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Are you searching for the best digital camera under 500 dollars but got lost in all the brands and camera models? Don’t really know how to choose? I’ve got you covered!
It’s true that when your budget gets a little more comfortable, you suddenly have a lot of options and it only makes it harder to choose. Should you choose a point and shoot? A mirrorless camera? A DSLR?
I quite struggled to choose my best pick, between the Nikon D3500 and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR. Both are great cameras and I believe they both offer great value for money. They are really awesome options for a first DSLR as well.
If a DSLR is a little big for you, the Canon M10 mirrorless camera should be what you need!
These of course are not the only good cameras in this price range. I have selected below what I think are the top 6 best cameras under 500 dollars you can get in 2024, followed by a guide to help you make a wise choice. Let’s go!
The 6 Best Cameras Under 500 Dollars for 2024
Canon EOS M10 Mirrorless Camera Kit
The Canon M10 is a great compact mirrorless camera that is packed with functionality. Its 18 MP CMOS sensor coupled with the recent DIGIC 6 processor results in a very good image quality and a camera that isn’t lagging every time you press a button.
The ISO sensibility is great, expandable to 25600, which greatly helps in low light conditions. The continuous shooting is quite good at 4.6 fps, enabling you to get the perfect shot of fast-moving action.
Connectivity is good with both Wi-Fi and NFC available, making it easy to transfer pictures, control the camera remotely or even print your images remotely.
Like many cameras of this level, it offers lots of scene modes and creative adjustments for your pictures – but is able to shoot RAW pictures as well.
Just like for DSLRs, a wide range of lenses are compatible and offer good versatility.
Last but not least, another great feature of this camera is its touch screen that can tilt up to 180°.
If you are looking for a camera that I both very compact and powerful, this one is a serious option you should check out, and it’s my top pick!
Quick Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless Camera
- Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 1 in / 7.6 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm
- Weight: 0.9 lbs / 408 g
- Resolution: 18 MP
- ISO: 100 – 25600
- Video: Full HD 1080p
Pros
- Small and Lightweight
- Good quality optics
- High ISO sensibility
- Flexible LCD touch screen
- Continuous shooting with 4.6 frames per second
- DIGIC 6 Image Processor
- Good connectivity
- Full HD video
Cons
- No port for external microphone
Other Buying Options:
Nikon D3500Our Top Pick
At a little under 500 dollars, the Nikon D3500 is a really great entry-level DSLR. Thanks to its high-quality Nikkor optics, the EXPEED 4 image processor, and a 24-megapixel resolution, this camera is capable of shooting beautiful, sharp images.
Its high ISO sensibility (up to 25600) makes shooting in the dark easier with sharper pictures.
It also offers wireless connectivity with the Bluetooth SnapBridge system, allowing you to connect your camera with up to 5 devices, sharing images and backing them up. However, Wi-Fi is not available.
As for the video, it is very satisfying with a full HD 1080p quality, but we can regret that there is no external microphone port.
The Nikon D3500 was designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, and it’s a great option for a first DSLR, or if you want superior image quality without breaking the bank.
Quick Specifications
- Type: DSLR (APS-C)
- Dimensions: 4.88 x 2.76 x 3.82 in / 12.4 x 7 x 9.7 cm
- Weight: 0.86 lb / 390 g
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- ISO: 100 – 25600
- Video: Full HD 1080p
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Good image quality
- Continuous shooting with 5 frames per second
- SnapBridge Bluetooth system
Cons
- No 4K video
Other Buying Options:
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Bundle
EOS Rebel T7 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Kit
The T6 was a bestseller, and you can now find the newer Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR under $500! Amazon offers great bundles with lenses and accessories.
This 24-megapixel DSLR camera is a great choice for beginners, as it offers interesting features and good performance (with the DIGIC 4+ processor), with ease of use and affordable pricing.
The wireless connectivity is good with both Wi-Fi and NFC available, so you can easily connect this camera with your smartphone or your tablet to control it remotely or share images.
The Rebel T7 also records full HD 1080p video which is now the norm for most cameras (when they don’t shoot 4k).
The ISO sensibility is not bad – but not impressive, expandable to 12800. But typically, the pictures get quite noisy when you go above 1600.
Overall, the Rebel T7 is a very good option as an entry-level DSLR available for under 500 dollars with tons of accessories!
Quick Specifications
- Type: DSLR (APS-C)
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 4.0 x 3.1 in / 12.9 x 10.1 x 7.8 cm
- Weight: 1.49 lbs / 675 g
- Resolution: 24.1 MP
- ISO: 100 – 12800 (extended)
- Video: Full HD 1080p
Pros
- Good image quality
- Continuous shooting with 3 frames per second
- Wi-Fi and NFC wireless connectivity
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- ISO performance not too bad but not amazing
- No 4K video
Other Buying Options:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Digital Camera
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is not a DSLR but a bridge point & shoot camera. It is an interesting option for those who want an all-in-one camera and do not wish to be buying new lenses in the future.
