Is Kodak a Good Camera Brand?

In the world of photography, a few names stand out across generations—and Kodak is certainly one of them. For over a century, Kodak has been closely tied to the evolution of cameras and photography. From revolutionizing personal photography with its roll-film cameras to now offering budget-friendly digital models, Kodak has seen both the highs of market dominance and the lows of technological disruption.

But in 2025, is Kodak still a good camera brand? Can it keep up with today’s digital photography demands? This blog explores Kodak’s history, strengths, weaknesses, and overall camera performance to determine whether it’s still a worthy choice for today’s camera buyers.

Kodak’s story began in the late 19th century when George Eastman founded the Eastman Kodak Company in 1892. At a time when photography was a complicated and expensive process reserved for professionals, Eastman had a simple mission: to make photography accessible to everyone.

He did just that with the release of the original Kodak camera in 1888, which came preloaded with film and could be sent back to the company for developing. This camera was paired with the famous slogan, “You press the button, we do the rest,” a phrase that captured Kodak’s approach to simplicity and user-friendliness.

In 1900, Kodak launched the Brownie camera, an affordable device that truly brought photography into the hands of the masses. Throughout the 20th century, Kodak remained a market leader, pioneering innovations like color film, the Instamatic camera, and the disposable camera. By the 1970s and 1980s, Kodak was the undisputed king of consumer photography.

However, Kodak’s dominance began to fade in the digital age. Although Kodak actually invented the first digital camera in 1975, the company failed to capitalize on the innovation out of fear that it would cannibalize its film business. This critical error allowed other brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony to dominate the digital camera market.

Kodak filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and has since restructured, focusing on commercial printing and licensing its brand name to other manufacturers. Today, Kodak-branded cameras, particularly the PIXPRO series, are produced by companies such as JK Imaging under license.

When considering any camera brand, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. Kodak’s cameras have some appealing qualities, but they also come with limitations that may matter depending on what kind of photographer you are.

One of the biggest strengths of Kodak’s current camera lineup is affordability. Most Kodak digital cameras fall into the budget or entry-level category. They are great for casual users who want to capture memories without spending a fortune. You don’t need to worry about complex settings or advanced shooting modes. These cameras are simple, functional, and easy on the wallet.

Kodak cameras, especially in the PIXPRO line, are designed for ease of use. They feature straightforward menus, auto modes, and minimal learning curves, making them ideal for beginners or those who just want a camera that works without needing technical expertise.

For day-to-day photography—like vacations, outdoor events, or family gatherings—Kodak cameras perform reasonably well in good lighting conditions. Their image sensors and lenses can capture bright, colorful images that are perfectly fine for sharing on social media or printing standard-sized photos.

Kodak is still respected in the film photography world. The company continues to manufacture iconic film stocks like Kodak Portra and Ektachrome, both known for their exceptional color rendition and popularity among professional and hobbyist film photographers. Additionally, vintage Kodak film cameras remain in circulation and are valued for their durability and design.

Kodak digital cameras are generally small, lightweight, and portable, making them convenient travel companions. Whether you’re hiking, exploring a new city, or simply documenting everyday life, a Kodak point-and-shoot can be tossed into a bag or pocket without much hassle.

Kodak cameras often lack the features that more experienced photographers look for—such as RAW shooting, manual exposure controls, interchangeable lenses, and advanced autofocus systems. This makes them unsuitable for more creative or professional use.

One of the significant drawbacks is their low-light performance. Most Kodak digital models tend to struggle in dim environments, resulting in images that are noisy or blurry. Without high-end sensors or advanced image processing, they simply can’t compete with premium cameras in challenging lighting conditions.

Kodak cameras are often reported to have slower response times. The time between shots, as well as autofocus speed and overall camera responsiveness, may feel sluggish compared to competitors in the same price range.

Unlike camera brands that offer a full ecosystem—such as lenses, flashes, and other accessories—Kodak’s current digital camera lineup is limited in scope. There is minimal opportunity to grow your skills with the same system, which might prompt users to eventually switch to other brands.

Since Kodak-branded cameras are now produced by other manufacturers under license, the consistency in quality and innovation may vary. These cameras may not carry the same attention to detail or cutting-edge technology as products from brands that design and manufacture their own gear.

Kodak’s current digital camera line is led by the PIXPRO series, which includes models like the Kodak PIXPRO AZ252, AZ401, and FZ55. These cameras are aimed at entry-level users looking for simple, compact cameras that offer more control than a smartphone, but without the complexity or price tag of DSLRs or mirrorless models.

Most Kodak PIXPRO cameras feature plastic bodies with simple physical buttons and menus. The build quality is decent for the price, and these cameras are generally durable enough for light to moderate use.

Kodak cameras usually come with sensors ranging from 16MP to 20MP, which is sufficient for casual photography. However, sensor size is relatively small (usually 1/2.3-inch), which limits their ability to handle dynamic lighting or produce a shallow depth of field.

Some Kodak cameras, like the AZ401, offer substantial optical zoom—up to 40x in some cases—which is a big advantage for travel or nature photography where you want to shoot distant subjects without sacrificing image quality.

Most models shoot 720p or 1080p video, which is suitable for casual vlogging or family recordings. However, these cameras typically lack advanced stabilization, external microphone input, or 4K recording.

User feedback for Kodak digital cameras is generally mixed but leans positive for casual use. Many users appreciate the value they get at a low cost. Kodak cameras are often praised for their user-friendliness, adequate photo quality, and solid zoom capabilities. They are also popular among parents, travelers, and students who want a dedicated camera without investing heavily.

However, some users express dissatisfaction with image quality in low-light scenarios, slow operation, and limited functionality. For those accustomed to smartphone cameras with computational photography features, Kodak cameras may feel a step behind in performance and versatility.

The answer depends entirely on who you are and what you’re looking for in a camera.

If you are a beginner, hobbyist, or casual user, Kodak is a solid choice. Its digital cameras are affordable, simple, and capable of producing decent results under the right conditions. The learning curve is minimal, and for everyday snapshots or basic photography needs, they perform reliably.

If you are a photography enthusiast, content creator, or aspiring professional, Kodak likely won’t meet your needs. The lack of advanced features, limited image quality in challenging conditions, and minimal upgrade path make it less appealing for those seeking serious creative control or professional results.

For fans of film photography, Kodak remains a top-tier brand. Its color and black-and-white film stocks are highly respected, widely used, and continue to define film photography aesthetics. Vintage Kodak film cameras, although no longer manufactured, also continue to have a loyal following.

Yes—for the right user. Kodak remains a meaningful brand in photography, offering ease, nostalgia, and value. While its digital offerings may not compete with high-end brands in innovation, they cater well to entry-level and casual users.

And now, with SKUK bringing Kodak products directly to UK consumers, accessibility and affordability are stronger than ever. Whether you're capturing memories on holiday or exploring photography for the first time, Kodak—through SKUK—offers tools that make it simple and satisfying.

So if you're in the UK and considering a Kodak camera or accessory, SKUK is your go-to destination to experience this legendary brand with local convenience and trusted distribution.