As we get closer to Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, photography enthusiasts and budding videographers are in for a delightful surprise as major retailers are offering some significant savings. Check out our top picks below:

Best early Prime Day camera deals: Best body-only camera deal Sony Alpha A6600 $998 at Amazon (save $401.99) Get Deal Best compact camera deal Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85 $599.99 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best instant camera deal Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 $69.95 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal

Navigating through the buzz of Prime Day can be daunting, but those with an interest in photography and a keen eye can strike gold with the right guidance. This year, the deals are both plentiful and impressive, offering substantial savings on top-tier camera brands that cater to a range of budgets and skill levels.

Best body-only camera deal

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Alpha A6600 $998 at Amazon (save $401.99) Get Deal

Why we like it

The Sony a6600, available in a body-only deal, offers notable capabilities like a steadfast Real-Time Tracking focus system, enviable battery longevity, and 4K recording, ensuring powerful performance in various shooting scenarios. Its durable build, underscored by dust and splash protection, makes it a reliable companion for outdoor photography, despite a few drawbacks like a single, slower UHS-I card slot and the omission of an in-camera flash. Nonetheless, especially at a discounted price, the a6600 presents a compelling option, skillfully balancing durability and advanced functionalities in a compact form.

Best compact camera deal

Opens in a new window Credit: Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85 $599.99 at Best Buy (Save $200) Get Deal

Why we like it

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 meshes compact design with high-end features like quick autofocus and a substantial 8.6fps continuous shooting with a large buffer. Despite its petite frame, it hosts an integrated electronic viewfinder, flash, and five-axis image stabilization, ensuring your captures are both sharp and well-illuminated.

Potential buyers should note the slightly cropped 4K video and absence of weather sealing, which might deter outdoor adventurers or perfectionist videographers. Nevertheless, with the discount in play, the GX85 encapsulates a tempting offer, positioning itself as a robust yet affordable entry into premium mirrorless photography.

Best instant camera deal

Opens in a new window Credit: Fujifilm Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 $69.95 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal

Why we like it

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is an affordable entry into instant photography with its user-friendly one-button operation and versatile film compatibility. While it entertains with a selfie mirror and relies conveniently on AA battery power, it sidesteps additional creative pursuits by omitting features like double exposure and a tripod socket. This isn't the best pick for photographers with film experience, but it makes a great, cheap gift for newbies.