The need for the most expensive camera for quality photographs is a thing of the past.
Even the majority of smartphones these days even have incredible cameras.
However, for quality photography that exceeds that of a smartphone, a little investment is necessary.
Whilst DSLR and mirrorless cameras undoubtedly capture quality images, point and shoot cameras also achieve impressive results.
Many of the best point and shoot cameras on the market have the capability to capture stunning images.
As technology advances, point and shoot cameras under $500 become even more impressive.
An entry-level offering, point and shoot cameras are great for beginners into photography.
They are also on the more budget-friendly side. This allows anyone to purchase a high quality camera without breaking the bank.
Many of the best point and shoot cameras come in at under $500 making them exceptional value for money.
You can expect to pick up a highly advanced camera with great features for an affordable price.
However, cameras are not one size fits all.
The perfect point and shoot camera for one, may not be the best for all.
I have reviewed five of the best point and shoot cameras for under $500.
Weighing up the pros and cons, I have highlighted the best cameras currently available.
So read on to find your camera from this collection of the best point and shoot cameras for under $500.
Best Point and Shoot Camera for Under $500 – Reviews
If you are looking for a budget-friendly point and shoot camera that doesn’t sacrifice quality, then you have come to the right place.
We have compiled a list of the best point and shoot cameras under $500 so you can get the most bang for your buck.
With these cameras, there is no need to compromise on quality while still staying within your budget.
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS – Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500 Overall
Despite being an older model, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is still a top pick which is a testament to its quality.
It is one of the best cameras available under $500 and is bursting with great features.
The PowerShot SX720 HS has a super impressive 20.2 MP sensor that can take crisp photos with minimal noise.
This lens has an impressive 25x optical zoom allowing you to capture both landscapes and macro shots.
The design of this camera is awesome too.
Well-built for durability, the PowerShot SX720 HS also comes in multiple colors to suit your taste.
Small and lightweight, this camera is very portable.
A great option for travel, it fits neatly into your pocket.
With its 25x zoom and pop-up flash, there is no need to carry accessories making it perfect for shooting on the go.
Zoom Range – Incredible 25x optical zoom offering a focal length of 25-625 mm. This can rival the best of DSLR and mirrorless interchangeable lenses.
Camera Resolution – 20.2 Megapixel sensor which is average for most point and shoot cameras under $500.
Video Capabilities – Shoots up to 1080p Full HD which is great for a compact point and shoot camera.
Image Stabilization – Features Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization technology to minimize shake and create a sharp image.
Low Light Performance – With a native ISO range of 80-3200, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS has great low light performance for a camera of its price and category.
Auto Focus – This camera has great auto focus which continues to work well through most of the zoom range.
Battery Life – Up to 250 shots per single charge.
I found the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS to be an incredible point and shoot camera for under $500.
I really enjoyed using this camera and it was a great travel companion.
The zoom range was excellent and it meant I could leave my trusty DSLR at home.
However, the battery life let me down.
Only taking up to 250 shots per single charge, the battery life was on the low side for me.
But considering how incredible the camera is overall, I can look past a short battery life.
The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS was my favorite camera of all five tested.
“I have to say that I consider the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS to be the best point and shoot camera under $500 on the whole.”
Olympus Tough TG-6 – Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500 for Sport, Adventure and Travel
As the name suggests, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is simply that, tough.
This highly versatile camera is also the most durable I have ever used.
Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof, this camera is designed for difficult conditions and can even withstand extreme temperatures.
Perfect for capturing sport, adventure and travel, this camera can also capture images underwater.
Featuring an anti-fog lens and waterproof up to 50ft, the Tough TG-6 is great for capturing water activity.
Use it for snorkeling, diving or fun in the pool.
Aside from its incredible build, the Tough TG-6 has many other great features.
This camera is also great for macro photography.
Offering 4 macro shooting modes, including an underwater microscope mode, this is a great one for close ups.
Sadly though, this camera only has a 12mp sensor which really knocks its rating down.
But as a camera designed for action, this is remarkably decent.
Zoom Range – 8x optical zoom plus four macro modes. This camera even features an underwater microscope mode.
Camera Resolution – 12 Megapixel sensor. This is considerably lower than the other four cameras tested but decent for an action camera.
Video Capabilities – Captures 1080p up to 120fps which is great for a camera of this category and price point.
Image Stabilization – This camera has great image stabilization. However, image stabilization cannot be used when recording in slow motion.
Low Light Performance – The Tough TG-6 has an ISO range extending to 12800 so you would expect it to be decent. However, the low light performance of this camera is mediocre at best but performs well underwater, even when lighting is challenging.
Auto Focus – Auto focus is speedy but basic and automatically focuses the center of the screen.
Battery Life – Up to 340 shots per single charge. I did find whilst testing that the battery life lasted considerably longer than the manufacturer states.
Although it is not the best image quality of the five cameras, I found the Olympus Tough TG-6 to be great for adventure.
With any camera that offers underwater recording, there is some compromise with quality.
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is not immune to this.
With so many great features that make this camera extraordinary, a little quality can be easily sacrificed.
You can capture imagery in locations and conditions that would be impossible with other cameras.
