Kodak vs Canon Digital Cameras: Which Is Better? (November 2026)

On this page (8 sections)

1. Kodak vs Canon digital cameras: which should you pick?
2. Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 vs FZ45 side by side
3. Which camera has the more useful lens?
4. Which camera is easier to keep powered?
5. How do the two Kodaks handle video and everyday shooting?
6. Is the FZ55 worth choosing over the FZ45?
7. Who should buy which Kodak compact?
8. Which Kodak PIXPRO should you buy?

Choose the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 for most people; it's the higher-scored of the two and the easier everyday camera. The Kodak vs Canon digital cameras question is really about simplicity, and the FZ55 gets there with a 5x zoom, USB charging and a 16MP sensor.

The FZ45 isn't a weak camera. It's the better fit when you want AA batteries you can buy anywhere and a slightly wider 27mm view.

Both are Kodak PIXPRO compacts, not Canon models. That matters because this comparison is about what each camera actually does, not about badge loyalty.

Kodak vs Canon digital cameras: which should you pick?

Pick the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 if you want one camera for everyday photos and video. It's the top pick here because it balances a useful zoom with a rechargeable battery and a familiar menu.

Canon makes cameras across many levels, from simple compacts to advanced models. Kodak's PIXPRO line sits at the simple end: real buttons, clear menus and no learning curve.

If your goal is a point and shoot camera you can hand to anyone in the family, the Kodak approach fits. If you want to grow into manual controls and lens choices, Canon's broader lineup gives you more room later.

The difference between the two Kodak bodies comes down to how they handle light and reach. The FZ55 uses an F3.9 to F8.0 aperture and the FZ45 opens from F3.0 to F6.6.

In plain terms, the FZ45 lets in a little more light at its widest setting, while the FZ55's lens is built around the longer zoom.

That split tells you who each camera is for. The FZ55 favors subjects you can't walk up to.

The FZ45 favors dim rooms and wide scenes where a brighter opening helps.

For this comparison, the deciding factors are the lens reach, the power source and how easy each camera is to live with. Our point and shoot camera guide covers the wider field if you want more options.

Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 vs FZ45 side by side

The FZ55 leads on zoom and battery; the FZ45 leads on battery convenience and a slightly wider view. Here's how the two Kodak compacts line up.

The table shows how close these cameras are. The sensor, screen size, video resolution and card support match, so the real differences come down to a handful of choices.

Look past the headline specs and a few smaller details separate them. The FZ55 lists a 6x digital zoom on top of its 5x optical zoom, and the FZ45 pairs its 4x optical zoom with 6x digital as well.

Digital zoom crops into the picture rather than adding true reach, so it's a backup rather than a feature to shop by.

Both bodies carry a tripod socket and built-in flash. Both use contrast detection autofocus with 9 focus points.

Both are sold in black and both are classed as adult cameras, which simply means Kodak expects them to be handled by grown-ups or supervised kids.

Which camera has the more useful lens?

The FZ55's 5x zoom reaches further; the FZ45's 27mm wide angle takes in slightly more of a scene. Pick by what you photograph most.

The FZ55 uses a 28mm wide angle lens with a 5x optical zoom. In 35mm terms that runs from 28mm to 140mm, so you can shoot a group photo and then zoom in on a face without moving.

The FZ45 pairs a 27mm wide angle with a 4x optical zoom. Its range is 27mm to 108mm.

That one extra millimeter at the wide end helps when you're photographing a room or a street corner and want a bit more in frame.

For travel, the longer reach of the FZ55 usually matters more. A 140mm telephoto end lets you frame details from across a plaza or a beach without walking into the shot.

For interiors and tight spaces, the FZ45's 27mm view is marginally better. The difference is small enough that most people won't notice it in normal use.

Zoom and aperture in practice

The FZ55's aperture range is F3.9 to F8.0. The FZ45's is F3.0 to F6.6, which means the FZ45 opens wider at its starting point and gathers a little more light at full wide angle.

