A digital camera still earns its place beside a phone when you want optical zoom, a body with listed waterproofing, a viewfinder, or interchangeable lenses. This page compares eight digital stills cameras for adults: four Kodak PIXPRO cameras, the tough OM System TG-7 and three Canons, from a pocket zoom to a mirrorless kit and a DSLR kit. Kids, action and instant cameras are different products with their own guides and none appears here; for a print in your hand, start with our instant camera guide.
Best digital camera overall: Kodak PIXPRO FZ55
Best digital camera overall: the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55, because it is the most rated camera here at 4.4 stars from more than 4,300 ratings and the listing describes a slim point and shoot with a 16.1 megapixel sensor, face detection and red eye removal.
The listing describes a powerful 16.1 megapixel sensor, a slim point and shoot design, red eye removal, face detection with auto exposure and a panning shot mode. Its specification table adds a 5x optical zoom, a screen of about 6.9 cm, 1080p Full HD video and about 105 g. It holds 4.4 stars from 4,327 ratings on the black model.
It suits anyone who wants a simple camera for holidays and family events. The honest catch: it is a basic point and shoot with Full HD video rather than a camera with interchangeable lenses, and the listing calls the sensor a CCD in its bullets and CMOS in its table.
Best tough waterproof camera: OM System TG-7
Best tough waterproof camera: the OM System TG-7, because the listing gives a bright f2.0 lens, 4x optical zoom, 15 m waterproofing and a freezeproof, shockproof, dustproof and crushproof build.
The listing describes a bright f2.0 lens with 4x optical zoom, a body that is waterproof to 15 m, freezeproof to minus 10 degrees Celsius, shockproof from 2.1 m, dustproof and crushproof, a colour LCD of about 7.6 cm, 4K movies and 120 fps Full HD. Its specification table gives 12 megapixels, 249 g, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a battery, hand strap and USB cable in the box. It holds 4.4 stars from 1,079 ratings, likely shared across colours.
It suits buyers looking for the listed water, temperature and shock ratings alongside 4K video. The honest catch: it has a 4x optical zoom and costs far more than the FZ55, so weigh those features against your budget. For helmet and surfboard video, see our action camera guide.
Best budget pocket camera: Kodak PIXPRO C1
Best budget pocket camera: the Kodak PIXPRO C1, because it is the lowest priced camera here and the listing describes a 13 megapixel sensor, a swivelling screen and a built in rechargeable battery.
The listing describes a 13 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for crisp, clear and vibrant photos even in low light, a swivelling LCD of about 7.1 cm, an LED flash, a built in rechargeable battery and a body that blends iconic 2000s style with today's technology. Its specification table gives Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and about 115 g. Video specifications conflict: 640p in the table, Full HD in the description. It holds 4.2 stars from 1,495 ratings, likely shared across colours.
It suits a first camera, a teenager or anyone who wants the retro compact look. The honest catch: the title says 4x digital zoom, the bullets 4x optical and the table 1x optical and 4x digital, so check the zoom type before buying.
Best budget waterproof camera: Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2
Best budget waterproof camera: the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2, because the listing gives waterproof, shockproof and dustproof protection with a 4x optical zoom and a 16 megapixel sensor.
The listing describes a waterproof and dustproof body with a 2 m shockproof rating, Wi-Fi, a 4x optical zoom, a 16 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 1080p Full HD video, a 230k LCD of about 6.9 cm, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The description gives underwater use up to 15 m, separate from the shockproof figure. It takes a micro SD card up to 32 GB, not included, and the box holds the battery, a USB cable, an AC adapter and a wrist strap. It holds 4.1 stars from 4,045 ratings, likely shared across colours.
It suits buyers looking for listed waterproofing and a 4x optical zoom. The honest catch: at 4.1 stars it is rated lower than the FZ55, and its screen is a 230k panel against the 1.04 million dots in the TG-7 listing.
Best for long zoom: Kodak PIXPRO AZ528
Best for long zoom: the Kodak PIXPRO AZ528, because the listing gives a 52x optical zoom, a 16 megapixel sensor, a screen of about 7.6 cm and an electronic viewfinder.
The listing describes a 52x optical zoom, a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, wireless control from an iOS or Android smart device, an LCD of about 7.6 cm with an electronic viewfinder, and 1080p Full HD video at 30 fps. Its specification table gives Wi-Fi and about 508 g. It holds 4.2 stars from 705 ratings.
