Kodak WPZ2 Waterproof Camera - White

I wanted to find a camera for my kids that would take great pictures but would hold up to the punishment that kids can sometimes inflict on electronics. I had an opportunity to test one of several cameras and chose the Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 because of its apparent sturdiness. I liked the fact that it did not have a pop-up flash or a flip-screen like my personal camera, so there are fewer parts to be damaged. It has a vibrant yellow color that I also liked because it stands out much more than your typical black camera. Such a color would make it much harder to accidentally leave behind.As with all electronics nowadays, the manual for the camera needs to be downloaded; the only instructions included a sheet with a diagram of the camera’s components (though the charging ... MoreI wanted to find a camera for my kids that would take great pictures but would hold up to the punishment that kids can sometimes inflict on electronics. I had an opportunity to test one of several cameras and chose the Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 because of its apparent sturdiness. I liked the fact that it did not have a pop-up flash or a flip-screen like my personal camera, so there are fewer parts to be damaged. It has a vibrant yellow color that I also liked because it stands out much more than your typical black camera. Such a color would make it much harder to accidentally leave behind.As with all electronics nowadays, the manual for the camera needs to be downloaded; the only instructions included a sheet with a diagram of the camera’s components (though the charging port was not indicated) and basic quick use information. It is also comes with a one year limited warranty that is typical of most electronics.The camera does require a micro SD card which must be purchased separately. Kodak recommends “using a name brand memory card that is Class 4 or higher and has a capacity of 4GB to 32 GB. Standard SD cards will not be compatible”. The camera’s battery is rechargeable and the charging port is housed within the battery compartment.The camera has easy point and shoot capability, but it also allows for manual settings. It also has a setting for taking pictures underwater and is supposed to be waterproof to 49 feet. This is another reason I selected this camera for my kids. Though I don’t plan on allowing this camera to be submerged, there are many times I’ve been caught out in the rain or snow with my camera, and I worry about the dampness damaging it. But the Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 is quite sturdy and the body seems well sealed; it is supposed to be dustproof and is damage resistant to drops of 6.5 feet. It feels good in your hand and comes with a wrist strap that minimizes your risk in losing it. It also has a port for a tripod should you wish to mount it.Other than having difficulty finding the charging port (I finally found it inside the battery compartment), I’ve had no trouble taking pictures in different lighting scenarios. It allows you several flash options to help you choose what’s best for your lighting needs. I must admit that I need to read more of the manual so that I can understand how to use it more effectively, but I like the results I’ve seen thus far. My only real point of contention with the design is the battery compartment door. As a safety precaution it has a lock/unlock button and a button you slide to the left to release the lock latch. However, it seems that the lock button on my camera does not seem to completely snap in place (please note that this may be peculiar to my particular camera and not a design flaw). The door doesn’t seat well and has been accidently unlatched when the door was accidently tapped in just the wrong way. Fortunately, the battery and the SD card are both securely fitted inside, so that minimized the risk in losing them, but I do worry about breaking the door should it accidently pop open; this also makes me wonder at the waterproof capability since the door doesn’t seem to shut and lock securely. My other concern also has to do with the battery door. Since this is a waterproof camera, I realize that ports have to be protected, but when the charger cord is plugged in, there is no way to secure the door, it sticks out and it is at risk of having the hinge broken should the camera be hit or slip and fall.This is a reasonably priced camera that I feel is a good choice for my kids. I like how the yellow color stands out and will help prevent us from leaving it behind on an outing. I appreciate having a wrist strap for carrying it more securely, and I like the wide viewing screen that lets you clearly see your subject. This will be fun to use during our family outings.