Both have 9 autofocus points and contrast detection autofocus. Neither is built for fast action, so expect steady, deliberate focus in normal daylight.

The FZ55's lens uses 8 groups and 8 elements. That's a modest build, but it's matched to the zoom range so images stay consistent as you move from wide to tele.

The bigger practical difference is the zoom range. If you shoot scenery and portraits from a distance, the FZ55's extra reach earns its place.

If you mostly shoot close scenes indoors, the FZ45's wider aperture and wider view help.

Focus distance also shifts with the lens. The FZ55 focuses from about 60cm at wide and 1m at tele in normal mode, and gets as close as 5cm in macro for wide shots.

That close macro setting is handy for flowers, food or small details, and it's worth knowing the camera will hunt if you get closer than its limit.

What the 28mm vs 27mm gap means

One millimeter of wide angle sounds like nothing. In practice, the FZ45's 27mm view fits a touch more of a small room, a shopfront or a group standing close together.

The FZ55's 28mm setting is still wide enough for landscapes and family group shots. The gap only shows up when you're backed against a wall or shooting indoors in tight quarters.

Where the FZ55 gives ground at the wide end, it takes it back at the tele end. The 140mm equivalent end pulls distant subjects closer than the FZ45's 108mm end, and that's the more common need when you're out and about.

Which camera is easier to keep powered?

The FZ55 recharges over USB; the FZ45 takes AA batteries you can replace anywhere. Choose by how far you'll be from an outlet.

The FZ55 ships with an LB-012 lithium-ion battery that charges in the camera over USB using the supplied adapter. A full charge takes about 2 hours and gives roughly 200 shots.

Charge it for at least 4 hours before the first use to get the most from the battery.

That's a familiar routine for most people: plug in overnight, shoot the next day. The trade-off is that a dead battery ends the session until you find power.

The FZ45 runs on 2 AA alkaline batteries. That means no charging routine and no cable dependency.

A spare pair in your bag keeps the camera going, and you can buy more almost anywhere.

For a week-long road trip or a camping weekend, that's a real advantage. For daily city use, the FZ55's rechargeable battery is simpler and avoids buying disposables.

Battery life and travel planning

The FZ55's roughly 200 shots per charge is enough for a normal day of casual shooting. Bring a USB power bank if you plan a long day out and want to keep going.

The FZ45's runtime depends on the AA cells you use. Carry spares and keep them warm in winter.

The FZ55's in-camera USB charging also means one less item in your bag. The supplied adapter and cable do the job, and the same cable you use for a phone or a power bank often works too.

Pack light and you can top up at a hotel socket or from a battery pack.

The FZ45 arrives with 2 AA alkaline batteries, a wrist strap and a USB cable. There's no charger to remember, which is the whole point: buy batteries when you need them and keep shooting.

Either camera is light enough to pocket. Neither needs a bag of accessories, which is why both suit casual travel photography.

How do the two Kodaks handle video and everyday shooting?

Both record 1080p Full HD video and both use a 2.7-inch LCD screen. For family clips and simple vlogging, the video quality is on par.

The FZ55 offers a 30 fps continuous shooting mode. That's handy for capturing a moving child or a pet in a burst of frames.

The FZ45's continuous shooting runs at 5 fps, which suits slower scenes.

Both cameras support Class 10 SD, SDHC or SDXC cards up to 512GB. A large card holds plenty of photos and video, so you won't often need to swap.

Both have built-in flash. That helps in dim rooms and as fill light when a subject is backlit.

Everyday usability and menus

The two cameras share a simple control layout. Real buttons and clear menus mean a beginner can pick one up and shoot without reading a manual cover to cover.

The FZ55's slim body slips into a pocket or small bag. The FZ45 is similarly light.

Neither camera feels like a burden to carry.

Both cover the three common aspect ratios, 16:9, 3:2 and 4:3. That's useful when you want a widescreen frame for video stills or a classic 4:3 shape for prints.

