Panasonic LUMIX ZS80

The clip feels great, it sat in my chest pocket for a couple days with no problems, same for pant pocket. I'm very happy with my purchase.

The best camera under $500 that we've tested with a compact fixed-lens design is the Panasonic LUMIX ZS80. This small point-and-shoot camera is highly portable and still feels comfortable and easy to use thanks to its thumb rest, flip-out touchscreen, and intuitive menu system with a guide mode to explain certain settings to new users.

The best small travel camera that we've tested for those on a budget is the Panasonic LUMIX ZS80. While its features are more limited than some of the more premium options on this list, it's a highly portable point-and-shoot that offers a lot of value for its price.

Or the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 with 30 times zoom, but zooms this long have significant trade offs, less contrast, less sharp. Or the Panasonic Lumix zs200 with 15x leica lens. You might want to take a look at micro four/thirds systems like the Panasonic Lumix GX85 or GX9 with a Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 OIS Lens, these are larger but might fit your needs.

All in all, this is one of the best small digital cameras you can get if you're on a tighter budget.

It's what's taking up a lot of room on my shelf 🙂 along with the Cannon T4i with the EFS 24 mm STM lens. I like a prime lens , wide FOV and I can get really close to things, mostly for video. I'm probably going to go with a Panasonic Lumix at some point when I upgrade, mostly for better video and autofocus that actually works..... *(The Lumix capability of really good onboard sound with external XLR shotgun mic and easier better, faster focus and motion stabilized video)*.

It is a little more expensive than your budget but the Lumix line is decent so you might find what you are looking for there. Otherwise I was looking at the Sony a6*** too but decided against it since the only ones with IBIS we're pricey. If you aren't using a gimble or tripod then consider what you can afford with IBIS since that really helps handheld shots. If I had to go back and rebuy a camera though I would get the Fuji XT4.