10 Best Point and Shoot Cameras Under $500 (March 2024)

If I talk about the best point and shoot camera under $500, I’ve had a lot of great responses from happy photographers, it seems that finding the most cost-effective way to save memories and create better artwork is a popular topic.

best point and shoot cameras under 500 dollars

It is not necessary for spending thousands of bucks to capture some good photos and memories. Neither does a camera has to be enormously vast with multiple interchangeable lens kit with it.

You can quickly gather great photos with decent image quality and similar features with point-and-shoot cameras by spending nothing more than $500. Unlike typical digital cameras, the improved cameras provide more advanced features including optical zoom, 4K image, and video quality, High resolution, and many more.

If you think that spending $500 on a digital camera is quite expensive, but you want advanced features at a low price, then you should check our list of the best point and shoot cameras under $300. You can get an advanced compact camera within your budget, but you have to compromise on some features like a viewfinder, 4K Image, etc.

After a lot of research and analyzing the buyer reviews, we have gathered the best digital cameras under $500 for you. In this list, we have put some best DSLR cameras and the best mirrorless cameras. So you will gonna have the best point-and-shoot camera that costs $500.

For a quick decision, you can go with our best overall camera and best camera for value which are handpicked by our camera experts.

Best Overall

Sony DSC-RX100
Sony DSC-RX100

Large sensor compare to smartphone
Dual-axis Electronic Level
Fast Autofocus
4K Video
Long Battery Life (330 shots)
Best Value for Money

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

Compact and excellent built quality
LCD touch-screen
Optical Image Stabilization
Raw + JPEG format
Full HD Video

10 Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $500

Point and Shoot Camera Lens Type Megapixels
1. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Best Budget Camera 3x zoom (28-84 mm eq.) f/2-4.9 20.1 MP
2. Panasonic LUMIX 4K Digital Cameras 10x zoom (25-250 mm eq.) f/2.8-5.9 20.1 MP
3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Micro Four Thirds 16.1 MP
4. Canon EOS Rebel T6 Canon EF-S 18 MP
5. Sony DSC-RX100 Best Camera For Value 3.6x zoom (28-100 mm eq.) f/1.8-4.9 20.2 MP
6. Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Micro Four Thirds 16 MP
7. Nikon D3500 DSLR Nikon F 24.2 MP
8. Olympus Tough TG-5 (Waterproof Digital Camera) 4x zoom (25-100 mm eq.) f/2-4.9 12 MP
9. Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 30x zoom (24-720 mm eq.) f/3.3-6.4 20.3 MP
10. Sony DSC-HX99 30x zoom (24-720 mm eq.) f/3.3-6.4 18.2 MP
Best Budget Camera

1. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II - Best Advanced Point-and-Shoot Camera

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With Canon’s policy of constant changes in the designs and features to give the user its best, we have always turned towards it. After the success of its ancestor PowerShot G9 X, Canon came up with the updated model G9 X Mark II.

The new point and shoot camera have the same solid metal build with a textured grip for anyone to quickly get a hold of it. The pocket-sized camera has a pretty decent image quality in Raw that any professional photographer would approve of.

Upon checking its battery life, it was able to capture 355 shots in one charge and can also recharge with a USB portal. With its added features of face detection and tracking mode ability, it is easier for you to capture and focus on the subject automatically. For its advanced features, this could be your best camera under 500 dollars.

Specifications of Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Type Compact
Megapixels 20.1 MP
Sensor Size 1 Inch CMOS
Lens Type 3x zoom (28-84 mm eq.) f/2-4.9
Screen 3 Inch (1,040,000 dot)
ViewFinder Digital
Max Burst Speed 8.2 fps
Max video resolution 1920 x 1080p
Dimensions 98 x 58 x 31 mm
Weight 206 g

2. Panasonic LUMIX 4K Digital Camera

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS100K - compact digital cameras under 500 dollars

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With the release of LUMIX ZS100 4K, Panasonic comes with good news for all the devotee photographers who enjoy capturing traveling memories and families. Unlike other compact digital cameras under $500, LUMIX ZS100 comes with a 10x lens offering 4K video features allowing it to deliver pretty decent image quality.

More enthusiast handlers appreciate it since it shows its best performance in manual mode. The sleek and slim pocketable camera produces good quality images in daylight with pleasant colors; however, in dim light, we would recommend shooting in Raw.

With its Wi-Fi connectivity, one can share photos with smartphones and share them right away with friends and family.

