My interest in photography started when a friend lent me his camera for a nature project. What should have been a one-off event became my major interest. After learning the basics, I was ready to buy my camera and start my photography journey.
At this point, I discovered a fact about photography that many newbies don’t know—cameras are expensive! I would have given up on my dream profession, but for my photographer friend who told me to change my camera search approach.
He advised me to choose a cheaper camera that could take the kind of pictures my photography entails. Over time, I’ve also learned that you can achieve crisp, professional shots regardless of your camera price. The important thing is your camera handling skills. So, if you’re a beginner looking for the best cameras under $500, you’re in the right place. They are:
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Olympus Tough TG-6
Source: JayCubby - Price: around $495.50
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Camera Type: Compact Waterproof Camera
- Memory Card: SD, SDXC, SDHC
- Zoom: 4x
- Battery: Up to 340 shots per charge
- Shutterspeed: 1/2 to 1/2000 sec
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Sony A6000 (Used—available on Amazon)
Source: JürgenMatern - Price: around $380
- Resolution: 24.3 MP
- Camera Type: Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
- Memory Card: SD, SDXC, SDHC, Memory Stick PRO Duo
- Zoom: Depends on the attached lens
- Battery: Up to 360 shots per charge
- Shutter speed: 1/4000 to 30 sec
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Canon EOS 2000D (Rebel T7)
Source: Chris Calvin - Price: around $480
- Resolution: 24.1 MP
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Memory Card: SD, SDXC, SDHC
- Zoom: Depends on the attached lens
- Battery: Up to 500 shots per charge
- Shutter speed: 1/4000 to 30 sec
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GoPro Hero 12
Source: Ericson Fernandes - Price: around $400
- Resolution: 27 MP
- Camera Type: Action Camera
- Memory Card: microSD
- Zoom: Digital zoom only
- Battery: Up to 2.5 hours at 5.3K/30fps
- Shutter speed: Auto
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Sony ZV-1F
Source: Henry Söderlund - Price: around $498
- Resolution: 20.1 MP
- Camera Type: Compact Vlogging Camera
- Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
- Zoom: Fixed 20mm lens
- Battery: Approximately 360 shots per charge
- Shutter speed: ¼ to 1/2000 sec
5 Best Cameras Under $500
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Olympus Tough TG-6
Best Uses:
Adventure, outdoor, underwater, snorkeling, macro and travel photography
Source: I99pema The Olympus Tough TG-6 stands true to its name as a very durable camera capable of working in extreme conditions. Its comprehensive environmental sensors make it ideal for outdoor, underwater, travel and macro photography.
It’s also waterproof, making it perfect for families, large groups, swimmers, scuba divers and snorkelers. You can shoot RAW images with it. Its crushproof feature means even kids can have a go at it.
However, the display screen can be hard to read in the sunlight.
Price: around $495.50
Features:
- 12MP ½.3 BSI CMOS sensor
- 4x optical zoom
- ISO range: 100-12,800
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 3-inch LCD screen
Pros
- Extremely Rugged: waterproof (15m), shockproof (2.1m), freezeproof (-10°C), crushproof (100kgf)
- Bright f/2.0 lens enhances low light and underwater photography
- Excellent macro capabilities with microscope mode
- Supports RAW image capture
- 4K video recording
- Built-in GPS, compass, thermometer, and manometer
Cons
- Image quality reduces at longer zoom ranges
- Limited manual controls
- The rear LCD is prone to scratches
- The complex menu can be hard to navigate
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Sony A6000 (Used)
Best Uses:
Portrait, street, travel and general photography
Source: Akairom The Sony A6000 is excellent for general, travel, portrait and street photography. It has a compact system that befits enthusiast photographers looking for quality images on a budget.
It has a large sensor, fast autofocus and shooting speed, excellent image quality and color rendition. It’s perfect for capturing candid moments like weddings and anniversaries.
You can get a quality secondhand Sony A6000 on Amazon. Just ensure you do due diligence before making a purchase.
