With hundreds of new digital cameras being released every year, it can be hard to tell which models are innovating, or just imitating. Get the best camera for your price range.
Budget: Nikon Coolpix S3700
This new-release model has all the best features you will find in a compact camera. If you’re looking for a camera to take great photos of your friends and family, or some simple photos while travelling, this is it.
Noteworthy features include HD video recording at 30 frames per second and the Smart Portrait System, which will ensure nobody ruins a photo with a blink.
The Nikon Coolpix S3700 can also connect with your iOS or Android devices over wifi, allowing you to view images and even use your smart device as a wireless remote shutter, so you don’t have to miss out on being in any photos you take.
Specifications:
- dimensions: 96 x 58 x 20mm
- weight: 118g
- image size: 20.1 megapixels
- zoom: 8 x optical
Price:
Available for $159 at JB HiFi.
Affordable: Nikon D3300
Since the D3000 was released in 2009, Nikon has been on top of the affordable DSLR market, And six years and three models later, it’s still up there.
The new D3300 boasts some features that blur the line between consumer and professional cameras. It has also seen some recent price drops, which makes it a great option if you want complete control over your photographs.
New features include an improved viewfinder, full HD 1080p video recording at 60 frames per second and an improved ‘Easy Panorama Mode’.
If you’re new to photography, or not willing to spend a long time learning to use your camera, this might not be the best fit for you. However, for those that are willing to put in the time and effort will soon see the D3300 as an extension of their own body.
Specifications:
- dimensions: 124 x 98 x 75.5mm
- weight: 460g without lens
- image size: 24.2 megapixels
Price:
Depending on where you look, you can find this camera without a lens for as low as $450 – with the price of a lens included you’ll be looking at the $550 – $650 range.
JB HiFi is currently offering a $50 cashback, bringing the price of the body (without lens) down to $438.
Splurge: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
The ‘S’ in EOS might as well stand for splurge, as this camera will set you back about $3500, without including a lens. You won’t find some difference in the capability between this camera and the Nikon D3300 mentioned above. But if you’ve got the money or you’re a professional photographer, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the Rolls-Royce of DSLRs, with a build quality that isn’t easily matched.
Specifications:
- dimensions: 152 x 117 x 76mm
- weight: 860g without lens
- image size: 22.3 megapixels
Price:
Available for $3495 on JB HiFi (body only).
Honourable mentions
Smartphone: Nokia Lumia 1020
If you don’t think you have the bag space or the budget for a smartphone and a camera, this phone might be worth considering. With a 41 megapixel camera, you won’t find many other smartphones (or digital cameras) that come close to that.
Currently available on a plan with Optus.
Action camera: GoPro HERO3+ Silver
If you’re into any sorts of adventure or extreme travel, an action camera might be perfect for you. The GoPro HERO3+ is the best option in this category. Strap one onto your helmet as you skydive, surf, ski, go scuba diving or anything else you can think of, and you will get up to two hours of crisp full HD 60 frames per second footage. GoPro also sell accessories to mount your device on anything from your fishing rod, guitar or even your dog.
Price: $399
Please note that all prices are correct as of time of publishing 12 March 2015.
