Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $600 in 2025

5 December 2024

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 $600 this year:


1. Canon Powershot V10

Key Features

  • 15MP CMOS Sensor
  • 4K Video
  • 19mm Equivalent f2.8 Lens
  • Built-In Lithium Rechargeable Battery
  • Bluetooth & WiFi Connectivity

A compact camera that’s perfect for vlogging, the Powershot V10 captures brilliant stills and 4K video. Weighing only 211 grams, the Powershot V10 fits in the palm of your hand but brings the power of a complete content creation kit. With its 19mm equivalent lens, this camera is ideal for vlogging and making sure you can fit yourself into POV shots, while its f2.8 maximum aperture will add a pleasing background blur to all of your shots.

Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022

Complete with two built-in microphones, Canon’s new smooth skin video mode, a tilting 2-inch LCD screen, a huge 1-inch sensor, and Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, this little camera is absolutely perfect for vlogging, livestreaming, or using as a webcam. 

 

2. Canon Powershot SX740

Key Features

  • 40x Optical zoom range - 24-960mm equivalent (35mm)
  • 20.3mp CMOS Sensor
  • 10 fps burst shooting
  • 4K video at 30 fps
  • Built-in WiFi connectivity

Versatile and user-friendly, the Powershot SX740HS from Canon is great at capturing low-light conditions, resulting in bright, clear, vivid images. Its high-speed nature means this camera can shoot 4K video at 30 fps and stills at 10 fps. On the imaging front, the SX740 excels thanks to the HS system provided by the sensor and DIGIC 8 processor. For that extra bit of wow factor, the lens of this compact digital camera with its 40x optical zoom range is great for producing brilliant wide-angle landscapes, tightly cropped portraits, sports images, and more.

Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022

As a genuine all-rounder, the Canon Powershot SX740HS can quickly go from snapping the perfect selfie to zooming across a sports field to capture that game-winning goal.

2. Fuji Instax Mini EVO Special Edition

 

Key Features

  • Retro Design
  • Inspiring Instant Camera
  • Compatible With Fujifilm Mini Instant Film
  • Selfie Mirror
  • Various Filters and Lens Effects to choose from

Instant photography is back in style, and the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is leading the charge. This retro-inspired instant camera boasts a sleek design that's as stylish as it is functional. With a range of filters and lens effects, you can customise your photos to your heart's content. Thanks to the Mini Evo including Bluetooth connectivity, you can use your smartphone as a remote control, making it easier than ever to capture eye-catching selfies with the built-in selfie mirror

 

Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022

While the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo functions as a wonderful instant camera, the Bluetooth connection also allows you to print your favourite images from your smartphone camera roll to Instax mini instant film - it also performs the roll of a mini printer!

3. Pentax WG-90

Key Features

  • Rugged Build: 14M Waterproof, 1.6M Shockproof, 100KG Crushproof, -10º Freezeproof & Dustproof
  • 5x optical zoom lens
  • Full HD video recording
  • 16MP Resolution
  • Built-in LED Lights

The Pentax WG-90 is the one to watch on our list if you are hunting for a rugged camera to take with you into the great outdoors. Perfect for adventurers who need durability without compromising image quality, the WG-90 is designed to withstand the toughest conditions: this waterproof camera can go capture great images 14 meters under water, is shockproof up to 1.8 meters, freezeproof to -10°C, and even crushproof. With its weather-sealed construction, this camera is ready to capture your travel content, from snorkelling to snowboarding.

Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $600Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $600

The WG-90 features a 16MP sensor that produces high-quality stills and captures Full HD video, providing clear, detailed images even in low-light. The 5x optical zoom lens offers a versatile focal range for various shooting situations, while the built-in LED ring lights surrounding the lens make it easy to illuminate close-ups, whether you're photographing intricate details on land or underwater. For content creators, the WG-90 includes a Movie SR+ mode for steady video capture, minimising shake without needing a gimbal.

With additional features like a digital microscope mode for ultra-close shots and the ability to function as a webcam via USB, the Pentax WG-90 is a reliable choice for adventure lovers and outdoor photographers. At an affordable price, it’s a great investment for those who need a multipurpose tough camera that can keep up.

4. Kodak AZ528

Key Features

  • 52x optical zoom lens
  • 16MP Image sensor
  • Full HD Video
  • Optical Image Stabilisation
  • 3-inch LCD

The Kodak AZ528 is a high-achiever for sports and wildlife photography, with a feature set that is sure to deliver both in terms of usability and imaging quality. It features a huge 52x optical zoom range which starts at a wide 24mm equivalent, and full HD video recording capabilities. The optical image stabilisation means your photos and videos will be free of camera shake, so it is good in low light conditions, while the action-friendly 6 frames-per-second continuous shooting makes the Kodak AZ528 the ideal camera for sports photography.

Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022

The 3-inch LCD screen is perfect for framing and reviewing your photos, while WiFi connectivity allows you to control this compact digital camera via your smartphone and share your content with your phone in an instant.

5. Kodak M38 35mm Film Camera

Key Features

  • Built-in flash
  • Focus free
  • Runs on a single AAA battery (not included)
  • Compatible with 35mm (135) film

It’s time to fall in love with analogue photography all over again with the Kodak M38 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.

Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022Ted's 5 Best Cameras Under $500 in 2022

A point and shoot camera, the Kodak M38 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.


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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.


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