Even so, I still found the Olympus Tough TG-6 to capture high quality images. There was just a touch more noise than the other four cameras.
“If you require a camera that can handle tough conditions, then the Olympus Tough TG-6 is the one for you.”
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS – Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500 for Beginners
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS is the perfect balance between performance and features.
This makes it stand out from the competition as an excellent point and shoot camera for under $500.
Easy to use and ultra compact, this is a great option for beginners to photography or those on the go.
The camera has a wide range of features without being overly complicated allowing even novice photographers to capture great quality photos.
The ELPH 190 IS has a decent zoom, great image stabilization and excellent auto focus helping you snap crisp and clear photos.
However, when it comes to videography, it only records in 720p.
Whilst this is standard quality amongst a lot of point and shoot cameras, it falls short of the other cameras we have tested.
But if you will be taking more photos than videos, this camera is incredible in the stills department.
Zoom Range – 10x optical zoom. This provides a focal length of 24-240mm capturing great wide-angle and telephoto lens style shots.
Camera Resolution – 20 Megapixel sensor. This is about average for a point and shoot camera.
Video Capabilities – Video is limited to a quality of 720p. This is standard for many point and shoot cameras but falls below the other cameras tested.
Image Stabilization – Great optical image stabilization that performs well.
Low Light Performance – Native ISO range of 100-1600. Whilst there is no manual exposure setting, exposure compensation can be adjusted in Program shooting mode.
Auto Focus – Focuses in approx. 1.4 seconds and achieves great results
Battery Life – Up to 190 shots per single charge. Poor battery life compared to the others tested.
If you are looking for a great lightweight camera or are new to photography, I’d highly recommend the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS.
Easy to use, this camera is perfect for beginners and helps anyone get great quality shots.
The only downfall for me was the poor battery life. If you choose this camera, make sure to carry a few spares.
“For an inexpensive point and shoot camera with great features and high quality, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS is one of the best.”
Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K – Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500 for Zoom Capabilities
The Panasonic LUMIX TZ90 is a great pocket-sized camera that has all the features you need.
30x optical zoom with a flip-up LCD screen makes it perfect for taking everything from macro shots to awesome selfies.
With a broad focal range, this camera is a great all-rounder that is easy to travel with.
This camera is great for all types of users.
Easy to use for beginners with plenty of features for more advanced photographers.
What’s most impressive however, is its 4K recording capabilities.
It is rare for point and shoot cameras under $500 to capture video at such high quality.
If you are going to use your camera for both photo and video, the Panasonic LUMIX TZ90 is an excellent choice.
Zoom Range – 30x optical zoom making it great for macro photography and distant shots.
Camera Resolution – 20.3 megapixels.
Video Capabilities – Impressive 4K recording. This is rare for point and shoot cameras under $500.
Image Stabilization – Excellent image stabilization that also works well at low shutter speeds.
Low Light Performance – Great low light performance with a native ISO range of 100-6400.
Auto Focus – Brilliant auto focus for both photo and video. Features tracking capabilities to keep focus even when the subject is moving.
Battery Life – Up to 380 shots on a single charge.
The Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70 is an incredible point and shoot camera for under $500.
What impressed me most was the 4K video.
At such an affordable price tag, the quality of both video and photo on this camera is great.
Whilst the camera has an impressive zoom range, its widest setting was a slight downfall.
When capturing landscapes, the photos softened and lost definition at the edges.
“On the whole, I found the Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K to be a great camera, particularly if you will be recording video too.”
GoPro HERO10 – Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500 for Photo and Video Quality
As the greatest action cameras on the planet, GoPro HERO has a strong reputation.
Designed for adventure and activity, the GoPro HERO 10 is highly durable and can also record underwater up to 33ft.
Whilst stills are great quality on the GoPro HERO10, it is video that is truly impressive.
The GoPro HERO 10 captures 4K video which is exceptional.
But better yet, the camera can also capture in 5K up to 60fps.
This is remarkable for a point and shoot camera under $500.
The HERO 10 has an incredible selection of modes including TimeWarp and 8x slow-mo.
The camera also boasts an outstanding battery life which outshines the rest of the cameras reviewed.
This camera is pretty incredible, however, it disappoints in terms of low light performance.
The zoom range is also mediocre as it can be somewhat restrictive.
Zoom Range – No optical zoom. The GoPro HERO 10 has three digital lenses to choose from; SuperView, Wide, Linear and Narrow.
Camera Resolution – 23mp photos – the most impressive of all five cameras tested.
Video Capabilities – Records both 4K and 5K video. This is simply outstanding.
Image Stabilization – Advanced HyperSmooth 4.0 video image stabilization. Incredible image stabilization on both photo and video with horizon tracking.
Low Light Performance – Whilst there is a lot to applaud the GoPro HERO 10 for, low light performance sadly isn’t one of them. Video ISO of 100-6400 and photo ISO of 100-3200.
Auto Focus – Fixed focus lens.
Battery Life – Two to three hours of continuous shooting.
I cannot rave about the GoPro HERO 10 enough.
This camera is truly outstanding with video capabilities that will blow you away.
