Sometimes, it’s nice to just have a bit of fun on the street as you’re exploring the urban landscape. Whether you’re by high-rise buildings, out by the sea or on an overseas trip, a camera is a great addition to sling around you.
But high-quality cameras can get expensive fast. First, you need to purchase the actual camera body. Second, you need to purchase a lens… or two lenses… or three.
That’s why we’re rounding up affordable point-and-shoot cameras you can score for well under $1000, while still taking your aesthetic photos.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.
Instax Fujifilm Mini 12 Instant Camera
The Instax Fujifilm Mini is a cult classic camera as it’s affordable, easy to use and instantly creates a memorable film print as soon as you snap a photo. It comes in white, green, pink and blue. A fantastic birthday gift, and an easy camera to carry around (albeit you’ll need to purchase film).
Instax Fujifilm Wide 400 Instant Camera
If you feel like the Instax Mini is… too mini, then the wide Fujifilm will be for you. The film fits more of life’s moments into the frame, and the camera has a self-timer and a camera stand for the perfect shot. It comes in a green colour and has a user-friendly interface.
PIXPRO FZ55 Friendly Zoom Digital Camera
If you’re not a fan of film and are after a traditional digital camera to subtly pack into your backpack, the Pixpro FZ55 is a small alternative. It features a powerful 16.1 megapixel CCD sensor that offers plenty of room to zoom and crop, and you can film in full 1080p video or use scene modes for capturing the best shot in different environments.
This Canon camera is designed for first-time camera owners looking for a DSLR on a budget. The sensor is 18 megapixels, and you’re able to capture beautiful imagery and view it instantly on the 2.7-inch LCD screen built into the camera. Plus, there’s a feature guide within the camera that helps you understand the camera as you use it, plus a fun range of creative filters to use as you snap your photos.
Ricoh WG-80 Waterproof Shockproof Digital Camera
If you’re someone who adventures to the extreme, you’ll want to carry a rugged, heavy-duty camera with you to snap those shots. The Ricoh WG-80 has a heavy-duty construction that can even shoot underwater down to 14 metres for up to two hours, and comes equipped with a back-illuminated 16-megapixel sensor.
Panasonic LUMIX TZ99 Digital Compact Camera
If you still want a great point-and-shoot camera, but you’re after a portable form factor, the Panasonic LUMIX TZ99 will be a reliable companion for your travels. It features a 20.3 megapixel MOS sensor with an aperture of 2.3 inches. Plus, it has a 30x zoom lens that’ll make snapping high-quality images easy.
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