It suits wildlife, sport from the sideline and travel where you cannot get close. The honest catch: it is a bigger bridge style camera than a pocket model, and it records 1080p video only.
Best pocket camera with 40x zoom: Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
Best pocket camera with 40x zoom: the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, because the listing gives a 40x optical zoom with an optical image stabiliser, 4K video and a 20.3 megapixel sensor.
The listing describes a powerful 40x optical zoom with an optical image stabiliser, 4K video and 4K time lapse, built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a 20.3 megapixel CMOS sensor. Its specification table gives a 24 to 960 mm equivalent lens, a tilting screen of about 7.6 cm, about 300 g, and a battery, charger and wrist strap in the box. It holds 4.4 stars from 277 ratings.
It suits travellers who want one pocket camera for wide views and far away detail. The honest catch: it costs more than the Kodak cameras and has a smaller rating sample than the FZ55, with 277 ratings.
Best mirrorless camera to grow into: Canon EOS R50
Best mirrorless camera to grow into: the Canon EOS R50 kit, because the listing gives a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor, automatic shooting modes and 4K video, and the RF-S 18 to 45 mm lens can be swapped later.
The listing describes a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor with multiple automatic shooting modes and Creative Assist, 4K 30p recording or Full HD 120p slow motion, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB connection, and 15 shots per second with a quiet electronic shutter. The kit lens is the RF-S 18 to 45 mm f/4.5 to 6.3 IS STM, and the table gives a screen of about 7.6 cm and 375 g. It is the highest rated camera on this page at 4.5 stars, from 312 ratings.
It suits someone who has outgrown a phone and wants to learn. The honest catch: it costs around four times the Kodak FZ55 and the kit lens is an 18 to 45 mm zoom.
Best entry DSLR kit: Canon EOS 1500D
Best entry DSLR kit: the Canon EOS 1500D, because it is the one DSLR kit on this page, paired with an 18 to 55 mm lens, at 4.4 stars.
The specification table gives a 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a DSLR body with an optical viewfinder, a screen of about 7.6 cm, 1080p Full HD video, Wi-Fi and about 470 g. The lens row and description name an EF-S 18 to 55 mm f/3.5 to 5.6 IS II lens, but the item type row names a III lens kit. The description includes a battery, battery charger and wide strap. It holds 4.4 stars from only 60 ratings so far.
It suits someone who wants an optical viewfinder and Canon EF-S lenses to add later. The honest catch: it has a smaller rating sample than the FZ55, with only 60 ratings, and the listing conflicts on the lens version. Confirm which lens the kit includes before buying.
How to choose a digital camera
The listing specs side by side
Figures come from the listing's bullets, description or specification table. Conflicting figures are shown together so you can identify which details need checking before choosing.
| Camera | Sensor | Optical zoom | Screen | Video | Weight | Tough build |
|---|
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 | 16.1 MP | 5x | about 6.9 cm | 1080p | about 105 g | not stated |
| OM System TG-7 | 12 MP | 4x | about 7.6 cm | 4K | 249 g | waterproof 15 m, shockproof 2.1 m, freezeproof, dustproof, crushproof |
| Kodak PIXPRO C1 | 13 MP | 4x, listing gives both optical and digital | about 7.1 cm, swivels | conflict: 640p table, Full HD description | about 115 g | not stated |
| Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 | 16 MP | 4x | about 6.9 cm | 1080p | about 176 g | waterproof up to 15 m, shockproof 2 m, dustproof |
| Kodak PIXPRO AZ528 | 16 MP | 52x | about 7.6 cm, viewfinder | 1080p | about 508 g | not stated |
| Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | 20.3 MP | 40x | about 7.6 cm, tilts | 4K | about 300 g | not stated |
| Canon EOS R50 kit | 24.2 MP APS-C | 18 to 45 mm lens | about 7.6 cm | 4K 30p | 375 g | not stated |
| Canon EOS 1500D kit | 24.1 MP APS-C | 18 to 55 mm lens, version conflicts | about 7.6 cm, viewfinder | 1080p | about 470 g | not water resistant |
Point and shoot, tough compact, long zoom, mirrorless or DSLR
The FZ55 listing describes a slim point and shoot, while the C1 is named as a compact camera. Tough compacts like the TG-7 and WPZ2 are listed as waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Long zoom cameras like the AZ528 and SX740 HS reach distant subjects. The R50 and 1500D kits have APS-C sensors and lenses you can change. Pick the job first, then the camera; for younger children, our kids camera guide covers a separate range.
