KODAK PIXPRO AZ401 - Perfect beginners camera.

Guess who got a new camera!!
I've really wanted to get back into photography, so after doing some research, I thought "why not" and purchased it!
This post will be a review on the pixpro as well as why I believe its the perfect beginners camera!

Now I'm no expert in photography. I am still learning a lot of techniques and how to use a camera correctly.
When I signed up to do Alevel photography in my sixth form, I assumed that we would learn how to use the functions of a camera; because although there are different types and makes of camera, I thought they'd teach you how to shoot using manual, and what all the settings mean.
Yeah no. They didn't. All I remember is having certain "theme's" to take pictures on, research on photographers I never heard off and a bit of work in the dark room. (which I did once. Small spaces + dark room + anxiety = a big NOPE)
I cannot remember what camera I had, I have a feeling it was a bridge camera, but I can't be 100%. But because I was never really taught how to use a camera, I just "pointed and clicked" Well that wasn't too brill. I have no physical copy of my photography work; but after searching through my facebook I found a picture I took.

I MEAN LOOK - THE BLACKBERRIES ARE OUT OF FOCUS! I had no idea how to focus onto a certain point. So the berries are out of focus, but the leaves are looking sharp AF!
Looking back now, I have no idea how  I got a C for my course and exam work (the examiner who marked it is my bae, and I would hug them if I knew who it was) But all I ever go told in my lesson was basically my work is shit. (I mean she couldn't physically say shit, but she was thinking it) So once I decided that I hated sixth form and I was leaving, I sold the camera.

Fast forward to last year when  I got back into photography I borrowed my boyfriends Canon EOS. This was my first time ever using a DSLR. And I still to this day have no idea how to use one properly!

Now I wanted to get serious and actually learn, but for that I needed my own camera. To begin with I looked at the Sony a5000. It is an AMAZING DSLR camera. Compact size which would be perfect for what I want. But after talking to family about that it might be a bit too "complicated" to begin with (especially at around 300+ for just the camera) I decided to go look at bridge cameras.
Like I said, I'm no expert, so I could be wrong, but I still bridge cameras as the "middle camera" So for example you get the small click n shoot camera that you can pick up for £40+, then you have the bridge cameras, which start to do more technical side of photography, such as altering the settings, which range from £100+. Then you have DSLR with have changeable lens, different settings etc, which range from £300+

I got the Kodak PixPro AZ401 for £99 on offer (normally £150) which is a bargain, but even full price is a reasonable price to pay for a starter camera.
I believe this is a perfecter starter camera because everything is simple. Everything is laid out so you know what is what. On the dial at the top, everything is clear.
I'm still using "auto" settings at the moment until I get used to it, but from what I've seen and played around with on the shop display version (no way I'm breaking my own) the change the ios and F/s on Manual is a simple use of the arrows on either going left or right to change from ios etc or up and down to change the no on the settings.
What I also like about this camera, is there are a lot of different programmed settings, for example they have settings designed for pets, sunsets, fireworks etc. This is perfect if you do not know yourself the best settings to use on manual and an event is coming up and you don't have time to practice. You can put it on firework mode and should be able to take pictures of fireworks straight away.
Here are a few of the "important" specs
- has 40x optical zoom 160x didgital zoom
- takes from 4GB to a 32GB SD card
- built in flash
-  weatherproof
- does NOT shoot in raw
- runs on x4 AA batteries
- USB & HDMI ports

I've only had my camera a couple of days, but I've be able go out and play about. These photos have been taken either on auto mode, or on "sunset" setting.

This photo of the church is taken on the maximum 40X zoom. I will add a previous picture taken without a zoom, and then the second picture will be on the zoom.

So far I have nothing negative to say about this camera. Apart from you cannot shoot in RAW. Which for me is ok, because I only ever alter colours and sharpness. But if you like to manipulate your pictures, add moons and other stuff, this can be a problem.

Like I said, I've only had it for a couple of days, I don't have much knowledge about shooting on manual to know how well that works, but I've done a little glancing and it looks straight and simple.

I have set up my own photography instagram. I have linked it in the column on the right. or it is @t.may.photography. I will be posting more pictures from using this camera!
i'll keep you all posted!

Until next time!