Right off the bat, what catches the attention with this camera is the great 24x optical zoom, offering a very good versatility. It is equivalent to a 25-600 mm lens! Moreover, this lens opens at f/2.8 which is a great asset in low light, along with the Optical Image Stabilizer.
It is a good upgrade from the FZ200, with a better processor, a touch screen, and weather-sealing. Another major upgrade, the FZ300 records 4K video, whereas the FZ200 was only capturing HD.
The Lumix DMC-FZ300 is a nice little camera for people who don’t feel ready for a DSLR yet (or don’t feel like going into DSLRs), highly versatile, and great for travel.
Quick Specifications
- Type: Point & Shoot
- Dimensions: 4.61 x 5.18 x 3.6 in / 11.7 x 13.2 x 9.1 cm
- Weight: 1.52 lbs / 689.5 g
- Resolution: 12.1 MP
- ISO: 100 – 6400
- Zoom: 24x optical zoom
- Video: 4K
Pros
- Lightweight
- High quality f:2.8 Leica lens
- Great zoom
- Weather sealing
- Continuous shooting with 12 frames per second
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- 4K video and 4K photo mode
Cons
- Only 12 MP
- ISO only up to 6400
Other Buying Options:
Sony DSC-RX100 Digital Camera
The Sony DSC-RX100 is a compact point & shoot camera with great capabilities that you can slide into your pocket. Many creative modes are available, as well as interesting functionality such as panoramas or HDR pictures.
But if you prefer to control the settings of your camera, manual and semi-manual modes are also present, which is really cool. This camera also shoots RAW pictures, if you are into post-processing.
For fast-moving scenes, the continuous shooting mode is very good, up to 10 frames per second.
The ISO is a little limited, capped at 6400. But that’s OK because the Carl Zeiss lens opens to f/1.8 which is VERY bright! As a result, good quality low light images are much easier to get. Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization helps even getting that non-blurry, low-light photo.
The only thing that I find truly limiting in this camera is the optical zoom, only 3.6x.
The Sony RX100 is a good option if you are looking for good quality, feature-rich compact point & shoot camera.
Quick Specifications
- Type: Point & Shoot
- Dimensions: 41 x 4 x 2.29 in / 3.6 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm
- Weight: 0.53 lb / 240 g
- Resolution: 20.2 MP
- ISO: 100 – 6400
- Zoom: 3.6x optical zoom
- Video: Full HD 1080p
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Strong metal body
- High-quality f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens
- Automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes
- Shoots RAW images
- SteadyShot image stabilization
- Continuous shooting with 10 frames per second
- Wi-Fi & NFC wireless connectivity
- Full HD video
Cons
- Small zoom
- ISO only up to 6400
Other Buying Options:
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Digital Camera
Designed with travelers in mind, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is quite similar to the FZ200 described above, but with generally superior specifications.
The first thing that catches my attention is the huge 60x zoom, definitely the big selling point of this camera.
The second thing that catches my attention is the 4K video recording, which is most welcome because the majority of cameras in this price range only offer full HD.
About $400 for these features alone is already good value!
On top of that, it offers an interesting focus stacking and “post focus” functionality that allows you to change the depth of field of your image (in focus / out of focus parts) after you took the picture. This is done through the 3” touch screen at the back.
The more usual functions and features such as image stabilization, various automatic and creative modes, and wireless connectivity… are also present.
Overall, it’s a good camera with up-to-date features (such as the 4K video) and a good value for money.
Quick Specifications
- Type: Point & Shoot
- Dimensions: 13 x 4.69 x 3.71 in / 13 x 11.9 x 9.4 cm
- Weight: 1.36 lbs / 617 g
- Resolution: 18.1 MP
- ISO: 80 – 6400
- Zoom: 60x optical zoom
- Video: 4K at 30 fps
Pros
- Very versatile
- Phenomenal 60x zoom
- 4K photo burst function
- In-camera USB battery charging
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Touch screen
- RAW format is supported
- 4K video
Cons
- Durability is questionable as reported by quite a few users
- Image stabilization is much less effective when using the zoom
- ISO only up to 6400 in extended mode
Other Buying Options:
Nikon COOLPIX B700 Digital Camera
At first glance, the Coolpix B700 is like a Nikon version of the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 above, sharing the same key features: 60x optical zoom and 4K video capture. The Nikon, however, records video sound in stereo which is a noticeable improvement.
Another positive point for the Nikon Coolpix B700 is its 3” touchscreen that is totally rotatable.
Nikon’s SnapBridge connection system and the app allow you to connect your camera to your smartphone or tablet.
On the negative side, the ISO sensibility is really quite limited, at 1600. It is fine for most cases but it is well below what other cameras offer.
In spite of this weak ISO sensibility, I believe it’s worth choosing the Nikon Coolpix over the Panasonic if it’s the kind of camera you’re after.
