The world of photography has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with the rise of mirrorless cameras, smartphones with advanced camera capabilities, and point-and-shoot cameras that offer impressive features at affordable prices. Among these options, the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 has garnered attention for its impressive 52x optical zoom, 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, and a range of features that make it an attractive choice for photography enthusiasts. But is the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 a good camera? In this article, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The camera’s body is made of plastic, but it feels sturdy and well-built, with a textured grip that provides a secure hold. The lens barrel is long, which is expected given the 52x optical zoom, but it doesn’t feel overly bulky. The camera weighs approximately 1.3 pounds, making it easy to carry around.
Button Layout and Interface
The button layout on the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is intuitive, with a mode dial on top that allows you to switch between various shooting modes, including manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and scene modes. The camera also features a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460,000 dots, which is decent but not exceptional. The screen is not touch-sensitive, which might be a drawback for some users.
Menu System
The menu system on the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is straightforward, with clear labels and easy-to-navigate options. However, the camera’s menu can be slow to respond at times, which can be frustrating when you need to make quick adjustments.
Image Quality
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is capable of producing high-quality images with good color accuracy and detail. The camera’s sensor is backside-illuminated, which helps to improve low-light performance.
Resolution and Crop Factor
The camera’s 16-megapixel sensor has a crop factor of 5.6x, which means that the 24-1248mm equivalent focal length is achieved through a combination of optical and digital zoom. While the camera’s resolution is not exceptional, it’s sufficient for most photography applications, including printing and sharing on social media.
ISO Performance
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 has an ISO range of 100-6400, which is decent but not exceptional. The camera performs well at lower ISOs, but noise becomes more pronounced at higher ISOs. However, the camera’s noise reduction algorithms do a good job of minimizing noise, even at higher ISOs.
Zoom and Lens Quality
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528’s 52x optical zoom is one of its standout features, offering a 24-1248mm equivalent focal length. The lens is made of 14 elements in 10 groups, with 4 aspherical lenses and 2 ED lenses. The lens is also equipped with optical image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and blur.
Zoom Range and Focal Length
The camera’s 52x optical zoom offers a wide range of focal lengths, from 24mm to 1248mm. This makes it ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, from landscapes to wildlife and sports.
Macro and Close-Up Photography
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 also features a macro mode that allows you to capture close-up images of small subjects. The camera’s minimum focusing distance is 1 cm, which is impressive for a camera in this class.
Video Capabilities
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 can capture 1080p video at 30fps, which is decent but not exceptional. The camera also features optical image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and blur.
Video Modes and Features
The camera offers a range of video modes, including manual focus, exposure compensation, and white balance adjustment. However, the camera’s video capabilities are not as advanced as some other cameras in its class.
Audio Quality
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 features a built-in microphone that captures decent audio quality. However, the camera does not have an external microphone jack, which might be a drawback for videographers who require high-quality audio.
Value and Conclusion
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is a good camera that offers a range of features and capabilities at an affordable price. While it may not be the best camera in its class, it’s a solid choice for photography enthusiasts who want a camera with a long zoom range, good image quality, and a range of features.
Alternatives and Comparison
If you’re considering the Kodak Pixpro AZ528, you may also want to look at other cameras in its class, such as the Canon SX620 HS or the Nikon Coolpix B500. These cameras offer similar features and capabilities, but may have some advantages over the Kodak Pixpro AZ528.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is a good camera that offers a range of features and capabilities at an affordable price. While it may not be the best camera in its class, it’s a solid choice for photography enthusiasts who want a camera with a long zoom range, good image quality, and a range of features. If you’re looking for a camera that can capture high-quality images and video, and don’t mind a few limitations, the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is definitely worth considering.
| Feature | Kodak Pixpro AZ528 | Canon SX620 HS | Nikon Coolpix B500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom Range | 24-1248mm | 25-625mm | 22.5-900mm |
| Image Sensor | 16MP CMOS | 20.2MP CMOS | 16MP CMOS |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 | 80-3200 | 80-6400 |
In this table, we compare the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 with two other cameras in its class, the Canon SX620 HS and the Nikon Coolpix B500. As you can see, the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 has a longer zoom range and a wider ISO range than the Canon SX620 HS, but a lower image sensor resolution. The Nikon Coolpix B500 has a similar zoom range and image sensor resolution to the Kodak Pixpro AZ528, but a wider ISO range.
What are the key features of the Kodak Pixpro AZ528?
