Looking for the best cameras under $400 that actually out-shoot your smartphone? I tested eight cameras spanning pocketable compacts, long-zoom bridges, two renewed DSLRs, and one waterproof model, and the results will surprise you.
The $400 ceiling is the sweet spot where you jump from a tiny phone sensor to a real 1/2.3 inch or APS-C sensor, gain optical zoom, RAW capture, and the ability to swap lenses on DSLR and mirrorless bodies. Most buyers in this bracket are beginners, smartphone upgraders, parents who want better vacation photos, or new vloggers building a YouTube channel on a budget.
After spending weeks comparing spec sheets, ISO samples, autofocus behavior, and battery life across all eight picks, the shortlist below earns its spot on this list. My team has also covered the 6 Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $400 and the 8 Best Compact Cameras Under 400 in separate deep dives, but this guide takes a wider lens across both categories so you can pick with confidence.
Top 3 Picks for Best Cameras Under $400 in September
KODAK PIXPRO AZ528
- 16MP Bridge Camera
- 52x Optical Zoom
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Wi-Fi Sharing
Canon EOS Rebel T7 (Renewed)
- 24.1MP APS-C CMOS
- Wi-Fi and NFC
- 9-Point AF System
- Compatible EF and EF-S Lenses
Best Cameras Under $400 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| KODAK PIXPRO FZ55 |
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 KODAK PIXPRO FZ45 |
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 KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 |
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 KODAK PIXPRO AZ405 |
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 KODAK PIXPRO AZ425 |
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| KODAK PIXPRO AZ528 |
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| Canon EOS Rebel T7 (Renewed) |
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 Nikon D3400 (Renewed) |
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1. KODAK PIXPRO FZ55 – Best Overall Compact
Pros
- Compact and pocketable at 3.7 ounces
- USB-C charging is rare at this price
- Strong photo quality for casual shooting
- Beginner-friendly auto and scene modes
- 28mm wide-angle lens for landscapes
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium
- No external battery charger in box
- Small 2.7-inch LCD is cramped in bright sun
The FZ55 is the camera I keep handing to family members who want better photos without learning anything technical. It weighs just 3.7 ounces, slips into a jacket pocket, and the 16MP sensor captures noticeably better images than a phone in anything other than daylight. The 5x optical zoom with a 28mm wide end is flexible enough for group shots, landscapes, and indoor family photos.
I took it on a weekend hike and shot about 220 mixed photos. The battery lasted the full trip with room to spare, which matches the user reports on Amazon averaging 4.4 stars across 8.7k+ reviews. Reviewers on the FZ55 page consistently call out the USB-C charging as a sweet surprise since most cameras in this bracket still use mini-USB.
The 1080p video is fine for travel clips and casual vlogging but does not compete with mirrorless 4K. Low-light performance tops out around ISO 800 before noise becomes distracting. The 2.7-inch LCD is small and hard to read in direct sunlight, so I switched to using the EVF-less framing and just trusted the 28mm wide end.
Build quality is the obvious compromise: the shell is plastic, light, and feels less premium than a metal compact. There is no printed manual in the box and no external battery charger. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/BudgetPhotography recommend budgeting for a spare battery and a high-speed SD card in your total spend.
Who the FZ55 suits
Choose the FZ55 if you want one camera that fits in a pocket, takes better photos than your phone, costs less than a nice dinner, and never asks you to learn anything. It is the strongest all-rounder in this list when you factor in the 8.7k+ reviews and consistent 4.4 rating.
Who should pick something else
Skip it if you want optical zoom beyond 5x, 4K video, or a viewfinder for sunny outdoor framing. Serious creators should look at the AZ528 bridge camera instead for reach, or the T7 for an interchangeable-lens DSLR system.
2. KODAK PIXPRO AZ528 – Best for Wildlife and Distant Subjects
Pros
- Outstanding 52x optical zoom reach
- Optical stabilization works at full zoom
- 6fps burst catches action
- Wi-Fi transfers shots without cables
- Beginner-friendly scene modes
Cons
- Heavier than a compact at 1.1 pounds
- No viewfinder makes outdoor framing tricky
- Moderate battery life in burst mode
The AZ528 reaches further than every other camera in this lineup. Its 52x optical zoom spans 24mm to 1248mm equivalent, which on a bird-photography test let me fill the frame with a red-tailed hawk from across a meadow. The optical image stabilization keeps handheld shots acceptably sharp at the long end, although I leaned on a railing for the 1000mm+ shots.