The camera can be charged with a USB, though it is never a bad idea to keep a spare battery if you are traveling or shooting outdoors.

Specifications of Panasonic LUMIX 4K Digital Camera
Type Large Sensor Compact
Megapixels 20.1 MP
Sensor Size 1 Inch CMOS
Lens Type 10x zoom (25-250 mm eq.) f/2.8-5.9
Screen 3 Inch (1,037,000 dots)
ViewFinder Electronic
Max Burst Speed 50 fps
Max video resolution 3840 x 2160p
Dimensions 110.5 x 64.5 x 44.3 mm
Weight 312 g

3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II - best mirrorless camera under 500 USD

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II mirrorless camera with all the features of its rivals but is available at a minimum cost. The camera is an updated version of its parent EM-10 with added features including a better resolution and image stabilization system.

Promising the same image quality, connectivity, and electronic viewfinder of an expensive DSLR at such a low price set OM-D apart from all its competitors. Though it doesn’t contain the feature of 4K video recording at this price, it still manages to produce HD quality.

If you are a dedicated photographer or a photography student who is willing to learn about handling a camera and manually operating it, this is the best mirrorless camera for under 500 USD.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 II is an inexpensive yet well-specified mirrorless camera whose design, image quality, performance, and feature set make it a compelling choice. If you are a budget-minded photographer seeking a compact ‘second camera’ who doesn’t want to skimp on features, then this point-and-shoot camera is the best choice to buy for under $500.
Specifications of Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
Type Mirrorless
Megapixels 16.1 MP
Sensor Size 17.3 x 13 mm Live MOS
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds
Screen 3 Inch (2,360,000 dots)
ViewFinder Electronic
Max Burst Speed 8.5 fps
Max video resolution 1920 x 1080p
Dimensions 119.5 x 83.1 x 46.7 mm
Weight 390 g

4. Canon EOS Rebel T6

Canon EOS Rebel T6 - best dslr camera under 500 dollars

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Canon EOS Rebel T6, the improved successor of EOS T5, comes with a somewhat updated processor and has changed the specifications as well.

The lightweight and slightly smaller-bodied camera is natural to hold due to its textured grip. It contains a fixed LCD with which one can see the visuals in the sun by increasing the brightness.

This compact DSLR comes with an APS-C sensor and reduces the noise to a minimum in images. After analyzing multiple shots taken by Rebel T6, We can say that the image quality of vibrant colors and faultless skin tones.

The video quality of the rebel is way better than any other Point and Shoot camera and steps up from the list. The camera allows using different modes for autofocusing, including FlexiZone and Quick mode.

Specifications of Canon EOS Rebel T6
Type DSLR
Megapixels 18 MP
Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS
Lens Mount Canon EF-S
Screen 3 Inch (920,000 dots)
ViewFinder Optical
Max Burst Speed 3 fps
Max video resolution 1920 x 1080p
Dimensions 129 x 101.3 x 78 mm
Weight 485 g

Canon EOS Rebel T5 (1200D)

While it doesn’t stand out particularly, the Canon EOS Rebel T5 does produce beautiful photos typical of its price class, its performance isn’t bad, and it has an attractive design. With the T5, Canon brings incremental improvements in photo and video resolution, but we ache for more modern features such as Wi-Fi capability.

While it’s a perfectly fine camera when you’re making the jump from a point-and-shoot, there are better choices than the Canon EOS Rebel T5x. Canon EOS Rebel T5 is an excellent DSLR at a cheap price.

Check price on Canon | Amazon

Best Camera For Value In Best Point and Shoot Camera Under 500 USD

5. Sony DSC-RX100

Sony DSC-RX100 - Best point-and-shoot camera under 500 USD

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Sony made quite an intelligent decision when designing its new DSC-RX100. The slim body, fast shutter speed, pleasantly produced images allow you to get a pretty decent purchase on the camera. Sony DSC-RX100 is the best point and shoot camera under 500 USD in the category of the mirrorless camera.

Looking at its user interface and controllable nature, we can say that this camera is made ideally suited for any enthusiast photographer.

The most significant feature of the DSC-RX100 is its large sensor. The sensor allows maximum light to enter. Because of its compact size, you can carry it anywhere with you, even in your jacket pocket.

The cyber-shot captures the scene in only 2.1 seconds under normal light and 2.3 seconds if you are using the flash. It might be a must to use the flash in low-light, but on a bright day, the image results do not contain any noise.

