10 Best Cameras under $500 in March 2024

By Tati Taylor 15 days ago, Cameras & Lenses

Looking for a camera under 500 dollars with good characteristics and nice image quality?

Buying a camera under $500 doesn’t mean that it is an option for beginner. For professional photographers, a $500 camera can still pack a punch. It can handle the demands of your job, help you build a stunning portfolio, and attract clients.

Whether you prefer a DSLR or mirrorless model, there are options available within this budget range that offer advanced features like 4K video recording and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Top 10 Cameras under $500 to Choose From

Cameras offer much bigger and brighter screens compared to cell phones. They come equipped with an electronic viewfinder that shields your eyes from sunlight and provides an incredibly accurate preview of your final image.

With $500, you can easily get your hands on a good entry-level mirrorless or DSLR camera. The choice between the two depends on your demands and goals. Such type as mirrorless camera is known for its compact size and versatility, while DSLRs offer a larger zoom range and a more traditional photography experience.

Canon EOS R100
canon eos r100 camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
fujifilm instax mini 40 camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON
GoPro HERO10
gopro hero10 camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON
Panasonic Lumix FZ300
panasonic lumix fz300 camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON
DJI Pocket 2
dji pocket 2 camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON
Insta360 ONE RS
insta360 one rs camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON
Canon EOS 4000D
canon eos 4000d (rebel t100) camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON
Canon EOS Rebel T7
canon eos rebel t7 camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON
Olympus Tough TG-6
olympus tough tg-6 camera under 500
VIEW ON AMAZON

1. Canon EOS R100 – Our Choice

The best camera under 500 dollars
canon eos r100 camera under 500

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C size sensor | Resolution: 24MP | Max continuous shooting speed: 6.5 frames per second

  • ✚ Excellent image quality
  • ✚ Quiet and stable shutter
  • ✚ Compatible with a wide range of lenses
  • ✚ User-friendly menu system
  • Lacks fully articulating touchscreen
  • No built-in in-body image stabilization

Canon EOS R100 is among the best cameras under 500 dollars, which features a fixed 2.36 million dot OLED EVF, which gives you a clear and vibrant viewfinder experience. The 24-megapixel APS-C sensor captures excellent colors and high dynamic range, ensuring your images turn out stunning.

canon eos r100 camera under 500 lifestyle

Photo by Canon EOS R100

On the video side, the R100 offers 4K recording at 24p and Full HD recording at up to 60p, giving you the flexibility to capture high-quality footage. The advanced Face Tracking feature of this best camera under $500 keeps your subject's eyes in focus when using autofocus, resulting in impressive video quality.

Plus, this cheapest 4K camera supports continuous shooting up to 6.5 frames per second, which is great for capturing fast-paced moments.

2. Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

Super cheap model
fujifilm instax mini 40 camera under 500

Type: Instant | Sensor: - | Resolution: 12 lines per millimeter | Max continuous shooting speed: 40 fps

  • ✚ Eye-catching retro design
  • ✚ Easy to handle
  • ✚ Cheap film packs
  • ✚ Fully automated features
  • No flash override
  • Plastic body is not durable enough

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is the best digital camera under 200 dollars that stands out among other models on the list thanks to its unique retro design and a set of automated options.

This camera under 500 bucks automatically selects the right exposure and shutter speed ranging from 1/2 to 1/250 seconds. The Mini 40 is fitted with a lens with an aperture of f/12.7 and has a focal length equivalent to 60mm, which makes it a perfect option for portraits and general use.

fujifilm instax mini 40 camera under 500 lifestyle

In addition, this Fujifilm camera also has a one-touch selfie option that allows it to focus at the length of 30-50 cm when you are holding it in your hand. The lens comes with a tiny mirror element that makes it easier for you to fit everything in the frame.

3. GoPro HERO10

For shooting moving activities
gopro hero10 camera under 500

Type: Action | Sensor: CMOS 1/2,3″ 23,6MP | Resolution: 23MP | Max continuous shooting speed: 120 fps

  • ✚ Fast UI
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ High frame rates
  • ✚ Hydrophobic lens coating
  • Less compact than earlier models
  • Incompatible with older batteries

GoPro HERO10 is one of the best digital cameras under 500 dollars which supports higher output quality than the previous action cameras under $100. This camera under 500 is fitted with a new G2 processor and a read touchscreen. It has a higher FPS rate and comes with impressive image stabilization capabilities, which makes it similar to other popular action cams.

gopro hero10 camera under 500 lifestyle

Photo by GoPro HERO10

The key advantage of this camera is that it allows you to record 5.3K 60p footage thanks to the support of the new video stabilization technology GoPro HyperSmooth 4.0. With it, you can take 23MP photos. Besides, it fares much better than other GoPro cameras when you need to take photos in poor light conditions. You can also use a range of GoPro accessories to make it even more convenient to use.

