Three of the Best Cameras Under $500 to Consider for 2023
- Best Cameras Under $500: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
- Best Cameras Under $500: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85
- Best Cameras Under $500: Sony a6000
- More Excellent Cameras Under $500
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 16.1MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor
- ISO: 200 - 25,600 (expandable to 100 - 25,600)
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Speed: 10.0 fps
- Autofocus: 81 focus points
- Video: 1080p/60p, 1080p/30p, & 1080p/24p
- Size/Weight: 124 x 85 x 45 mm / 469 grams
- Battery Life: 310 shots
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 16.0MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor
- ISO: 200 - 25,600 (expandable to 100 - 25,600)
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Speed: 8.0 fps
- Autofocus: 49 focus points
- Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/60p
- Size/Weight: 122 x 71 x 44 mm / 426 grams
- Battery Life: 290 shots
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO: 100 - 25,600 (expandable to 100 - 51,200)
- Lens Mount: Sony E Mount
- Speed: 11.0 fps
- Autofocus: 179 focus points
- Video: 1080p/60p, 1080p/30p, & 1080p/24p
- Size/Weight: 120 x 67 x 45 mm / 344 grams
- Battery Life: 360 shots
- Stabilization: No
- Touchscreen: No
Photo by Vesnaandjic via iStock
If you are on the hunt for a cheap digital camera and don’t know where to start your search, you are in the right place! We designed this guide as a one-stop shop where you can learn everything there is to know about some of the best budget-friendly cameras on the market today.
One outstanding resource with heaps of used mirrorless cameras and used DSLR cameras for under $500 and a place I have bought and sold endless photography equipment throughout the years is MPB. They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photo and video kit at unbeatable prices.
Moreover, every one of their cameras is dutifully hand-inspected by expert product specialists and backed by warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. Another amazing feature of MPB is its online platform, where you can trade in and sell your old gear to offset the cost of new-to-you photography and videography gear you want and need.
With that said, it’s time to jump in and take a closer look at three of the best cameras under $500 to consider for 2023!
Table of Contents
Best Cameras Under $500: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
First on our list of the best cameras under $500 is the prestigious Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. It originally debuted in 2015, but despite its old age, it remains an extremely capable camera thanks to its 16.1-megapixel Four Thirds sensor and fast TruePic VII image processing engine. The pair works together to deliver fantastic image quality in both still photos and videos.
One area where the OM-D E-M5 Mark II shines brightest is low-light shooting. The new TruePic VII image processor significantly improves low-light performance compared to the original OM-D E-M5 and boosts the camera's dynamic range. The wide dynamic range allows you to better edit your pictures in post-production.
Another advanced feature is the built-in 5-Axis image stabilization. It further enhances low-light image quality and helps reduce camera shake during handheld video recording. The last thing I love about this camera is the 40MP high-resolution mode. It uses AI technology to combine multiple exposures into one high-res photo and is great for nature and landscape photography.
If you have a slightly higher budget, check out its successor, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of one of the best cameras under $500:
Check out the video above by Peter Forsgård to learn more about why the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is still worth buying in 2023.
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Best Cameras Under $500: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85
Next up is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 (or DMC-GX80 as it’s known in Europe). It was released in 2016 and is an intermediate-level mirrorless camera with a 16.0-megapixel Four Thirds sensor. It’s a fantastic all-around camera, perfect for photography and videography alike.
The standout feature of this camera is its 4K video capabilities. It records stunning UHD 4K footage at frame rates of 30p and 24p. Additionally, the camera’s powerful built-in image stabilization technology yields excellent results and all but eliminates unwanted camera shake. For even better results, use a Micro Four Thirds lens with optical image stabilization like the Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm f/4-5.8 Mega O.I.S.
Some standout still photography features include three 4K photo modes, superb ergonomics/handling, and responsive Depth-From-Defocus autofocus. The AF technology works well in both photo and video modes and has solid subject tracking. This makes the DMC-GX85 a good choice for portrait and street photographers.
If you are willing to spend a little more, check out the upgraded Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9. Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of one of the best cameras under $500:
Check out the video above by MicroFourLife to learn more about what makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 great in 2023.
Best Cameras Under $500: Sony a6000
One more of the best cameras under $500 is the insanely popular Sony Alpha a6000. It launched in 2014 and is the longest-running and most-sold mirrorless camera of all time. For children and those of you brand-new to photography, there is no better camera on the market thanks to its user-friendly interface and lightweight, compact design.
The camera’s hybrid phase-detection autofocus is incredibly fast and means capturing crystal-clear images is a piece of cake, even when shooting moving subjects. Moreover, this camera offers burst shooting at speeds of up to 11 frames per second. This makes it an ideal camera for action, adventure, sports, and wildlife photography.
Lastly, the a6000 also excels as a video camera. While it can’t shoot 4K footage, the video quality of its 1080p Full HD clips is impressive. Other useful video features include the tilting touchscreen LCD, zebra markers, and a built-in stereo microphone.
If you can expand your budget slightly, check out its replacement, the Sony Alpha a6100. Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of one of the best cameras under $500:
Check out the video above by Arron Prescott to learn more about why the Sony a6000 is still a fantastic camera to purchase in 2023.
More Excellent Cameras Under $500
Photo by PeopleImages via iStock
While those are undoubtedly three of the best cameras under $500 available today, there are many other great options out there if you know where to look. MPB, for example, has tons of cheap used cameras in stock now! And with that in mind, here are a few more of my favorites:
