When it comes to photography, having the right equipment can make all the difference. However, not everyone has the budget to splurge on high-end camera gear. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best budget mirrorless cameras under $500.
These cameras may be affordable, but they don’t skimp on features. They offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a range of shooting modes that will allow you to capture stunning photos in any situation. Whether you’re a beginner looking to upgrade from a smartphone camera or an experienced photographer on a budget, these cameras are worth considering.
One of the top choices in this price range is the Sony Alpha a6000. This camera features a 24.3MP sensor, fast hybrid autofocus system, and a tiltable LCD screen. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, making it easy to transfer your photos to your phone or upload them directly to social media. The a6000 is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel photography.
Another great option is the Fujifilm X-T100. This camera boasts a 24.2MP sensor, high-speed autofocus, and a 3-way tilting touchscreen. It also offers 4K video recording, allowing you to capture stunning footage. The X-T100 has a retro design that will appeal to those who prefer a vintage look and feel.
If you’re into vlogging, the Canon EOS M50 is a fantastic choice. This camera features a 24.1MP sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, and a vari-angle touchscreen. It also has a built-in electronic viewfinder and offers 4K video recording. The M50 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take it with you wherever you go.
Sony Alpha a6000: An Affordable Mirrorless Camera with Impressive Features
As a photography enthusiast on a budget, I have extensively researched various mirrorless cameras under $500, and one model that stood out to me was the Sony Alpha a6000. This compact and lightweight camera offers impressive features at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for beginners and amateur photographers.
High-Quality Images: The Sony Alpha a6000 boasts a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and a fast autofocus system, allowing you to capture stunning, high-resolution images with exceptional clarity and detail. Whether you’re taking landscape shots, portraits, or action shots, this camera delivers sharp and vibrant photos.
Advanced Technology: With its advanced technology, the Sony Alpha a6000 offers a range of features that enhance the photography experience. Its fast hybrid autofocus system enables quick and accurate subject tracking, ensuring that you never miss a moment. Additionally, the camera’s high-speed continuous shooting mode allows you to capture fast-paced action with ease.
- The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity of the Sony Alpha a6000 make it easy to transfer photos to your smartphone or tablet for quick sharing on social media.
- The camera’s tiltable LCD screen and electronic viewfinder offer flexibility and convenience while framing your shots.
- It also supports an extensive range of interchangeable lenses, allowing you to further customize your photography experience.
User-Friendly Interface: The Sony Alpha a6000 features an intuitive menu system and customizable buttons, making it easy to navigate and adjust settings according to your preferences. The camera’s compact size and ergonomic design further contribute to its user-friendliness, ensuring comfortable handling during long shooting sessions.
Overall, the Sony Alpha a6000 offers a winning combination of affordability and impressive features. Whether you’re a beginner looking to delve into the world of mirrorless cameras or an experienced photographer seeking a reliable and budget-friendly option, this camera is definitely worth considering.
Fujifilm X-A5: A Budget-Friendly Mirrorless Camera with Impressive Features
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Fujifilm X-A5 is definitely worth considering. As someone who is passionate about photography, I was pleasantly surprised by the features and performance of this camera.
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X-A5 is its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around for long periods of time without experiencing any discomfort. This is particularly important for photographers who often find themselves on the go and need a camera that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
The image quality produced by the Fujifilm X-A5 is also impressive, thanks to its 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or street photography, this camera delivers sharp, detailed images with accurate colors. Additionally, its low-light performance is surprisingly good, allowing you to capture stunning photos even in challenging lighting conditions.
Another feature that makes the Fujifilm X-A5 stand out is its advanced autofocus system. With 91 autofocus points, you can trust that your subject will always be in focus, even when shooting fast-moving subjects. This makes it a great option for capturing action shots or sports photography.
In terms of video capabilities, the Fujifilm X-A5 offers 4K recording, allowing you to capture high-quality videos with impressive levels of detail. Additionally, it has a 3-inch tilting touchscreen display that makes it easy to frame your shots and navigate through the camera’s menu.