4. Panasonic Lumix FZ300

For Insta bloggers
panasonic lumix fz300 camera under 500

Type: Point and shoot | Sensor: BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) | Resolution: 12.1 MP | Max continuous shooting speed: 60 fps

  • ✚ Great grip
  • ✚ Amazing zoom range
  • ✚ Touchscreen LCD
  • ✚ 4K video format
  • Rather small sensor
  • Restricted angles due to a fixed lens

Shooters will be impressed with how Panasonic handles autofocus, taking bright and sharp pictures. It is the best point and shoot camera under 500 dollars with a 2.8 aperture across all areas of the spectrum for shooting indoors. Moreover, the Lumix FZ300 has a weather-resistant body that is awesome for travel photography.

panasonic lumix fz300 camera under 500 lifestyle

An integrated Wi-Fi module allows you to control the gadget remotely with your mobile phone. It is certainly a good camera for Instagram that is fairly convenient while also providing top-rank images. The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is a stylish device with quick response and excellent results.

5. DJI Pocket 2

Great for vlogging
dji pocket 2 camera under 500

Type: Portable gimbal camera | Sensor: 1/1.7'' CMOS sensor | Resolution: 64 MP | Max continuous shooting speed: 26.7 fps

  • ✚ Compact and portable design
  • ✚ Capable of tracking moving subjects
  • ✚ Improved autofocus system
  • ✚ Gimbal modes
  • Limited battery life
  • Can lose focus on faces in busy scenes

DJI Pocket 2 camera under $500 has a 64MP photo resolution, a higher maximum zoom, and a wider ISO range compared to its predecessor. The 3-axis gimbal is excellent at handling walks, wobbles, and even heavy steps, making it perfect for action shots. Plus, the improved audio capture and 93-degree field of view enhance its capabilities even further.

dji pocket 2 camera under 500 lifestyle

Photo by DJI Pocket 2

The Pocket 2 has a compact and rugged body that fits comfortably in your hand. It comes with an integrated cooling system to keep it cool and a rechargeable battery that provides up to 140 minutes of recording time.

You'll also find a micro SD slot and an HDMI output port for easy streaming to a TV or projector, which makes it a good camera for amateur photographer.

6. Insta360 ONE RS

Waterproof design
insta360 one rs camera under 500

Type: Action | Sensor: 1" CMOS (Leica) | Resolution: 21 MP | Max continuous shooting speed: 25 fps

  • ✚ Top-level stabilization
  • ✚ Up to 5.7K footage
  • ✚ Convenient modular design
  • ✚ Native app
  • The touchscreen is too small
  • The battery lasts for about an hour with heavy use

This handy modular body belongs to the list of the best cameras under $500, because it consists of a well-designed body, a convenient control module, and a battery. You can adjust the settings of the Insta360 One R to capture different types of content. The basic configuration is fitted with a 12MP wide-angle option, and also it is a waterproof camera.

insta360 one rs camera under 500 lifestyle

Photo by Insta360 ONE RS

It supports 4K/60p video recording. Besides, you can capture 2.7K footage at 100fps, which makes this camera perfect for shooting slow-motion content. Thanks to the waterproof body, you can use this camera at the depth of up to 5 meters. You can also use the Insta360 in Aerial Mod. It allows you to use it with a drone for capturing aerial footage.

7. Canon EOS 4000D (Rebel T100)

Appropriate for portrait shooters
canon eos 4000d (rebel t100) camera under 500

Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C 18MP sensor | Resolution: 18 MP | Max continuous shooting speed: 3.0 fps

  • ✚ Good portraits features
  • ✚ Optical viewfinder
  • ✚ Full HD resolution
  • ✚ Lens included
  • Restricted burst buffer
  • Basic autofocus

Canon EOS 4000D (Rebel T100) is an accessible camera under $500, which comes with extremely comprehensive navigation, making it a great option for beginner photographers. This camera is quite easy to set up due to automatic photography modes, and its functions are quite advanced with 18MP resolution to call this gear a good Canon camera for portraits.

canon eos 4000d (rebel t100) camera under 500 lifestyle

It includes a set of Canon accessories with a lens, so you can use even more features from the body functionality. Due to the embedded Wi-Fi unit, you may sync the Canon EOS 4000D with a tablet or smartphone for remote control. Lastly, Wi-Fi provides you with unbounded opportunities for sharing your materials on the web.

8. Canon EOS Rebel T7

Can be used as a webcam
canon eos rebel t7 camera under 500

Type: DSLR | Sensor: CMOS APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) | Resolution: 24.1 MP | Max continuous shooting speed: 3 fps

  • ✚ Good image quality
  • ✚ Wi-Fi/NFC modules
  • ✚ Quick autofocus
  • ✚ RAW support
  • Short battery life
  • Unmovable screen

Due to its 24.0 megapixel CMOS image sensor and an optical viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 belongs to my list of the cheapest full frame cameras. It records high-quality videos and photographs even in dark environments. Moreover, you may instantly share your images on the web through the integrated Wi-Fi and NFC modules.

canon eos rebel t7 camera under 500 lifestyle

This best camera under 500 has the Scene Intelligent Auto mode, adjusting the gadget to your particular requirements. Thanks to these features, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 demonstrates great results and is targeted at the contemporary demands of beginning photographers. In addition, you can use this camera as a webcam thanks to the EOS software for Windows and macOS.

