Top 10 Best DSLR Cameras Under $500 [August 2020]

Are you in need of a great camera but do not want to spend all your savings? Here we have created a list of all the best DSLR camera under 500 Dollars that are available in the market.

You are making a huge mistake if you think only expensive cameras can click good pictures. It is, however, possible to get your hands on a good quality camera without spending a fortune. Also, if you buy a camera online, you will get some of the best deals on cheap yet high-quality cameras.

Furthermore, some brands are specialized in manufacturing cheap yet good quality cameras that are available at a very reasonable rate. You may be someone who could not purchase a particular camera model a few years ago due to money constraints. However, now you can buy cameras with similar features without spending a considerable amount. 

Within $500, you will get advanced compact cameras or entry-level DSLRs. However, these are perfect for beginners. Also, we assure you that all the cameras mentioned in our list are exceptional products in their category. Let’s find out the best DSLR camera under 500 which is perfect for you.

Top 10 Best DSLR Camera under 500 Dollars

Sony RX100 III

The first camera on our list is the Sony RX100 Premium Digital Camera. As we know that Sony is a trendy brand that manufactures inexpensive cameras with excellent features. The company started dominating the camera industry when it released this particular model.

With this camera, you will surely get stunning quality pictures, and it is very compact so you can carry it anywhere you go. The camera is capable of maintaining a soft background even when you zoom in, and this is because of the f1.8-2.8, 24-70 mm Zeiss lens.

The camera comes with an inbuilt SVGA OLED viewfinder, which helps in clicking photos with rich details. The viewfinder is also very accurate and faithfully displays what actually will appear in your photo or video. After testing this camera, we found that it is a very e versatile camera and is perfect for shooting as well.

It is capable of recording full HD movies and XAVC format. The device also comes with a unique control ring around the lens, which helps in operating it efficiently. You can use the control ring to adjust various features. Moreover, it turns smoothly and seamlessly.

Nikon D3300

Since we are talking about the best DSLR camera under 500, we have to mention this particular model, which is Nikon D3300. Just like Sony, Nikon is another excellent company that produces budget-friendly DSLR and SLR. The brand is known for manufacturing high-quality DSLRs with useful features at a low price.

The camera has 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format which ensures that the images that you click are crystal clear. The camera comes with a user guide, which makes using the camera extremely easy. 

One of the best features of this particular camera is that it can capture 5 frames within a second. The continuous shooting feature makes it perfect for a photographer. You can expand the memory of the camera. If you are looking for a camera that captures excellent HD images, this is perfect for you. The camera allows you to shoot in low light with high ISO sensitivity, high resolution, and also comes with panorama feature. You can also connect this camera with your smartphone or tablet, and this is one feature that we loved about this particular model. However, the downside of picking this camera is that the LCD screen is not touch-sensitive. 

Nikon D5600

With this camera, you can surely impress anyone. Nikon D5600 is capable of capturing amazing quality images and videos, setting the camera is very easy and immediately starts with taking rate photos and videos without the learning curve.

Unlike other cameras available in the market, this one comes with an everlasting battery, which allows you to take more than 970 shots per charge. With this camera, you will be able to click photos throughout the day.

It comes with a versatile lens kit that allows you to click amazing quality images and videos in any condition. Using SnapBridge, you will be able to transfer images instantly with compatible phones or smartphones. Once you are able to work with the camera, you can then start exploring all its manual settings and make changes according to your liking.

Nikon D5300

Nikon D5300 is an advanced DSLR camera made for complete beginners. It is also Nikon’s very first SLR camera that comes with a wireless LAN function. The brand claims that D5300 offers significantly enhanced optical technologies along with optimized EXPEED 4 images processing.

As per Nikon, it is one of the lightweight cameras from them, and it is also very durable. Since the brand is Nikon, the image quality of the images has too high and detailed as well.

With this camera, you can click from any angle, and you can hold the camera down low angle to get a good image of your pet. With this camera, you can click the best selfies and upload them instantly online using the Wi-Fi feature. Another great thing about this camera is that you can focus on the object you want.

The zoom feature of the device is stunning. This particular model comes with additional features like Wi-Fi, HD video capture, and low pass filter, which were missing in the previous model. However, this Nikon camera comes without a touch screen LCD screen. Having a touch screen LCD makes recording videos very easy and quick at the same time.

Canon EOS Rebel T7

This particular DSLR Camera comes with the complete kit along with a 1-year warranty. The camera is perfect for mobile device users who are willing to take their photography game to the next level. The camera is effortless to use and comes with amazing features when these two characteristics are combined. You will surely get amazing quality images.

You will find some beneficial equipment along with the camera, such as 3 pieces filter kit, 50-inch camera tripod, extra battery pack, AC/DC Car, and home charger. However, along with all these, you will get a few more equipment. The camera weight is 8.2 pounds, which is also suitable for a DSLR camera.

If you are someone who is looking for an affordable camera that records, 4K video, this is not the camera for you. Also, the LCD screen of the camera is stationary, and you cannot move around the LCD screen, which makes the recording yourself difficult. Even if you are shooting continuously for a long time, you might start facing issues with the camera. Some users reported slow continuous shooting.