Overall, the Fujifilm X-A5 is a fantastic budget-friendly mirrorless camera that delivers impressive image quality, a compact design, and advanced features. Whether you’re a beginner photographer or a more experienced enthusiast looking for a secondary camera, the Fujifilm X-A5 is definitely worth considering.
Canon EOS M100
When it comes to budget mirrorless cameras, the Canon EOS M100 is definitely a standout option. With its compact design and impressive features, it offers great value for money.
One of the key highlights of the Canon EOS M100 is the 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. This sensor produces high-quality images with excellent detail and clarity, making it perfect for capturing stunning landscapes or portraits. Additionally, the camera’s DIGIC 7 image processor ensures fast and accurate image processing, resulting in vibrant colors and natural-looking skin tones.
The EOS M100 also comes with a versatile 15-45mm kit lens, which covers a wide focal range and is ideal for a variety of shooting situations. Whether you’re capturing wide-angle shots of breathtaking landscapes or zooming in on distant subjects, this lens can handle it all.
In terms of video capabilities, the Canon EOS M100 doesn’t disappoint. It can record Full HD 1080p videos at up to 60 frames per second, allowing you to capture smooth and professional-looking footage. The camera also features Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, which ensures quick and precise focusing, even when shooting moving subjects.
Other notable features of the Canon EOS M100 include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to easily transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for instant sharing on social media. It also has a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, which makes it easy to compose shots from different angles and navigate through the camera’s settings.
In conclusion, the Canon EOS M100 is an excellent budget mirrorless camera that offers a combination of compactness, image quality, and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner photographer or a seasoned enthusiast, this camera has the features and performance to meet your needs.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II: A Budget-Friendly Mirrorless Camera
As a budget-conscious photographer, I understand the importance of finding a camera that offers great features and quality without breaking the bank. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that exceeded my expectations in every way.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II boasts a wide range of impressive features that make it a standout choice for any photography enthusiast on a budget. With its compact and lightweight design, this camera is perfect for travel or everyday use. The 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor delivers exceptional image quality, capturing sharp and vibrant photos with great detail.
- Five-Axis Image Stabilization: One of the standout features of the E-M10 Mark II is its five-axis image stabilization system, which compensates for camera shake and allows for blur-free images. This is particularly useful in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld.
- Fast Autofocus: The E-M10 Mark II features a fast and accurate autofocus system that ensures sharp focus in a variety of shooting situations. Whether I was capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting landscapes, the camera’s autofocus performance was reliable and impressive.
- Artistic Creative Modes: For those who love to experiment with their photography, the E-M10 Mark II offers a wide range of creative modes and filters. From artistic black and white effects to vibrant pop art filters, this camera allows for endless creative possibilities.
In terms of usability, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is a joy to use. The camera features a tilting LCD screen, making it easy to compose shots from a variety of angles. The electronic viewfinder provides a clear and accurate preview of the final image, giving me confidence in my composition.
In conclusion, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that punches well above its weight. With its impressive features, exceptional image quality, and ease of use, it’s the perfect choice for any photographer looking to capture stunning images without breaking the bank.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85: A Budget-Friendly Mirrorless Camera
When it comes to finding a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85 is definitely worth considering. This compact camera offers an impressive range of features and capabilities for photographers on a budget.
One standout feature of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85 is its 16-megapixel sensor, which delivers high-quality images with plenty of detail. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or action shots, this camera can capture it all with stunning clarity. Additionally, its built-in image stabilization technology helps to minimize shake and blur, ensuring that your photos remain sharp even in low-light conditions.
With its compact and lightweight design, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85 is perfect for travel and everyday use. It features a tilting LCD screen that allows for easy framing and composition, and its intuitive controls make it a breeze to navigate through the camera’s various settings. Furthermore, its 4K video recording capabilities enable you to capture high-resolution footage with incredible detail and clarity.
Another notable feature of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85 is its versatile lens options. The camera is compatible with a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses, giving you the flexibility to choose the lens that best suits your shooting style and preferences. From wide-angle lenses for landscape photography to telephoto lenses for capturing distant subjects, there’s a lens available for every type of photographer.
In conclusion, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85 is an excellent choice for photographers who are looking for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera without compromising on quality. Its impressive image quality, built-in image stabilization, compact design, and versatile lens options make it a valuable tool for capturing stunning photos and videos. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this camera is sure to exceed your expectations.
