Choosing an affordable, high-quality camera can be tough. To help, we put together a guide of the 5 best beginner cameras under $500. These are all interchangeable lens bodies from an array of our favorite brands including Fujifilm, Nikon, Sony, Canon, and Panasonic. Scroll down to see example photos, pictures of the cameras, and a comparison chart of all 5 cameras. Looking for some pricier options? We recommend you check out our list of the best beginner cameras under $1,000.
Table of contents
Best Beginner Cameras Under $500
| Specs | Fujifilm X-T100 | Nikon D3500 | Sony Alpha a6000 | Canon EOS Rebel T7 | Panasonic LUMIX G7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: | Mirrorless | DSLR | Mirrorless | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Processor: | X Processor Pro | EXPEED Image Processor | BIONZ X Image Processing | DIGIC 4+ Image Processor | Venus Engine 9 Image Processor |
| Autofocus Points: | 91 | 11 | 179 | 9 | 49 |
| Sensor Size: | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP | 24.3 MP | 24.1 MP | 16 MP |
| FPS: | 6 fps | 5 fps | 11 fps | 3 fps | 8 fps |
| Video: | Ultra HD 4K | Full HD 1080p | Full HD 1080p | EOS 1080p Full HD | 4K UHD Video |
| Video FPS: | 15 fps | 60 fps | 60 fps | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Screen: | 3” tilting LCD | 3" 921K-dot display (does not tilt) | 3" tiltable LCD | 3" LCD (does not tilt) | 3.0" tiltable LCD |
| Mount Type: | X Mount | F Mount | E-mount | EF-S | Micro Four Thirds |
| Included Lens(es): | N/A | 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 | 18-55mm IS II | 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 |
1. Fujifilm X-T100 Mirrorless Digital Camera
 Sensor: 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS III Sensor
 Frames Per Second: 6 fps
 Video: Ultra HD 4K Video
 Screen: 3-way tilting LCD screenÂ
The X-T100 is one of the best looking and most powerful models on our list of the best beginner cameras. Coming in just under the limit, this $499 body is decidedly worth the investment. It's tilting 3-way screen is great for those who aren't super confident in their point-and-shoot skills. Plus, its impressive 24.2 MPs and HD 4K video put it on par with some of its more expensive alternatives.
2. Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera
 Sensor: 24.2 MP DX CMOS Sensor
 Frames Per Second: 5 fps
 Video: Full HD 1080p
 Screen: 3″ 921K-dot display (does not tilt)Â
Ah, the Nikon D3500—a classic, safe choice for people just starting out in photography. It's reliable, feels sturdy in your hands, and comes with a versatile 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. We recommend this camera for people who prioritize function and value over frills. You can read our full review of the Nikon D3500 here.
3. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
 Sensor: 24.3 MP APS-C sensor
 Frames Per Second: 11 fps
 Video: Full HD 1080p
 Screen: Tiltable 3″ LCDÂ
Next on our list of the best beginner cameras under $500 is the Sony a6000. This camera boasts the best photo quality on our list with a 24.3 MP APS-C sensor. While it doesn't match the T-100's 4K video, its full HD 1080p is certainly nothing to overlook. We recommend the a6000 to those looking for a sleek, powerful, pocket-sized mirrorless camera with a lot of potential (and the included 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens doesn't hurt either).
4. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
 Sensor: 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
 Frames Per Second: 3 fps
 Video: EOS Full HD
 Screen: 3.0” LCDÂ
Much like the Nikon above, the Canon Rebel T7 is a reliable DSLR that's ideal for learning the basics. It boasts a respectable 24.1 MP CMOS sensor and a wide ISO range of 100-6400 (H:12800) to capture high-quality photos in low-light situations. In addition to the T7, this bundle comes with an 18-55mm lens that's great for both day-to-day and wide-angle situations.Â
We recommend that you also check out the previous model: the Rebel T6. It doesn't have the same quality as the newer T7, but does come with two kit lenses.
5. Panasonic LUMIX G7 Mirrorless Camera
 Sensor: 16 MP Live MOS Sensor
 Frames Per Second: 8 fps
 Video: 4K UHD Video
 Screen: 3.0" tiltable LCDÂ
Last but not least on our list of the 5 best beginner cameras under $500 is the Panasonic LUMIX G7. While this camera may not have the highest quality sensor for photos (16 MP) it does boast 4K video! This is a major perk for anyone looking for an affordable, entry-level vlogging camera. We recommend this bundle for anyone interested in graduating from a smartphone to something more powerful and adaptable.
Choosing A Camera
What's in the box?
It's important to decide what you want to get out of this $500 investment before you choose a camera/bundle.Â
For example, the Alpha a6000 has a 24.3 MP sensor; that's a relatively large sensor for an entry-level camera. On the other hand, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 has a smaller (yet still respectable) 18 MP sensor. But, the T6 comes with two kit lenses.Â
So, would you rather invest in a camera that has a larger sensor and no lens or one with a smaller sensor that comes pre-bundled with two lenses?Â
There is no wrong answer necessarily—it's entirely up to you based on your budget, the kind of photography you want to do, and the equipment you already own.
Brand Loyalty
Many photographers choose a camera brand, stick with it, and represent it with a level of fanaticism usually reserved for feuding sports fans. It doesn't have to be this way.Â
Thanks to lens converters and adapters, you can shoot with Fujifilm and get that nice Sony lens you've had your eye on.Â
However, we do recommend choosing a camera brand you want to grow with. If you're interested in the Sony a6000, check out the company's latest releases; are people excited about Sony's new offerings or are they sharpening their pitchforks and getting ready to storm the corporate headquarters?Â
Like any investment, it's important to do a little homework before committing.