Quick Specifications
- Type: Point & Shoot
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.3 x 4.2 in / 12.5 x 8.5 x 10.7 cm
- Weight: 1.26 lbs / 570 g
- Resolution: 20.2 MP
- ISO: 100 – 1600
- Zoom: 60x optical zoom
- Video: 4K at 30 fps
Pros
- Very versatile
- Great 60x zoom
- Good quality Nikkor optics
- Flexible touch screen
- SnapBridge connectivity
- Supports the RAW format
- 4K video with stereo sound
Cons
- Weak ISO sensibility
Other Buying Options:
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Factors to Consider When Choosing My Camera?
The first thing to consider is what type of camera you want. Buying a point & shoot or a DSLR is not the same experience. You can check below for more explanations about the different types of cameras.
Image quality
Obviously, that’s an important one. Usually, for about 400-500 dollars you can expect good image quality, and the cameras are equipped with decent image processors. If you like more control, make sure that manual modes are present and that RAW format is supported by your camera, to allow proper post-processing.
Video quality
This may or may not be a priority to you, but for this price range, you can expect 1080p full HD video which is pretty good. As you have noticed from the camera descriptions above, some models even offer 4K video capture, which is of course even better. If you are shooting a lot of videos, another factor to consider is the quality of the sound. Is the microphone very basic? Or stereo? Does the camera have a port for you to plug a better, external mic?
Low light performance
This one is both important and difficult to assess. The problem comes from the fact that the camera needs more exposure time to correctly expose a scene in low light. If during that time you move the camera (which is inevitable without a tripod), the image is blurred. That said, cameras have different ways to counter this.
It can be done by increasing the ISO sensibility. If you are planning to shoot many pictures in the evening, for example, it can be useful to have a high ISO available. However, a nasty side effect of high ISO is a noisy image. But a noisy image is always better than a completely blurred image.
Most cameras have built-in image stabilization, and each brand has developed its own system. They can save your picture in slightly challenging conditions, but if it gets really dark or if you zoom in a lot, they will only work to some extent.
The best is to have a bright lens (that is able to open very wide – think numbers like f/2.8, f/1.8…). These lenses are able to let much more light in, directly cutting the exposure time and allowing you to get sharp images without even needing to increase the ISO. For DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, you can always buy brighter lenses later, but for point & shoot cameras it can be a buying decision factor.
Wireless Connectivity
If you are one of those who enjoy connecting your camera to your phone and sharing your images, you should check that the proper connection systems are included in the camera (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC)
Features & Functionality
Nowadays, most digital cameras are really packed with a whole variety of functions and features. Don’t get into a race for the most features, just look at what you intend to use and make sure your prospect camera does these well.
Point & Shoot? Mirrorless? DSLR?
It’s easy to get lost in all the types of cameras available on the market nowadays. Which type should you choose? There are advantages and disadvantages to consider, and it all comes down to personal preference and how you will use your camera.
Point & Shoot cameras have a built-in lens that can’t be changed. It means that optics quality, maximum aperture, maximum zoom… are all definitive. They can take the form of very compact cameras you can carry in your pocket, or larger small DSLR-like cameras with an ergonomic grip on the side and usually an impressive zoom. This type of camera is mostly aimed at beginner photographers, who just want nice pictures without too much hassle and without getting into buying extra lenses.
DSLRs are the most professional type of camera, with interchangeable lenses. Generally, they have the most advanced technology and are highly versatile thanks to a large variety of specialized lenses enabling you to get exceptional, high-quality images.
Mirrorless cameras are a bit in the middle, like the best of both worlds. DSLRs use a small mirror to project the image from the lens into the viewfinder. In mirrorless cameras, as their name suggests, this mirror doesn’t exist and they are equipped with an electronic viewfinder instead when they have one. Often, the screen is used to frame the pictures.
Mirrorless cameras, like DSLRs, use interchangeable lenses. They ally the versatility of DSLRs and the portability of point & shoot cameras.
So which one should you get?
Again, it depends on your priorities. Want the absolute best image quality and lens versatility? Get a DSLR.
Want a very good image quality but it’s also important that the camera is very portable? Get a mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras are getting really good and can rival many DSLRs in terms of image quality.
Want a hassle-free camera that does most of the work for you? Get a point-and-shoot camera.
How Did You Choose Your Top Pick?
As I said earlier in the introduction, I hesitated between the Rebel T6 DSLR and the M10 mirrorless camera and ended up choosing the latter for slightly superior specs. The top pick is the camera I feel gives you the best quality and the best features for the best price – the best value for money.
Again, it’s not an exact science and just my personal opinion, that’s why I show you 7 cameras on this page and not only my top pick – because your opinion might differ from mine.
Final Thoughts
That’s it for this article, I hope that it helped you find the best digital camera under 500 dollars that you were looking for. Cameras can get much, much more expensive than that but already for that price you can get something solid and reliable.
I tried my best to select the top cameras. Even if they are not perfect, I am confident that they can satisfy your needs.
