Prime Day 2024: the official dates and the best early camera deals to shop now

Canon EOS R6 Mark II (body) | AU$4,199 AU$3,048 + AU$300 Amazon credit (save AU$1,151)

While it's possible to pick up the 24.2MP EOS R6 II body for around the AU$3,000 mark from some camera retailers, the additional AU$300 Amazon credit this purchase gets you makes it a better offer. That store credit can go towards any other item that's shipped and sold by Amazon AU, so you could save on a lens too. It's a pretty good investment when you can shoot at a blistering 40fps. The savings listed here is only on the list price compared to Canon's official RRP.

Canon EOS R100 + RF-S 18-45mm lens | AU$1,049 AU$749 + AU$100 Amazon credit (save AU$300)

Announced in May 2023, the R100 is Canon's most affordable RF-mount camera and this discount makes it even more so. While it doesn't feature an articulating touchscreen, it's got a lot of other features that are worthwhile for any beginner after a capable entry-level camera. 4K/24p video (cropped), good autofocus performance and an excellent 24.1MP sensor will help you hone your skills. It's been as affordable as AU$743 for the kit, but the additional AU$100 store credit to spend on anything else makes this a really good offer.

Canon EOS R7 + RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens | AU$2,899 AU$2,197 + AU$100 Amazon credit (save AU$702)

The EOS R7 is a lot of camera for its affordable full price, and this 24% discount on the versatile single-lens kit makes it a tempting option for a beginner. High speed RAW capture, the same autofocus prowess of the more expensive R-series cameras, dual SD cards, 4K video and 32.3MP on tap, and that's just for starters. Did we mention the 40fps continuous shooting speed and in-body stabilisation? Plus there's a bonus AU$100 store credit from Amazon that you can spend on something else.

Panasonic Lumix GH6 (body) | AU$3,699 AU$1,699 (save AU$2,000)

Less than half price on what is one of the best hybrid cameras on the market! With this Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera you're able to capture 25.2-megapixel images, along with cine 4K and 4K 4:2:2 video recording. If video is your main focus, but you also like taking imaging, this is the perfect camera for you and it's 54% off! But hurry, stock is extremely low.

Canon EOS 90D (body) | AU$1,969 AU$1,440 (save AU$529)

This feature-packed Canon DSLR is selling for around AU$1,999 at competing retailers, but Amazon has slashed the price by a very generous 27%, which is a better price than what we saw during Prime Day in July last year. That said, this isn't quite the best price we've seen – it was about AU$50 cheaper with a cashback offer in November 2022. Still, this 32MP DSLR is a worthy entry-level consideration at this price.

Nikon D850 (body) | AU$4,043.70 AU$3,457 (save AU$586.70)

It might be getting a little old but this full-frame DSLR is still a stellar camera. Image quality from its 45.7MP sensor is spectacular, with a huge amount of detail. It might feel a little large in the hand for those with small mitts, but it doesn't hit uncomfortable levels at all. We just can't recommend it highly enough, especially when you can get it at a discounted price. Note, though, that this offer is from a third-party seller on Amazon, although shipping is still free.

Canon EOS 200D Mark II + EF 18-55mm kit lens | AU$1,159 AU$907 + AU$100 Amazon credit (save AU$252)

An absolute stunner of a beginner DSLR, this camera was designed to help people start their creative journey. A guided menu is just the start, plus an intuitive interface and physical setup helps. It's also small and light for a DSLR. This really isn't the best deal as it's possible to find it on Amazon for as low as AU$800, but the additional AU$100 store credit helps soften the current discount.

Panasonic Lumix FZ300 | AU$999 AU$631 (save AU$368)

With DSLR-like styling and a fixed lens with 24x optical zoom, this bridge camera can get you closer to the action without you needing to carry additional equipment. There is also some amount of image stabilisation built in for smoother captures. It had dropped to AU$524 back in February 2022, but this is a decent discount, with Amazon undercutting most other Aussie retailers right now.

