After publishing this article about the finest cameras under 500$, I’ve received a considerable amount of positive feedback from satisfied photographers. It appears that discovering the most budget-friendly means of capturing memories and enhancing artistic endeavors is a popular subject.
For individuals new to photography, there is a commonly held belief that only an expensive camera is capable of producing great photos. Fortunately, this notion is no longer accurate, as there are several exceptional options available at very reasonable prices.
BEST CAMERAS UNDER $500
| Type | Camera | Price $ | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Mirrorless | Sony a5100 | 400~500 | See |
| Canon Mirrorless | Canon EOS M100 | 400~500 | See |
| Fujifilm Camera | Fujifilm X-T10 | 450~550 | See |
| Panasonic Camera | Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 | 500~600 | See |
| Super Zoom | Nikon COOLPIX P900 | 450~550 | See |
| Overall | Canon EOS Rebel T7 | 400~550 | See |
| Cheapest | Fujifilm S3100 | ~50 | See |
As an experienced photographer, it is essential for me to introduce you to a selection of cameras priced below 500$. I want you to experience the world of photography without the burden of a hefty price tag. While there are plenty of inexpensive cameras suitable for beginners, the cameras listed below are my personal recommendations due to their excellent value for money. They offer the greatest benefit for your investment and will serve you well as your photography skills develop.
Please note that the prices of the recommended products may have fluctuated above $500 since the time of writing. To find the current prices, click on the provided links. Let’s find out with Tipcameras.com.
The Best Cameras Under 500$
I have carefully chosen these top digital cameras under 500$, with the exception of cases where the price includes a lens, slightly exceeding the budget.
The aforementioned cameras all excel in terms of their sturdy construction, image quality, handling, and affordability… often surpassing expectations given their price tag of under $500.
If you’re willing to extend your budget slightly, I suggest you peruse my comprehensive guide to the finest mirrorless cameras for beginners and professionals, as well as the most economical full frame cameras – both explore a range of more expensive cameras that offer additional features.
Although DSLRs and compact cameras still have their merits, investing in one of the latest mirrorless camera systems will ensure the longevity of your purchase. I’ve included a few options below for those on a limited budget.
Sony a5100 with 16-50mm Lens – Best Sony Mirrorless Camera for Beginner
| Features | Specification |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera |
| Sensor | 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor |
| Processor | BIONZ X image processor |
| Lens Mount | Sony E-mount |
| Lens | 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens |
| Image Stabilization | Lens-based Optical SteadyShot |
| Autofocus | Fast Hybrid AF with 179 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 – 30 seconds, bulb mode |
| Burst Mode | Up to 6 frames per second |
| Video | Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps |
| LCD Screen | 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 921,600 dots |
| Wi-Fi | Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image sharing and transfer |
| Battery Life | Up to 400 shots per charge |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches (109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7 mm) |
| Weight | 283 g (10 oz) with battery and memory card |
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
There’s so much to adore about the Sony a5100, which is why it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a mirrorless camera under 500$.
Beginning with my evaluation, I will thoroughly examine the overall picture quality of this camera. The impressive 24.3 megapixel cropped sensor, along with the remarkable BIONZ X image processor, is perfectly equipped to capture high-quality photographs.
The Sony a5100 also offers the convenience of interchangeable lenses on the Sony e-mount. This allows for seamless transition between a wide-angle zoom and a telephoto zoom, enhancing coverage for diverse photography needs.
Furthermore, sharing your stunning images becomes effortless with the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity of this camera.
However, despite these positive attributes, the Sony a5000 + 16-55mm combination might present a better overall choice. I strongly recommend exploring the other cameras featured on this list before finalizing your decision.
Overall, within the budget-friendly range of under $500, the Sony a5100 rightfully claims its title as the best mirrorless camera. Nevertheless, if you seek a more specialized option, it’s worth considering the alternatives.
Canon EOS M100 with 15-45mm Lens – Best Canon Mirrorless Camera
| Features | Specification |
| Sensor | 24.2 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| Lens | EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| AF Points |
49 points |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 6.1 fps |
| Video Recording | Full HD 1080p at 60fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| NFC | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Battery Life | Approximately 295 shots per charge |
| Dimensions | 108.2 x 67.1 x 35.1 mm |
| Weight | 302g (including battery and memory card) |
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
A brief analysis of the specifications reveals that this camera might not possess the same level of technological advancement as our top choice from Sony. However, it is crucial to remember that solely relying on statistics may not always guarantee the ideal camera for your individual preferences and requirements.
Canon’s entry-level mirrorless cameras are equipped with wider lenses, making them a perfect choice for individuals interested in astrophotography or landscape photography.
Additionally, Canon offers distinct color profiles that appeal to many photographers who believe that the image quality provided by Canon cameras surpasses that of their competitors.
Not only does this camera possess exceptional features, but it is also more budget-friendly compared to other models on the market. In fact, it is relatively easy to find this particular model in used or refurbished condition.
For those seeking 4K video capabilities, the M200 is an excellent option. Priced at less than 0 and even cheaper when bought used or refurbished!
If you are wondering about the best Canon camera, check out this informative article: What’s the best Canon camera?
Fujifilm X-T10 – The Finest Fujifilm Camera Under 500$
| Features | Specification |
| Sensor | 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor |
| Processor | EXR Processor II |
| Autofocus | Intelligent Hybrid AF with Phase-detection |
| ISO Range | 200-6400 (expandable to 100-51200) |
| AF Points |
77 points |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 8 fps |
| Video Recording | Full HD 1080p at 60fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch Tilting LCD with 920K dots |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Battery Life | Approximately 350 shots per charge |
| Dimensions | 118.4 x 82.8 x 40.8 mm |
| Weight | 381g (including battery and memory card) |
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
Fujifilm, a renowned brand with a rich history in film photography, offers this budget-friendly mirrorless camera as a gateway into the world of modern digital photography.