Nikon 1 J5
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera, the Nikon 1 J5 is definitely worth considering. With a price tag under $500, this camera offers impressive features and performance.
One major advantage of the Nikon 1 J5 is its compact size and lightweight design, making it perfect for travel or everyday use. Its sleek and stylish body is available in multiple colors, allowing you to choose a camera that matches your personal style.
- The 20.8-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers excellent image quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
- The 3-inch tilting LCD screen is perfect for framing your shots from different angles, and its touch functionality makes it easy to navigate menus and change settings.
- The Nikon 1 J5 offers an impressive continuous shooting speed of up to 20 frames per second, allowing you to capture fast-moving subjects with ease.
- With its built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, you can easily transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for quick sharing on social media or editing on-the-go.
- The camera also features Full HD 1080p video recording, allowing you to capture high-quality videos.
In conclusion, the Nikon 1 J5 is a great budget mirrorless camera with a range of impressive features. Its compact size, excellent image quality, and versatile shooting options make it a suitable choice for both beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Pentax K-01: The Affordable Mirrorless Camera for Budget Photographers
As a budget-conscious photographer, I was on the hunt for a mirrorless camera that offered high-quality images without breaking the bank. That’s when I stumbled upon the Pentax K-01, a hidden gem in the world of affordable mirrorless cameras.
One of the standout features of the Pentax K-01 is its retro design and compact size. The camera body is stylishly crafted with a bold color scheme and unique design elements, making it a conversation starter among fellow photographers. Its compact size also makes it easy to carry around, whether I’m taking it on a hike or strolling through the streets of a bustling city.
Excellent Image Quality:
Don’t let its affordable price tag fool you, the Pentax K-01 delivers impressive image quality. Equipped with a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor, I was able to capture sharp and detailed photos with accurate colors and low noise levels. The camera also performs admirably in low-light situations, allowing me to capture stunning images even in challenging environments.
Innovative Features:
The Pentax K-01 is packed with innovative features that enhance the overall shooting experience. One feature I particularly enjoyed is the focus peaking, which highlights the areas of the image that are in focus, making manual focusing a breeze. The camera also offers multiple exposure modes, allowing for creative and experimental photography. Plus, its compatibility with a wide range of Pentax lenses gives me the flexibility to explore different focal lengths and styles.
User-Friendly Interface:
Even as a beginner, I found the Pentax K-01 incredibly user-friendly. The camera’s interface is intuitive and straightforward, making it easy to navigate through settings and shooting modes. The rear LCD screen is bright and responsive, providing a clear view of the scene, and the physical buttons are well-placed, allowing for quick adjustments on the go.
In conclusion, the Pentax K-01 is a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that delivers impressive image quality, innovative features, and a user-friendly interface. Its retro design and compact size make it a stylish and portable option for photographers on a budget. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of mirrorless cameras or a seasoned photographer seeking an affordable backup option, the Pentax K-01 is definitely worth considering.
Samsung NX3000: A Budget-Friendly Mirrorless Camera with Impressive Features
As an amateur photographer looking for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera, I came across the Samsung NX3000. With its affordable price tag, this camera offers impressive features that make it a great choice for beginners or enthusiasts on a tight budget.
One standout feature of the Samsung NX3000 is its image quality. Equipped with a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, this camera produces detailed and sharp images, capturing every moment with clarity and precision. Whether I’m taking portraits or landscapes, the NX3000 delivers vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range, allowing me to showcase my creativity through stunning photographs.
- User-friendly Design: The NX3000 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around for outdoor shoots or while traveling. Its ergonomic grip provides a comfortable and secure hold, allowing for steady shots even with one hand.
- Selfie-friendly Features: One of the unique features of the NX3000 is its flip-up LCD screen, which allows for easy framing and capturing of self-portraits. Additionally, the camera offers a range of smart filters and beauty modes for enhancing selfies, making it a perfect choice for those who love to capture self-portraits.
- Wireless Connectivity: The NX3000 is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling seamless transfer of images to my smartphone or tablet. This feature comes in handy when I want to share my photos instantly on social media platforms or back them up for safekeeping.