However, if you are looking for a budget camera that meets your daily recording needs, this is perfect for you.

Canon EOS Rebel SL2

This particular camera model by Canon is extremely lightweight and easy to use as well. With this camera, you will be able to capture stunning photos and videos. It is one of the smallest SLR cameras that the company has ever manufactured but comes with the autofocus system.

The LCD swing that comes with the camera is sensitive and gives a clear view of what is in the frame. One of the best advantages of choosing this camera is its fully articulated LCD screen. Also, the brand improved autofocus in Live View and also added up to 5 fps continuous shooting. All these features make this camera a great budget camera.

While testing the camera, we were able to mount it very easily on our tripod, and the camera comes with a standard tripod socket. You will also get mini HDMI and a mini USB port, which makes connecting any devices with the camera extremely easy. While using the camera, you will notice that on the left side of the body, there is an external microphone port and wired remote control. We loved this camera more than any other camera mentioned on the list since it is extremely compact but comes with some of the most useful features that are needed by any good photographer.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 comes with versatile features is a true hybrid mirrorless camera that is a perfect of 4k UHD video recording. The revolving 16 MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor and Venus Engine 9 image processor along with low-light feature ensures that you can click good quality images. The camera body is dust and splash-proof, which means that it is weather-sealed, and you can use it almost everywhere. Also, the camera comes with the G85 sensor, which is the successor of G7. This particular camera model comes with customizable buttons and twin control body, which makes using the camera easy for beginners as well.

However, even if the camera is extremely cheap, one of the disadvantages of purchasing this camera is that it comes without a warranty. Hence if you face any issues with the camera during the first few days of using it, all expenses will be yours. The fast burst shooting mode is useful and comes with an autofocus system that quickly focuses on essential objects in your picture. The design of the camera is extremely stylish and has a contemporary feel. The built-in Wi-Fi feature helps to share images very quickly amongst compatible devices.

PANASONIC Lumix FZ300

If you are looking for a budget-friendly camera that is capable of clicking 4k video and images, PANASONIC Lumix FZ300 is perfect for you. The camera is ideal for beginners and comes with 30 frames per second feature, which makes clicking multiple images at a stretch very easily and quickly. The camera is capable of clicking high-quality photos, and all images clicked using this particular model are crisp and free from artifacts associated with small aperture settings.

The camera design is extremely rugged. It is splash-proof and dust proof at the same time. You will notice that the camera has very tight seals on each joint, buttons, and dials so that it performs well in every weather condition. The device comes with 5 Axis Hybrid Optical image stabilizer plus this helps in reducing blur that might occur if you are shooting a one-handed video by compensating five types of movements. While testing the features of this camera, we liked the long zoom feature a lot. Lumix FZ300 ensured that the object that you want to be in the frame is detailed at the same time.

Olympus PEN E-P1

Olympus is a top-rated camera company that announced its return to an old form factor. The company introduced interchangeable-lens digital cameras. This particular camera comes with a 12.3-megapixel sensor that is perfect for capturing amazing quality videos and pictures. The camera comes with face detection, Art filters, and SuperSonic Wave filter for reducing dust and multiple exposures. However, along with these features, the company also offered few new features including HD cameras, 324-area matrix, and in-camera music and still. The camera is silver in color, and the black lens of the camera makes it extremely classy. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 Seconds, which is one feature we liked in this camera.

You will also receive two new lenses along with the camera, the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, and the 17mm f/2.8 along with an optical viewfinder, which is small. You will also get a small flash along with Olympus E-P1. You will also get the camera in a stainless steel body, and the company offers this camera in silver and black or white and tan color variants. The camera does not come with any memory card, hence you need to purchase one in order to use the camera.

Panasonic Lumix G7KS

The Lumix G7KS by Panasonic comes with 16 Megapixels, and the lens of the camera is 14-42 mm, which is perfect for a camera in this price range. The camera offers superb quality images without being bulky and heavy, like traditional DSLR cameras that are available in the market. With this camera, you will be able to click perfect, clear, and sharp images. The device is capable of capturing 4K photos. This camera is perfect for both 4K and HD video recorders. This particular model is relatively compact and reasonably priced at the same time.

The device has some of the best features that a photographer will be looking for in any camera that he or she purchases. Panasonic Lumix G7KS comes with Focus mode AFS (Single) / AFF (Flexible) / AFC ( continuous) / AF mode, and these are few features that a camera must have to capture good quality images. We liked the eye detection and tracking features of the camera. You will also get the Wi-Fi feature along with the camera, which makes sharing images and videos extremely easy. The device is extremely easy to control compared to traditional DSLR cameras. Panasonic Lumix G7KS comes with control aperture and shutter settings with the front and rear dials.

Wrap Up on Best Camera under 500 Dollars

Since choosing the best DSLR camera under $500 can be a bit intimidating, we hope our list made your decision easier. In this list, you will find compact cameras as well as cameras with great features. These are some of the best cameras that we have come across under $500. These cameras are extremely easy to use, and few are lightweight at the same time. Some of these are currently best-selling in the market as well. So which camera are you planning to purchase?

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