The Fujifilm X-T10 presents a variety of film emulation modes, skillfully crafted by Fuji to capture digital photographs that possess the same or akin appearance and impression as their previous film stocks.
You can evaluate the impact of these emulation modes on your shots by utilizing the live preview mode. The tilting rear screen facilitates reviewing those images and framing your shots, removing the need to contort yourself into uncomfortable positions.
Furthermore, the Fujifilm X-T10 is notably more cost-effective compared to some of the other alternatives listed here.
Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 – Best Camera for Landscape and Street Photography, and 4K Video Under $500
| Features | Specification |
| Sensor | 20.1 Megapixel 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Lens | LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 9.1-91mm f/2.8-5.9 ASPH. Lens (25-250mm equivalent) |
| Autofocus | Depth From Defocus (DFD) AF with 49 points |
| ISO Range | 125-12800 (expandable to 80-25600) |
| AF Points |
49 points |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 10 fps |
| Video Recording | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch Touchscreen LCD with 1,040K dots |
| Viewfinder |
0.2-inch 1,166K-dot Electronic Viewfinder |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Battery Life | Approximately 300 shots per charge |
| Dimensions | 111.0 x 64.0 x 44.2 mm |
| Weight | 310g (including battery and memory card) |
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 stands out as one of the pioneering cameras on this list, offering 4K video capabilities and the ability to film at 50 frames per second.
This affordable mirrorless camera is surprisingly equipped with a remarkable array of video and photographic capabilities.
When it comes to the Panasonic LUMIX ZS100, the lens takes center stage.
Crafted by the renowned Leica brand, it boasts a focal length equivalent to 25-250mm.
While other lens options fall within the same range, this lens exceeds expectations in terms of its price point.
Nikon COOLPIX P900 – Super Zoom for Wildlife Photography
| Features | Specification |
| Sensor | 16 Megapixel CMOS Sensor |
| Processor | EXPEED C2 |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) |
| AF Points |
99 points |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 7 fps |
| Video Recording | Full HD 1080p at 60fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch Vari-angle TFT-LCD with 921K dots |
| Viewfinder | Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with 921K dots |
| Lens |
NIKKOR 4.3-357mm f/2.8-6.5 ED VR Lens (24-2000mm equivalent) |
| Optical Zoom | 83x |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Battery Life | Approximately 360 shots per |
| Dimensions | 139.5 x 103.2 x 137.4 mm |
| Weight | 899g (including battery and memory card) |
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
The Nikon COOLPIX P900 is the ideal camera for those whose primary photographic subjects are wildlife and avian species.
This particular camera revolves entirely around its exceptional zoom capability. It boasts an 83x optical zoom, which is truly remarkable for a camera within this price range.
What makes it even more intriguing is its digital zoom feature, which can take you up to a staggering 332x zoom. With this immense level of zoom, you can easily capture up-close shots of even the most elusive birds and wildlife.
Additionally, the Nikon COOLPIX P900 has a “bridge camera” body design, reminiscent of classic DSLR cameras. While this is advantageous for those looking to explore a more professional camera style, it does come with the downside of being heavier compared to some other options available today.
Canon EOS Rebel T7 + 18-55mm Lens – Best Starter DSLR Cameras Under 500$
| Features | Specification |
| Sensor | 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor |
| Processor | DIGIC 4+ |
| Autofocus | 9-point AF system |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) |
| AF Points |
9 points |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 3 fps |
| Video Recording | Full HD 1080p at 30fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch TFT LCD with 920K dots |
| Viewfinder | Pentamirror Viewfinder |
| Lens |
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens |
| Image Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| NFC | No |
| Battery Life | Approximately 500 shots per charge |
| Dimensions | 129.0 x 101.3 x 77.6 mm |
| Weight | 475g (with battery and memory card) |
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 serves as an excellent choice if you are in search of an affordable entry-level DSLR camera.
The battery performance of this budget camera surpasses that of any other camera on the list. With a single charge, you can take up to 500 shots, which is truly impressive.
This is particularly remarkable considering that we’re dealing with a DSLR camera. Despite the prevalence of mirrorless cameras in the industry, DSLRs are still thriving.
Therefore, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is an excellent option for delving into more advanced photography without breaking the bank.
Even high-end DSLRs are becoming more affordable, especially if you’re open to purchasing second-hand equipment.
Additionally, there is a wide range of cost-effective Canon EF lenses available for the Rebel T7.
Conclusion: Best Cameras under 500$
I sincerely hope that this guide has assisted you in finding a high-quality camera without breaking the bank.
While a $500 budget may have previously been insufficient for a decent camera, advancements in technology and a drop in material prices have made it possible for photographers to acquire extraordinary products while still adhering to a tight budget.
Once you have one of the camera bodies from our list, you can opt to use the included kit lens or invest in a lens with a larger aperture (often referred to as a “faster” lens).
Using a faster lens is the most effective method to capture every last detail with your camera.
Furthermore, faster lenses allow you to shoot at lower ISO settings, resulting in cleaner images in low-light conditions, which are typically challenging for cameras within this price range.
Regardless of the camera you choose, as long as you have a lens attached, you are ready to go! Now, grab your camera and start capturing amazing shots!
