best video camera under 500

Since publishing this article on the best video camera under 500, I’ve received a flurry of positive feedback from photographers who are pleased with their purchases.

There is a lot of interest in finding the most cost-effective method of documenting memories and creating better art right now!

For those who are new to photography, the assumption is that a high-end camera is required in order to take excellent photographs…

Thankfully, this is no longer the case in 2021, as there are some excellent value for money options to choose from.

As a professional photographer, it is critical for me to introduce you to a selection of cameras that cost less than $500 because I want you to be able to experience photography without having to spend a lot of money.

While there is a plethora of inexpensive camera equipment available, the cameras listed below are those that I believe offer excellent value for the money.

They provide you with the most value for your money while also putting you in a good position as your photography skills develop.

Please keep in mind that the prices of the recommended products may have fluctuated above $500 since the time of writing.

Top 10 Cameras Under $500 in 2021

I’ve chosen the best digital cameras under $500 – the only exceptions are those that include a lens in the price, which will slightly increase the budget’s overall size.

All of the cameras on this list have excellent build quality, image quality, handling, and overall value for money… Read More Their performance is frequently far superior to what you would expect for their sub-$500 price.

To make your research easier, I’ve divided each section into sections based on the most popular camera formats, with a foreword explaining the advantages of each type:

The best mirrorless cameras under $500 are listed below.

The best DSLR cameras under $500 are listed below.

The best compact camera under $500 are listed below.

In the event that you are able to stretch your budget a little further, I recommend that you look at my guide to mirrorless cameras for beginners and professionals, as well as this one on the best full frame camera for the money. Both of these guides look at a selection of higher-priced cameras that offer more features.

DSLRs and compact cameras will remain popular for the time being, but investing in one of the latest mirrorless camera systems will help to ensure that your purchase is future-proof. If you are on a tight budget, I’ve included a couple of options for you to choose from below.

See my reviews below, including what I consider to be the year’s best video camera under 500, which you can find out more about in the section below. Aside from that, I’ve included some videos on each camera that I believe you’ll find informative.

best DSLR cameras under $500:

Despite the rise in popularity of mirrorless cameras, the humble DSLR camera will retain its position as the most popular format among photographers in 2021, according to the Digital Photography Industry Association.

DSLR technology may be reaching the end of its useful life, but for the time being, nothing beats taking a photo while looking through an OVF (Optical ViewFinder).

It was a no-brainer to recommend a handful of the best DSLR cameras under 500 dollars due to the fact that they typically provide better ergonomics as well as longer battery life, more competitive pricing, and greater reliability.

Nikon D5300 w/ 18-55mm Lens

Megapixels: 24.2
Sensor Size: APS-C
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.9 x 3 in. (125 x 98 x 76 mm)
Weight: 530 g (1 lb 2.7 oz)

Details about Nikon D5300 :

As a result of Nikon’s wide selection of entry-level DSLRs with similar specifications, deciding which one to buy can be a difficult decision. To make matters even more difficult, several of the DSLRs are priced under $500.

If you can’t find the Nikon D3400 with 18-55mm lens mentioned above, the Nikon D5300 with 18-55mm lens is the next best option – and in some ways, it’s even better.

The Nikon D5300 was released two years before the Nikon D3400, but that does not imply that it does not have the most up-to-date technology. Interestingly, it has several features that aren’t found in other entry-level DSLRs, including the D3400, which is surprising given its price point.

It’s also a little more expensive, but its best video camera under 500 and in my opinion, it’s well worth the extra expense.

It retains its excellent 24MP sensor, which produces RAW and JPEG files that are rich, vivid, and detailed. Obviously, if you’re going to spend $500 on a digital camera, you’ll want the images to be significantly better than those produced by your smartphone, which is exactly what you’ll get here.

There’s also a 5 frames per second shooting speed, which means you can get a succession of 5 shots out of every second, which is ideal for capturing the moment.

While the Nikon D3400 that is one of the best camera under 500 in this list had only 11 autofocus points, the Nikon D5300 has 39 autofocus points that are more evenly distributed throughout the viewfinder. There’s also Nikon’s excellent 3D-tracking technology, which detects your subject and tracks it across the frame – perfect for capturing fast-moving events such as sporting events or children and pets!

