Key takeaways
- 16MP Sensor: Captures detailed photos with a CMOS…
- Optical Zoom: 5x optical zoom with a 28mm…
- Full HD Video: Records 1080p video for travel…
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is worth buying if you want a simple, pocketable, inexpensive camera for kids, teens, casual travel or anyone who wants a dedicated camera without a phone’s distractions. Its 16MP CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom starting at a 28mm wide angle, and point-and-shoot simplicity make it an easy first camera or a fun retro-style gift. It is especially appealing for parents who do not want to hand a child a smartphone.
It is not worth buying if you expect it to beat a modern smartphone on image quality. Recent phones with large sensors and computational processing will usually produce cleaner photos in low light and better dynamic range. The FZ55 wins on optical zoom, battery independence from your phone, physical buttons and price. The basic FZ55-BK usually sells around $120–$150; some listings with a different title, such as “PIXPRO FZ55 Digital Camera Black”, can cost closer to $200, so compare what is included before paying more.
Our top picks
Kodak PIXPRO FZ55-BK 16MP CMOS Sensor Camera- 16MP Sensor: Captures detailed photos with a CMOS…
- Optical Zoom: 5x optical zoom with a 28mm…
- Full HD Video: Records 1080p video for travel…
Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Digital Camera Black- Compact & Easy-to-Use Point-and-Shoot Camera
- 16 MP CMOS Sensor with 5x Optical Zoom
- Full HD 1080p Video Recording
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Who it is for
- Kids and teens getting into photography with a real camera.
- Travelers and festival-goers who want a cheap camera they will not worry about losing.
- Older relatives who prefer buttons and a simple menu to a touchscreen phone.
- The nostalgic “digicam” crowd who like the look of small-sensor point-and-shoot photos.
- Not for: anyone wanting low-light performance, fast action shots or professional results.
Key specs
| Spec | Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 16MP CMOS |
| Optical zoom | 5x |
| Focal range (35mm equivalent) | 28mm wide to about 140mm |
| Screen | 2.7-inch LCD |
| Video | Full HD 1080p |
| Power | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Storage | SD memory card (sold separately in many listings) |
| Typical price | About $120–$150 (some listings up to about $200) |
The 140mm figure is simple math from the 28mm wide end and 5x zoom.
What stands out
Real optical zoom in a pocket camera
A 5x optical zoom lets you frame a subject across a room or a playground without the quality loss of digital zoom. Many phones now have a telephoto lens, but budget and mid-range models often rely on digital cropping beyond 2x. At 140mm equivalent, the FZ55 is useful for school performances in good light, zoo visits and travel details.
A 28mm wide starting point
The wide end is close to a typical smartphone main camera, so landscapes, group photos and indoor rooms fit in the frame without stepping back.
Simple and durable to hand over
Auto mode, scene modes and a straightforward menu make it easy for children and first-time users. Because it is inexpensive, it is a stress-free camera for the beach, camp or a school trip.
CMOS sensor and Full HD video
The FZ55 uses a CMOS sensor, an upgrade over the older CCD sensors in some of Kodak’s earlier budget models, and records Full HD 1080p video for casual clips.
Trade-offs and limits
- Small sensor: like other compact cameras in this class, image noise rises quickly indoors and at night. Use the flash or good light.
- Not a speed demon: startup, focusing and shot-to-shot times are slower than a phone or a larger camera. Sports and running pets are hard to catch.
- No viewfinder: you compose on the 2.7-inch rear screen, which can be hard to see in bright sun.
- Limited manual control: this is a point-and-shoot, not a learning tool for aperture and shutter speed.
- Accessories extra: budget for an SD card and possibly a spare battery and case.
FZ55 vs your smartphone vs a step-up compact
| Option | Optical zoom | Low-light quality | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 | 5x | Basic | About $120–$150 | Kids, casual travel, gifts |
| Recent mid-range smartphone | Often 1–2x, more digital | Good, with processing | You already own it | Everyday snapshots |
| Long-zoom compact (20x+) | 20x or more | Basic to fair | Roughly $200–$400 | Travel and wildlife reach |
| 1-inch sensor premium compact | Usually 3–8x | Much better | $500+ | Enthusiasts wanting quality |
Tips to get better photos
- Shoot in good light whenever possible; outdoors in daylight is where the FZ55 looks best.
- Hold steady when zoomed in: brace your elbows or lean against something at 5x to avoid blur.
- Use the flash indoors for people within a few feet, and keep the ISO low if the menu allows.
- Use a fast, reliable SD card (Class 10 / U1 or better) for smooth 1080p video.
- Charge the battery fully before trips, and carry a spare for long days.
- Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth; small cameras often pick up fingerprints in pockets.
Which FZ55 listing should you buy?
Two common listings exist. The PIXPRO FZ55-BK listing describes the 16MP CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom and 28mm wide lens, and usually sits at the lower price. Another listing simply titled “Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Digital Camera Black” sometimes costs noticeably more. Check whether the higher-priced option adds a memory card, case or extra battery, and whether it is sold by an authorized seller. If it is the same camera without extras, the lower-priced listing is the better value.
FAQ
Is the FZ55 good for vlogging?
Only for very casual clips. There is no flip-up screen or microphone input, so framing yourself and getting clear audio are difficult.
Can it connect to a phone?
Plan on transferring images with an SD card reader or a USB cable to a computer. If wireless transfer is essential, check the specific listing details before buying.
Verdict
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is an affordable, easy and genuinely fun compact camera with a useful 5x optical zoom and a 28mm wide lens. Buy it as a first camera, a travel throwaway or a distraction-free alternative to a phone. If image quality in all conditions is your top priority, a recent smartphone or a larger-sensor compact will serve you better.