Both also write 8-bit files, which is normal for this class of camera and fine for sharing online.

If you hand the camera to a friend or a family member, both are easy to explain. That matters more than specs when the camera is shared.

Is the FZ55 worth choosing over the FZ45?

Yes, for most people the FZ55 is the better buy. The longer zoom and rechargeable battery make it the stronger all-round compact.

Its score of 9.1 reflects that fit. The 5x optical zoom covers more situations, from wide scenes to closer portraits, and USB charging means one less thing to pack.

The FZ45 scores 8.6 and earns its place for a specific reason: AA batteries. If you've ever had a camera die on a trip with no charger in sight, you know why that matters.

The FZ55 also wins on burst speed by a wide margin. Its 30 fps continuous shooting is far ahead of the FZ45's 5 fps, which matters if you photograph kids, pets or anything that moves.

For still scenes the two are much closer.

Neither camera is a specialist tool. Both are simple 16MP compacts for everyday photos and 1080p video.

The choice is about which trade-off suits your habits.

Who should buy which Kodak compact?

Buy the FZ55 if you want the most capable everyday camera; buy the FZ45 if battery convenience matters more than zoom reach. Here's who each one suits.

Choose the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 if:

• You want the longer 5x zoom for travel and portraits from a distance.
• You're happy to recharge over USB each night.
• You want a higher continuous shooting rate for moving subjects.
• You'd rather carry a power bank than spare batteries.

The FZ55 is the camera to take on a city break or a family day out. Its rechargeable battery keeps the kit simple.

Our compact camera for travel guide has more options if you're building a travel kit.

Choose the Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 if:

• You'll be away from power for days at a time.
• You like the idea of buying batteries from any shop.
• You want the slightly wider 27mm view for interiors.
• You don't mind a shorter 4x zoom.

The FZ45 suits camping trips, long hikes and anyone who prefers not to manage a charging routine. It's also a sensible choice for a shared family camera where batteries run down fast.

Its wider aperture helps in dim rooms, and the 27mm view squeezes more into tight shots.

Which Kodak PIXPRO should you buy?

Buy the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 for most readers; it's the stronger all-round compact in this Kodak vs Canon digital cameras comparison. Its 5x optical zoom, 28mm wide angle and rechargeable battery make it the easier camera to live with day to day.

Buy the Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 if AA batteries matter more to you than zoom reach. It's the better pick for trips where power is scarce and you want to swap cells from a shop shelf.

If you're still deciding between Kodak models, our Kodak PIXPRO camera roundup and the Kodak PIXPRO AZ405 vs AZ425 comparison help you weigh the rest of the line. The FZ55 remains the simplest place to start for everyday photos and video.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kodak better than Canon for a cheap compact camera?

Kodak is the simpler buy for a basic point and shoot camera, and the FZ55 is the stronger of the two here. Canon offers a wide range of compacts at many levels, but this comparison focuses on the two Kodak models and what each one does for everyday shooting.

What is the main difference between the Kodak FZ55 and FZ45?

The FZ55 has a 5x optical zoom and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, while the FZ45 has a 4x optical zoom and runs on 2 AA batteries. The FZ55 also has the slightly narrower 28mm wide angle against the FZ45's 27mm.

Can either Kodak camera record video?

Both record 1080p Full HD video, so either works for travel clips, family moments or simple vlogging. The FZ55 adds the longer 5x zoom, which helps when you want to pull a subject closer without walking toward it.

Which Kodak camera is better for travel?

The FZ55 is the better travel pick for most people because its rechargeable battery and longer zoom cover more situations. The FZ45 wins when you'll be away from power for days and want to swap in AA batteries from a local shop.

Do these cameras use the same memory cards?

Yes. Both accept Class 10 SD, SDHC or SDXC cards up to 512GB.

Buy a Class 10 card so video and burst shooting write reliably, and keep a spare card for longer trips.