9. Olympus Tough TG-6

Extremely durable camera
olympus tough tg-6 camera under 500

Type: Point and shoot | Sensor: 12MP (1/2.3") sensor | Resolution: 12 MP | Max continuous shooting speed: 120 fps

  • ✚ 4K video recording
  • ✚ Impressive optical zoom
  • ✚ Durable body
  • ✚ Waterproof
  • Only 15m waterproofing
  • Not universal

If you are looking for a reliable and durable camera under $500 for shooting underwater and in other extreme conditions, take a closer look at the Olympus Tough TG-6. This rigged camera for sports has a massive handle, which allows for better fixation. It has a fixed focal length, while its optics is perfectly protected from possible damage.

olympus tough tg-6 camera under 500 lifestyle

This camera allows you to shoot 4K videos at 30fps. If you compare it to the earlier model, you will see that this 4K video camera has an LCD and a 25–100 optical zoom that allows you to practice micro photography even underwater. Besides, you can shoot videos in Full HD at 120 fps to create a slow-motion effect.

10. Sony Handycam HDR-CX405

Good choice for videographers
sony handycam hdr-cx405 camera under 500

Type: Camcorder | Sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor | Resolution: Full HD | Max continuous shooting speed: 60 fps

  • ✚ Easy editing in-camera
  • ✚ User-friendly design
  • ✚ Face detection
  • ✚ Rechargeable battery
  • No touchscreen
  • Limited low-light performance

Sony Handycam HDR-CX405 camera under $500 uses an Exmor R CMOS sensor with a Zeiss wide-angle lens and 30x optical zoom, which is great for capturing high-quality video. It also records in the high-bit rate XAVC S codec, ensuring sharp and clear footage.

Additionally, this cheap camera has a smart auto feature that optimizes settings for different scenes, making it easier for beginners to use. The camera's ability to record in low light conditions with its high ISO setting is also a plus.

sony handycam hdr-cx405 camera under 500 lifestyle

The HDR-CX405 camera has a few standout features, including Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which minimizes blurriness and provides steady footage. It also has an onboard Highlight Movie Maker and built-in effects for easy in-camera editing. The 2.7-inch LCD display is clear and easily visible in most lighting conditions, and the camera comes with a USB cable and rechargeable battery.

How to Choose the Best Camera Under $500?

top 3 cameras under 500

With a budget of $500, you may get a mirrorless beginner camera, the best entry-level DSLR, or the latest compact camera. In general, the choice primarily depends on your demands and goals. Therefore, I have prepared a list of the key features to consider when buying the best camera under 500 bucks.

Megapixels – at least 12MP. The sensor can record a certain amount of information and the number of pixels directly influences this amount. This means that the more megapixels your camera under 500 dollars has, the better your images are.

Frames per second – 24 fps. This particular feature is the number of shots per second. Shooters who are engaged in taking pictures of moving objects are mainly interested in high frame rates. In other words, you will have a better chance of catching the desired moment if your gadget can take more frames per second.

choosing camera under 500 camera modes

Camera modes. As a rule, many point-and-shoot cameras under $100 offer auto modes for various environments. It saves the photographer’s time and helps them to use the background effectively.

ISO – apprx 400. If you shoot moving objects and do not use a tripod, the ISO parameter is very important for you. It measures the light your sensor can catch. So, when picking the best camera under 500 dollars, mind the ISO range. The higher ISO your camera has, the better the shutter speed is.

Video – 1080p. To my mind, there is no need to purchase an expensive video camera since it is still unclear whether you will use it at some point.

Viewfinder. The viewfinder builds a frame as well as handles the sharpness and focus. Shutter speed, light sensitivity, and exposure compensation are also displayed. I suppose that a viewfinder is definitely among the advantages that are offered by these cameras.

Additional functions. Moreover, the best camera under 500 dollars should feature additional functions. For instance, you may experience the benefits of Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, use different effects and filters, and enjoy convenient touchscreens.

One of the best features is an improved LCD panel, which helps to more clearly control the camera settings and see what is happening in the frame. Other cameras have a lightweight body for ease of use.

F.A.Q.

  • • What brands offer reliable cameras under $500?

Such camera brands as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm offer decent models under $500. These brands have a strong reputation for producing quality cameras within this price range, providing a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.

  • • Can I find a camera with interchangeable lenses within this budget?

Surely. Mirrorless cameras are popular options in this price range that offer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.

  • • Can I record high-quality videos, using a camera under 500 dollars?

Definitely. Many cameras within this price range offer features like 4K or Full HD video recording, manual controls, and advanced video settings that can produce professional-looking video footage.

  • • Are there any cameras under $500 that support RAW file format?

Yes. The cameras can capture images in RAW format, which provides greater flexibility for post-processing and editing, allowing you to retain more details and adjust settings like exposure and white balance with better control.

However, it's important to note that RAW support may vary among different camera models within this price range, so it's advisable to check the specifications of specific camera models before making a purchase.

SAVE UP TO 60% OFF SAVE UP TO 60% OFF