Kodak has announced the new Pixpro AZ653, and update that replaces the seven-year old AZ652, and the ultra-zoom bridge camera now has USB-C charging, but otherwise the specifications remain the same, with FullHD video, and no sign of 4K video. There’s a 65x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 24 – 1560mm, giving a vast zoom range, only beaten by the 83x optical zoom Nikon Coolpix P950 ($800/£600 – if you can find it) and 125x optical zoom Nikon Coolpix P1100 ($1050/£950). If you don’t want to spend that much, you’ll be pleased to see that the AZ653 is priced at $450/£350, and has a 1cm macro mode, an electronic viewfinder, and a 3-inch vari-angle screen.
Key features
- 65x optical zoom (24mm – 1560mm equivalent), optical image stabilisation
- 20MP 1/2.3inch sensor
- Full HD 1080p video
- 3-inch articulated LCD screen, electronic viewfinder (EVF)
- Intelligent scene and shooting modes
- WIFI connection
- 5 fps burst shooting
The camera is available to pre-order from a number of US and UK retailers, with the camera due to be released in April. Kodak make other budget ultra-zoom cameras including the Pixpro AZ405, with 40x optical zoom lens, and the Pixpro AZ255, with 25x optical zoom lens.
From Kodak/GT: Paris, March 26, 2026 – Want to take a step forward in photography without complicating your life? The Kodak PIXPRO AZ653 is a versatile, powerful and easy-to-use camera that is ideal for enthusiasts looking to explore new creative possibilities.
A true bridge between compact and DSLR, the Kodak PIXPRO AZ653 brings together the best of both worlds. It is more complete than a compact camera but easier to use and lighter than a DSLR. This bridge camera is an ideal introduction to manual controls, allowing you to develop your mastery with confidence.
Thanks to its powerful built-in optical zoom, the largest in the range, it can capture both landscapes and distant detail without changing lenses. From a distant subject to an everyday scene, it offers great framing freedom while maintaining excellent image quality.
This long-range zoom makes it a versatile camera, capable of adapting to many situations: travel, nature, sporting events or everyday moments. A true all-in-one device, ideal for travelling light.
Designed to support enthusiastic photographers looking to train, it offers advanced but accessible settings. Preset modes allow you to automatically adapt to each situation, while manual mode gives more control to fine-tune each setting. Users can easily tailor their photography to suit their creative vision.
Versatile, intuitive and comfortable to hold, it is the perfect companion to turn every moment into an unforgettable memory.
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