There's no denying that photography can be an expensive hobby. Cameras that retail for under $500 brand-new are a rare breed, and, of course, with smartphone photography becoming more impressive by the year, sticking with the camera you already have in your pocket is usually the most cost-effective option. That said, there's nothing like the feel of a camera in your hands, and the lenses available for interchangeable-lens cameras can open up your creative options considerably. So, while most cameras are a big financial commitment, you aren't totally out of luck with budget options. Especially price-conscious buyers can also find used models on eBay or at retailers like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, KEH, or MPB. While you won't get the latest features and tech that cameras offer, most cameras released in the last 10 years are more than capable of capturing great photos.
We've bought over 130 cameras, and below, you'll find the best cameras under $500 that we've tested. If you're just starting in photography, check out the best beginner cameras we've tested.
We've independently purchased over 125 cameras and tested them using a standardized methodology. All the results are available to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs, with objective, data-driven reviews. We keep every product in our lab inventory to ensure we can go back, retest models, and verify that all the information we provide is still accurate.
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Best Camera Under $500
Travel Photography7.7Landscape Photography7.6Sports & Wildlife Photography6.9Vlogging5.1Studio Video7.4Action Video3.1Raw Photo7.3Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Canon EOS R100 is the best camera under $500 for beginners who want a modern mirrorless body without stretching their budget. While it's pretty bare-bones compared to more expensive models, with a fixed screen that lacks touch functionality and limited 4k video capabilities, this is one of the rare modern mirrorless cameras that are actually accessible to budget consumers. With a solid 24-megapixel sensor at its core and a simple user interface with plenty of auto modes for beginners, this is a decent place to start if you're new to photography.
Since this camera is part of the RF mount system, you can upgrade to a better body down the line without having to buy into a whole new lens ecosystem. That said, finding cheap lenses on that lens mount is more difficult. You do have the option to use an EF-to-RF adapter to access a plethora of older lenses.
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Best DSLR Camera Under $500
Travel Photography6.9Landscape Photography6.8Sports & Wildlife Photography6.0Vlogging2.1Studio Video4.0Action Video2.3Raw Photo6.9Body Type:DSLRMirrorless:NoSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CA budget of under $500 won't get you very far in today's camera market unless you buy used, but it will get you a Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D. This simple 2018 model is the best DSLR you can still buy new for under $500 that we've tested. Part of Canon's entry-level Rebel lineup, this is a good option for beginner photographers thanks to its simple design and intuitive menu system. It may have a more rudimentary autofocus system than mirrorless alternatives like the Canon EOS R100 mentioned above. However, this camera is built around a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture excellent images on par with the R100, especially when paired with a good lens.
At this price point, you can naturally expect a cheaper, more plasticky build quality compared to pricier models, and you won't get features like 4k video capability or an articulated screen. For the money, however, this is a great starter camera. There's also a wide stable of compatible EF and EF-S lenses to choose from if you outgrow the kit lens or want to try different photography styles. Still, if this camera sounds too simple or pared down, and you're willing to stretch your budget for a DSLR, consider moving up to one of the best cameras under $1,000 instead.
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Best Superzoom Camera Under $500
Travel Photography6.4Landscape Photography5.9Sport & Wildlife Photography6.8Raw Photo Performance5.2Vlogging3.6Studio Video5.8Action Video2.5Body Type:BridgeMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:1/2.3-inchIf you don't want the complexity and added cost of replaceable lenses, we recommend the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80. The big selling point of this camera is its built-in lens. It has a very long zoom range that lets you shoot everything from close-ups to landscapes to far-off subjects like birds and wildlife. Just be aware that the camera's small sensor means you won't get the same level of image quality as most of the cameras mentioned above, and its build quality leaves something to be desired. That said, it's still fairly comfortable to shoot with, and it includes a ton of extra features, including a '4k PHOTO' mode that lets you pull stills out of 30 fps video clips and creative shooting modes for macro and nighttime photography.
The original Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is hard to find at this point; Panasonic has released an updated FZ80D model. While we haven't tested the D model yet, we expect it to perform the same, with the differences being a higher-resolution EVF and touchscreen, and USB-C charging instead of the older Micro-USB.
Recent Updates
Oct 15, 2026:
We made the Canon EOS R100 our 'Best Camera Under $500' and moved the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D to 'Best DSLR Camera Under $500.' We also removed the Nikon D3500, the DJI Pocket 2, and the Canon EOS Rebel T100/4000D because they've been discontinued.
Jan 17, 2025:
We've slightly restructured the article and reviewed that all the information remains accurate.
Oct 22, 2024:
We updated the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 to specify the newer FZ80D variant, which is more widely available and offers a higher-resolution screen and viewfinder.
Jul 29, 2024: We added a comparison to the DJI Pocket 3 in our discussion of the DJI Pocket 2 to give users a clearer picture of the market context for this camera.
May 01, 2024: We've added a reference to the Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 as a compact alternative to the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently think are the best cameras and the best point-and-shoot cameras under $500 for most people, based on their needs. We factor in price, visitor feedback, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or nearly out of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for cameras under $500. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.