10 Best Cameras under $500 in December 2024

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.