Top 5 Digital Cameras Under $500

Are you fond of photography? A lot of people love photography. Research shows that the global volume of digital cameras in the consumer electronics market is increasing.

No doubt, photography is a costly pastime. Finding a camera that comes under your budget can be tricky. But you can still maintain the quality. There are a variety of cameras that are affordable and have excellent features.

Are you also interested in buying a pocket-friendly camera? No worries! I am here to help you. Have a look at the top five digital cameras under $500:

Preference List

• Best digital camera for beginners: Canon T7/2000D
• Best compact camera: Sony a5100
• Best for action shots: GoPro HERO11
• Best superzoom camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ80
• Best for daily use: Panasonic Lumix ZS80

Canon T7/2000D

If you are looking forward to DSLR photography, this Canon digital camera is the best option. The camera has a solid higher resolution with a 24.1-megapixel sensor so that you can capture high-quality images.

It allows you to try different photography styles with E.F. and EF-S lenses. You can capture amazing still pictures and videos by using the Canon T7/2000D. It is the best digital camera for beginners because of its simple design.

Pros

• Gives good-quality pictures
• Solid battery life
• It is user-friendly

Cons

• Not suitable for professional photographers
• Does not support 4K shooting

Sony a5100

The Sony a5100 is one of the top digital cameras under $500. It is a mirrorless and affordable compact camera that provides you with good-quality images. With its 24MP APS-C sensor, it captures your life in high resolution.

You can also capture your portrait, as its 3-inch L.E.D. screen can flip upward 180 degrees. It captures your beautiful moments with ultra-fast autofocusing, 179 AF points, and six fps.

Pros

• It is lightweight
• Has built-in WiFi and N.F.C.
• Its speed is super fast

Cons

• The screen does not flip down
• Under the bright screen, the screen is not good

GoPro HERO11

If you want to take amazing action shots, the GoPro HERO11 is one of the top digital cameras for you. With its 5.3K video and 27MP photo resolutions, you can amazingly relive your moments.

It is waterproof up to 33 feet, so you can take it everywhere to capture your precious memories. Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization with Horizon Lock keeps your filming smooth even if your camera rotates a full 360°.

Pros

• Provides high-resolution pictures and videos
• It is waterproof up to 33 feet
• The camera is strong and durable

Cons

• Poor performance in low light
• There are reports of overheating

Panasonic LUMIX FZ80

If you are looking for a superzoom camera, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is the best digital camera for you. With its 18.1 megapixel M.O.S. sensor, plus 60X zooms DC Vario lens and Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), you can capture far-off moments perfectly.

The camera lens features a super bright aperture range that is optically stabilized with Panasonic’s Power O.I.S. technology. This technology helps you to capture your photographs flawlessly, even in low-light conditions.

Pros

• A pocket-size camera
• Provides 4K video and photo shooting
• It has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity

Cons

• The camera’s rear LCD is fixed
• Autofocus can be sluggish

Panasonic Lumix ZS80

The Panasonic Lumix ZS80 is the best digital camera for everyday use, with amazing zoom performance. The camera has a large 1/2.3-inch M.O.S. sensor and a resolution of 20. 3MP to capture your photos superbly.

It provides Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for instant image sharing. There are a variety of artistic functions in the camera to add fun to your shooting.

Pros

• Has a decent battery life
• It is portable
• Impressive autofocus system

Cons

• The screen performance is not good in bright sunlight
• Touchscreen controls can be confusing

How to Choose a Digital Camera

If you are considering buying a camera, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Image Quality

Image quality depends on the lens of a camera. Choose a camera that has a lens with high resolution. Many cameras come with kit lenses.

Kit lenses have a midrange capacity for zooming and have slow, variable apertures. These lenses are good for beginners and those who do photography as a hobby. Investing in a better-quality zoom lens and prime lens will enhance your experience.

Size of the Camera

The size of the camera is also an essential factor. Size is a personal choice, but that is very subjective. The size, which may be big for a beginner, can be smaller for a professional photographer.

Compact digital camera buttons are closely placed, which may feel awkward to use. If you are going to carry a camera while traveling, make sure to choose a size that is easy to handle.

Performance and Speed

The speed and performance of a camera depend on the autofocus speed, frames per second (fps), startup time, and general operational speed ratings.

The fps rating is the number of shots a camera can capture per second. A camera with a higher fps rating gives clearer images.

Sensor Size

Digital cameras record images with the help of sensors. Large sensors give you better-quality photos in low-light conditions. They can also blur the background of a picture.

There are three common types of sensors: 1-inch or smaller sensors are found in budget compact cameras. Advanced compact, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras have APS-C and full-frame sensors. If you are buying a camera for professional use, choose the one with an APS-C or full-frame sensor.

Conclusion

Do you need a camera for yourself that comes within your budget? Finding the best camera at an affordable price is quite difficult.

But do not worry. I’ve got your back! Have a look at the above-mentioned top digital cameras that are under $500.

Leave a comment below about which one you are going to purchase!