Kodak is known for their consumer cameras like Kodak Pixpro AZ421 Vs AZ401. These cameras are perfect for everyone looking to buy a budget camera and something they can easily carry while traveling. One of the most significant advantages of both cameras is the fixed lens with variable focal length providing a long zoom range. The two are also very affordable for most people, so let’s see what you can expect from the cameras and which fits you best.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- Do You Need a Digital Camera
- What are Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401
- How is the Design of Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401
- What are the Camera Specs of Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401
- How is the Image Quality from Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401
- How is the Autofocus Performance in Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401
- How are the Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 for Video
- Kodak Pixpro AZ421 Vs AZ401
Digital Camera
Do you need a dedicated camera? The answer varies depending on your preference. There are more people with a flagship smartphone than a dedicated camera because the phone can already capture excellent images and videos. But, a dedicated camera for casual photographers can be beneficial because it lets you take pictures more traditionally. You also don’t have to give up the phone’s storage and battery life. In addition, a dedicated camera is more capable, especially if you go for the enthusiast models.
About Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401
For casual photographers, a bridge camera is a great choice. This camera type has a specific ability to zoom into your subject, allowing you to get a closer look at almost anything visible. The cameras achieve this ability by using a fixed lens with variable focal length, letting you adjust the zoom range, and the best part is that it is optical zoom, not just digital zoom which crops the image. Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 are ideal compact and straightforward bridge camera options.
These cameras are close brothers, and some may wonder which mode they should buy. The cameras are labeled Astro Zoom because of the extended zoom range, but as you can guess, the AZ421 is a higher model as it gives you a slightly longer zoom range than the AZ401. If you need the most extended zoom for the budget, AZ421 can be an excellent choice, but this camera also costs more than the basic variant, so not everyone may want to spend the budget.
Like most budget cameras, the small sensor makes them unsuitable if you often shoot in low light conditions. In addition, while the Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 use different lenses, the two still have the same sensor, making the most extended zoom range on AZ421 less impressive than the lower range. Depending on your applications, the 40x zoom on AZ401 should be enough for most people. Read also: Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Vs Nikon Coolpix B500 here.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 Design
We always like how Kodak designed their cameras because most of their products have excellent ergonomics, and these two are no different. The cameras are almost like the same models if you don’t see the stats on their lenses. But, the AZ421 is also available in white variant while the AZ401 is available in black and red finish. These cameras are not pocketable due to the huge lens, but we love the grip that feels very comfortable. We also like the shooting buttons and rotating knob to access different shooting modes.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 Camera Specs
Let’s see what the Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 can offer, starting from the camera specs. As mentioned earlier, these cameras have the same sensor or 16MP 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor as most cameras in this price range. Compared to more common sensors, CMOS, the CCD is generally unsuitable for low-light shooting. The main difference between the two is the lens because AZ421 uses a lens with a longer focal length of 24 – 1008mm in 35mm format, while AZ401 uses a 24 – 960mm lens.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 Image Quality
Lens and sensors are two crucial parts of your camera because they decide how light enters the device and interprets it into the digital image you see on the rear screen. The Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 use different lenses with the same sensor to produce identical image quality on the same zoom range, while the AZ421 can push a bit more. It is worth noting that a longer zoom range gives softer details and makes the camera slower. These cameras have the same aperture range from f/3.0 to f/6.8, so you should get the same light entering the camera simultaneously.
Generally, ultra-zoom cameras like these two are versatile because they can capture regular pictures or zoom-in shots. The largest view is 24mm, which is standard for most cameras. These cameras can take macro shots at wide settings and still look pretty good.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 Autofocus
The autofocus performance is okay for a camera in this price range. The autofocus is relatively fast but can’t beat the more modern system you find on most mirrorless cameras nowadays. Kodak also put detection features on these cameras to recognize people’s faces, smiles, blinks, and pets like cats or dogs. The performance is relatively good as long as your subject stays still. Deciding a focus for the camera is easy, but maintaining it is challenging, so expect some missed shots, especially if your subject is small animals like birds.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 Video
Lastly, let’s see the recording ability on Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 because some people may want to record video with the cameras. The maximum resolution is 1280 x 720, which is low for a modern camera as we believe your phone can do better. While recording, focusing is also tricky because you will see the video out of focus a few times. The overall video quality left much to be desired, and we suggest a mid-range smartphone to achieve better results.
Kodak Pixpro AZ421 Vs AZ401
The Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 are good cameras for the price and are slightly different based on the lens. These cameras are easy to use and also ideal for beginners looking for a budget choice to learn about photography. Both cameras have a few shooting modes available on the enthusiast variants to develop your skills. The image quality could be better, but not fantastic, especially in the video mode. The longest zoom in AZ421 also produces softer details than its lower settings.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because we may have different preferences. But Kodak Pixpro AZ421 and AZ401 are the same cameras with different lenses, so if you don’t need the longest zoom range, we recommend saving the budget and getting the AZ401. This camera is cheaper, produces similarly good pictures, and has the same features as AZ421.
