Kodak is a well-known camera brand that produces many consumer-level digital cameras like Kodak Pixpro AZ421 Vs AZ252. These cameras are super affordable, easy to use, and take good pictures with their high-zoom lens. The two are ideal options for casual photographers who need a reliable camera to get closer to their subjects through the zoom lens. But you can also find some differences, so let’s see what else the two can offer and which fits you best.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- Why Buying a Bridge Camera
- What are Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252
- How is the Design of Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252
- What are the Camera Specs of Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252
- How is the Image Quality from Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252
- What are the Features of Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252
- How are the Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 for Video
- Kodak Pixpro AZ421 Vs AZ252
Bridge Cameras
A dedicated camera is handy when taking pictures or videos without relying on the smartphone. Many cameras are available to cater to your preferences and applications. Thus, getting one that can take better pictures than your smartphone is best. One of the most popular digital cameras is a bridge camera with a zoom lens. The optical zooming function does not always exist on your smartphone due to the camera’s limitation; hence a bridge camera can be an excellent companion to your phone’s camera.
About Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252
Bridge cameras are very affordable because many cost less than $200, much cheaper than your new smartphone. The main drawback of a bridge camera is image quality because they typically only use a small sensor and lackluster system, making the camera less versatile if you shoot in a more challenging situation. Kodak is one of the most well-known companies that still make bridge cameras, and you get to choose from a massive collection. The AZ or Astro Zoom lineup consists of various portable bridge cameras.
The Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 are perfect options for everyone who wants an affordable long-zoom camera. These digital cameras are unsuitable if you want something that fits in a jeans pocket because the device is relatively big, and the long zoom lens makes it bulkier. As you might have guessed, the main difference between these cameras is the lens because the two use different lenses that affect the zoom range, making the AZ421 provide longer zoom than AZ252 despite the same sensor and most features.
Another advantage of Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252, besides the extended zoom range, is the shooting modes. While the two are beginner-friendly and straightforward cameras, you can still use them to develop photography skills by using the available shooting modes, such as Manual mode or Shutter priority. Since the two use the same sensor, the image quality will be very similar, but we recommend the AZ421 if you need the longer zoom as this model provides about 40% zoom length than AZ252. Read also: Sony DSC W800 Vs W810 here.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 Design
As mentioned above, the Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 are not pocketable. These cameras are approximately 4.47 x 3.06 x 2.74 inches for AZ252 and 4.4 x 3.2 x 3.3 inches for AZ421. The device is available in a few shades, like black and red. The housing is made of plastic and feels durable for standard application. The rear screen is 3 inches, but the AZ421 has a better resolution at 460K versus 230K on the AZ252. You get pop up flash on both cameras, but there is no viewfinder.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 Camera Specs
First, let’s see what these cameras can offer, starting from the specs. Like most cameras in this price range, the Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 use a small or 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 16MP resolution. This sensor size is about the same as those in a typical smartphone and is usually not the best for low-light shooting. The main difference is on the lens because Kodak pairs AZ421 with a 24 – 1008mm F3.0 – F6.8 lens while giving AZ252 a 24 – 600mm F3.7 F6.2 lens, making the latter have a shorter zoom range.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 Image Quality
Image quality is always a concern in a compact camera because buying one is no use if your smartphone can do better. The 16MP resolution is average by today’s standard, but it still gives you a good result in adequate lighting. In most cases, the image will look crisper in the middle and become softer around the edge. Both cameras produce the same image quality and are useful for a portrait with an acceptable out-of-focus background. The AZ421 with an F3.0 lens is also slightly faster.
The crucial difference between both cameras is zoom range because there is a huge gap between a 600mm (25x) lens on AZ252 and a 1008mm (42x) lens on AZ421, giving you a much longer zoom length on the latter. However, it is also worth noting that a longer zoom means lower image quality, and often sharpness will come down as you crank the zoom higher.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 Features
While the Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 are relatively easy to use, both cameras have many shooting features. Our favorite is the various shooting modes like in enthusiast and professional cameras. The difference is that we only found the Aperture priority on AZ421; both cameras have Auto, Shutter, Manual, and Program modes. You can also find scene (SCN) modes on these cameras, where you can choose proper settings for landscape, sport, portrait photography, etc. All information regarding the active settings is shown on the rear display.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 Video
Digital cameras are generally versatile, so that you can use them for video recording, but the Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 are not ideal for this application. The maximum resolution is only 1280 x 720 30fps, or you can lower it to 640 x 480 30fps which looks even worse. Modern smartphones can record Full HD and 4K, giving you much better image quality and ready-to-upload files. In addition, battery life may vary, and while AZ421 uses a rechargeable battery, the latter use four AA batteries.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 Vs AZ252
The Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ252 are good bridge cameras on the budget. The two share the most features and modes, but the AZ421 is a higher model. This camera has a longer zoom range, almost double the AZ252, but they use the same sensor and pixels. The AZ421 also has an Aperture priority mode missing from the AZ252. Image quality and recording functions are identical for both cameras.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because we may have different preferences and budgets. We recommend the Pixpro AZ252 if you don’t need the long zoom range because this camera has almost all the features from AZ421. But the AZ421 is a better choice if you want a bridge camera with a longer zoom range to get closer to a subject.
