6 Best DSLR Camera Under $500: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on September 10, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Photography is a passion for some people; at least, it is for me.

I always want an extraordinary picture.

Some people like to record each moment of life.

A DSLR is a single-lens camera that gives marvelous results.

A handy camera you can carry anywhere with you easily captures your daily events.

Beginner photographers passionate about capturing pictures can use this for learning purposes.

As it has a marvelous result, daily routine pictures are a good outcome.

If you want a camera for $500, you must read this article.

Which is the Best DSLR Camera Under $500?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best DSLR Camera Under $500:-

Nikon D3400: (Best DSLR camera Under $500)

The beginning of my photography career was not that long ago.

I was doing a photography course.

I took photos with a friend in the canteen, in college, and during trips.

Then, it was a final year. I wanted to record all the precious moments throughout my life, so I had to purchase a DSLR.

I don’t have enough budget as a learner, but I want a best-featured camera that gives me exceptional results.

I found the Nikon D3400 the best DSLR camera under $500 with high picture quality.

Features:

  • Model: D3400
  • Effective 24.2 megapixel MP
  • Image sensor 24.2mp dx format CMOS
  • ISO range 100-25600
  • Shutter speed 1/4000 sec
  • Storage SDXC/SDHC
  • Viewfinder optical
  • Image processor exceeds 4
  • Dimension 2.95 x 4.88 x 3.86 inches
  • Weight 13.9 pounds

 ISO/Shutter speed:

I was impressed when I used it at my graduation ceremony.

It gives the perfect shot.

The portrait pictures turned out excellent.

I used ISO at 1100 with a shutter speed of 1/50 sec, and the results were outstanding with a blurred background.

If you get the desired results, ISO and shutter speed can be adjusted during filming.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

Its powerful camera takes every detail with a built-in 55mm lens that can zoom to the desired extent.

I took pictures with an f/8 aperture in a shallow depth of field.

The results were breathtaking.

Even the low-light photos are worth watching.

White Balance/Frame Rate:

With 5fps, I can take continuous photos of any movement.

It gives me constant shooting with an AF tracking system that quickly tracks the subject and provides accurate focus even in high speed and low light.

A white balance system can make photography possible in low light.

Why is this camera best?

I recommend using that camera as it makes photographs easy and fun and enhances your natural talent.

With a 24.2 MP sensor and ISO range of 100-25600, you can get high-quality pictures even in low beams.

The low-weight camera comes with easy sharing, where you can share the photo with a free Nikon image space account. So, no worries about the backup.

Conclusion:

This camera gives thrilling photos with a 5fps shoot.

I love capturing fast action in photo sequences.

You can also capture your moment captured with this stunning device.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Compact.
  • 24MP image sensor.
  • Includes lens.
  • Solid autofocus and high ISO performance.
  • 5.1fps continuous shooting.
  • Guide Mode for beginners.
  • Bluetooth wireless file transfer.
Cons
  • Low-end grip material and build quality
  • Few new upgrades over the D3300 camera from 2016

Canon T6: (Best DSLR Camera Under $500)

I am a food blogger and used to post pictures on Instagram.

I had to take food pictures with a marvelous result.

It should be in the angle to enhance the beauty of food.

I was using my mobile, but then I realized there was no spark in my pictures.

I had to buy a DSLR camera for this.

I found Canon T6’s best DSLR camera for under $500.

After uploading pictures taken from DSLR, my blog went to the next level, and my views and subscribers increased in days.

Features:

  • Model: EOS1300D
  • Effective 18 megapixel MP
  • Image sensor 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO range 100-12800
  • Shutter speed 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec
  • Storage SD Card
  • Viewfinder 1,040,000 dots
  • Dimension 5.71 x 2.8 x 4.37 inches
  • Weight 4.68 pounds

ISO/Shutter speed:

I took it in the daylight when I was having breakfast.

I had to take my food picture in the light, so I adjusted the ISO to 200, and the shutter speed was 1/250 sec.

The beautiful colors and blurred background make my whole day.

It was mesmerizing to see food in the picture rather than eat.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

I discovered that one of the finest features is to take sharp photos with an aperture of f/16.

I took a picture that is beyond anything.

It sharpens the object’s edges even if it is far away and converts the whole scene to the next level wide image with good depth of field.

White Balance/Frame Rate:

The Built-in 30fps feature allows it to shoot continuously, and I make collage photos quickly with such pictures.

I also adjusted the white balance according to the light condition.

Auto mode also captured the images to my desired extent.

Why is this camera best?

I recommend using this camera as it is built in with 18 MP with a 1/4000 sec shutter speed that captures the beautiful essence of the scene.

It is easy to handle and use with Wifi for quick sharing.

Conclusion:

I love taking a picture with Nikon D3400 as its 18-55 mm zoom lenses take high-quality photos.