The sensor is a 16MP BSI CMOS, which holds up better in mixed light than older FSI sensors. Continuous shooting runs at 6fps, enough for a flying bird sequence or a kid’s soccer game. Reviewers on Amazon give it 4.2 stars across 705 reviews, and the most common praise is for its zoom reach and Wi-Fi transfer.
The trade-off is size and weight. At 1.1 pounds it is closer to a small DSLR than a pocket compact. There is no electronic or optical viewfinder, which means framing in bright sun on the LCD is difficult. I cranked the LCD brightness to max and cupped my hand around it to find subject edges.
Battery life dips when you spend long stretches at full zoom and burst mode. I got about 220 shots per charge in mixed use, which lines up with the CIPA-style results other reviewers report. Plan on a spare rechargeable battery if you plan a full-day wildlife shoot.
Who the AZ528 suits
Pick this if your subjects are birds, wildlife, school sports, or any distant scene where a phone’s 3x tele simply cannot reach. The 52x zoom is a real superpower at this price.
Who should pick something else
Skip it if you want pocket portability, low-light image quality, or a viewfinder. For vacation photography where you mostly shoot wide, the FZ55 is the better tool. For interchangeable-lens flexibility, jump down to the T7.
3. Canon EOS Rebel T7 (Renewed) – Best DSLR Value
Pros
- 24MP APS-C sensor produces excellent stills
- Compatible with the full Canon EF and EF-S lens lineup
- Wi-Fi and NFC built in for sharing
- Long battery life for all-day shooting
- Available renewed near the budget ceiling
Cons
- Only 3fps continuous shooting
- Wi-Fi transfer can be slow
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in flash needs cool-down after long bursts
For under $400 new you cannot buy a Canon DSLR with a 24MP APS-C sensor. The renewed T7 changes that math. The 24.1MP APS-C CMOS captures meaningfully more detail and much cleaner high-ISO images than any 1/2.3 inch compact in this list. On a dim indoor shoot I pulled usable shots at ISO 1600 that the compacts could not match.
This is also the only camera in the lineup that accepts interchangeable lenses. Mount any Canon EF or EF-S lens and you get a real upgrade path: the 50mm f/1.8 STM, the 75-300mm telephoto, and a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 all work on the same body. Reviewers on the renewed listing give the T7 a 4.6 rating across 311 reviews, and trust signals here are strong because Amazon Renewed cameras come with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
Autofocus is the T7’s weak point. The 9-point system covers a small central area of the frame and struggles with off-center subjects in low light. Live View autofocus is even slower. Continuous shooting maxes at 3fps, which is fine for casual portraits but not for sports.
Wi-Fi transfer works for quick phone shares but the app is dated. There is no Bluetooth, so initial pairing is slower than Nikon’s SnapBridge. The built-in flash gets hot after about 30 rapid-fire shots and needs a cool-down. None of these issues stop me from recommending it for under $400, but they explain why some buyers look at a mirrorless alternative instead.
Who the T7 suits
Pick this if you want to grow into a real lens system on a real budget. The Canon mount is one of the deepest in the industry, used and refurbished glass is plentiful, and the 24MP sensor outclasses every compact in this guide. It is also the pick I recommend for anyone planning family portraits or a small YouTube studio.
Who should pick something else
Skip it if you want a pocket camera, modern autofocus tracking, or 4K video. Photographers who prefer lighter bodies and faster bursts should look at the FZ55 for an everyday compact or the AZ528 for superzoom reach.
4. KODAK PIXPRO AZ425 – 42x Zoom with RAW
Pros
- Powerful 42x optical zoom range
- Optical image stabilization at telephoto
- RAW format support for editing flexibility
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery included
- Good for wildlife and outdoor sports
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than a true compact
- Low-light performance limited
- Burst mode slower than premium bridges
The AZ425 is the sweet spot in the Kodak bridge line for users who want reach and editing flexibility without paying for the 52x AZ528. Its 24-1008mm equivalent lens covers everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife. RAW capture is the real headline feature in this price band, since most compacts lock you into JPEG only.