The ISO range is 100-12,800, which is less than the D3400’s maximum ISO of 25,600, which is a significant improvement. It’s important to remember that on an APS-C camera of this calibre, the sweet spot of low-light ability:image noise is around ISO 6,400, which means that the higher ISOs are largely underutilised in practise.

Because of the 3.2-inch articulating screen, the Nikon D5300 is my preferred entry-level Nikon DSLR camera over other entry-level Nikon DSLR cameras. This feature allows you to be more creative with your shooting angles and compositions.

Photographing children in particular necessitates getting down to their level when taking the shot, and the tilting LCD screen is extremely useful for capturing an instantaneous candid shot.

Tilting the screen so that it faces upwards allows you to hold the camera at chest height while still being able to see the screen and compose the image. This allows you to take candid photos of your subject, who will usually not notice the camera because it is held much lower in relation to their body. This is something I do all of the time with my wedding photography and it always works out beautifully!

In addition, the Nikon D5300 has a built-in GPS system, which the Nikon D3400 does not have. This is useful for keeping track of where you took your photos while on vacation, and Lightroom has a useful map function that will assist you in organising your photos according to their location.

So, what advancements can we expect to see in the Nikon D5300 and D3400 over the course of the two years that have elapsed between their releases?

The D5300 has a significantly longer battery life than the D3400, with approximately 600 shots per charge versus 1,200 shots per charge with the D3400. Is this a deal breaker in your opinion? Batteries, on the other hand, are reasonably priced, so it is unlikely that you will need more than a couple. Furthermore, for the majority of people, 600 photos in a day is more than enough.

Then there’s the difference in weight (395 g vs 480 g), and then there’s the difference in price – you’ll notice that the Nikon D5300 with a lens included can sometimes cost a little more than $500, but it’s still an excellent value for money in our opinion.

I think the 18-55mm lens is very versatile and produces excellent results, but as previously stated, I would recommend investing in the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G lens in order to get the most out of your camera purchase in the long run.

Overall, the Nikon D5300 deserves its position as one of the best DSLRs under $500, and if your budget allows you to upgrade from the D3400, I strongly advise you to take a look at this camera.

Nikon D3400 w/ 18-55mm Lens

Megapixels: 24.7
Sensor Size: APS-C
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.9 x 3 in. (124 x 98 x 75.5 mm)
Weight: 445 g ( 15.7 oz )

Details about Nikon D3400 :

Allow me to preface this review with one caveat: you may have difficulty obtaining this excellent entry-level Nikon DSLR camera. At the time of writing, there are only a few “refurbished” models left in stock, and the supply is running out fast.

The Nikon D3400 with 18-55mm lens has gained popularity primarily as a result of its low price – for less than $500, you get an incredible amount of camera for your money!

I’m a big fan of the entry-level DSLR cameras that are available. Typically, the technology from the more expensive “flag-ship” models trickles down the ranks, allowing the lower-priced cameras in the line-up to benefit from features that are considered to be industry-leading.

During the holidays, I put a Nikon D3400 through its paces and was very impressed with its performance (see my Nikon D3400 review). Coming from a DSLR that was five times the price of this compact DSLR, I did, of course, miss all of the bells and whistles of my pro-level camera, but this compact DSLR did an admirable job nonetheless.

Although I use the term “compact,” entry-level DSLRs are more like the size of a jacket pocket. Despite the fact that they are small and light enough to be carried in one hand, they still have excellent ergonomics, allowing for comfortable all-day shooting – something that is not true of the majority of mirrorless and compact cameras.

Nikon D3400 DSLR camera for less than 500 dollars

Nikon’s D3400 DSLR camera, equipped with a 24.3MP sensor and a high-tech image processor, produces stunning RAW and JPEG images that are large enough to allow you to zoom in on all the details.

In addition, high-megapixel cameras allow you to crop into a photo after it has been taken, effectively allowing you to “zoom” in on your subject while maintaining high-quality images.

It’s also possible to enlarge your prints so that they can be framed and displayed on your wall, which is exactly what I intend to do with a photograph of my son taken with this camera, such as the one shown below.

