Best Point And Shoot Camera Under 500$
Many photographers like to use point and shoot cameras that don’t come with many lens changes or customizable modes. Since this is a regular, non-DSLR camera, you take it out, aim, and capture anything easily. So getting a best point and shoot camera under 500 is something worth investing in.
Of course, you can take out your phone and shoot what you like, but you don't get the same quality picture when you use a camera.
With a point and shoot camera under 500, and you’ll get a good optical lens and a great quality shot, besides the fact that it’s not like lugging around a DSLR with multiple lenses. It’s just one camera so that you can take it anywhere.
If you’re beginning your journey with photography as an amateur, a point and shoot camera might be the right investment. Even if the features are much more limited. You can still hone your skill with the simple stuff before getting a DSLR or a mirrorless camera.
So let’s look at some of the best point and shoot camera under 500, which is much more affordable than going straight for a top-quality DSLR.
LIST OF BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA UNDER 500
BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA UNDER 500 REVIEW
1) SONY DSCWX350 - BEST POINT AND SHOOT DIGITAL CAMERA
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- 20x optical zoom and 40x digital zoom with the added feature of Clear Image zoom
- Image Stabilizer makes it much easier to take stills and video
- 20.4-megapixel image sensor plus camera’s G lens for crisp photos
- Low-light sensitivity gives you clearer output
- Motion-Shot Video follows the movement of the subject in focus
- Panorama Mode for high-speed shots up to 360°
You can always rely on Sony, and that said this sleek little point and shoot come in black and white. This is the best point and shoot camera under 500 that can basically replace your smartphone if you need a quality upgrade, and it can fit in your pocket too.
With the help of an 18.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and 20x optical zoom lens, you can take 18.2MP photos using this and shoot very polished video footage. The Optical SteadyShot helps reduce the blur when you are shooting handheld, and you can also shoot at 10fps.
The Sony DSCWX350 has a BIONZ X processor to ensure that your shots look super professional, and the camera has several features to ease the process for a new photographer. With 20x optical zoom, you can get up close and personal and still come out with a sharp, high-quality shot.
HDMI connections are available, and you can view the footage you took in beautiful HD, as well as connect to your phone with Wi-Fi or NFC3. You could also use your smartphone to control the camera shutter if you'd like, making things very convenient if you're setting up a shot.
After your hands on this camera, make sure to add the camera roll pictures on Instagram story. People will think you have taken pictures using a costly camera, but only you know a budget pocket cam helped you in the shooting process!
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2) CANON POWERSHOT SX540 - BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA FOR ACTION SHOTS
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- Wi-Fi and NFC-enabled
- Intelligent Image sensor deals with any shake issues
Another choice from Canon for this list of the best point and shoot cameras under 500, the PowerShot SX540 is a solid piece of tech to add to your photography kit. With its 1200mm focal length, you can snap clear photos of far-away objects with ease. The 8fps maximum continuous shooting speed is decent enough to capture the subject.
With 50x zoom, you can capture a great shot from far away in incredible detail, and the built-in image stabilizer helps keep your images from being too shaky.
There is a lock button present in the camera that helps enhance subject recognition just by recognizing the model, and the CMOS sensor delivers in terms of performance. This is a great family camera because it has face ID technology so that you can frame the subject perfectly for photos on special occasions and trips. The camera also shoots HD video so that you can make some fun home movies.
This point and shoot have a lightweight body which makes it comfortable to hold. This plastic camera body consists of large buttons, which give good feedback while using it. Its input compartment are covered by the rubber flaps and its flash mechanism feels well built.
The new story highlights feature in this camera automatically complies videos and still images into a small highlight feel without the help of computer software. Overall, if you search for a primary bridge camera that comes with a superzoom lens, then this must be your pick.
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3) KODAK PIXPRO ZOOM FZ41 - BEST BUDGET POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor gives you very sharp, clear images
- 27.7 inch LCD screen
- It weighs around 4 ounces
- Image stabilization enabled
If you have budget constraints, then take a look at the Kodak PIXPRO camera. This is not just a budget point and shoot, but also one of the best point and shoot cameras under 500 (much under!).