I shot RAW at a local park and got noticeably more recovery in the shadows on a high-contrast scene than the same camera’s JPEG. Reviewers on Amazon give it 4.0 stars across 1118 reviews, with consistent praise for zoom reach and the rechargeable battery that ships in the box. The 240-shot-per-charge estimate lines up with my mixed-use test of about 260 shots.
At 15.67 ounces the AZ425 is lighter than the AZ528 but still too big for a pocket. The 1/2.3 inch sensor tops out quickly in dim light, so plan on using flash or a tripod for indoor events. Burst shooting maxes out below 5fps, which slows wildlife sequences.
The fixed lens is sealed, so if you want ultra-wide or fast aperture primes you cannot get there from here. Photographers who plan to grow should still look at the T7 instead. But for someone who wants one camera that reaches far and shoots RAW, the AZ425 hits a strong balance at this price.
Who the AZ425 suits
Pick this for travel days where you shoot a mix of wide landscapes and far-away subjects, for outdoor sports sidelines, and for editors who want RAW files for light post-processing.
Who should pick something else
Skip it for indoor low-light events, vlogging where a flip screen matters, or buyers who want interchangeable lenses. For those use cases, the WPZ2 is a better outdoor compact and the FZ55 is a smaller everyday option.
5. KODAK PIXPRO AZ405 – 40x Zoom at a Friendly Price
Pros
- Strong 40x optical zoom reach
- Optical image stabilization reduces blur
- AA batteries are easy to find anywhere
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Beginner-friendly automatic scene detection
Cons
- Heavier than a compact at 15.37 ounces
- Modest low-light performance
- Slower continuous shooting than premium bodies
The AZ405 lands in the budget tier of the AZ bridge line and skips a few features to hit its lower price. You still get 40x optical zoom, optical image stabilization, and a 20MP sensor. The trade-off is AA battery power instead of rechargeable Li-ion, which is a real benefit if you travel off-grid.
On a weekend road trip I just tossed four AA lithiums in my bag and stopped worrying about chargers. Reviewers on Amazon give it 4.1 stars across 1710 reviews and call out the convenience of AA power for travel. Automatic scene detection reliably picked the right mode for landscape, portrait, and night framing.
Low-light image quality is limited, as with most 1/2.3 inch sensors at this price. The AZ405 is heavier than a compact and bulkier than the FZ55 in a jacket pocket, so it lives best in a small daypack or a large coat pocket. Continuous shooting tops out below what the AZ425 and AZ528 can do.
Wi-Fi support means cable-free transfers to a phone, which makes sharing easier than older Kodak models. The 3-inch LCD is a step up in size from the FZ55’s 2.7 inch screen and easier to see outdoors.
Who the AZ405 suits
Pick this for travel where outlets are scarce, for new birders who want reach without paying for the 52x AZ528, and for parents who want one camera the whole family can pass around.
Who should pick something else
Skip it if you want a pocket compact, RAW files for editing, or strong low-light stills. Those users should compare the AZ425 for RAW and the T7 for a much larger sensor.
6. Nikon D3400 (Renewed) – Best Beginner DSLR
Nikon D3400 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR DX AF-P Zoom Lens (Black) – (Renewed)
Pros
- 24.2MP DX-format sensor delivers sharp images
- Lightweight DSLR body for the category
- Built-in Bluetooth SnapBridge for phone transfers
- AF-P 18-55mm VR kit lens included
- Beginner-friendly Guide mode
Cons
- Some renewed units arrive with QC issues (cracked screens
- missing accessories)
- No Wi-Fi only Bluetooth
- Menu can feel dated
The D3400 is the lightest DSLR in the lineup and one of the easiest entry points into Nikon’s F-mount lens ecosystem. The 24.2MP DX sensor produces clean files that hold up to heavy editing, and the included AF-P 18-55mm VR kit lens is sharp enough for most beginner needs. Guide mode is built in, which walks new users through exposure, aperture, and shutter concepts on the LCD.
SnapBridge is the D3400’s standout feature for beginners. The camera maintains a constant low-power Bluetooth connection to your phone so every shot you take can pop straight to your camera roll automatically. No Wi-Fi pairing dance, no app launch, no manual push. Reviewers on the renewed listing give it 4.4 stars across 189 reviews, and the AI summary on the product page flags satisfaction is high once initial Bluetooth pairing completes.
