The Kodak Pixpro P1 has finally made its way to the US market, with the new waterproof compact camera now available to purchase through Amazon for just $149.99. At a time when compact digital cameras are enjoying something of a renaissance, Kodak continues to prove that you don't need to spend hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to enjoy photography.
The P1 takes that philosophy a little further, combining a traditional point-and-shoot that is very similar to the best-selling Pixpro C1 but with a rugged, waterproof design that makes it equally at home on the beach, beside the pool, or on your next adventure. And with a price tag of less than $150, I think this could be one of the more interesting affordable cameras to arrive this year.
At its heart, the Kodak Pixpro P1 is a relatively simple digital camera, featuring a 13-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with a fixed 26mm equivalent wide-angle lens with an f/2.0 aperture. There's no complicated interchangeable lens system or expensive technology to get your head around, just a straightforward camera designed to capture everyday moments. The fixed lens is particularly well suited to landscapes, travel photography, group portraits, and general snapshots, while the camera also offers 1080p video recording at up to 60 fps. It's certainly not going to challenge the latest premium compact cameras for image quality, but I don't think that's what Kodak is trying to achieve here.
What makes the P1 particularly interesting is its rugged construction. Unlike most inexpensive compact cameras, the P1 is waterproof to a depth of 16.4 feet (5 meters), shockproof against drops of up to 3.3 feet (1 meter), and dustproof, making it a genuinely useful camera for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. There's also a 2.8-inch rear screen that flips through 180 degrees, making selfies and vlogging considerably easier, alongside a built-in ring light with three different color temperatures for illuminating portraits and close-up subjects. Add USB-C charging, a rechargeable battery, and microSD card storage, and you have a surprisingly versatile little camera that doesn't require much thought to operate.
For me, the appeal of the Kodak Pixpro P1 goes beyond its specifications. We're living in a time when smartphones have become incredibly capable cameras, yet there's clearly a growing appetite for dedicated compact cameras that offer something a little different. Not everyone wants to take an expensive smartphone into the sea, and not everyone needs an action camera designed primarily around shooting ultra-wide video. The P1 sits somewhere between the two, offering the familiar experience of a traditional compact camera with the reassurance of a waterproof body. Of course, its small sensor, fixed focal length, and lack of optical zoom mean there are compromises, particularly when compared with more expensive alternatives. However, sometimes simplicity is exactly what makes a camera appealing.
The Kodak Pixpro P1 is now listed on Amazon in the US for $149.99, with the black version available through the linked listing and additional color options shown on the product page. This isn't a discounted Black Friday deal, but rather the opportunity to get your hands on one of Kodak's newest compact cameras at an affordable price. I think there's something rather refreshing about a camera that doesn't pretend to be anything more than a fun, accessible way to take photographs, especially when it can accompany you into the water without requiring an expensive underwater housing. Whether you're buying one for a family vacation, as a first camera, or simply because you miss the enjoyment of carrying a dedicated point-and-shoot, the P1 makes a pretty convincing argument for keeping compact cameras alive.
