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Looking for the best DSLR Cameras Under $500? In this frequently updated directory, we’ve picked up all of the camera world’s greatest deals, so whether you’re searching for a DSLR camera, compact vlogging camera, or anything for instant prints, you’ll find the perfect option for you. There’s no doubting that photography is a costly pastime. Dedicated photography cameras that cost less than $500 new are a rare breed, and with increasingly competent smartphone cameras, the camera in your pocket may be the most cost-effective option.
That said, nothing beats the sensation of a camera in your hands, and you’re not completely out of luck in terms of inexpensive options. Of course, if you’re ready to forsake cutting-edge camera technology and features, the used market is brimming with capable models that will appeal to budget-conscious shoppers. We’ve purchased and tested numerous cameras, and our choices for the best cameras under $500 are listed below.
Best DSLR Cameras Under $500
Canon EOS Rebel T7 2000D
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is the greatest all-around camera under $500 that we’ve tested. The T7, which is part of Canon’s entry-level Rebel family, is an excellent choice for beginning photographers due to its basic design and user-friendly menu interface. While it lacks many bells and whistles, this DSLR is designed around a solid high-resolution APS-C sensor that is more than capable of producing stunning images.
It’s also a terrific camera for honing your abilities, with a large selection of EF and EF-S lenses to choose from if you want to experiment with other shooting techniques or simply outgrow the kit lens. Of course, at this price point, you can anticipate a more plasticky build quality than pricier versions like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, as well as capabilities like 4k video capability and an articulating screen.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is one of the best superzoom cameras for the money. While it isn’t the most portable alternative, and the build quality leaves a lot to be desired, the camera feels excellent in the hand and has a lot of cool extra capabilities. This includes a ‘4k PHOTO’ mode for extracting still images from 30 fps video clips and creative shooting modes for macro and nocturnal photography.
The built-in lens on this camera offers an extremely large zoom range, allowing you to shoot everything from close-ups to landscapes to distant subjects like birds and wildlife. However, because of its small sensor, it does not provide the same level of image quality as a DSLR such as the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D stated above. However, this is an excellent option if you’re looking for a low-cost zoom camera for casual sports or family photography.
Panasonic LUMIX ZS80
The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras under $500 if you want an economical camera that you can take anywhere to capture memories and images on the go. It’s small enough to fit in a bag or coat pocket, and the little thumb rest and finger grip make it comfortable to operate even with one hand. It even has a small viewfinder, which is useful on bright days when it may be difficult to see the screen.
The screen may be flipped up for waist-level or selfie photographs. The best feature is its built-in lens, which has a long zoom range and is quite versatile for a variety of photo styles. While image quality isn’t out of this world, especially compared to cameras with larger sensors, the ZS80 offers 10 fps burst shooting, a surprisingly good autofocus mechanism, and a solid battery life. This makes it the greatest point-and-shoot camera available for less than $500.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 III
Olympus’ digital reincarnation of its analogue OM line has been enormously popular among hobbyist photographers, and with the OM-D E-M10 III, the company has created a solid entry point to the series for those on a smaller budget. This model expands on the excellent features of the OM-D E-M10 Mark II, including a 16MP sensor, 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinders, a 3in touchscreen, and five-axis image stabilisation systems.
However, 4K video and a considerably more sophisticated autofocus technology are now included. This is an excellent starter mirrorless camera because it is compact, light, and simple to use. And it looks fantastic for the price! Currently, this is one of the best DSLR Cameras Under $500 that you can buy right now.
GoPro Hero11 Black
Despite looking like every other GoPro this side of 2019, with enhanced hardware and free software, the Hero 11 Black is a victory on all fronts. The new, nearly square sensor is extremely adaptable, the camera’s software has been successfully simplified, and GoPro’s companion app, Quik, has been upgraded. The Hero 11 Black is a wonderful addition to the range, with best-in-class stability, great-looking video in all but dimly-lit and gloomy scenarios, and some interesting new modes like light painting.
The 8:7 aspect ratio of the Hero 11 Black is also a notable feature for video creators. Its film, which can be shot in 5.3K quality, 8:7 video at up to 30fps, can be losslessly cropped to make additional 4K portrait, landscape, and square segments from a single video. In addition to 8:7 video, the Hero 11 Black takes 5.3K resolution video at 60 frames per second, 4K resolution video at 120 frames per second, and 2.7K resolution video at 240 frames per second.
Olympus Tough TG-6
This rugged 12MP compact is suitable for families, adventurous travellers, and photographers who put their gear through rigorous use; it’s waterproof to 15m, can withstand a 2.4m drop, and is crushproof and freeze-proof. The camera features a versatile 25-100mm equivalent lens and a 12MP sensor; while this isn’t much in terms of resolution these days, the TG-6 can also shoot in RAW, ensuring you get the most out of this tough travel companion.
Another significant selling point is the ability to record 4K and 120fps Full HD video. The Olympus TG-6 has many shooting choices, including 16 different scene modes and an aperture priority setting. The ISO spans from 100 to 12,800, and brilliant F2 lens allows for higher shutter rates for photographing moving images, implying that should work well underwater.
Panasonic Lumix TZ90
Panasonic’s travel zoom compact builds on the accomplishments of its predecessors, and if you want as much zoom as possible in a compact, pocketable camera, the Panasonic Lumix TZ90 is an excellent choice. It has a 30x optical zoom, but you have to accept that it has a smaller sensor than its one-inch sibling, the TZ100. It’s perhaps the most feature-rich superzoom compact on the market. It has a built-in electronic viewfinder, 4K camera video recording, a touch-sensitive screen, manual settings, RAW format shooting, and a body that almost fits in your pocket.
Although it is an excellent pick for individuals searching for something to carry on their travels, it suffers in low light when compared to its larger sensor competition. You shouldn’t be too concerned if you’re just intending to use it on sunny vacations. The Panasonic Lumix TZ90 was replaced by the TZ95, which has a slightly larger EVF and Bluetooth, but the TZ90 remains a good value for money at just over £300.
GoPro HERO10 Black
A GoPro is the best option for action video around $500. With the recently announced GoPro HERO11 Black, there’s no better time to acquire the GoPro HERO10 Black, which offers top-of-the-line performance and features at a lower price. This GoPro camera can shoot 5.3k video at 60 frames per second, 4k video at 120 frames per second, and 2.7k and 1080p video at 240 frames per second, providing you plenty of possibilities for capturing various levels of slow-motion at multiple resolutions.
It’s also waterproof, tiny enough to take anyplace and mount to practically anything, and has a front-facing screen for convenient viewing while recording. Even the HERO10 isn’t cheap in the world of action cameras, but earlier models like the GoPro HERO9 Black and GoPro HERO8 Black are still available at lower price ranges for those on a tighter budget.
Final Words
Our recommendations above are what we believe are the best DSLR Cameras Under $500 for the majority of individuals, based on their needs. We consider the price, guest comments, and availability. If you want to make your own decision, here’s a collection of all our reviews for cameras under $500. Take care not to become bogged down in the intricacies. There is no such thing as a flawless camera. Personal choice and shooting habits will be more important in your pick.