The autofocus on the Nikon D3400 is also quite good, and the camera can shoot at a rate of 5 frames per second, which is more than enough to keep up with fast-moving children or pets.

There is one thing to keep in mind: this is also best video camera under 500 the 11 AF points have very limited frame coverage, so I recommend using the focus-recompose technique rather than manually choosing a focus point.

A guide mode on the camera is ideal for beginners because it teaches you how to take pictures in a variety of situations. Another important factor in my decision to name this one of the best entry level DSLR cameras is its low price.

The battery life is excellent, with approximately 1,200 shots per charge – more than twice the number of shots taken by most mirrorless cameras, and a significant advantage if you plan to take this camera with you on vacation.

The Nikon D3400 is typically sold with an 18-55mm zoom lens, which is small and lightweight and makes an excellent companion to the camera body.

Despite the fact that this lens is capable (as evidenced by my sample images), I recommend that you upgrade to a ‘prime’ lens as soon as you feel comfortable with the camera because a lens such as the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G (reviewed here) will truly open the doors to what is possible with this particular camera.

The Nikon D3400, which weighs only 22.8 oz (645 g) with the lens attached, was a pleasure to use, and I found myself reaching for it far more frequently than my phone when I wanted to snap a picture of the kids.

Thanks to the ISO range of 100 – 25,600, you can also take advantage of low-light shooting without having to resort to using a flash, which is extremely convenient.

Using a resolution of 25,600 will result in a very noisy image, but it is usually preferable to have a moment captured ‘noisily’ than to have nothing captured at all.

Pro Tip: If your image contains a lot of noise (as a result of using a higher ISO), try converting it to black and white using your favourite image editing software – most noisy photos look much better when the colours are removed.

Incorporated into the Nikon D3400 is Nikon’s ‘Snap-Bridge’ technology, which allows you to transfer images in real time via Bluetooth from the camera to a smartphone or tablet. It’s a fun gimmick that may be useful to those who spend a lot of time uploading images to social media platforms like Instagram.

It is with no hesitation that I recommend the Nikon D3400 as one of the best DSLR cameras under $500 that is currently available in 2021, after spending three weeks with it as my vacation camera. The only challenge you may face is finding it in stock!

Canon EOS Rebel T6 (EOS 1300D)

Megapixels: 18
Sensor Size: APS-C
Dimensions: 5.08 x 3.99 x 3.06 in. (129 x 101 x 77 mm)
Weight: 17.11 oz. (485g)

Details about Canon EOS Rebel T6 :

Canon and Nikon provide a lot of value for money in their DSLRs under $500 because they understand that if they can attract new customers to their brand at a reasonable price point, they will almost always stay with them for the long haul.

Before you continue reading, allow me to point out that if you can find the Nikons mentioned above in stock, I recommend that you do so before considering this Canon. The Nikon D5300, in particular, provides significantly better value for money than previous models.

As a result, I will refrain from providing a comprehensive review of the Canon T6 (also known as the EOS 1300D) at this time. So what is the point of including it at all? There are two reasons for this.

First and foremost, the Canon T6 was named the best DSLR under $500 by DPReview a couple of years ago, and those guys are extremely thorough when it comes to their review criteria!

The second reason is that I wanted to include a Canon entry-level DSLR in this package simply to provide you with another option when it comes to putting together your camera system.

Later on, if you decide to invest in additional Canon lenses, you’ll find that there is a greater selection available with Canon, and that the prices are frequently lower. There are also many more ‘exotic’ lenses available, with larger apertures (f/1.2, etc.) and insanely wide angles of view available.

Pro Tip: When purchasing a camera, it is always a good idea to think about what lenses you might want in the future before making your purchase. Take into consideration focal lengths, maximum apertures, and cost… When you invest in a particular brand, you are typically required to use only that brand’s lenses, so it is wise to plan ahead.

Click on the button below to read some Canon T6 user reviews and make your own decision about whether or not to purchase the camera. My preference would be for the Nikons mentioned above, but the T6 is a good option for Canon enthusiasts who are committed to the brand.