- Full HD Video Recording: Not only does the NX3000 excel in photography, but it also offers Full HD video recording capabilities. I can capture smooth and cinematic videos with ease, thanks to its impressive autofocus system and manual control options.
In conclusion, the Samsung NX3000 is a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that delivers impressive image quality and offers a range of features suitable for beginners or enthusiasts. With its user-friendly design, selfie-friendly features, wireless connectivity, and Full HD video recording capabilities, the NX3000 is a great choice for those looking to explore their passion for photography without breaking the bank.
Leica T (Typ 701)
The Leica T (Typ 701) is a stylish and compact mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and a range of advanced features. With a price tag under $500, it is an affordable option for photographers who want the Leica experience without breaking the bank.
The Leica T (Typ 701) features a 16.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which delivers sharp and detailed images with rich colors. The camera also has a fast autofocus system and a continuous shooting speed of up to 5 frames per second, allowing you to capture fast-moving subjects with ease.
One of the standout features of the Leica T (Typ 701) is its minimalist design. The camera body is made from a solid block of aluminum, giving it a premium and durable feel. It has a sleek and simple layout, with a large touchscreen display that allows for easy menu navigation and image playback.
The Leica T (Typ 701) also offers built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for easy sharing on social media. It also has a range of creative shooting modes and filters, allowing you to explore your creativity and capture unique images.
In conclusion, the Leica T (Typ 701) is a great option for budget-conscious photographers who want a compact and stylish mirrorless camera. With its impressive image quality, advanced features, and iconic Leica design, it offers excellent value for money.
Best budget mirrorless cameras under $500
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof Camera Body, LEICA DC 24X F2.8...
Features
| Part Number | DMC-FZ300K |
| Model | DMC-FZ300K |
| Warranty | 1 year coverage for parts, 1 year coverage for labor, 90 day coverage for included accessories, 10 day coverage for non-rechargable batteries |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2015-09-15T00:00:01Z |
| Size | Full-Size |
| Language | English |
| Price history for Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof Camera Body, LEICA DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens - DMC-FZ300K - (Black) USA | |
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Drone with Camera for Adults, SANROCK 1080P HD FPV WiFi Drones for Kids Beginners, RC Quadcopter Helicopter, Voice Start, Waypoint Fly, Gesture Selfie,...
Features
| Part Number | U52 |
| Color | White |
| Release Date | 2024-01-21T08:00:00.000Z |
| Price history for Drone with Camera for Adults, SANROCK 1080P HD FPV WiFi Drones for Kids Beginners, RC Quadcopter Helicopter, Voice Start, Waypoint Fly, Gesture Selfie, Return to Home, Toys Gifts for Boys Girls | |
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4K Digital Camera for Photography Autofocus, Upgraded 48MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with SD Card, 3" 180 Flip Screen Compact Travel Camera with 16X...
Features
| Part Number | 1 |
| Model | 4K Digital Camera |
| Warranty | 1 Year Manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Size | Compact |
| Price history for 4K Digital Camera for Photography Autofocus, Upgraded 48MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with SD Card, 3" 180 Flip Screen Compact Travel Camera with 16X Digital Zoom, Flash, Anti-Shake, 2 Batteries | |
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AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP Action Camera Ultra HD Underwater Camera 170 Degree Wide Angle 98FT Waterproof Camera Support External Microphone
Features
| Part Number | EK7000 |
| Model | EK7000 |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2018-08-12T00:00:01Z |
| Size | compact |
| Language | Spanish |
| Price history for AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP Action Camera Ultra HD Underwater Camera 170 Degree Wide Angle 98FT Waterproof Camera Support External Microphone | |
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Hidden Camera,Spy Camera Power Bank 20 Hours Continuous Recording HD 1080P 10000MAH Portable Nanny Cam Mini Video Recorder Outdoor Security Camera with...
Features
- 【Portable 10000mAh Power Bank & Mini Camera】: This product is a 2-in-1 design. It has a real power bank function and a camera. The best feature is that it has a mini camera that can monitor things without anyone noticing while charging your device.
