Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 16MP Full HD Waterproof Rugged Electric Blue Review

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is a tough little camera that's built to survive your adventures, not win any photo contests. If you need something waterproof and rugged for under $200, this is it. Just don't expect it to compete with your smartphone on image quality. The one thing to know? It's a durable, simple point-and-shoot for splashing around, not a tool for serious photography.

Honestly, the performance is about what you'd expect for the price. The 16MP sensor lands in the 34th percentile, so photos can look a bit soft and noisy, especially in low light. The 6fps burst mode is surprisingly decent for a camera this cheap, and the build quality is in the 98th percentile—this thing feels solid and can handle a dunk. The lack of any stabilization is a real bummer, though, making video and low-light shots pretty shaky.

At $159, it's cheap. But 'value' is tricky. If you absolutely need a waterproof camera and have zero budget, it's an option. For everyone else, a waterproof phone case or a used GoHero is probably a smarter buy. You're paying for the rugged shell, not the camera inside.

Don't compare this to the Canon R6 or Sony A6700—that's like comparing a skateboard to a sports car. The real competition is your smartphone in a good waterproof case, which will shoot better video and likely better photos. If you must have a dedicated rugged camera, look at used models from Olympus or GoPro. They'll cost more, but the image quality and features are in a different league.

Only buy this if you're on a super tight budget and your number one priority is having a camera that can get wet and sandy without breaking. For family snorkeling trips where you just want proof you saw a fish, it's fine. For anyone who cares even a little about photo quality, skip it. Your phone is a better camera.