Kodak PixPro FZ45: an honest review of the simplest compact camera on the market
The Kodak PixPro FZ45 isn’t meant to compete with your mobile phone. It doesn’t have a 30x zoom, a 1-inch sensor or computational AI. It’s a compact digital camera with 16 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, Full HD video and AA batteries. Its greatest strength is precisely that: it does what it’s supposed to do, nothing more. This review tells you when it makes sense to buy it, who it’s for and what alternatives to consider.
The key point in a sentence
The Kodak PixPro FZ45 is the right camera when You don’t want to give your mobile to your children, You don’t want to take it to the beach or the swimming pool, or You need an affordable present For someone just starting out in photography. If you’re looking for a camera for serious photography, look elsewhere – this one isn’t for you.
Price at Macys Digital Tenerife: €119 (White, in stock; Black at €149.99, out of stock)
Kodak PixPro FZ45 Specifications
| Feature | Kodak PixPro FZ45 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/2.3″ CMOS, 16 effective megapixels |
| Optical zoom | 4x (equivalent to 27–108 mm) |
| Screen | 2.7″ LCD |
| Video | Full HD 1080p |
| ISO | 100-3200 |
| Stabilisation | Digital |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (up to 512 GB) |
| Battery | 2 AA batteries (~120 shots) |
| Dimensions | 93 × 60.2 × 28.7 mm |
| Weight | 116 g |
| Additional features | Face detection, continuous shooting, self-timer |
| Price at Macy’s | 119€ (White) |
What this camera does well
1. Radical simplicity
You switch on the camera, point it, and take the photo. There are no complicated menus, no modes you don’t understand, and no decisions to make. For someone with no experience of cameras (a child, an elderly person, or someone who just wants to «take photos»), this simplicity is a strength, not a limitation.
2. AA batteries: complete independence
It runs on two standard AA batteries. This means:
- You can buy batteries in any shop in the world, petrol station, supermarket, newsagent's
- No proprietary chargers or cables which can get lost whilst travelling
- Indefinite product lifespan, it doesn’t stop working because of a degraded internal battery, as is the case with modern cameras
- Zero stress on forgetting to charge your camera before a trip
It is a design choice that seems outdated but makes sense for this particular use case.
3. Ridiculous size and weight
Weighing 116 grams and measuring 9 cm wide, the FZ45 fits in any pocket. You don’t have to worry about «carrying the camera around» – just pop it in a bag or bum bag and forget it’s there until you need it.
4. Price
At €119 at Macy’s Digital, it’s one of the cheapest well-known brand compact cameras on the market. For less than that, you’ll only find generic Chinese models with no warranty or support.
What this camera does NOT do well
1. Image quality vs a modern mobile phone
An iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24 or Xiaomi 14 takes photos objectively better than the PixPro FZ45 under normal conditions (good light, static scene). The mobile’s sensor is larger, the image processing is better, and the sharpness is superior.
The FZ45 is ONLY worth it when circumstances prevent you from using your mobile: water, the risk of losing it, children who mustn’t touch your phone, or situations where you want to keep «photos» separate from your «mobile».
2. Limited Full HD video
It records in 1080p at 30fps. No 4K, no 60fps, no optical stabilisation. It’s fine for casual family videos; for anything more serious, you’re better off with a mobile phone or an action camera.
3. Digital stabilisation (not optical)
The stabilisation is software-based, not sensor-based. You can really tell the difference when using the zoom at high magnification in low light. Night-time photos taken with the zoom tend to come out blurred.
4. No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
To transfer photos to your mobile, you need an SD card and a card reader. No app, no wireless transfer, no direct sharing on social media. That’s just how it is.
Who is the Kodak PixPro FZ45 aimed at?
It’s perfect if:
- You’re a parent and you want your child to learn how to take photos without giving him your €1,000 iPhone
- Are you looking for an affordable gift? to introduce someone to digital photography
- Are you looking for a camera for the beach, the swimming pool or events? where you don’t want to take your mobile
- You’re a tourist and you want to use a separate camera rather than your mobile phone’s (particularly useful in areas where there is a risk of theft or loss)
- You are an elderly person which is easier to use with a dedicated camera than with a smartphone
It is NOT for you if:
- Are you looking for image quality?, a modern mobile phone easily outperforms it
- Do you want to shoot a proper video?, or any mobile phone, GoPro or mid-range compact camera
- Would you like to take up photography as a hobby?, for that, a second-hand mirrorless camera or an entry-level SLR
- You need water resistance, or better still, a Kodak PixPro WPZ2 (waterproof to 15 m, €159 at Macy’s)
Options depending on your budget
If you have €100
Kodak PixPro FZ45, the well-known brand option with an official guarantee. The latest review.
Agfa Photo Realishot DC5200 cameras, a direct competitor to Kodak. Macy’s sells the black version for €59.99 (on offer) and the silver version at a similar price. Same level of casual use.
If you have €150–200
Kodak PixPro WPZ2 (€159 at Macy’s), water-resistant to 15 metres, perfect for snorkelling and the beach.
Kodak PixPro AZ255 (€249 at Macy’s, out of stock), same design but with a 25x zoom. For anyone who wants a super-zoom without spending €500+.