Best Compact Cameras under $500

Compact cameras are also referred to as ‘mirrorless’ cameras because they do not rely on a mirror to capture images, as is the case with DSLRs. However, I’ve decided to limit this category to compact cameras with 1-inch sensors that cost less than $500.

This is true for most compact cameras because their sensors are typically smaller than their bodies, which allows them to be easily slid into a jeans pocket and carried comfortably all day.

When it comes to smartphones and other compact cameras, the sensors are frequently smaller than 1 inch, which means they struggle to capture images in low light conditions.

Nonetheless, the compact cameras recommended below produce excellent image quality even when shooting after sunset, and they are a significant improvement over any smartphone or point and shoot camera with a smaller sensor. However, we would not recommend them for professional photography applications.

Sony RX100

Megapixels: 20
Sensor Size: 1 inch
Dimensions: 0.8 x 1.4 x 3 in. (22 x 36 x 77.5 mm)
Weight: 240 g (8.46 oz.)

Yes… Although this Sony RX100 was released in 2012, I’m writing this roundup of the best cameras under $500 in 2021, and yes, this Sony RX100 was released in 2012. Cameras don’t have to be the most up-to-date models to be excellent at what they do! In the event that you absolutely require the most recent model, please see our reviews of the RX100 VI and RX100 VII.)

If you only have $500 to spend, skip over the more recent versions of this camera and stick with the one that completely rewrote the rules of what is possible with a compact camera and what it is capable of.

The Sony RX100 was the first camera to incorporate a 1′′ sensor into a small package that could be carried in one’s back pocket. A 1′′ sensor, while smaller than an MFT or APS-C sensor, still provides imaging performance that is unmatched by any other compact camera on the market.

Check the latest price of the Sony RX100, which, at the time of writing, was the cheapest 1′′ sensor compact camera on the market (at the time of writing). This makes it an excellent choice if you have a limited budget of $500 but still want a high-quality camera with you at all times (that is significantly better than your smartphone).

Whether you have the latest iPhone or Pixel smartphone, the Sony RX100 will blow them out of the water in terms of image quality.

When combined with the 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 zoom lens (3.6x magnification), the 20.2MP sensor provides more than enough resolution to cover the vast majority of shooting situations.

Shooting at an aperture of f/1.8 allows you to capture candid shots in low light without the use of a flash, and if you get close enough to your subject, you can achieve the much-desired blurred background look as well.

The Sony RX100 is an excellent camera for beginners, thanks to its straightforward, effective AUTO mode, but it also offers comprehensive manual controls for those who wish to learn more. To learn how to be more creative with your exposure settings, I strongly advise you to take your camera out of automatic mode as soon as possible after purchasing your camera.

Face recognition and 10 frames per second (!) will ensure that you don’t miss a single shot, and as is typical of Sony, the movie functionality is unrivalled at this price point.

Read Also: best point and shoot camera under 100

The image quality of the JPEG and RAW files is excellent, and far superior to what you would expect from a pocketable camera of this size.

Even though its 1′′ sensor has limited dynamic range, the Sony RX100 is one of the best camera under 500 but does an excellent job of nailing exposure and white balance, so there isn’t much need for post-production with this camera.

Because the image quality is so good, you could shoot with this camera in JPEG mode all day and never have to worry about sitting in front of a computer to edit the photos – it is that good.

The Sony RX100 is a good choice if you want the smallest camera possible while still getting decent image quality. Despite the fact that it is a little out of date when compared to the more modern mirrorless cameras on this list, it is still a camera with some incredible features and one that you can comfortably carry around in your back pocket all day.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

Megapixels: 20
Sensor Size: 1 inch
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.6 in. (105 x 61 x 42 mm)
Weight: 11.2 oz (318 g)

Details about Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II :

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is currently available as part of a package that includes a number of useful accessories. It’s a little more expensive than our $500 budget, but it’s such a good deal that I couldn’t resist including it.

In addition to the impressive 20.2MP 1′′ sensor, the 24-100mm equivalent lens is the real standout feature, with an aperture range of f/1.8 to 2.8 and a maximum aperture of f/1.8-2.8.

Due to the ‘fast’ nature of the aperture, it is possible to shoot in low light without the use of a flash, without having to resort to higher ISOs, which may result in a noisy image. (If you want to learn more about how fast apertures can help, check out this post on understanding aperture.)

