The best camera under AU$500 in 2023: cheap cameras with a bit more power

best cameras under AU$500
(Image credit: Fujifilm Instax)

There isn't a lot of choice when it comes to choosing the best cameras under AU$500 in Australia, but there are still some great options.

It's fair to assume that if you're looking for cameras that cost under AU$500 in Australia, you're going to be getting a lot of instant cameras. However, if you shop during sales and find a great deal, you will be able to get a bargain on a decent snapper. Sure, you won't get top-end features in this price range, but you will get remarkably capable shooters that offer more than what your phone can.

You won't be spoilt for choice here, though, but you can find reliable point-and-shoot cameras for under AU$500 alongside the best instant cameras at this price point.

Read more: Best cameras under AU$1,000 

One of the reasons camera prices drop so much is that as new models are released, the older ones get cheaper. Manufacturers often won't discontinue a line straight away, especially if it was really popular, which means there's an opportunity to grab yourself a bargain.

Most of the cameras below don't feature the most up-to-date technology and have smallish sensors, but that doesn't mean they can't still take good photos. On the plus side, they're all pretty compact.  

Everything here should be available for less than AU$500, though prices do fluctuate from time to time. So, let’s take a look at our favourite cameras in this price bracket. 

Best cameras under AU$500

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)
Shoot digital and print analogue on Fujifilm’s best of both worlds Instax Mini Evo hybrid device

Specifications

Type: Instant camera
Film type: Fujifilm instax
Image size: 2.4 x 1.8"
Lens: 28mm f/2
Minimum shooting distance: 3.9"
Flash: Built-in
Self-timer: No
Viewfinder: Optical
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Best of digital and analogue photography combined
+
Risk free printing: we can view our shots before we hit print
+
3-inch LCD allows for some editing

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires additional microSD card, not provided, to expand the internal memory
-
Battery life lasts a modest 100 shots

This tiny camera really does do it all - no bigger than a credit card it can take digital photos, print Instax-style photos or print photos you've taken on your phone. There are quite a few unmarked buttons but, once you get your head around what each of them does, it's a really easy camera to operate and a pleasure to use. We've always been fans of the Fujifilm Instax range, but this one combines the advantages of digital cameras with the novelty of instant film cameras to create a product that is well worth the money. We love the classic analog camera look Fujifilm has gone with, it almost feels like a bit of a nod to its X-T100 range, only designed to use in portrait mode rather than landscape.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review

(Image credit: Chris George/Digital Camera World)

2. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

A fun instant film camera offering large prints and better exposure accuracy

Specifications

Type: Instant
Film type: Fujifilm instax square
Image size: 6.2cm x 6.2cm
LCD: No
Viewfinder: Optical
Lens type: 65.75mm f/12.6
Max burst speed: N/a
Max video resolution: None
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Fun instant prints
+
Improved exposure accuracy

Reasons to avoid

-
Ongoing film cost
-
No self-timer

Instant film cameras are always a hit at parties, and the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a fine example available at a great price. With a click of the shutter button, it'll create 6.2cm square prints that look fantastic, with punchy colours and less of the tendency towards overexposure that has plagued previous Instax cameras. 

The thing to remember about instant film is that it is of course an ongoing cost, so while you're paying AU$199 or so for the camera, you'll have to keep buying refills every time you run out. Still, it's worth the investment if you love the instant prints. 

Also, this is a very basic point-and-shoot model, which is arguably all you need in an instant camera, though some users may lament the lack of basic quality-of-life features such as a self-timer. Still, for the price this is loads of fun, and a wonderfully inexpensive way to make physical images that last.

Best camera under AU$500: Instax Mini 11

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)
Choose from a beautiful pastel shade or keep it simple with black with the Instax Mini 11

Specifications

Type: Instant film
Film type: Instax mini
Image Size: 54×86mm
Viewfinder: Yes
Lens: 60mm
Flash: Yes
Exposure modes: No
Self timer: No
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Inexpensive
+
Film costs less than Polaroid
+
Fun to use

Reasons to avoid

-
A little bulky
-
Images can be hit and miss

We've been a little cheeky including the latest Instax camera in our best cameras under AU$500 list but, honestly, the price seems to fluctuate so much depending on where you buy it from we thought we'd leave it in. 

The Instax Mini 11 looks like every version before it, only Fujifilm has decided to remove the exposure dial in place of automatic exposure. You can view how many shots you have left on the back of the camera and film cartridges are easy to replace, all you need to do is match up the yellow dots. When you first load a new film cartridge, you'll need to fire off one shot to get rid of the plastic film cover and then you're good to go. The film prints almost instantaneously and develops in just 90 seconds. We love the aesthetic of Fujifilm Instax, it's hard to recreate in an app, and for weddings and festivals they're perfect for creating tangible keepsakes. 

Read more: Instax Mini 11 review

Panasonic Lumix TZ90 review

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

4. Panasonic Lumix TZ90

A small lightweight camera with some smart features

Specifications

Type: Compact
Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
Megapixels: 21MP
Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04K dots
Viewfinder: Yes, electronic
Lens type: 30x optical zoom (24-720mm)
Max video resolution: 4K/30p
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Great zoom range
+
Image stabilisation
+
4K video

Reasons to avoid

-
Small viewfinder
-
Grip not great

For a camera that costs under AU$500, the Lumix TZ90 has a lot going for it. Its 4K video capabilities are pretty competitive for a camera that was launched in late 2017 and, more importantly, at this price point. And let's not forget that massive zoom – 30x optical zoom means you'll be able to get closer to the action without being part of the fracas yourself. Its 3-inch touchscreen offers a decent range of controls, and there's a selfie mode too. While you're likely going to see some soft results at the widest angles, and the viewfinder isn't going to help frame as it's too small, it's still a remarkably good compact camera that won't break the bank.