Compare optical and digital zoom
Optical zoom moves the lens; digital zoom crops the picture. The listings give 5x optical on the FZ55, 4x on the TG-7 and WPZ2, 40x on the SX740 HS and 52x on the AZ528, and the C1 listing disagrees with itself on which type it has. The Canon kits zoom with their lenses, 18 to 45 mm on the R50 and 18 to 55 mm on the 1500D.
Compare the listed sensor formats
The FZ55, AZ528 and C1 tables give a 1/2.3 type sensor, while the R50 and 1500D listings give APS-C. The R50 pairs its 24.2 megapixel sensor with multiple automatic shooting modes and Creative Assist. The 1500D description pairs its 24.1 megapixel sensor with an optical viewfinder. Choose between those listed features and the dimensions and weight of the compact models.
4K or Full HD video
The TG-7, SX740 HS and R50 listings give 4K video; the FZ55, WPZ2, AZ528 and 1500D record 1080p Full HD. The C1 video specifications conflict: its table gives 640p and its description says Full HD. Check that detail before choosing the C1 for video. The R50 also lists Full HD 120p slow motion, while the TG-7 lists 120 fps Full HD.
Batteries, memory cards and what is in the box
The WPZ2 lists a battery, USB cable, AC adapter and wrist strap in the box, and a micro SD card up to 32 GB that is not included. The SX740 HS table lists a battery, charger and wrist strap, the TG-7 table a battery, hand strap and USB cable, and the C1 has a built in rechargeable battery. The FZ55 and R50 tables say batteries are included. The EOS 1500D description includes a battery pack, battery charger and wide strap. Check the memory card requirements of the camera you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best digital camera in Australia for most people?
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55: the most rated camera on this page at 4.4 stars from more than 4,300 ratings, and the listing describes a slim point and shoot with a 16.1 megapixel sensor, face detection and red eye removal. For a tougher body, the OM System TG-7 holds the same 4.4 stars.
What is the best compact or small digital camera in Australia?
For a true pocket camera the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is the pick: a slim point and shoot by its listing, about 105 g by its table. The Kodak PIXPRO C1 costs less and adds a swivelling screen, and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS packs a 40x optical zoom and 4K video into about 300 g.
What is the best cheap digital camera in Australia, under $200 or under $300?
The Kodak PIXPRO C1 is the lowest priced camera here, so it is the first to check against an under $200 or under $300 budget: a 13 megapixel sensor, a swivelling screen and a built in rechargeable battery. The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is the step up with a 5x optical zoom and more ratings.
What is the best digital camera under $500 in Australia?
The listing price is the one that counts, but the four Kodak cameras are the lower priced half of this page and the OM System TG-7, Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, EOS R50 and EOS 1500D the dearer half. With a ceiling under $500, start with the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55, or the AZ528 for zoom.
Is the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 a good camera?
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is the most rated camera on this page: 4.4 stars from 4,327 ratings. The listing describes a 16.1 megapixel sensor, a slim point and shoot body, face detection and red eye removal, with a 5x optical zoom and Full HD video. It is not a camera for changing lenses or 4K.
Which digital camera is best for photography?
For photography as a hobby, choose a larger sensor and swappable lenses. The Canon EOS R50 kit has a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor, multiple automatic shooting modes and 15 shots per second, and it is the highest rated camera here at 4.5 stars. The Canon EOS 1500D gives the same sensor size in a DSLR body.
Is a DSLR still worth buying?
Yes, for an optical viewfinder and EF-S lenses: the Canon EOS 1500D is the one DSLR here, with a 24.1 megapixel APS-C sensor and an 18 to 55 mm lens. It has only 60 ratings, and the mirrorless Canon EOS R50 is lighter at 375 g, shoots 4K and has five times the ratings, so most beginners should start there.
What is a good digital camera for a teenager?
The Kodak PIXPRO C1 is the pick for a teenager: its listing describes 2000s style with today's technology, a swivelling screen and a built in rechargeable battery, at the lowest price here. For a teenager who wants a waterproof camera, the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is listed as waterproof, shockproof and dustproof. Younger children suit our kids camera guide.
Which digital camera is waterproof?
The OM System TG-7 listing gives 15 m waterproofing plus a freezeproof, shockproof, dustproof and crushproof body, with a bright f2.0 lens and 4K video. The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 description also gives waterproof use up to 15 m; its bullets separately list a 2 m shockproof rating, dustproofing and a 4x optical zoom.
