Choosing the best camera is no easy task. They all come with many bells and whistles and at any price point, the newest models have a ton of new tech and features. To help, we put together this guide to camera comparison. Whether you’re looking for a beginner camera or an upgrade from your recent camera, these are the best cameras under $500 that you might want to put in your cart.
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Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Canon EOS Rebel T7
- Best Travel Camera: Panasonic LUMIX ZS100
- Best Waterproof Camera: OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
- Best Action Camera: GoPro HERO10 Black
- Best Instant Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
Cameras Under $500 Reviews
1. Canon EOS Rebel T7
Specifications
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Form Factor: DSLR
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Still Resolution: 24.1 MP
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Connectivity: USB, HDMI, NFC
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Photo Sensor Size: APS-H
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Continuous Shooting Speed: 3 fps
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Video Resolution: 1080p
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ISO Range: 125-6400
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Dimensions: 3.1 x 5.1 x 4 inches
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Weight: 3 pounds
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What we like
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Affordable
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Simple to use
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Good image quality
What we don't like
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Slow continuous shooting
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No touchable display
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No tilt LCD
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No 4K video
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Short battery life
Product Summary
One of the more compact DSLRs available on the market is the EOS Rebel T7. It is suitable for taking landscape photos. Its image quality is excellent, and even at high ISO settings used to make up for bad lighting, you shouldn't notice any grain. Although its kit lens has a somewhat wide zoom range, it suffers from considerable light falloff, which means that your image's edges tend to be darker than its center.
2. Panasonic LUMIX ZS100
Specifications
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Form Factor: DSLR
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Still Resolution: 20.1 MP
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Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0)
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Photo Sensor Size: 1-inch
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Continuous Shooting Speed: 9.9 fps
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Video Resolution: 4K
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ISO Range: 125-12800
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Dimensions: 1.7 x 4.4 x 2.5 inches
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Weight: 0.69 pounds
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Reasons to buy
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10x optical zoom lens
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Touchscreen
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Built-in Wi-Fi
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4K video resolution
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Compact and lightweight
Reasons to avoid
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Fixed screen
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Handgrip need improvement
Product Summary
The Lumix ZS100, also called the Lumix TZ100 outside of the US, is a significant advancement for Panasonic's line of travel cameras, which introduces an intriguing new product to the 1-inch sensor market: a small camera with a 10x zoom.
This might be the ideal portable camera for many amatuer photographers who are just looking for a camera that can capture high-quality photos and videos.
3. OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
Specifications:
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Waterproof: 15m/50ft
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Photo Resolution: 12 MP
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Max video resolution: 4K
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Screen: 3 Inches
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Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
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Size: 2.6 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches
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Weight: 9 ounces
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Reasons to buy
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Solid and durability
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High-resolution photos
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Zoom up to 8 times
Reasons to avoid
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Not cheap
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Wi-Fi connection sometimes lags
Product Summary
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is sturdy in construction, with a fairly simple user interface and uncomplicated operation. Image quality is adequate but not remarkable. If you already have a TG-5, there is no reason to upgrade. However, if you are seeking one that can take images and videos even in freezing weather or underwater water, this every-proof camera is a way to go.
4. GoPro HERO10 Black
Specifications
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Waterproof: 10m
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Max video resolution: 5K
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Screen: 2.27 inches
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Size: 3.2 x 4.8 x 9.4 inches
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Weight: 15.2 ounces
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Reasons to buy
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Quick user interface
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Higher frame rates
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Water-repellent lens coating
Reasons to avoid
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Greater in size than the Hero8 Black and the Hero7 Black
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Older batteries are incompatible
Product Summary
This is one of the best-value action cameras on the market today, capable of taking high-quality, ultra-fast still photos and recording full HD video, 4K, and 5K.It can record for up to 32 hours on a full charge. The Hero10 Black offers a variety of recording options, including low light and slow motion, enabling you to capture any adventure, at any time.
The Hero10 Black is a significant upgrade from the Hero9 Black with Its utilization of the brand-new GP2 processor, which drives a quick user interface, doubles frame rates, and powers the greatest image stabilization technology ever.
5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
Specifications
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Format Type: Instant
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Film: Colored
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Exposure: Automatic
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Size: 2.6 x 4.2 x 4.8 inches
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Weight: 1.9 pounds
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Reasons to buy
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Accurate automatic exposure
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Many fun colors option
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Uses both color or black-and-white Instax Mini film
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Uses AA battery power
Reasons to avoid
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Overexpose in closed intense light
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No tripod mount
Product Summary
The Instax Mini 11 is the most recent addition to Fujifilm's hugely popular Instax Mini range of instant cameras. The Instax Mini 11 has replaced the Instax Mini 9 as Fuji's most cheap Instax and is currently the standard entry-level model for anyone interested in starting out in polaroid photography.
The adjustable lens allows for all types of close-up shooting, not just selfies, whereas the auto exposure and flexible shutter speed aid in better shooting and reduce shot waste.
Conclusion
The best camera under $500 is going to depend entirely on your budget and use cases. For example, if you’re a sports photographer who primarily shoots baseball and softball, then a good-looking compact camera that has a fast zoom might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re a casual photo taker and want a decent smartphone, then you’d probably be better off with a midrange or entry level DSLR. It all depends on your personal needs.