- 【Motion Detection & Loop Recording】: Motion detection mode (M) will automatically record video and save it to the SD card (not included) once motion is detected, which can save a lot of storage space for the SD card when you are out. As soon as suspicious people appear in your home or office, their actions will be immediately recorded.
- 【Night Vision】Dark nights can be a time of insecurity, so you need a guardian to ensure your safety. The camera's night vision (built-in 4 invisible IR lights) is a perfect match for motion detection. When anyone appears in front of the camera, even in the dark, it automatically starts recording video and saves the file every five minutes. When night vision is on, no extra lights appear, which means it's pretty stealthy. It will guard your safety and property while you sleep.
- 【Various Charging Interfaces & Phone Charge USB Ports】: There are three modes of charging interfaces (Type-C, IPH, Micro). You can charge camera with any of these cables (only the Type-C cable is included). When you use it to charge your phone, you can choose fast charge output or normal charge output according to your needs. A variety of charging and discharging ports meet your different needs.
- 【Perfect After-sales Service】Our products aim to meet the needs of our customers, and we take responsibility for our products. We offer 3 months of unconditional refund, 3 years of free replacement if the product malfunctions, and lifetime free technical support. If you have any questions before or after your purchase, please feel free to contact us.
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| Price history for 4K Digital Camera for Photography Auto-Focus 4K Camera with 180° 3.0 inch Flip Screen 16X Anti-Shake Vlogging Camera for YouTube Video Compact Cameras with SD Card, 2 Batteries and Battery Charger | |
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kimire Video Camera Camcorder Digital Camera Recorder Full HD 1080P 15FPS 24MP 3.0 Inch 270 Degree Rotation LCD 16X Digital Zoom Camcorder Camera with 2...
Features
| Part Number | 604s |
| Model | 604S |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | Black |
| Format | Multisystem |
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AKASO Brave 7 LE 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera with Touch Screen EIS 2.0 Zoom Remote Control 131 Feet Waterproof Camera Support External Microphone with...
Features
| Part Number | Brave 7 LE-64 |
| Model | Brave 7 LE |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
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| Price history for 5K Digital Camera for Photography and Video Autofocus 48MP Vlogging Selfie Camera Anti-Shake with Flash Viewfinder Dial, 16X Digital Zoom Compact Video Camera for Travel with 32GB Card, 2 Batteries | |
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IPEVO V4K Ultra High Definition 8MP USB Document Camera — Mac OS, Windows, Chromebook Compatible for Live Demo, Web Conferencing, Distance Learning, Remote...
Features
| Part Number | 5-880-4-01-00 |
| Model | 5-880-4-01-00 |
| Warranty | All IPEVO products come with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. |
| Color | Green |
| Release Date | 2018-01-28T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 8 Megapixel |
| Language | English |
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Question and answers:
What are some of the best budget mirrorless cameras under $500?
Some of the best budget mirrorless cameras under $500 include the Sony Alpha a6000, Canon EOS M100, Fujifilm X-A5, Panasonic Lumix GX85, and Olympus PEN E-PL9.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a budget mirrorless camera under $500?
When choosing a budget mirrorless camera under $500, it’s important to consider features such as image quality, autofocus performance, size and weight, lens compatibility, additional features (such as built-in Wi-Fi or image stabilization), and overall user reviews.
Is it possible to find a good mirrorless camera under $500?
Yes, it is possible to find a good mirrorless camera under $500. While these cameras may not have all the advanced features found in higher-end models, they can still offer excellent image quality, autofocus performance, and portability for those on a budget.
Are there any trade-offs when buying a budget mirrorless camera under $500?
When buying a budget mirrorless camera under $500, there may be some trade-offs compared to more expensive models. These trade-offs can include fewer advanced features, lower build quality, and potentially limited lens selection. However, for many users, the trade-offs are worth the affordability and portability of a budget mirrorless camera.
Can a budget mirrorless camera under $500 be used for professional photography?
While budget mirrorless cameras under $500 may not have all the advanced features needed for professional photography, they can still be used effectively by amateur photographers or those on a tight budget. With the right technique and understanding of the camera’s limitations, it is possible to capture high-quality images.