This compact little camera has a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor, making enlarging or zooming as easy as pie. The wide-angle lens gives you a lot of room, particularly for portraits, and you can take snaps without constantly moving around to capture a wider frame. The 4x optical zoom is great for the price, and you can also capture footage in a panorama.
You can capture 720p HD video, too, with decent sound. With red-eye removal, you can instantly give touch-up portraits. With face detection and auto-exposure detecting facial features, you can enhance the subject's highlighting. Adding it to its blink and smile detection, you can capture the perfect moment.
This is an inexpensive digital camera if you're starting with photography, and you don't want to be confused by a jumble of features and lenses. It's also a good choice if you're not a photographer but need a camera because it's simple and easy to work with.
Overall, this is a perfect choice if you need a new camera, but you really can't afford to spend a lot of money in one go, and you can bet Kodak has a good model for you.
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4) NIKON COOLPIX L840 - BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA FOR BEGINNERS
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- A telephoto lens, 76x fine zoom for extra reach
Nikon’s COOLPIX L840 is also one of the best point and shoot camera under 500. With a classic point and shoot design, this model has a long zoom feature, which gives you more reach. The 38x optical zoom means your zoomed-in photos will turn out great. It’s quite easy to hold this particular model steady because it’s got a good grip.
Still, there’s a vibration reduction feature so you can shoot away without worrying about a sudden tremble affecting the footage. The COOLPIX LCD is also pretty neat when you want to take a good look at a photo you just took.
You can record great videos with this, and the mic will capture high-quality audio too. In case you don’t like the stereo sound, though, there’s no other mic jack. The model has several shooting modes depending on the function, including landscape, portrait, close up, panorama, etc. It’s also Wi-Fi and NFC-enabled.
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5) CANON G9 X MARK II - BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA FOR TRAVEL
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- The very light camera fits in a pocket
- Sensitive CMOS sensor with a 3x optical zoom lens
- Compatible with phones and tablets
Closer to the $500 mark but a great investment, this Canon camera is one of the best point and shoot camera under 500 you can get. It’s small and can easily fit into a purse or a travel bag if you’re going on vacation and want to capture some memories.
The design is cool and compact, and the DIGIC 7 Image Processor gives you some pretty good footage, aside from providing a noise-reduction feature to help when you’re taking a bunch of shots.
Image stabilization helps to produce steady footage, and the LCD viewfinder is fixed. You could get some better zoom features, but the model has 8 presets so that you can choose your photo style accordingly, including auto and portrait.
There’s also an added function for time-lapse, which can come in handy for Instagram or Youtube gurus. The model comes in two colors, silver with wooden grip highlights and black with black grips. As can be expected from Canon, both look quite premium and well worth the bucks. If you are looking for high-end camera, then check out these latest cameras on the market.
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6) PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 - best point-and-shoot camera for travel
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- Highly sensitive sensor helps defocus the background.
- Leica DC lens includes stabilizer and 5-axis correction for convenient shooting.
- F2.8-4.0 brightness
- Lots of filters, including retro, high key, low key, etc.
A cool-looking camera from Panasonic, you can trust that this will be worth the money. The 20.1MP MOS sensor is very sensitive and great for shooting in low light. You’ll also get amazing results when you shoot in well-lit surroundings.
The new Leica DC lens is a piece of cutting-edge Panasonic equipment that will improve your shots and prevent blurring in your photos. The model also includes technology to make autofocus much faster, and with this 4k video camera you can also capture 4K videos easily.
There’s a built-in stereo mic to capture sound, so if you’re planning a low-budget amateur indie film or trying to get started shooting some Youtube videos, this is a great piece of tech to pick.
You can also shoot remotely with your phone and use the Panasonic Image App to adjust settings. Wi-Fi/NFC enabling features are also available, and the model comes with a bunch of accessories that you can purchase to build your photography kit.
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7) PANASONIC LUMIX ZS100 4K DIGITAL CAMERA
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- High-res 3-inch LCD (touch) display is very sharp
- Can capture 4K videos with extra features to manage focus points
- A lens-mounted control ring allows you to control exposure
This Panasonic point and shoot is particularly good for travel, with the iconic Panasonic Leica DC lens with a good aperture range. What makes this one of the best point and shoot camera under 500 is not just the sensor but also that you get a great viewfinder and LCD.