Price: around $380
Features
- 24.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO range: 100-25,600
- Hybrid autofocus system with 179 phase-detection points
- 3-inch tilting LCD screen
- Electronic viewfinder
- Full HD 1080 video recording
Pros
- High-resolution 24.3MP APS-C sensor
- Fast 11 fps continuous shooting with autofocus
- Compact and lightweight design
- Wide range of compatible lenses
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
Cons
- Old
- Not touchscreen
- Limited battery life
- No 4K video recording
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Canon EOS 2000D (Rebel T7)
Best Uses:
Learning manual photography controls
Budget-conscious entry-level DSLR photography
Source: Greyfiveys The Rebel T7 is a great beginner DSLR camera for budget-conscious photographers. It has access to Canon’s extensive lens ecosystem and is also great for learning manual photography controls.
Its high-resolution sensor allows it to capture detailed images, but it will not give you high-quality videos because it is an older tech without 4K video. Regardless, it’s an excellent tool for breaking into the DSLR space as an amateur photographer.
Price: around $480
Features
- 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO range: 100-6,400
- Full HD 1080 video recording
- 3-inch LCD screen
- Optical viewfinder
- Around 500 shots per charge
Pros
- Good image quality
- User-friendly interface for beginners
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing
- Compatible with many Canon EF and EF-S lenses
Cons
- Limited to 3 fps continuous shooting
- No touchscreen or 4k video support
- Basic 9-point autofocus system
- Outdated DIFIC 4+ image processor
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GoPro Hero 12
Best Uses:
Action, adventure, sports, travel and outdoor videography
Vlogging
Source: Mallem Amir The GoPro Hero 12 is a budget camera fit for sports filming, vlogging and outdoor photography. It has exceptional video quality, stability, and versatile mounting options that allow you to explore different shooting techniques. Its enhanced audio and video features are perfect if you are a creator.
Price: around $400
Features
- 5.3K video recording at 60 fps
- 27MP photo capture
- Timecode syncing for multi-camera setups
- 10-bit Log video for post-processing flexibility
- HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization
- Waterproof up to 10 meters without housing
Pros
- Improved battery life
- Advanced stabilization with AutoBoost
- Supports wireless microphones and HDR video
- Standard tripod mount included
Cons
- No built-in GPS
- The menu system is less intuitive
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Sony ZV-1F
Best Uses:
Social media video production
Travel, lifestyle and content creation videography
Vlogging
Source: Henry Söderlund The Sony ZV-1F is a great camera for online content creators and vloggers. It has high-quality video and audio features and a user-friendly interface. Its compactness makes it an easy choice for travel and lifestyle videography. Wide-angle lens also make it ideal for either a one-person or group shooting.
Price: around $498
Features
- 20.1MP 1-inch sensor
- F2.0 aperture for low-light performance
- ISO range: 125-12,800
- 4K video recording at 30fps
- 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen
- Built-in directional microphone with windscreen
Pros
- Compact design
- 20mm wide-angle lens
- 4K video recording
- Flip-out touchscreen for easy framing
- Real-time Eye Autofocus and tracking
- Directional 3-capsule microphone
Cons
- No optical zoom
- Limited battery life
- No headphone jack
- Digital stabilization only
How do I choose the camera best suited for me?
Your photography goals will, most times, determine the camera you’ll get. Sony ZV-F1 is perfect for a vlogger, while an outdoor person will enjoy the Tough TG-6. Similarly, a surfer will be better off getting the GoPro Hero.
What is the best camera?
Different camera types exist for different purposes, from sports to wildlife photography. You could also be a portrait photographer or a special event photographer. The best camera is one that addresses your photography needs.
If you’re into street photography, Sony A6000 is good for your work. Likewise, the Sony ZV-F1 works fine if you’re a social media content creator.
What is a DSLR camera?
A DSLR Camera or Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera is a digital camera that allows you extensive control over camera settings. It combines the mechanics of film-based SLRs with digital imaging technology. It also combines the mirror and prism system, allowing you to see an accurate representation of your scene before capturing it. Combined, these features make the DSLR camera capture remarkably high-quality images.