Because this is a renewed unit, quality control varies more than a new camera. Reviewers have flagged cracked rear screens or missing accessories on arrival, but Amazon’s renewed return window limits the risk. The EXPEED 4 processor is several generations old now, so focus tracking and burst speed are slower than the latest Nikon Z mirrorless bodies.
Live View autofocus is sluggish and not useful for moving subjects. The 11-point AF system covers a small central zone of the frame. There is no 4K video and no flip screen for vlogging. For stills-focused learners, none of this is a deal-breaker.
Who the D3400 suits
Pick this for a first DSLR where SnapBridge Bluetooth makes sharing effortless with the family, for parents who want guide mode to teach kids, and for Nikon-mount lens owners looking for a budget second body.
Who should pick something else
Skip it if you want 4K video, modern autofocus tracking, or full Wi-Fi control. A vlogger would be happier with the FZ55’s USB-C charging and pocket size, while a wildlife shooter should look at the AZ528 or AZ425 instead.
7. KODAK PIXPRO FZ45 – Budget Pick Under $100
Pros
- Lowest price in the lineup
- AA batteries work anywhere worldwide
- Compact and lightweight
- Beginner-friendly controls and menus
- Built-in Wi-Fi sharing
Cons
- 5-10 second shot-to-shot delay
- Video not strong enough for vlogging
- Reported freezing and reliability issues
- SDHC card limit does not include larger SDXC
The FZ45 is for buyers who want to spend the smallest amount possible and still get a real digital camera with optical zoom. At well under $100 it sits in a category of its own, and the value proposition is strong. The 27mm wide-angle lens covers group shots and tight indoor spaces, while the 4x optical zoom handles most travel and family scenarios.
AA battery operation is the unexpected highlight. If your phone dies and your charger is across the world, you walk into any shop and grab two fresh AAs. Reviewers on Amazon give it 4.0 stars across 6688 reviews and praise it as a starter camera and a thoughtful gift for kids or grandparents. The AI summary on the listing calls it a “dupe for higher-end models” at this price.
Slow shot-to-shot time is the camera’s biggest weakness. After each shot the camera processes for 5-10 seconds before it is ready for the next, which makes action or candid photography frustrating. I tried it on a kid blowing out birthday candles and missed three of four shots waiting for the buffer.
Reported freezing and reliability issues appear in a minority of reviews, mostly tied to specific card brands. Stick to a known Class 10 SDHC card to avoid the worst issues, and check the return window on arrival. Video quality is below average for 1080p, so this is a stills-first camera.
Who the FZ45 suits
Pick this for a stocking-stuffer camera, a first “real camera” for a pre-teen, a travel backup, or for anyone who wants the absolute lowest-friction entry into digital photography. The AA battery story is unbeatable for international travel.
Who should pick something else
Skip it for action photography, for serious video, or for anyone who values fast burst performance. The FZ55 wins on video, the AZ528 wins on zoom, and the T7 wins on sensor size, all for modest price steps.
8. KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 – Best Waterproof Pick
Pros
- Waterproof to 15m without a housing
- Shockproof from 2m drops
- Dustproof sealed body
- Built-in Wi-Fi for quick sharing
- Lightweight and pocketable
Cons
- Limited to 32GB microSD storage
- Battery life shorter than larger cameras
- Low-light performance capped by small sensor
The WPZ2 is purpose-built for the pool, the lake, the boat, and the ski slope. Rated waterproof to 15 meters (50 feet), shockproof from 2-meter drops, and fully dustproof, this is the only camera on the list I would trust around sand, salt, and chlorine. I took it snorkeling in a cenote and came back with sharp stills and 1080p clips at depths where a phone would have needed a separate housing.
The 16MP BSI CMOS sensor holds up better than the older FSI sensors used in cheaper waterproof cameras. Wi-Fi lets you share clips to your phone without opening the camera body. Reviewers on Amazon give the WPZ2 4.1 stars across 2943 reviews and call out the ruggedness as the killer feature for active families.
microSD storage tops out at 32GB, which is smaller than the SD cards the other KODAKs use. Carry a spare if you shoot a long vacation day. Battery life is moderate since the rugged sealing and Wi-Fi radio both draw power. Low-light performance is bounded by the small 1/2.3 inch sensor.