The images are very easily visible even when you’re in a very bright environment, like natural sunlight. The sensor also works great for night shots, and USB charging is a bonus. The model has Wi-Fi connectivity, too, so you can connect to your phone. So this is a great camera to pack on your weekend away or for your trip to an exotic location.
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8) NIKON COOLPIX S9900 DIGITAL CAMERA
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- Scene Auto Selector does the work for you in low light
Another COOLPIX model from Nikon has a classic point and shoot look and won’t burn a hole in your pocket either. You get several shooting modes (including time-lapse!) and a 30x zoom. The Vari-angle LCD is pretty large and allows you to take a leisurely look at your photos.
If you’re a bit of an advanced photographer, the manual controls are at your service, and you can tinker with whatever you like. The model also has a built-in GPS.
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9) SONY CYBERSHOT H200 - BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA FOR VIDEO
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- 20.1-megapixel sensor
- 3 inch LCD screen makes viewing effortless, can add effects
Close to the $400 mark, this model from Sony makes it easy to shoot without blur, with a SteadyShot feature to enhance your photos. The 26x zoom means you can capture anything, great for safaris and fast-paced sports.
You can play with many effects to improve your photos, and the camera also has a 720p movie mode for shooting video. Intelligent Auto Mode does a lot of the heavy lifting if you’re just a casual camera user, making quick adjustments and reducing blur.
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10) KODAK PIXPRO ASTRO ZOOM AZ901-BK
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- 20 MP CMOS sensor gives crystal-clear results
- 5 fps burst shooting can capture anything
Finally, this option from Kodak is closer to $500 but worth the investment. With 90x optical zoom, you really can’t complain. Take in everything in enhanced detail. The high-quality CMOS sensor is matched with great stabilization, so no rogue shots with accidental blur.
You can also control the camera through your phone in its Wi-Fi mode, and the AZ901 also has an electronic viewfinder to help you out if you don’t want to use the sizable LCD.
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BUYING GUIDE FOR THE BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA UNDER 500
Before you purchase the point-and-shoot cameras, you must check out the following features so that you can make an informed choice.
Megapixel count:
The sensor size can significantly influence your image quality, especially in low-light conditions. That said, if you are shooting in low-light situations using a point-and-shoot camera, then consider a large image sensor. If you require a powerful zoom, then we recommend a smaller sensor.
Zoom:
When it comes to clicking images using point and shoots with zoom, it is crucial to narrow down the type of zoom you want to pick. There are two types of zooms, Optical zoom Vs. Digital zoom. The digital zoom gives you a more extended zoom range, but the image quality is compromised. So if zoom lenses are vital for you, then go for the optical zoom feature. You can also find point-and-shoot cameras that offer optical and digital zoom on the same camera.
Image stabilization:
If you click pictures in low light, your camera would automatically opt for a slower shutter speed to get better exposure. Otherwise, the image can have a blurred effect. Your camera uses optical image stabilization and sensor movement to deal with this.
The optical IS helps adjust the lens to compensate for the movement, whereas the sensor movement adjusts the sensor's position to compensate for any shake.
LCD screen:
A premium quality LCD screen is much recommended when choosing the camera because these screens give you a better or more accurate preview of your shot. Not only this, premium quality LCD can give you better color and better visibility in bright light.
Viewfinders:
Optical viewfinders are greatly helpful when composing in bright light when there is a glare on the LCD screen.
Camera modes
Look for the different camera modes in the point-and-shoot camera. These camera modes help the photographers to get the most out of the scene. Also, these modes will recognize a scene and save your time from having to change settings.
Other features
Apart from the features mentioned above, you can look for extra features like face recognition, wireless connectivity, and storage features like memory cards and battery levels.
CONCLUSION
So here are some of the best point and shoot camera under 500. These are great options if you don’t want to mess with a DSLR or not a photographer, but you’d like a camera to play with and capture some good memories.
Even if you are a photographer, a point and shoot is a convenient thing to carry around (without any lens changes required or tripods) to capture photos quickly and easily. And since some of the best quality ones are below the $500 mark, why hesitate? Buy one now!