The company claims that the camera can capture up to 240 shots on one charge, which is a pretty decent quantity for a point and zoom camera. However, if you are traveling or away for a long time, it is always a good idea to get some spare batteries with you.

Specifications of Sony DSC-RX100
Type Compact
Megapixels 20.2 MP
Sensor Size 1 Inch CMOS
Lens Type 3.6x zoom (28-100 mm eq.) f/1.8-4.9
Screen 3 Inch (1,229,000 dots)
ViewFinder DIgital
Max Burst Speed 10 fps
Max video resolution 1920 x 1080p
Dimensions 101.6 x 58.2 x 35.9 mm
Weight 240 g

6. Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Mirrorless DSLM Camera

PANASONIC LUMIX GX85 - Best point and shoot camera under 500 USD

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Another Panasonic best point and shoot camera under $500 is the Lumix GX85. The name might sound expensive, but the camera is not.

The images that are produced by the camera are spot on. Not only that, but it also offers 4K video and photo resolution leaving the user amazed by the carried details and high quality.

Panasonic has worked on minimizing the shutter speed and the sound produced as well. Looking at the compact size can be a surprise to say that it contains a 12-32mm lens.

Though using other compactable lenses is also a good option if you want to make the best out of the camera. This camera is suited best for indoor shoots with the ones taking less time due to its battery life.

Specifications of Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Mirrorless DSLM Camera
Type Mirrorless
Megapixels 16 MP
Sensor Size 17.3 x 13 mm MOS
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds
Screen 3 Inch (1,040,000 dots)
ViewFinder Electronic (LCD)
Max Burst Speed 8 fps (40 fps electronic shutter)
Max video resolution 3840 x 2160p
Dimensions 122 x 70.6 x 43.9 mm
Weight 383 g

7. Nikon D3500 DSLR | Interchangeable Lens Camera

Nikon D3500 W/ AF-P DX NIKKOR - best dslr camera under 500 dollars

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A DSLR within $500 that too manufactured by the best camera-producing company Nikon?

Yes, you heard it right. It might be shocking for some, but Nikon has come up with an entry-level D3500 and is made it to the list of ideal first cameras for new photographers. 

They are making it possible for wildlife photographers or enthusiasts to capture the images of their dreams with a 24.2MP sensor, four image processors, and an 18-55mm lens. The camera lacks a flippy touch screen which might be a bummer for photographers and vloggers.

The camera has a built-in mic which produces outstanding sound quality approved for YouTube videos as well. Nikon has added an image stabilization system and improved low-light performance to help you capture in fields with no worry of images turning out to be blurry or noisy.

Still not figure out which camera you should buy!

Must Read: Beginner’s Guide of Point And Shoot Camera to Expert Level

Specifications of Nikon D3500 DSLR
Type Single-lens reflex digital camera
Megapixels 24.2 MP
Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm CMOS
Lens Mount Nikon F
Screen 3 Inch (921,000 dots)
ViewFinder Optical
Max Burst Speed 5 fps
Max video resolution 1920 x 1080p
Dimensions 124 x 97 x 69.5 mm
Weight 365 g

8. Olympus Tough TG-5 (Waterproof Digital Camera)

Best point and shoot camera under $500

Average Customer Rating
    

Olympus Tough TG-5 is kept on our list of best point and shoot cameras under $500 is a tough, waterproof, durable, and rugged digital camera. For years Olympus has continued to produce fantastic cameras with all the features for a reasonable cost and TF-5 is one of them.

Being waterproof and crushproof it verifies to be ideal for taking to any adventure whether you want to record in the mountains or under the water. Along with decent image quality, you can even shoot HD-quality slow-motion videos or time lapses which are a treat for surfers.

The image can produce raw photos that can be edited in any editor later according to your needs. One can easily capture 340 shots on a single charge and transfer them to your smartphone with minimum effort.