Canon PowerShot V10 | AU$699 AU$569 + AU$100 Amazon credit (save AU$130)

Smaller than most mobile phones and yet producing some decent images, the PowerShot V10 is a very different kind of camera. It's fun to use and, while it struggles a little in low light, it's a great little companion to keep with you when you're out and about or want to use as a webcam or streaming camera. It even has its own little stand for that! It had dropped to just AU$517 over EOFY, but Amazon's bonus AU$100 store credit makes this 19% discount a lot more palatable.

OM System Tough TG-7 | AU$799 AU$626 (save AU$173)

No longer called Olympus, the latest waterproof and rugged camera in the Tough line comes from the rebranded OM System. And if you're in a need of a new near-indestructible camera, this is the best you can get. Its specs and features aren't much of an upgrade over the TG-6, but since that's no longer being made, this is just as good and discounted by 22% already. Available in Black and Red colourways.

Polaroid Now i-Type | AU$229.95 AU$179.95 (save AU$50)

If you truly want to relive the nostalgia of a polariod – aka an instant print – you're going to want a Polaroid camera. And there's a decent 22% discount on the black version of the Polaroid Now, though it has been a lot cheaper previously. Compatible with 600-type film, you'll get 3.1 x 3.1 inch square prints. An optical viewfinder, built-in flash, self-timer and double exposure functionality rounds up its feature list.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 | AU$119.95 AU$99 (save AU$20)

With better power and lens control, a smaller and slender design, yet simple and easy to use, the Instax Mini 12 is a great buy, even as a gift for a click-happy youngster (at heart). While it has been cheaper – and we think it will drop significantly during the actual Prime Day sale – this is still a decent bargain at under AU$100, especially since all colourways are down to the same price.

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay | AU$239 AU$178 (save AU$61)

A bit more 'mature' looking than the Instax Mini 12, this hybrid instant camera will not only work as one, but will also print out any existing snaps you might have on your phone. It's a printer and camera in one small package! Note that only the Elegant Black and Stone White colourways are discounted to AU$178 – a 26% discount.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM | AU$839 AU$667 (save AU$172)

This prime lens launched alongside the first-ever EOS R camera, but pairs nicely with any other RF-mount body. If you're into architecture, travel and street photography, it's a stunning and affordable prime to add to your Canon kit if you haven't already.

Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S | AU$1,497.69 AU$906 (save AU$591.69)

If you're comfortable purchasing from a third-party reseller on Amazon, this 40% discount on the f/4 Nikon Z 24-70mm standard zoom is a right steal considering all other retailers are currently discounting it to around AU$1,400! While it's a lens from 2019, it's still brilliant for enthusiasts and travel photographers looking for versatility and affordability. 

Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR S | AU$1,403.95 AU$1,218.61 (save AU$185.34)

It's typically cheaper to buy this lens as part of a camera kit, but if you didn't get one with your Z-series shooter, then here's your chance to save a couple of hundred dollars on this versatile lens. It's got quite the focal length range, so it's a handy zoom to have in your kit bag at all times.

Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR | AU$2,636.89 AU$2,497 (save AU$139.89)

Admittedly this isn't a big discount – just 5% off the list price on Amazon – but the lens so versatile and lightweight for a superzoom, that it's hard for us to ignore it. We're hoping this price will drop further come Prime Day in July, but if you've been holding out for this Nikon lens, and the price looks right to you, we'd suggest picking it up now as stocks are usually hard to find.

Lowepro Flipside Trek Bp 350 AW | AU$269 AU$195 (save AU$74)

Currently discounted to the same price at Georges Cameras, this backpack has plenty of space for not just a camera fitted with a lens and 2 extra lenses, but you can also tuck away some clothes and other gear. There's also a pocket that can fit a 10-inch tablet. We have seen this bag drop to about AU$127 previously, so it might be a good idea to hold off buying until Prime Day (Week?) to see if the price will drop further.

Manfrotto 1052BAC compact light stand | AU$250 AU$126.46 (save AU$