I recommend it to use a wide lens.

The camera’s increased battery life makes it easy for a long day shoot—a suitable version of the camera that is a bit cheaper but with excellent quality.

Click here to buy.

Pros
  • Provides access to the Canon lens system.
  • On-screen shooting guide.
  • Raw capture support.
  • Crisp rear LCD.
  • In-camera Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • No external Microphone jack
  • No Touch Screen

Canon EOS 2000D: (Best DSLR Camera Under $500)

A wedding is full of color, joy, events, and customs.

I love taking wedding photographs of the bride and groom, and their spectacular smile mesmerizes me a lot.

I want to become a wedding photographer; I need a camera to take shots and practice.

I googled the features of the camera that would give me high-resolution pictures.

I glanced at the Canon EOS 2000D and found it the best DSLR camera under $500.

As my budget was low, it fell under my budget.

I found it perfect for my practice, and it enhances the beauty of the picture by blurring the background.

Features:

  • Model: 2728C002
  • Effective 24 megapixel MP
  • Image sensor APS-C CMOS
  • ISO range 100-6400
  • Shutter speed 1/4000 sec. – 30 sec
  • Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC card
  • Viewfinder 0.82x,
  • Image stabilizer 3-Axis axis
  • Dimension 5.08 x 3.06 x 3.99 inches
  • Weight 15.1 pounds

ISO/Shutter speed:

I kept taking shots from my camera, and during shots, I adjusted ISO to 400 with a shutter speed of 1/40 sec, giving me images that were worthy enough to see.

The whole scene is captured beautifully, which making it eye-catching and stays forever in mind.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

One of the stunning features is to take a shot by focusing on a person and blurring the background.

I use an f/22 aperture that sharpens the edges and gives a marvelous shot.

I usually take portrait pictures using this aperture.

White Balance/Frame Rate:

With 150 fps, the continuous shooting gives me a picture of moving objects.

I can shoot every event without missing a single shot or moment.

The seven brightness levels can change the overall scenario of the picture.

Auto AF and manual AE can ease achieving the focus.

Why is this camera best?

I used this camera because it gives me high-resolution pictures, and I love experimenting.

It has a 24 MP APS-C sensor with a saving memory card facility.

The autofocus system is an excellent advantage for an outdoor shoot where you must focus more on the object.

Conclusion:

I love buying pictures from this camera as it is easy to handle, and you can take photos in bulk.

The powerful display makes it easy to look into the picture, and you can reshoot it easily.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Cheap to buy
  • Decent quality from a 24MP sensor
  • Huge choice of lenses
Cons
  • Basic AF, especially in Live View
  • Slow 3fps burst mode
  • Only 1080 video not 4K

Nikon D3200: (Best DSLR camera Under $500)

Nature works as a relief for the eyes, heart, and mind.

Most people go on vacations to relax their minds.

I used to visit such areas for photography.

I like to capture the green color of trees and the blue colors of the sky.

Since childhood, this has become my passion for being a photographer and shooting landscapes from different angles.

During my trip to the hill station, I decided to take a DSLR, and for this, I found a Nikon D3200.

It is one of the best DSLR cameras for under $500, and those who want an economical DSLR can purchase it.

Features   

  • Model: Nikon D3200
  • Effective 24.2 megapixel
  • Image sensor CMOS DX-format
  • ISO range 100-6400
  • Shutter speed 1/4000 to 30 seconds
  • Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC/UHS-1
  • Viewfinder 0.8x magnification
  • Dimension 4.92 x 3.03 x 3.78inches
  • Weight 1.11 pounds

ISO/Shutter speed:

I used to capture the landscape with this camera as it looked real.

The colors and sharpens that come with this camera are awesome.

For the outdoor shot, I set ISO at 100 and shutter speed at 1/320; the colors it gave are similar to the original.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

To capture nature’s beauty is to add sharpness to the picture each detail shows.

I set the aperture to f/9 to take a high-resolution image.

I love taking the whole scene with actual colors and every detail. 

White Balance/Frame Rate:

With 60 fps, I can do continuous shooting with moving objects and can select the one that is best among each.

Have AF-s zoom that gives the focus to far objects.

White balance auto adjusts the outstanding results.

Why is this camera best?

I find it marvelous with the outdoor shoot as it captures sharp images and extraordinary color patterns in sunlight.

The camera comes with a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and full HD video recording.

What else does anyone want? I was obsessed with this.

Conclusion:

I like to capture sharper and richer images, and this camera gives me everything from super-fast processing to exceptional image capture and built-in filters.

The full-on package camera with so many features is also cheaper.

The optional mobile adaptor allows me to transfer pictures quickly.

It was worth buying this camera, and it enriched my photography skills.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Compact.
  • Good quality at high ISOs.
  • Guide Mode for beginners.
  • Continuous video autofocus.
  • Mic input.
Cons
  • Small pentamirror viewfinder.
  • Fixed LCD.
  • The kit lens could be better.

