I just tested Kodak’s new compact camere, and my favorite feature is one I didn’t know I needed

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

If you know me or have been following my work at Tom's Guide, you'll know that I review some of the best cameras, the best drones, and everything in between that can take a photo. I've tested all kinds of snappers, from the highly minimalist Sigma BF and the high-speed Sony A1 II to the the retro-inspired Fujifilm X half and the extremely rugged Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2.

One of those aforementioned cameras isn't like the others. Kodak PIXPRO is a family of compact point-and-shoot cameras, aimed at people who want a no-frills snapper. Recently, a new camera joined this lineup, the Kodak PIXPRO C1, and I spent a few days testing it.

Now, I'll be honest: the PIXPRO C1 isn't the best cheap compact camera I've tested so far (the PIXPRO WPZ2 holds that title). I gave the camera three and a half out of five stars in my Kodak PIXPRO C1 review. But it gets a lot right, and it's got one feature not every high tech camera I've tested has, and one that is best suited to compact cameras of its (small) size.

Flip it up

The feature I'm talking about is the Kodak PIXPRO C1's flip-up selfie screen. Now, now, before you come at me, I am fully aware that lots of cameras' monitors are fully articulating but more often than not, they flip out to the side and not up — unless you get the pricey Fujifilm X-E5.

Flip-up screens simplify vlogging and taking selfies as you can see yourself properly while looking like you're looking at the lens and not away from it (as you would when looking at a flip-out screen). I'm not necessarily a chronic selfie taker but even I can't deny the PIXPRO C1's charm. No other compact camera I've tested so far — like the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ45, the AgfaPhoto Realishot DC5500 — features a flip-up screen.

A photo taken on a Kodak PIXPRO C1 compact camera — (Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom's Guide)

Because the camera is so light, weighing just 4.05oz, it's super easy to hold it up with one hand and snap a selfie. The 2.8-inch screen is big enough for accurate framing too, and the camera's 26mm wide-angle lens lets you fit a lot into the frame.

My partner and I had a lot of fun taking silly selfies at the pub. And thanks to the PIXPRO C1 being extremely easy to use with a straightforward control scheme, the user doesn't need to be well-versed with the semantics and technical side of photography.

Vintage, retro, old school

One of the things that usually attracts my generation (millennials, but gen Z too) to compact cameras is vintage, retro image quality. You don't buy a cheap compact for capturing high resolution images — you're probably well aware that the photos are going to be imperfect and therein lies the charm.

Image 1 of 5

Such is also true for the Kodak PIXPRO C1 and its 13MP sensor which takes decent photos but the quality is hit-or-miss, depending on the lighting. It's one of those cameras that you take to a festival and everyone goes, "That's such a cute little thing!" and no one actually cares about how clear or in-focus the images are. So if all you need is a fun, stripped-back camera, then you'll like the PIXPRO C1.

Terms and conditions applied

Cheap compact cameras come with some limitations alongside subpar image quality. For instance, there's no viewfinder on the Kodak PIXPRO C1, so you need to rely on the screen to frame shots. This isn't the easiest or the most accurate as the monitor itself is quite low-res and dim, making it difficult to see in bright sunlight... or even if there's a hint of sun out.

There's also the small matter of the microSD card slot not being protected by a rubber flap or piece of plastic. It's just... there — exposed and susceptible to water or dust damage. I'd be extra careful using the PIXPRO C1 out and about if it's raining or you're on a dusty hike.

But given that the camera is really cheap — retailing for just $99 / £79 — you can always replace it and get a new one should things go wrong. You don't need to worry as much as you would if you were using one of the best mirrorless cameras because the camera is so inexpensive. I'd buy it just for that flip-up screen.

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Nikita is a Staff Writer on the Reviews team at Tom's Guide. She's a lifelong gaming and photography enthusiast, always on the lookout for the latest tech. Having worked as a Sub Editor and Writer for Canon EMEA, she has interviewed photographers from all over the world and working in different genres. When she’s not working, Nikita can usually be found sinking hours into RPGs on her PS5, flying a drone (she's a licensed drone pilot), at a concert, or watching F1. Her work has appeared in several publications including Motor Sport Magazine, NME, Marriott Bonvoy, The Independent, and Metro.

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