Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022
Whether you're looking for the best point and shoot camera that won’t break the bank, a handy compact camera that’s a step up from your smartphone, or just an all-rounder budget camera to complement your more advanced digital photography kit, check out our annual round-up of the best 5 cameras under $500 for 2022:
1. Canon Powershot SX430
A compact camera with an impressive array of user-friendly features, this new Canon Powershot camera makes for the perfect travel buddy, and it’s perfect for everyday photography too. The Canon Powershot SX430 is a big zoom camera with so much to offer beginners, enthusiasts, and advanced users alike. Its huge 45x optical zoom lens starts at a wide 24mm, making framing pictures an absolute breeze, and its 20MP resolution ensures crisp, clear, eye-catching images. Thanks to its automatic modes and extensive 32-scene detection modes, the SX430 has made it easier than ever to simply ‘point and shoot’. This well-thought-out release from Canon is exactly what many photographers are after, and its built-in WiFi connectivity and dedicated WiFi button make sharing images just a few clicks away.
Key Features
- Intelligent IS
- HD Video
- Built-in WiFi and NFC
- 45x optical zoom
- 20 megapixels
2. Canon Powershot SX620
Versatile and user-friendly, the Powershot SX620HS from Canon is great at capturing low-light conditions, resulting in bright, clear, vivid images. Its high-speed nature means this camera can shoot Full HD video at 30 fps and stills at 7.1 fps. On the imaging front, the SX620 excels thanks to the HS system provided by the sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor. For that extra bit of wow factor, the lens of this compact digital camera with its 25x optical zoom range is great for producing brilliant wide-angle landscapes, tightly cropped portraits, sports images, and more. As a genuine all-rounder, the Canon Powershot SX620HS can quickly go from snapping the perfect selfie to zooming across a sports field to capture that game-winning goal.
Key Features
- 25x Optical zoom range - 25-625mm equivalent (35mm)
- 20.2mp CMOS Sensor
- 7.1 fps burst shooting
- Full HD video at 30 fps
- Built-in WiFi connectivity
3. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
The versatile Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a big zoom camera that’s ideal for all your multimedia capture, video filming and live streaming needs. 18 megapixel stills, 4K resolution video and an awesome 60x optical zoom lens are the main draw cards, while a variety of other functions will assist you in your image making experience.
The Power OIS delivers blur-free images, while 10 frames per second continuous shooting means you’ll get a great shot, exactly when you want it. A pair of exceptional compositional tools including a 3-inch touchscreen LCD monitor and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder will aid you in framing your work. Long story short - this is a compact digital camera so flexible you’ll likely never need another.
Key Features
- Power O.I.S
- 60x optical zoom lens
- 4K UHD video recording
- Built-in WiFi connectivity
- Touchscreen LCD and EVF
4. Panasonic Lumix TZ90
The New Panasonic Lumix TZ90 is a high-achiever for the beginner or professional photographer alike, with a feature set that is sure to deliver both in terms of usability and imaging quality. Pictures and videos alike are in safe hands, with a 20MP MOS sensor and 4K resolution video - but the real eye catcher of this compact digital camera series is an incredibly versatile Leica lens with 30x optical zoom.
If you’re photographing on the move or live streaming your latest adventure, the 5-axis Hybrid OIS will help curb any camera shake. You’ll also enjoy two choices to compose your images in - a 3-inch touch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder. Perfect for the aspiring Youtube star.
Key Features
- Leica 30x optical zoom lens
- 20.3MP MOS sensor
- UHD 4K video
- 5-axis hybrid OIS
- 3-inch touch LCD & EVF
5. Agfa Retro 35mm Camera w/Flash
It’s time to fall in love with analogue photography all over again with the Agfa Retro 35mm camera. A fun and simple 35mm film camera, it’s ideal for first-timers and film-lovers alike. And thanks to a straightforward and accessible feature set, alongside its affordable price point, it’s a fantastic camera for kids, though don’t let that stop you, adults, from having fun.
A point and shoot camera, the Agfa Retro can shoot black and white and colour film of various speeds, and it’s focus free so you don’t have to worry about focusing the lens to capture sharp and in-focus pictures. You can load up and fire with confidence that you’ve captured a timeless image.
Boasting a fixed focal length of 31mm means you can fit plenty into the one frame without being too far away from your subject. Coupled with a built-in flash for use in low-light conditions or indoor situations, this camera punches far above its weight, all while maintaining its classy retro style. It’s a must-have.
Key Features
- Built-in flash
- Focus free
- Runs on a single AAA battery (not included)
- Compatible with 35mm (135) film
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Find your next camera at Ted's
You don’t have to break the bank to get your dream camera. These five budget-friendly cameras are all winning choices for photographers of any budget, skill level, or style.
To figure out which camera is best for you, head to your local Ted’s Cameras store. You can try before you buy with our camera rental program, or get advice from a friendly member of our expert team.