This camera is perfect for both advanced and beginner photographers, and for families like ours who are active and prone to the occasional drop. This camera is your basic point-and-shoot, but what sets it apart from almost every camera on the market is its ability to be used entirely underwater which is a terrific feature at a remarkable price point. I have owned professional underwater gear before- most setups require a camera and an additional expensive underwater housing to be used underwater, and most cameras do not offer underwater presets that are crucial for countering the blueish tint that underwater photos normally give. This camera has it all! Not only is the housing already part of the the camera but the camera itself comes with a dedicated underwater ... MoreThis camera is perfect for both advanced and beginner photographers, and for families like ours who are active and prone to the occasional drop. This camera is your basic point-and-shoot, but what sets it apart from almost every camera on the market is its ability to be used entirely underwater which is a terrific feature at a remarkable price point. I have owned professional underwater gear before- most setups require a camera and an additional expensive underwater housing to be used underwater, and most cameras do not offer underwater presets that are crucial for countering the blueish tint that underwater photos normally give. This camera has it all! Not only is the housing already part of the the camera but the camera itself comes with a dedicated underwater scene mode. The flash sven works underwater, which is another great feature. I have tested it underwater in my pond, and it performed terrifically with absolutely no leaks to the internal battery compartment.Another feature that I absolutely LOVE about this camera is the built-in Wifi. If you don't already own a camera with this function this is one feature you will wonder how you ever lived without it. With the wifi, you can download images straight to your phone or computer, without having to remove the SD card or connect a cable. This is such an incredible time saver, and I will never buy another camera without this feature from now on. The app even allows you to use your phone as a remote, which comes in handy when my family wants to take a photo without one person having to run when the timer is set.The camera is also shock-resistant. This means that if it is dropped it will not break as easily as most cameras. Being accident-prone, I have personally tested it when I accidentally dropped it onto the floor and it did not sustain any damage.In addition to the dedicated underwater mode, there are numerous other scene modes that are super helpful if you are a beginner and don't want to deal with the hassle of changing the camera settings yourself. There is portrait, landscape, sports mode, beach, sunset, fireworks, night landscape, snow, children, panorama, glass, anti-shake, panning shot, night portrait, party, indoor, leaf, and museum mode, in addition to the dedicated underwater mode. And for the more advanced person, there is also program and manual mode. You can even record a video in high-definition!The camera boasts 16MP capability, and it is absolutely true. I am able to zoom into the photo and see some incredible detail. I also love how there is a receiver for adding a tripod so this camera can truly be taken anywhere.As far as cons, there are a few. First, let's get this clear this is not a replacement for professional photography gear. This is your standard point and shoot with some valuable added features. In my opinion, there is a slight lag between when you press the shutter button and when the camera takes the photo, especially in dark lighting. Also, because of the built-in underwater housing there is no protective lens cap so the lens is susceptible to scratches. In manual mode, I also found it a bit awkward to adjust the individual settings. The LCD screen could use some better resolution as well- I was fooled into thinking the photos would come out as seen on the screen and was disappointed at first, but after I downloaded them I realized that wasn't the case. Charging the camera is also a bit awkward- in order to charge you must open the battery compartment and plug into the inside of the camera. And finally, while I appreciate the locking mechanism of the battery compartment, it is quite easy to accidentally bump into and unlock during use so just be careful, especially when using around water.Overall, despite a few minor things this is a terrific camera for those on a budget who want a camera they can bring everywhere with them. I can't wait to take this on my next trip. Even my kids have enjoyed learning photography on it, and it has so many user-friendly features they can take some pretty good shots. This is overall a great camera for all ages. I absolutely recommend this camera, even if just for the underwater capability alone. It is well worth the money.

The Kodak Pixpro camera is a nice, cool looking digital camera; I wish the color was like black or even silver, because yellow is just too bright, but still it doesn't throw off the overall coolness of this camera. I like that it is made for the outside, like to take with you on the go, and be able to hold up against the bumps and tumbling that happens when you're on the go. It feels nice in your hands too! Real smooth and it feels really tough. The camera is packaged nicely, it comes with everything you need: the guide on the buttons and functions of the camera, the battery, the warranty card, and its only limited warranty, it also comes with the charger and a little string wristlet for hands free carrying.The guide recommends that you charge the battery for 4 ... MoreThe Kodak Pixpro camera is a nice, cool looking digital camera; I wish the color was like black or even silver, because yellow is just too bright, but still it doesn't throw off the overall coolness of this camera. I like that it is made for the outside, like to take with you on the go, and be able to hold up against the bumps and tumbling that happens when you're on the go. It feels nice in your hands too! Real smooth and it feels really tough. The camera is packaged nicely, it comes with everything you need: the guide on the buttons and functions of the camera, the battery, the warranty card, and its only limited warranty, it also comes with the charger and a little string wristlet for hands free carrying.The guide recommends that you charge the battery for 4 hours, and its just to make sure that you get the full functionality from your camera, and battery life. The battery was easy to install, I put mine on the charger straight out the box and it took only about 3 hours to fully charge; it makes this little dinging (or chiming) sound to let you know when its charged. There is a little LED light on it that will go out when it's done charging, and stays on when it's charging. I love all the different modes that it has, and the record option. The lens and the screen are awesome; real crisp images and clear. The pictures come out beautiful especially with the flash on. I haven't tried it underwater yet, but apparently it is made for that as well; when I go out with my husband on the boat, that'll be the ideal time for me to try it! I'm sure the pictures will come out just as nice.The reason I gave this 4 stars is because I do not like how if you have it on Auto Mode, you do not have the option to use the flash; I understand that Auto Mode is supposed to decide that for you, but there were a few times when I took pictures on auto and needed the flash, and it didn't flash. Needless to say, but the pictures came out dark and shaky, so I wish that was an option to have in that mode. So, I keep it on manual mode, to make sure I get the best possible outcome for my pictures. Another reason for 4 stars is that I cannot figure out how to turn the noises on this camera off! It makes a noise for everything: selecting, taking the picture, turning the camera on/off, the charging noise is fine but it's all the other ones I don't really like lol. Also, the charger port is right next to where you insert the SD card and battery, so it's a bit inconvenient. There is like no stable way to lay the camera unless you lay it screen down.But, I would definitely recommend this camera for anyone on the go, or even just a family that likes to travel, it'll definitely be well worth it.