Nikon D5200: (Best DSLR camera Under $500)

I have 3 kids, and I want to capture each moment, like their first step, first tooth, and first laugh.

I used to take pictures of everyday events and capture each moment.

I want to record these precious moments so, after ages, it brings me to that day.

Photography has been in me since childhood, but I only explored it once I desired to capture my kid’s rare moments.

I have a Nikon D5200 DSLR and shot a day-to-day picture with that.

It is the best DSLR camera for under $500 and is easy to use.

My routine picture results are tremendous, and it helps me make my memories last forever.

Features:

  • Model: Nikon D5200
  • Effective megapixel 24.1 MP
  • Image sensor DX-format CMOS
  • ISO range 100-25600
  • Shutter speed 1/4000 to 30 seconds
  • Storage SD/SDHC
  • Viewfinder 0.78x magnification
  • Dimension 5.08 x 3.07 x 3.86 inches
  • Weight 1.22 pounds

 ISO/Shutter speed:

Close-ups are my favorite, and I love taking close of kids.

I adjust the ISO to 100, and the shutter speed is at 1/320 sec.

It isolates a single color elaborately, explores black and white, and captures lifelike brilliance.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

Clarity and quality are the keys to a successful shot.

I took clear pictures with an aperture f 6.3, which usually gives a shallow effect.

Taking photos from a distance is an art, but it eases with an AF tracking system, and applying the correct aperture can capture the rare moment easily.

White Balance/Frame Rate:

Usually, trusting the camera is useful when auto adjustable adjust the white balance according to the light temperature.

But you get excellent results if you modify the balance with good judgment.

AF focus allows taking 5 fps at a single time.

Conclusion:

I recommend this camera as it is excellent and lightweight with outclass results.

It is an ideal match for outdoor and indoor shots.

The 24 MP camera gives HDR results.

Instead of shooting videos and taking pictures, it is worth making memories.

This camera helps me keep my memories and gives me divine results.

Click here to buy.

Pros
  • Excellent image quality.
  • Fast autofocus.
  • 4fps continuous shooting.
  • Sharp vari-angle LCD.
  • 39-point autofocus system.
  • Fast to start and shoot.
  • 1080i60 video capture.
  • Wi-Fi and GPS add-ons are available.
Cons
  • Small pentamirror viewfinder.
  • It will not autofocus with screw-drive lenses.
  • The noisy focus during video recording.
  • Only one control wheel.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i: (Best DSLR camera Under $500)

Posing and taking pictures is my hobby.

I love to take a shot at every moment.

Portraits, sceneries, and landscape groups of people are all my subjects, although I also love to use a timer and set a camera on a tripod to capture my pictures.

Of course, I have to buy a camera, but that is the best in my budget.

I found Canon EOS Rebel T3i, the best DSLR camera for under $500.

This camera took my passion to the next level; my photographs are being appreciated among my circle, encouraging me to capture more and more.

Features:

  • Model: T3I
  • Effective megapixel 18 MP
  • Image sensor APS-C CMOS
  • ISO range 100-6400
  • Shutter speed 30 – 1/4000 seconds
  • Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Viewfinder 2.8x magnification
  • Image stabilizer 3-axis
  • Dimension 5.24 x 3.15 x 3.94 inches
  • Weight 1.26 pounds

ISO/Shutter speed:

In my experience, a camera with a sensor doesn’t need to brighten the ISO level.

It can give results in low ISO as well.

I usually took photos with an extensive ISO, like 800, when there was insufficient light with a shutter speed of 1/ 25.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

The base focus length and the aperture help in selecting the lens.

I took photos with f/7 aperture in dim lights.

It gives me the ease to shoot the portraits.

I took the sharpened pictures with this aperture that enriched the colors, and AF showed the perfect focus.

White Balance/Frame Rate:

I recommend not adjusting the brightness levels, as camera adjustment is also significant.

But if the image overlaps with orange or blue, this white balance can change the colors to ease the hues.

I made videos with 4k at 24 fps for a more real shoot, which you can also try.

Why is this camera best?

I prefer taking shots with this camera. Its 18 MP camera with high shutter speed is worth buying.

If you want a perfect partner in your photography, you must have this with you.

The overall results are unblemished, giving the perfect one at every click.

Conclusion:

As the worthy results and low budget price, it is highly recommended.

My photography has taken me to the next level.

AF processor helps focus, gives the picture hues, and enhances beauty.

It is the best combination of price, quality, and usability.

A large sensor with remarkable color control gives a true-to-life picture. 

Pros
  • Quick.
  • Good picture quality.
Cons
  • Slow Live View mode.

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best DSLR Camera Under $500?

Is there a camera that I didn’t mention in this article that you love to use?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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