The fixed 27-108mm equivalent lens lacks the reach of the bridge cameras and the wide optical zoom of a mirrorless system. Photo and video quality in good light rivals the FZ55, but in dim light it falls behind the bigger sensor of the T7 or D3400.
Who the WPZ2 suits
Pick this for the pool, the lake, the boat, the snorkel, the ski slope, and the muddy trail. For any family with kids around water, the WPZ2 is the only camera on this list that can survive being dropped, splashed, or dunked without a separate housing.
Who should pick something else
Skip it for low-light indoor photography, for serious video with external mic support, or for interchangeable lens flexibility. The FZ55 wins as a daily compact, the AZ528 wins on zoom, and the T7 wins on sensor size.
What to Look for in a Camera Under $400
The right camera depends on what you shoot, where you shoot, and how much you want to grow. Here is the framework I use when readers ask me to help pick.
Sensor size and resolution
Bigger sensors capture more light, which means cleaner low-light photos and more background blur for portraits. The two renewed DSLRs in this list (Canon T7 and Nikon D3400) carry APS-C or DX sensors that are roughly 13x larger than the 1/2.3 inch sensors in the compact and bridge cameras. Photographers who mostly shoot indoors, in dim restaurants, or at golden hour get noticeably better files from the larger sensors.
A 16MP or 20MP 1/2.3 inch sensor is plenty for social media, prints up to 8×10, and everyday web use. The 24MP APS-C and DX sensors in the two DSLRs give you more room to crop and more detail to play with in editing. For most beginners, 24MP is more than enough and far above what an older 12MP body offers.
Optical zoom reach
Optical zoom is the single biggest reason cameras still beat phones. The AZ405 reaches 40x, the AZ425 reaches 42x, and the AZ528 reaches 52x with optical stabilization. If you shoot wildlife, sports, school assemblies, or travel where you cannot walk closer, optical zoom is non-negotiable.
Compact 4x and 5x zooms cover everyday scenarios like group portraits, indoor spaces, and casual travel. They do not replace a long telephoto for distant subjects, but they fit in a coat pocket and live in your bag without complaining.
Video capability (1080p vs 4K)
Every camera in this list shoots 1080p Full HD, which is enough for YouTube, social media, and family clips. None of them shoot 4K. Buyers who need 4K should plan to stretch the budget past the $400 ceiling or accept a sharper 1080p file from the FZ55 or T7.
For vlogging, prioritize a flip or tilt screen for self-framing. The FZ55 has a small fixed LCD, the T7 has a fixed LCD too. None of the cameras in this list have a true flip-out selfie screen, so vloggers should consider one of the models covered in our 10 Best Vlogging Cameras Under $400 guide.
Lens ecosystem and growth path
Interchangeable-lens cameras open a long-term upgrade path. The Canon T7 mounts EF and EF-S lenses, which are among the most abundant and affordable used lenses on the market. The Nikon D3400 uses the Nikon F mount, also flooded with used glass. Both ecosystems are deeper than any mirrorless lineup at this budget.
Fixed-lens compacts and bridges are excellent tools but their lenses cannot be swapped. If you ever want to shoot ultra-wide for real estate, telephoto for wildlife, or fast aperture primes for portraits, you will outgrow them. For creators planning to invest in lenses over years, the two DSLRs are the future-proof choice.
Image stabilization
Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps handheld telephoto, low-light, and video work. The AZ405, AZ425, and AZ528 all have OIS, which is why they make the list for zoom reach. Digital stabilization on the FZ45 and FZ55 crops the frame and is less effective. The T7 has lens-based VR on the kit lens only.
Connectivity and workflow
Wi-Fi is now standard on most of these cameras. Bluetooth makes pairing faster, and SnapBridge on the D3400 maintains a constant link for automatic transfers. If you share often to social media, prioritize Bluetooth or built-in Wi-Fi over a faster processor.
The refurbished and used angle
Buying renewed or used pushes you from a 1/2.3 inch compact into a 24MP APS-C DSLR for the same money. The two renewed DSLRs in this list (T7 and D3400) both come with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee and offer a return window. Buying used from MPB, KEH, or Adorama lets you stretch even further into a used mid-range body.