However, while the ISO performance of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is actually quite good for a sensor of this size, it is always preferable to shoot at lower ISO settings.

As a result of my testing, I was able to capture reasonably clear images at ISOs as high as 800; however, this did not imply a restriction on what I could photograph – my preference is to allow the camera to push ISOs all the way up to ISO10,000, ensuring that I can capture at the very least the moment.

Because of the surprising amount of data contained in the RAW files produced by the Canon G7 X Mark II, it is simple to reduce the amount of noise present in any image captured at a high ISO, as shown in the image above.

The wide aperture range enables you to create images with blurred backgrounds, which aids in the separation of the foreground subject from the background – your smartphone may be able to do this with artificial intelligence, but it is not as efficient as using a dedicated camera to accomplish this.

In both cases, zooming the lens is accomplished by using the dedicated control slider or by turning the lens ring to one of the two zoom functions. The aperture changes from f/1.8 at the lens’ widest point to f/2.8 at the lens’s telephoto end.

The Canon G7 X Mark II has excellent ergonomics for a compact mirrorless camera of this size, with a raised, rubberized grip on the front and rear of the camera – something that its predecessor lacked.

Incorporating a 24-100mm zoom lens into a camera that is small enough to fit in your pocket is no small feat – the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is one of the smallest cameras in this roundup of compact digital cameras under $500, and it offers a significant improvement in image quality over the camera on the back of your smartphone.

All of the manual exposure settings are easily accessible through the camera’s physical knobs and buttons, or you can leave the camera on Auto to get an accurate exposure in the majority of situations.

A new processor of best video camera under 500 improves the accuracy of face detection while also allowing for faster shooting and operation speeds compared to the previous model. Fast autofocus, 8 frames per second (in JPEG or RAW), and high frame rates ensure that even fast-moving subjects can be captured with ease.

The G7 X Mark II’s tilting LCD touchscreen is responsive and fast, and the menu system is simple to navigate despite the absence of an optical viewfinder. Tapping menu items to select them, as well as tapping to focus and shoot, are some of my favourite features of the app.

In conjunction with the tilting LCD screen, shooting in this manner with the camera held at hip level allows for discrete photography and completely candid subject matter.

Read Also: best video camera under 300

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is equipped with a unique feature called ‘Dual Sensing IS,’ which helps to reduce blur caused by camera shake. In particular, when shooting at the 100mm end of the zoom range, where even minor camera movements can cause blur on other cameras, this feature is extremely useful.

If there is one minor point of concern, it is the battery life, which, at approximately 265 shots per charge, falls slightly short of its competitors – if you plan on travelling or shooting a lot in a day, consider investing in a few spare batteries.

If you happen to come across a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II for less than $500, you should definitely pick it up – despite the lack of an international warranty at this sale price, it is a dependable, solidly built camera that will not let you down in any way.

The best mirrorless cameras under $500

Mirrorless cameras are the wave of the future in terms of technology. The best mirrorless cameras under $500 are compact, lightweight, and packed with useful features that are not available on DSLRs. They offer a lot of value for the money.

(If you’re still unsure about which camera format to purchase, check out my DSLR vs mirrorless camera buyer’s guide.)

In a nutshell, the primary advantage of mirrorless cameras is the ability to “see” your exposure before you take the picture. However, in contrast to the viewfinder found on a DSLR camera, which is essentially just a ‘window,’ a mirrorless camera has either an electronic viewfinder or an LCD screen, which both allow you to see the effects of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed before you actually take the picture.

There is no right or wrong answer here – I enjoy the process of shooting with DSLRs just as much as I enjoy shooting with mirrorless cameras. Although the format has gained popularity in recent years, the number of best mirrorless camera under $500 included in this roundup demonstrates how quickly the format is gaining traction this year.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II with 14-42MM Lens

Megapixels: 18
Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds
Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.2 x 1.8 in. (119 x 83 x 46 mm)
Weight: 399g (14 oz.)

Details About Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is classified as a’micro-four-thirds’ camera, which means it has a sensor that is smaller than four thirds of a full-frame camera (MFT). This refers to the sensor’s size, which is slightly smaller than that of an APS-C camera sensor.