Fujifilm instax mini LiPlay

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay

A 2-in-1 instant camera and printer that can connect to your smartphone

Specifications

Type: Instant
Film type: Fujifilm instax mini
Image size: 5.4 cm × 8.6 cm
LCD: Yes
Viewfinder: Optical
Lens type: 28mm
Max burst speed: N/a
Max video resolution: None
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
2-in-1 printer and camera
+
Can edit images on a phone
+
Rechargeable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not good in low light
-
Ongoing film costs

Not only can you take photos using the Instax Mini LiPlay but it can also print photos from your phone. Small enough to fit in your pocket, its compact design makes it perfect for having on you at all times. Featuring an LCD screen and a selfie mirror on the front so you can make sure you're looking your best, Fujifilm really has thought of it all. Connect it to the LiPlay app on your phone so you can edit your photos and add things such as coloured frames or apply a filter for a bit of fun. Even though the photos print out onto Instax Mini film, you can also choose to just keep the pictures stored on a microSD card. Choose from Blush Gold, Elegant Black or Stone White depending on your style and it's time to get snapping. It has a rechargeable battery, a built-in flash and three shortcut buttons so you can save your favourite settings. 

The font of the Kodak PixPro AZ528 bridge camera

(Image credit: Kodak)

5. Kodak PixPro AZ528

A compact package with a long reach

Specifications

Type: Bridge
Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
Megapixels: 16MP
Lens: 52x optical zoom (24-1248mm)
LCD: 3-inch
Max shooting speed: 6fps
Max video resolution: 1080p
Viewfinder: None
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent zoom
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Video limited to 1080p
-
No viewfinder

For a camera that features a whopping 52x optical zoom, this Kodak bridge camera doesn't cost a lot. It's even capable of a max burst speed of 6fps which might just get you some decent action shots. If you're heading off on a safari or just want to capture your kids' sports events, this might do the trick without costing you an arm and a leg. It's also not as big as some other bridge cameras as it lacks a viewfinder, and you're stuck with a max video resolution of Full HD here. Still, for the price, this isn't too bad. Note that this camera isn't available extensively in Australia, but some camera specialist retailers do have stock.

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker / Digital Camera World)
A cheap-but-traditional zoom compact camera

Specifications

Type: Compact
Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch
Resolution : 16.15MP
Viewfinder: None
Lens: 28-140mm
Flash: Built in
Zoom: 5x Optical
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Pocket-sized
+
Easy to use
+
63MB internal memory (plus SD card)

Reasons to avoid

-
No viewfinder
-
Can't see the screen in bright sunlight

This no-nonsense, pocket-sized point-and-shoot is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a phone camera upgrade. It features a 16.15-megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor so you won't be able to print your images very big but they're still perfect for sharing on social media. It has a zoom range equivalent to 28-140mm on a full-frame camera and a 6x digital zoom if you need to get that little bit closer. One of the downsides is it doesn't come with a viewfinder and the screen is hard to see on a sunny day but otherwise, it's a great buy for the price. 

Also consider

(Image credit: James Artaius)

Canon PowerShot Pick PTZ camera

The "intelligent photography companion" that automatically snaps family memories

Specifications

Type: PTZ (pan, tilt & zoom)
Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
Megapixels: 12MP
Screen: None
Viewfinder: None
Lens type: 3x optical zoom; 19-57mm
Max video resolution: 1080p
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Smart PTZ camera
+
Easy automatic photos
+
Decent battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Slow app response
-
Can feel creepy
-
Not the best image quality
-
Under AU$500 when discounted

Yes, this is a strange one to add to this list, but you if you're looking to automate the taking of family memories, this little nub of a camera might just do the trick. In fact, if you like quirky tech, it really will fit the bill.

Taking great pics with the PowerShot Pick will require some patience and experimenting, but once you've nailed that down, Canon promises you'll get decent shots. The camera, which is battery powered and so can be placed anywhere, is capable of analysing its environment first, then can track subjects automatically. You can control it via an app and even use it as a webcam.

There's a microSD card slot for you to store images and recordings, but it can also connect to your PC via a Type C USB port.

Note that the Pick recognises subjects automatically, so if it's not picking you or your family up, it could well take pics of something else it's latched on to. So be sure to be right in its frame in a well-lit environment.

Read more:

Best budget camera
Best compact camera
Best camera for beginners
Best DSLRs
DSLR vs mirrorless

Sharmishta Sarkar
Managing Editor (APAC)

In addition to looking after they day-to-day functioning of Digital Camera World in Australia, Sharmishta is the Managing Editor (APAC) for TechRadar as well, and helps produce two of Future's photography print magazines Down Under. Her passion for photography started when she was wandering the wilds of India studying monkeys (yes, life took a sharp turn somewhere along the way) and is entirely self-taught. That puts her in the unique position of understanding what a beginner or enthusiast is looking for in a camera or lens, and writes to help those like her on their path to developing their skills or finding the best gear. While she experiments with quite a few genres of photography, her main area of interest is nature photography – wildlife, landscapes and macro. She still prefers an optical viewfinder but is utterly fascinated with what mirrorless technology has been able to achieve. 


With an ear to the ground in the Asia-Pacific territory, she is constantly on top of camera news and breaking developments in the Australian region, in addition to sourcing local deals during big retail events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday / Cyber Monday. 


She’s also a skilled stargazer, always eager to share astrophotography tips such as photographing the blood moon without even using a tripod!

With contributions from