If you have €400–500
Sony ZV-1F or Canon PowerShot V10, compact cameras designed for content creators. Better sensor, better processor, better sound. A whole new level.
GoPro Hero 13 Black (€389 at Macy’s), if you need a durable camera and are going to be filming action scenes. Full review here.
If you have between €700 and €2,000
Fujifilm X100VI or Ricoh GR III, premium compact cameras for serious amateur photography. APS-C sensor, fixed lens. In a league of their own.
Real-world use cases
Children learning photography
Between the ages of 6 and 12, children start to take an interest in capturing what they see. Handing them your iPhone risks it getting broken. An FZ45 for €119 solves the problem: their own camera, no pressure, imperfect photos that they learn to improve. And when they get bored of it after six months, you won’t have lost €1,000.
Gifts for older people
People aged 70 and over sometimes prefer a dedicated camera to a smartphone. The FZ45 has physical buttons, a large screen for its size, no confusing touch gestures and no notifications. It works just like cameras did 15 years ago.
Secondary travel camera
When travelling to destinations where there’s a risk of theft (backpackers in big cities, festivals, large gatherings), taking a spare camera costing €119 makes more sense than risking your €1,000 mobile phone. If you lose it, it’s only €119 – not €1,000, nor all your contacts and photos.
Events where you shouldn’t take your mobile out
Traditional church weddings, ceremonies, formal events – occasions where a mobile phone can spoil the atmosphere. A dedicated camera gets the job done without the social distraction of a smartphone.
The advantage of Tenerife
With cheap compact cameras, the savings on IGIC are negligible; these are low-priced items where the difference between mainland VAT (21%) and Canary Islands IGIC (7%) does not justify the trip.
| Market | Price of the FZ45 |
|---|---|
| Amazon ES | ~129-149€ |
| FNAC ES | ~139€ |
| Macys Digital Tenerife | 119€ (offer -20%) |
The current price at Macy’s is competitive thanks to the current offer, not because of the IGIC. If the offer ends, the standard price would be ~€149.99.
If you’re already in Tenerife And if you’re looking for a casual camera without having to wait for delivery, the current price of €119 is fair. If you’re coming from mainland Spain and are only after the FZ45, it’s not worth the trip to Tenerife, but if you’re going to buy other products where the IGIC does make a difference (mobile phones, computers, tablets), make the most of it and add the camera to your basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the photo really good quality?
It is enough for casual use and family memories. It is not good in absolute terms, compared to a modern mobile phone or any mirrorless camera. If you’re using the Pixel 8 Pro as a benchmark, the FZ45 will disappoint you. If you’re looking for «a camera for my 8-year-old to take photos with», it more than does the job.
How long do the batteries last?
Approximately 120–150 shots with two standard AA alkaline batteries. With NiMH rechargeable batteries, the figure is similar. If you’re going to use it every day, buy a set of four rechargeable batteries and a charger.
Does it work as a webcam or for recording content for YouTube?
It doesn’t have a clean HDMI output or a webcam function. For YouTube or Twitch, consider a modern mobile phone, a mid-range compact camera (Sony ZV-1F) or a dedicated webcam.
Is it water-resistant or shock-resistant?
No. The FZ45 is NOT water- or dust-resistant. For use on the beach, by the pool or in the rain, see the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 (waterproof to 15 m, €159 at Macy’s). For high-impact sports, any GoPro or DJI Osmo Action.
Does it support additional digital zoom?
Yes, up to 6x digital zoom on top of the 4x optical zoom. But digital zoom causes the image quality to deteriorate rapidly. Stick to the optical zoom whenever you can.
How do I transfer photos to my mobile without Wi-Fi?
You’ll need the SD card plus a USB-C/Lightning card reader connected to your mobile. Generic card readers cost €5–15. It’s an extra step that its Wi-Fi-enabled competitors don’t need to take.
Is there a manual in Spanish?
Yes, it comes in Spanish and English in the box. The on-screen interface supports multiple languages, including Spanish.
Verdict
Kodak PixPro FZ45, 7/10 for its exact category
It’s a no-nonsense camera that delivers what it promises: simple digital photos at an affordable price. It doesn’t compete with your mobile, nor does it compete with serious cameras. It competes with the «need to have a camera other than your phone».
If you fit its target user profile (gifts, children, older people, a secondary camera for travelling), it’s exactly the right camera for you. If you don’t fit that profile – if you’re looking for photographic quality, serious video capabilities or a creative tool – this isn’t the camera for you, and no discount will make it something it isn’t.
For €119 at Macys Digital Tenerife, with a 20% discount on the original price, it’s a sensible buy for its target audience. For snorkelling and the beach, the PixPro WPZ2 (€159) is a better choice. For content creation, any alternative on the list is a better option.
Kodak PixPro FZ45 (White, in stock; Black, out of stock) and other Kodak PixPro cameras are available at Macys Digital, in the Parque Santiago 3 shopping centre (Playa de las Américas, Tenerife). For a comprehensive guide to compact, instant, action and 360-degree cameras, see our https://www.macysdigital.com/mejor-camara-compacta-calidad-precio/.