The size of the lens is largely determined by the size of the sensor, and the MFT format was created in order to provide excellent image quality without compromising portability. A lot of the most recent technology is crammed into a small body that retains the ergonomics of a DSLR while also being more compact than the previous model.

Another feature that comes standard is the latest image processor, 5-axis image stabilisation, 8.5 frames per second, a touch-screen tilting LCD display, and class-leading autofocus performance, among other things..

Check out our review of the OM-D E-M10 Mark III if you’re looking for something a little more up to date.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is the only camera on this list to include image stabilisation, which is typically found on much more expensive camera bodies. Image stabilisation allows you to handhold the camera in low light, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds and lower ISOs. The camera also has a built-in flash (for a cleaner image).

Despite the fact that it has the smallest image sensor of any of the cameras reviewed here, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is capable of producing images that are comparable to the best of the competition. It also represents excellent value for money, despite the fact that the price is slightly higher than $500 due to the inclusion of a lens – purchasing the body alone is, of course, more cost effective.

The tried-and-true 16MP sensor is found on all Olympus mirrorless cameras, and it delivers excellent JPEG and RAW image quality in both modes. read more below about best video camera under 500

When editing a RAW file, the dynamic range performance is excellent, allowing for a high degree of post-processing latitude at low ISOs while producing no more noise than would be expected at higher ISO settings (see table).

Generally speaking, the smaller the sensor size, the more limited the high ISO capabilities are expected to be (i.e. the ability to shoot in low light without a flash).

Fortunately, Olympus MFT cameras deliver competitive performance that is almost on par with that of APS-C cameras, which means you will be able to shoot without using the flash for a significant amount of time after sunset.

It is highly recommended that you upgrade your kit lens to something like the Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 if you intend to take advantage of low light photography (as well as blurred backgrounds for subject separation).

Even though it is expensive, this is the single most significant upgrade you can make to your Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, bringing image quality on par with DSLRs that cost twice as much as your camera.

In my review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II, which has the same sensor as the E-M10 Mark II, you can see some examples of what is possible with this camera.

This camera’s autofocus system is incredibly responsive and precise (even more so than DSLRs costing 3x the price, in fact). With the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, its best video camera under 500 and you can touch your subject on the rear LCD and have the camera focus and shoot in split seconds.

Being able to photograph a subject without even lifting the camera to your eye is ideal for capturing candid photos, and it is especially useful for photographing young children.

Face and eye detection in autofocus can be extremely rewarding when photographing people, and it is especially useful when you don’t have time to manually select an AF point before shooting.

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An additional feature that I appreciate about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, and which contributes to my decision to recommend it over the other best mirrorless cameras under $500 on this list, is its attractive styling and ergonomics.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, which takes inspiration from the classic Olympus OM film cameras of the past, has well-placed dials that mimic those found on professional-level DSLRs. This means that you can quickly and easily adjust all of your exposure settings without having to dig around in the menu system.

Speaking of the menu system, this is the only area in which the camera falls short of expectations. The Olympus mirrorless camera menu is notoriously long and difficult to navigate, so it’s best to avoid it once you’ve gotten your camera set up.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a lightweight, compact camera with ergonomics that don’t make it feel like you’re holding a bar of soap in your hands. It provides a lot of camera for the money and will serve you well as you progress through the ranks of photography professionals.

Sony a5100 with 16-50mm Lens

Megapixels: 24.3
Sensor Size: APS-C
Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.3 (109 x 62 x 35 mm)
Weight: 283g (9.9 oz.)

Details About Sony a5100

Before you start yelling, “but where are the cameras under $500?!,” keep in mind that you’re getting a Sony a5100 mirrorless camera body with a lens already attached to it. If you ask me, that represents excellent value for money!

It has to be said that the best mirrorless cameras under $500 represent a significant technological advancement over the dinosaur-like DSLRs that were previously available.

Despite the fact that its autofocus technology is borrowed from much more expensive cameras, the a5100 performs admirably in this regard.

The Sony a5100 features 179 autofocus points and 6 frames per second, which translates to ultra-fast autofocus performance, which is ideal for capturing all of life’s little moments as they happen.