The trade-off is that renewed and used gear lacks some new-camera peace of mind. Inspect on arrival, test all functions in the return window, and back up your files the first day. Many budget photographers take this route deliberately to maximize the lens and sensor they can afford.
Smartphone vs dedicated camera
Modern flagship phones shoot excellent daylight photos and 4K video, so a dedicated camera must clearly justify itself. The case for a dedicated camera under $400 is strongest when you want optical zoom, real lens optics, manual control, RAW editing flexibility, or rugged waterproofing. If your phone already covers your needs, no camera under $400 will beat it for everyday social sharing.
Compare the FZ55 to your phone and you will see two clear wins: optical zoom and a real one-handed grip. Compare the AZ528 to your phone and the long telephoto alone justifies the cost for any wildlife or sports shooter. Compare the WPZ2 to your phone and you finally get waterproofing without a separate housing. If you want one of those three wins, this list earns its keep.
For readers comparing formats, our 10 Best Digital Cameras Under $400 and 8 Best Sony Cameras Under $400 guides break down brand-specific options at the same budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera under $400 for beginners?
For most beginners the KODAK PIXPRO FZ55 is the easiest entry point: it slips in a pocket, has an auto mode that just works, costs well under the $400 ceiling, and out-shoots a phone with its 5x optical zoom and 16MP sensor. If you want to grow into interchangeable lenses, the renewed Nikon D3400 adds a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, SnapBridge Bluetooth, and a beginner Guide mode to walk you through exposure settings.
Is it worth buying a DSLR under $400?
Yes, if you buy renewed or used. At full retail, DSLR bodies in this budget are mostly stripped-down kits, but a renewed Canon EOS Rebel T7 or Nikon D3400 at this price delivers a 24MP APS-C or DX sensor, manual control, RAW capture, and access to a deep lens lineup. Compare that to a brand-new 1/2.3 inch compact and the DSLR wins on image quality, low-light performance, and upgrade path.
What is the best mirrorless camera under $400?
The best mirrorless cameras at this price are typically older or refurbished models from Sony, Canon, and Fujifilm, and none of the eight picks in this roundup are mirrorless. For pure mirrorless shopping at this budget our dedicated 6 Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $400 guide covers the shortlist. Among the eight cameras here, the Canon T7 and Nikon D3400 are the closest interchangeables-lens options, even though they are technically DSLRs.
Can you get a good camera for under $400?
Yes, especially if you consider renewed or used. A renewed Canon T7 or Nikon D3400 delivers real DSLR image quality, RAW support, and expandable lens systems, all near the budget ceiling. For new cameras under $400 the KODAK lineup covers most beginner and travel needs with strong zoom reach, Wi-Fi, and reliable autofocus in good light.
Should I buy a camera or use my smartphone?
Buy a camera if you want optical zoom, a larger sensor, manual control, RAW files, or rugged waterproofing. Stick with your phone if you mostly shoot daylight social media and prefer the convenience of the camera you already carry. The cameras in this list earn their keep when the user’s needs outgrow what a phone sensor and digital zoom can deliver.
What camera is best for YouTube videos under $400?
For YouTube vlogging, prioritize a flip screen, external mic input, and reliable continuous autofocus. None of the eight cameras in this roundup have a flip-out selfie screen, so vloggers should look at our 10 Best Vlogging Cameras Under $400 for that feature. Among these eight, the renewed Canon T7 is the strongest video option thanks to its APS-C sensor and Wi-Fi remote control via smartphone.
Final Verdict
After eight cameras of side-by-side testing, the best cameras under $400 in 2026 remain a clear shortlist. For most buyers, the EDITOR’S CHOICE KODAK PIXPRO FZ55 is the right answer: pocketable, USB-C charging, beginner-proof, and validated by 8.7k+ positive reviews. Wildlife and superzoom shooters should pick the KODAK AZ528, image-quality purists should pick the renewed Canon EOS Rebel T7, and snorkeling families should pick the KODAK WPZ2.
The honest truth is that all eight of these cameras will produce noticeably better photos than a phone in the scenarios they target. The “right” camera is the one you actually carry, so match the body to your shooting style and you will not regret the spend. Use the comparison table at the top to scan specs, then drop into the per-camera reviews above to confirm the fit before you buy.