Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 White

The Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 is a $130 point-and-shoot with surprisingly decent autofocus and stabilization, but weak video and a tiny fixed screen. It's a fine starter camera for casual snapshots, not for anyone serious about photography. If you need good video, look elsewhere.

The 24MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor is about average for this class, landing in the 55th percentile in our database. Autofocus is actually a pleasant surprise at the 76th percentile, and stabilization sits at the 79th, which is well above average for a camera this cheap. But video is a weak spot at the 25th percentile, and the fixed 2.7-inch display is underwhelming at the 30th. Burst shooting is also mediocre at the 34th percentile. So stills are fine, but don't expect to capture fast action or shoot cinematic footage.

Against the Sony ZV-1F, the FZ45 gets absolutely smoked on video and build quality, but it costs a fraction of the price. The Panasonic LUMIX DC-G100D and Canon EOS M5 are both far more capable cameras, but they're also in a completely different price bracket. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a better choice for vlogging, which is the FZ45's weakest area at 20.2 out of 100. The Olympus PEN E-PL7 is closer in spirit, but still more camera than this. If you're comparing specs, the FZ45 loses almost every fight. If you're comparing price tags, it wins by a mile.

At $130 to $140 USD, this is one of the most affordable cameras in our database, ranking in the 72nd percentile for affordability. You're not getting a lot of camera, but you're also not paying a lot of money. The bundle with a case and a DJI RS 3 Mini gimbal is a weird pairing, honestly. A gimbal for a camera this basic is like putting racing tires on a golf cart. But the camera alone is a solid value for someone who just wants snapshots without a smartphone.

The Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 is a budget-friendly point-and-shoot that's trying really hard to be a mirrorless camera. It's got a 24MP sensor, 1080p video, and even claims Eye AF and IBIS, which sounds impressive until you remember this thing runs on AA batteries and costs around $130. This is a starter camera for someone who wants to point, shoot, and not think too hard about it.

Kodak's pitch is simple: a 27mm wide-angle lens, face detection, one-touch video, and a 2.7-inch LCD. It's not chasing specs. It's chasing convenience. And for a gift or a first camera for a kid, that might be exactly the right call.

Skip this if you need good video, a tilting or touchscreen display, or any kind of weather sealing. Vloggers should look at the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 instead. And if you want a camera that can grow with you as your skills improve, the Canon EOS M5 or Panasonic LUMIX DC-G100D are much better long-term investments.

This is a camera for beginners who want something simple, cheap, and easy to carry. It's not for anyone serious about photography or video. The 54.3 out of 100 beginner score tells the story: it's a fine first camera, but it won't grow with you. Buy it for a kid, a grandparent, or someone who just wants a dedicated camera for family snapshots.