In addition to sharing many of the same specifications as the excellent Sony a6000 (a camera I highly recommend if you have the means to stretch your budget; see my Sony a6000 review and this Sony a6000 vs a5100 comparison), the Sony a5100 also boasts a 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with AF points covering 92 percent of the image sensor’s surface area.

To put it another way, it means that there is an AF point ready to be moved exactly where you want focus, or that you can let the camera track focus for you automatically, updating the focus point as your subject moves across the frame.

As previously stated, if you are looking for a compact camera with a viewfinder, you will have to look elsewhere because the Sony a5100 only has one screen on the back, which is a gorgeous 3″ touchscreen that can be rotated 180 degrees for simple selfies or video blogging.

The video functionality on any of the recommended DSLRs under $500 (despite the fact that they all have it) was not mentioned because recording video with a DSLR is, to put it mildly, inconvenient to say the least. With DSLRs at this price point, it is not possible to autofocus while recording video.

The lack of a mirror on the mirrorless Sony a5100, on the other hand, means that autofocus during video recording is excellent, and the phase-detection AF points track your face around the screen with uncanny accuracy.

Except for the laser-guided autofocus, which is superior to that found in most DSLRs, the Sony a5100 captures images at a resolution of 24 MP that are vibrant, punchy, and detailed, allowing you to print 300-dpi enlargements at approximately 20 x 13.3 in.

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The 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit zoom lens delivers excellent results and is an excellent match for the Sony a5100’s compact body. If you’re looking for a digital camera setup that’s small enough to fit in your pocket, pairing a compact mirrorless camera with a small lens is your best bet.

Take a look at my comprehensive post on the best lenses for Sony a6000 owners; any of the lenses mentioned there can be used equally well on the Sony a5100, so be sure to take a look at that as well.

With an entry-level best video camera under 500 camera, a good prime lens is the best investment you can make because it will bring out the best of what the camera is capable of.

When we conducted a more in-depth review of the Sony a5100, our reviewer chose to pair it with the excellent Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 lens – ‘FE’ lenses are those that are designed primarily for full frame sensors, but they are also compatible with APS-C crop sensor cameras such as the one on the a5100 – to get the best results.

Pro tip: Whether you plan to upgrade to a full frame camera in the near future or not, it’s a good idea to consider full frame lenses even if you’re using a crop sensor camera body. Despite the fact that they are larger, heavier, and more expensive than lenses designed for APS-C bodies, full frame lenses typically produce better image quality and have a more durable construction.

After all is said and done, the bundled kit lens on this camera performs admirably – as you can see in the image below, you can achieve the coveted blurred-background-look (also known as ‘bokeh’) with relative ease. (If you have Lightroom, you can also blur the background to make it look more natural.)

In typical Sony fashion, there is a button for everything, and a few of them can even be customised to meet your specific requirements.

On the Sony a5100, you can use the control wheel next to the screen to adjust exposure compensation, shooting modes, ISO, and aperture – basically everything you need to take a well-exposed photo or get creative by under- or over-exposing your subject – and the camera will remember your settings.

Making use of the built-in WiFi and NFC is a lot of fun; simply download the Sony Play Memories App to your smartphone and touch it to the camera for a connection. Your images will be transferred or you will be able to control the camera remotely, which is incredible!.

The Sony a5100 is aimed squarely at smartphone users who want to take a significant step up in quality and control without having to carry around the bulk of a DSLR.

Because of its small size, it is an excellent travel camera; however, it is recommended that you pair it with a small-ish lens in order to fully benefit from its proportions – see also Sony a5100 vs a5000.

Overall, this is a fantastic mirrorless camera + zoom lens combination that is well worth your hard-earned money! As a bonus, it’s arguably the best video camera under 500 and best budget camera you can buy to use while travelling.

Canon EOS M100 with 15-45MM Lens

Megapixels: 24.2
Sensor Size: APS-C
Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 in. (108 x 67 x 35 mm)
Weight: 302g (10.6 oz.)

In typical Sony fashion, there is a button for everything, and a few of them can even be customised to meet your specific requirements.

