

  • Distinctions - The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is offered a reduced cost to some premium action cameras.

    Criticisms - Resolution, performance, design and longevity are all easily outpaced by a significant amount of cameras on the market, with some around or below the cost. Kodak’s software and hardware limitations make this barely even recommendable for the casual snorkeling user above competitors like GoPro.

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Scoring


Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 (Yellow) Tastemaker Review Score

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Specifications


Manufacturer designation:

PIXPRO WPZ2 (YELLOW)

Dimensions: ‎3.74 x 2.48 x 0.98 inches

Weight: 0.77 pounds.

Resolution: 16 Megapixels, 1080P HD video

Features: WiFi connectivity, 4x digital zoom, 2.7 inch LCD screen.

Waterproofing: Waterproof to a depth of 15 meters (or 49 feet).

Dimensions: ‎3.74 x 2.48 x 0.98 inches Weight: 0.77 pounds. Resolution: 16 Megapixels, 1080P HD video Features: WiFi connectivity, 4x digital zoom, 2.7 inch LCD screen. Waterproofing: Waterproof to a depth of 15 meters (or 49 feet).

  • 3.74 x 2.48 x 0.98 inches.

  • 0.77 pounds.

  • 16 Megapixels for photos, 1080p for video.

  • Waterproof to a depth of 15 meters (or 49 feet).

  • WiFi connectivity, 4x digital zoom, 2.7 inch LCD screen.

  • B07ZRZLHH4

To view this product on the manufacturer’s official release page, click here. Additional information may be available, however, only measurements and specifications listed on Tastemaker are verified by us. Manufacturer listed specifications may differ, but if significant discrepancy is noticed, please reach out to Tastemaker using the form below.

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