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is a bridge camera that boasts an impressive array of features. It has a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, 52x optical zoom lens, and a 3-inch LCD screen. The camera also features image stabilization, face detection, and a variety of shooting modes, including manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority. Additionally, it has a built-in flash and supports SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
The camera’s 52x optical zoom lens is one of its standout features, allowing users to capture distant subjects with ease. The lens also features a wide-angle setting, making it ideal for landscape and group shots. The camera’s image stabilization system helps to reduce camera shake and blur, resulting in sharper images. Overall, the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is a feature-packed camera that is well-suited for a variety of photography applications.
How does the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 perform in low light conditions?
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 performs reasonably well in low light conditions, thanks to its image stabilization system and high ISO range. The camera can shoot at ISOs up to 3200, which allows it to capture images in relatively low light environments. However, image quality does suffer at higher ISOs, with noticeable noise and grain appearing in images.
In very low light conditions, the camera’s performance is less impressive. Images can appear dark and noisy, and the autofocus system can struggle to lock onto subjects. However, the camera’s built-in flash can help to illuminate subjects in low light, and the image stabilization system helps to reduce camera shake and blur. Overall, while the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is not the best camera for low light photography, it can still produce decent results in a variety of lighting conditions.
Is the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 suitable for video recording?
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is capable of recording video at resolutions up to 720p at 30fps. While this is not full HD, the camera’s video quality is still relatively good, with smooth motion and decent color reproduction. The camera also features a dedicated video recording button, making it easy to switch between stills and video mode.
However, the camera’s video recording capabilities are not without their limitations. The camera does not feature any advanced video modes, such as slow motion or time-lapse, and the autofocus system can struggle to keep up with moving subjects. Additionally, the camera’s image stabilization system is not as effective in video mode, resulting in some camera shake and blur. Overall, while the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is not the best camera for video recording, it can still produce decent results.
How easy is it to use the Kodak Pixpro AZ528?
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is relatively easy to use, with a intuitive interface and a variety of automatic shooting modes. The camera’s mode dial allows users to quickly switch between different shooting modes, and the camera’s menu system is easy to navigate. The camera also features a variety of buttons and controls, including a dedicated video recording button and a zoom lever.
However, the camera’s manual shooting modes can be more challenging to use, particularly for beginners. The camera’s manual mode requires users to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings, which can be overwhelming for those without prior experience. Additionally, the camera’s autofocus system can be slow to respond at times, which can make it difficult to capture fast-moving subjects. Overall, while the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is easy to use in automatic mode, it may require more practice and patience to master its manual shooting modes.
What are the pros and cons of the Kodak Pixpro AZ528?
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 has a number of pros, including its long zoom lens, image stabilization system, and variety of shooting modes. The camera is also relatively affordable, making it a good option for those on a budget. Additionally, the camera’s 3-inch LCD screen is large and clear, making it easy to review images and navigate the camera’s menu system.
However, the camera also has some cons, including its relatively low image quality and limited video recording capabilities. The camera’s autofocus system can also be slow to respond at times, and the camera’s manual shooting modes can be challenging to use. Additionally, the camera’s build quality is not the best, with a plastic body that feels somewhat flimsy. Overall, while the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly camera with a long zoom lens, it may not be the best choice for those seeking high image quality or advanced features.
Is the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 worth the investment?
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly camera with a long zoom lens. The camera’s image stabilization system and variety of shooting modes make it well-suited for a variety of photography applications, and its relatively low price makes it an attractive option for those on a budget. However, the camera’s relatively low image quality and limited video recording capabilities may make it less appealing to those seeking a more advanced camera.
Ultimately, whether or not the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is worth the investment depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly camera with a long zoom lens and are willing to compromise on image quality, the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 may be a good choice. However, if you are seeking a camera with high image quality or advanced features, you may want to consider other options.
How does the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 compare to other bridge cameras?
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is a relatively affordable bridge camera that compares favorably to other cameras in its class. Its long zoom lens and image stabilization system make it well-suited for a variety of photography applications, and its relatively low price makes it an attractive option for those on a budget. However, the camera’s relatively low image quality and limited video recording capabilities may make it less appealing to those seeking a more advanced camera.
In comparison to other bridge cameras, the Kodak Pixpro AZ528 is similar to the Fujifilm FinePix S8200 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ70. All three cameras feature long zoom lenses and image stabilization systems, and are relatively affordable. However, the Fujifilm FinePix S8200 has a slightly higher image quality, while the Panasonic Lumix FZ70 has more advanced video recording capabilities. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.