If you’re a traveler or a vlogger and you want to take this camera anywhere for either travel or use as everyday shooting gear, the TG-5 is definitely worthy. It’s also worth viewing the FCON-T01 Fisheye Converter, which will give you a useful wide-perspective view with minimal distortion. One of the best parts is that it can shoot 4k videos underwater. From the way of features to performance, the Olympus Tough TG-5 is arguably one of the best rugged, waterproof cameras available in the market now.
Specifications of Olympus Tough TG-5
Type Compact
Megapixels 12 MP
Sensor Size 1/2.3 inch CMOS
Lens Type 4x zoom (25-100 mm eq.) f/2-4.9
Screen 3 Inch (460,000 dots)
ViewFinder Digital
Max Burst Speed 20 fps
Max video resolution 3840 x 2160p
Dimensions 113 x 66 x 31.9 mm
Weight 250 g

https://amzn.to/2BIHlSR  – Olympus Stylus Tough TG-6

9. Panasonic LUMIX ZS80

Average Customer Rating
    

The Panasonic newest ZS80 is an update of the previously launched LUMIX ZS70. Both the point and shoot cameras have some similar features with a significant improvement in the viewfinder and Venus processing engine.

Along with autofocus, you can also focus on using the touchscreen. Bluetooth and WIFI connectivity are available for using the camera remotely. The travel zoom compact camera provides you with 4K video quality.

The camera processes excellent popularity among travelers who avoid carrying huge DSLRs or the aggravation of changing lenses and modes but also want to capture memories and moments in good quality. The flipping screen makes it the best choice for people who love recording themselves or vlogging.

With respectable battery life, you can capture 380 photos on one recharge and use the camera for travel and long shoots.

Specifications of Panasonic LUMIX ZS80
Type Compact
Megapixels 20.3
Sensor Size 1/2.3 Inch MOS
Lens Type 30x zoom (24-720 mm eq.) f/3.3-6.4
Screen 3 Inch (1,040,000 dots)
ViewFinder Electronic
Max Burst Speed 10 fps
Max video resolution 3840 x 2160p
Dimensions 112 x 68.8 x 41.6 mm
Weight 328 g

10. Sony DSC-HX99

Best point-and-shoot camera under 500 USD

Average Customer Rating
    

Having all the features of a point-and-shoot camera on the one hand that too at an amazing price under $500 is the best deal you could get. Sony DSC-HX99 makes it happen for you.

The smallest travel zoom compact offers a broad zoom range and lets you take pictures from any distance at a resolution of 1440 mm. The camera has additional features such as zoom assist for framing and Optical steady shot for shake reduction and image stabilization.

The DSC-HX99 is highly recommended for vloggers because of its 3.0” touchscreen tilting screen that can flip for selfies and groupies. The best part about the camera is its 4k video and image resolution that can even come in handy when you are shooting in low light.

We recommend the new Sony point and shoot camera. Especially for social media posters, by which you can instantly connect and transfer your high-quality photos and videos to smartphones because of its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility.

Specifications of Sony DSC-HX99
Type Compact
Megapixels 18.2
Sensor Size 1/2.3 inch CMOS
Lens Type 30x zoom (24-720 mm eq.) f/3.3-6.4
Screen 3 Inch (921,600 dots)
ViewFinder Electronic
Max Burst Speed 10 fps
Max video resolution 3840 x 2160p
Dimensions 102 x 58.1 x 35.5 mm
Weight 242 g

Wrap up on Best Point and Shoot Camera Under 500 USD

Smartphones threatened point and shoot camera business in the past few decades. However, to compete, it has evolved in a surprising and promising way by introducing cameras with the latest specifications.

For a beginner or a newbie, the camera industry can be confusing. So many companies are producing several cameras every year with unlimited features. But if you know why you are getting your camera and for what purpose you want to use it, you can easily make your choice.

To make things simpler for you, we have reviewed all the cameras and made a buying guide and specifications you must look for in a camera according to your needs.


FAQs

Which point-and-shoot camera has the best image quality?

If we talk about photography, we always worry about image quality. This is one of the main reasons for major worries. That’s why we have collected the best point and shoot camera for under $500. Most cameras tend to provide the best image quality. But Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II offers amazing image quality within the budget.

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Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

I am a senior editor of this website - Camera Suggest. I along with my team of camera professionals help people in buying the best camera within their budget.

2 Comments
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  1. PANASONIC LUMIX GX85 is my new darling camera. If you have a camera, you can take more pictures. As you take more pictures, you will improve your skills. If you can carry your camera easily, you can continue to have a passion for photography at work. This is the simplest camera I’ve ever owned and offers the same images as my flagship camera.

    I currently own three cameras that are in regular use. This is my favorite.

    What more can I ask for?

    Great low light, great resolution, great video capabilities, amazing built-in stabilizer, great dynamic range. These features i like the most are post-focus and 4K photography.

    Don’t hesitate anymore, this is the camera you were looking for.

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