Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Smart Lens Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Kodak Pixpro SL10 is a 10x optical zoom lens with a 16 megapixel sensor, for smartphone cameras that attaches to a smartphone or alternatively can be used remotely. With built in Wi-Fi and NFC you can connect the SL10 to any compatible Android or iOS device.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Features

Available in black or white, the SL10 features a 16 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-280mm in 35mm terms, fullHD video recording, 6fps continuous shooting and optical image stabilisation. With built in Wi-fi and NFC it is designed to attach to your smartphone with an adjustable clip the SL10 can also be used remotely and you simply monitor and frame the shot using the smartphone. Compatible with Android or iOS devices, it should also work with tablets as well.The SL10 will work with devices that don’t have NFC built in, you can just connect over Wi-Fi.

The camera doesn't have to be physically connected to the phone and can be used as a separate camera – with the screen of the smartphone for remote operation over Wi-Fi. You would most likely want to use it this way with the smartphone so that you can see what you are taking photos of, even though it can also be used without first being connected to the smartphone.

Key Features

• 16megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
• 10x optical zoom lens, 28-280mm equivalent
• Optical Image Stabilisation
• Full HD 1080p video recording
• 6fps continuous shooting
• Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
• ISO100 to ISO3200
• 5cm macro focus
• Available in black or white

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Handling

The SL10 feels well built with a plastic body and rubber feet on the bottom to stop it sliding around. With the camera attached to your smartphone it gives a better grip for your smartphone when taking photos. The side shutter release button is on the left which means you have the choice of using either your left or right hand to shoot with it, either wrapping your hand around it, or even using your thumb to release the shutter. The round shape of the camera naturally lends itself to experimentation and with an orientation sensor built in it doesn't matter which way up you shoot with it. There is a tripod socket so you can mount the camera (and smartphone if required) to a tripod.

To control the camera from your smartphone you need to install the PIXPRO Remote Viewer available for Android and iOS devices. The app lets you adjust exposure compensation, ISO, white balance, self-timer (2sec or 10sec), image size (16:9/3:2), zoom, as well as view battery life and remaining pictures. In playback you can view, share, download and delete photos. You can also touch the screen to set the focus point. The refresh rate of the app can seem quite slow at times, and using the app to take photos (rather than the button on the side of the camera) does leave a long delay between you pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the photo.

Battery life - Battery life is rated at 200 shots according to Kodak / CIPA test results, and charging is via a USB cable.

Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.

Speed tests conducted using the side shutter release button on the camera. Using the smartphone to take the photo delays the shot being taken by between 0.7 and 1.3 seconds. So it is quicker to use the side shutter release button on the camera.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Sample Photos

Sample Photos - The camera takes photos with decent levels of detail, and good colour. The 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation gives much more versatility than a smartphone, and with a 16 megapixel sensor is a higher resolution than most smartphones currently available.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Lens test images

Lens Performance - Photos from the SL10 show decent levels of detail, although become softer when using the full optical zoom. Macro photos can be taken with the subject roughly 5cm from the front of the lens. There is minimal barrel and pincushion distortion with very little signs of vignetting. Some purple fringing is visible when shooting trees or areas of high contrast, but is generally low.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance -For the lowest noise and best detail possible we would recommend using ISO100 to ISO200, as images have low levels of noise and good levels of detail. For lower light situations ISO400 to ISO800 still provides reasonable results, although noise increases and detail is reduced. At ISO1600 noise levels become strong and we would recommend avoiding this setting if possible, although results may still be useful if resized and used on the web. ISO3200 is best avoided as noise is extremely high, and detail is very low.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well with a slightly warm colour cast under tungsten lighting, with the tungsten preset giving an accurate result. AWB performs very well under fluorescent lights, with the fluorescent preset giving a yellow colour cast.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Digital filters

Digital Filters - There are only a few image shooting modes, including HDR and WDR, whereby the HDR mode combines a number of shots for extended dynamic range. There is also a Face Beautifier mode.

Video - Videos are recorded at full HD resolution (1920x1080), with stereo sound, and optical zoom is available while recording. Quality is reasonable, however the focus can take quite a while to re-focus after using the optical zoom.

Value For Money

The Kodak PIXPRO SL10 is available for around £149 which makes it quite expensive compared to the competition. The closest alternative would be the Sony Cyber-shot QX10, which is smaller and cheaper, or you could buy a compact camera with a 12x optical zoom lens, such as the Panasonic Lumix SZ8 available for around £99 and includes Wi-Fi, or 10x optical zoom Canon IXUS 155 for around £119. The Canon IXUS 265 features built in Wi-Fi, 12x optical zoom lens and is available for around £149.

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Verdict

The slightly smaller SL5, with 5x optical zoom lens and built in Xenon flash could be a better option, as it offers optical zoom, along with a flash, which will be of benefit particularly in places where the LED flash of a smartphone won't be of much use. The expected price of the Kodak PIXPRO SL10 is around £149, which seems expensive, particularly as the smaller Sony Cyber-shot QX10 is available for around £119. Alternatively a smaller and much more easily pocketed compact camera with a 10 or 12x optical zoom and built in Wi-Fi (such as the Panasonic Lumix SZ8) is available for less at around £99. As such we can find little reason to recommend the Kodak PIXPRO SL10, although there could be some appeal to this camera if you have an older smartphone that does not feature full HD video recording, and a low specification built in camera.

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Pros

10x optical zoom lens
Optical Image Stabilisation
Full HD Video recording
Zoom can be used in videos
Wi-Fi / NFC connectivity
Remote control software gives good control of camera settings
6fps continuous shooting and quick shot to shot time
Tripod Socket

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Cons

No built in flash - see SL5
Larger (and heavier) than the Sony Cyber-shot QX10
Slow shutter response
Slow focus when using optical zoom in videos
Slow refresh rate on smartphone
Average noise performance
Can't turn the sounds off

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Kodak PIXPRO SL10 Specifications

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