If you primarily shoot video, there is no doubt that this is the camera for you.
“For me, I shoot a lot of stills and whilst the GoPro HERO10 takes high quality photos, I find other point and shoot cameras easier to handle.”
How to Buy the Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500
Point and shoot cameras are easy to find under the $500 price tag. However, just because the price tag is affordable does not mean it should be the camera to buy.
There are many things to consider when choosing a camera.
Every person has a camera that suits them and that camera is different for everyone.
When looking for the best point and shoot camera for under $500, there are many things to consider.
Zoom Range
Point and shoot cameras lack the capacity of switching lenses.
This puts them at the disadvantage of DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
If you don’t have the option to switch out lenses on your camera, make sure to get one with an awesome zoom range.
A camera with higher zoom capabilities provides more options when taking photos or videos, making your work more versatile.
Zooming capabilities make it easy to take photos of distant objects. This is perfect for capturing shots of wildlife, landscape or sporting events.
The higher the magnification, the farther away an object can be and still look clear and sharp.
You don’t have to break the bank to get a great camera with a great zoom range.
Take the Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K for example – it’s available for less than $500 and its zoom range is pretty impressive.
Camera Resolution
Pixels matter when it comes to image quality – the more megapixels you have, the sharper and clearer your photos will be.
If you want to take great pictures, more megapixels on your camera is a must. It’ll give you brighter, crisper and higher-quality photos.
When browsing point and shoot cameras with a price tag of $500 or less, you’d usually find around 20MP worth of image resolution.
All five cameras have roughly the same number of megapixels, like you can see in the review.
The exception of the five reviewed is the Olympus Tough TG-6 which sadly only has a 12MP sensor.
However, a stand out is the GoPro HERO 10 with a great 23mp sensor.
Video Capabilities
If you plan on making videos with your camera, it’s important to make sure it can handle video well.
Do some research before buying a camera to ensure you get one with features that meet your video needs.
Many cameras under $500 record at a maximum of 720p.
Cameras offering higher quality and capturing in Full HD 1080p are becoming more common as camera technology advances.
Cameras that record in 1080p give you awesome quality video considering the camera’s price.
It’s challenging to find a 4K-capable camera for less than $500.
However, GoPro offers incredibly advanced point and shoot cameras that captures 4K and 5K video including the HERO 10.
This camera is seriously impressive for video capabilities for a point and shoot camera under $500.
If you plan to do a lot of video recording, 1080p is the minimum you should be looking at a camera’s capabilities.
But if a point and shoot camera has 4K video recording, it is certainly an exceptional camera.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization helps eradicate camera shake. This helps to keep your photos looking sharp and clear even when things are moving around.
When shopping for a new camera, make sure to get one with image stabilization.
It’s a must-have for picture perfection nowadays.
Thankfully, most cameras now have image stabilization.
If image stabilization is an important factor for you, all five of the cameras reviewed have this great feature.
Low Light Performance
When you’re shooting in different types of locations, it pays to have good low light performance.
Excellent low light performance makes sure your shots come out crystal clear and full of detail even in difficult lighting conditions.
A large ISO range means your camera can handle low-light situations better. Basically, the ISO range determines how sensitive the camera is to light.
If you’ve got a camera with a decent ISO range, it makes taking beautiful shots in bad lighting so much easier.
If you’re looking for an affordable point-and-shoot camera with great low light performance, it can be a difficult process. Most of the cameras within this price range have a maximum ISO of 1600, making it hard to find the right model.
The Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K is a great one to look at for great performance in low light.
Auto Focus
When it comes to taking amazing pictures, auto focus is essential. It’ll help make your shots sharp and clear.
The majority of point and shoot cameras have built-in autofocus.
Auto focus is a great tool for any camera but only if it performs well.
It is important to check that the camera you are looking to buy has great auto focusing.
If your camera also has face and eye tracking, this enhances the performance of the auto focus.
Battery Life
Battery life is a huge factor when it comes to photography.
It’s really annoying when you’re in the middle of filming and your battery all of a sudden dies, leaving you to scramble for another one.
If you’re looking for a camera under $500, make sure to check out the battery life. This could be a deciding factor between choosing one camera over another.
Compact in design, point and shoot cameras do not have the greatest battery life in the camera world.
However, some are certainly impressive for the size and price point.
Of the five cameras I tried out, the GoPro HERO 10 had the longest battery life. This would be my go-to if battery life was a top priority.
Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500 – My Verdict
For me, the overall winner was the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS.
This camera is highly versatile with great still quality and decent video quality.
With an impressive optical zoom, this compact camera allowed me to capture great photos whilst traveling.
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS – Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500 Overall
Although this camera was my favorite of the five, there may be an alternative that better suits your needs.
If I was deciding on video capabilities alone, the winner would no doubt be the GoPro HERO 10.
This camera records in both 4K and 5K which is absolutely phenomenal for a point and shoot camera under $500.
It also has the best battery life of all five cameras I tested ticking yet another box.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner, the simplicity of the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS may be more up your street.
All five reviewed point and shoot cameras under $500 are exceptionally quality. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured that you have purchased a great camera.