The Sony a5100 is aimed squarely at smartphone users who want to take a significant step up in quality and control without having to carry around the bulk of a DSLR.

Overall, this is a fantastic mirrorless camera + zoom lens combination that is well worth your hard-earned money! As a bonus, it’s arguably the best budget camera you can buy to use while travelling.

When it comes to image quality, Canon knows what it’s doing when it comes to colours, and the JPEGs produced by the Canon EOS M100 are excellent.

Canon EOS M100 is also best video camera under 500 and clearly aimed at the Instagram generation, as evidenced by its selfie-friendly rotating screen, skin smoothing/background blurring feature, interchangeable camera “jackets,” Creative Filters (e.g. grainy film, vintage, fish-eye, etc.), and Wifi connectivity for quick image transfer to smartphones.

Canon’s EOS M100 is a small and lightweight camera that can be carried almost anywhere. Its form factor is only compromised by the lens that is attached to it, which is 266g (9.4 oz).

On the subject of lenses, the 15-45mm does a good job in a versatile focal range, but I’d recommend investing in the tiny Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM lens to really get a feel for what this little camera is capable of (not to mention making it more compact).

With a good selection of EF-M lenses already available, the M100 becomes even more interesting if you add a M Mount Adapter, which allows you to use EF and EF-S lenses with the camera.

Read Also: How to start a photography business with no experience

This opens up a plethora of creative possibilities and allows you to take advantage of any of the best Canon lenses available – my first choice would be one of the lightweight primes – without sacrificing image quality.

Regardless of how you intend to use your Canon EOS M100, you are in for a lot of enjoyment. Because it has fun features that reflect the type of user it is intended for, this compact Canon mirrorless camera provides some of the best image quality you can get from a camera this size, and it is one of the few cameras I would recommend without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best camera you can get for less than $500?
That is somewhat dependent on your personal preferences. For less than $500, you can get a reasonably good digital SLR camera, mirrorless camera, or compact camera, depending on your needs. When it comes to weighing all of the options, however, the Sony a5100 is our top pick because it is small and lightweight, and it provides the most value for your money.

Which camera produces the highest-quality images?

If you’re looking for a camera that produces vibrant, punchy, and crisp images in the sub-500 dollar range, the Sony a5100 is still a great choice because it produces images that are vibrant, punchy, and crisp. The Nikon D3400 is a good choice and also best video camera under 500 if you want something a little more substantial. As a DSLR option, it provides excellent image quality – even when using the included kit lens as the primary lens.

What is the best type of camera to use?

Each has its own set of advantages. DSLR cameras, for example, are frequently more dependable, more ergonomic, and have a longer battery life. Compact cameras are exactly what they sound like: they are small. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, are the most up-to-date technology, and you can expect them to become increasingly popular. When it comes to cameras, mirrorless may be the best option if you want something small and lightweight that is also powerful and has plenty of future expansion and upgrade possibilities.

What is a good entry-level, low-cost camera for beginners?

The Nikon D3400 is a mid-priced DSLR that falls into the sub-$500 price range and maybe best video camera under 500 includes a highly useful “beginner mode” that walks you through a variety of situations. The Sony RX100 is another excellent choice for first-time photographers on a tight budget, thanks to its excellent Auto mode, which you can use to get a feel for the camera before learning all of the manual settings.

Final Remarks for best video camera under 500

I hope this guide has been of assistance to you in your search for a high-quality camera that will not break the bank.

While a budget of around $500 best video camera under 500 may not have been sufficient to purchase a decent camera a few years ago, technological advancements and a decrease in the relative cost of raw materials have made it possible for photographers to acquire amazing products while still maintaining a tight financial budget in recent years.

For more information, How does a film camera work.

Depending on which camera body you choose, you can either stick with the included kit lens or spend a little more money on something that has a larger aperture (hence the term “faster” lens) to enhance your photography experience. In terms of getting every last detail from your camera, this will be the single most effective method of doing so.

As a bonus, faster lenses allow you to shoot at lower ISOs, which can result in significantly “cleaner” images in low light, which is typically a problem for cameras at this price point.

If you have a camera with a lens attached to the front of it, you’re good to go in any situation. Take a walk outside and start shooting 😉

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