During these inflation times, it is tough for anyone to pursue their passion, especially when it comes to photography.
The cameras are so expensive, and the lenses are even more costly.
However, it is also difficult for people to get by without a camera because, nowadays, capturing moments is a huge part of our lives.
I researched and finally found the best cameras in the range that can be used for any photography, whether you are an amateur or professional.
So, I have prepared a list of cameras under $500 that you can buy and use for your passion without breaking the bank.
Which is the Best Mirrorless Camera Under $500?
Here are my recommended top 6 Best Mirrorless Camera Under $500:-
| Image | View on Amazon | Best Mirrorless Camera Under $500 |
|---|---|---|
  | View on Amazon | Sony A6000: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Fujifilm X-T100: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Olympus OM-D E-M10 II: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500) |
Sony A6000: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500)
I recently joined a fashion firm and needed a mirrorless camera under $500 that was small but powerful, and I wanted it to be easy to use.
I travel a lot and need something small enough not to weigh me down when moving around but powerful enough to take great photos.
I did not have much money to spend on a camera, so I looked at the Sony A6000, which was perfect.
The camera is small, lightweight, and easy to use.
The photos are clear and sharp, with minimal noise in low-light situations.
Transferring my images from the camera onto my computer using the supplied software is also easy.
Features:
- APS-C CMOS Sensor, 24MP
- 3-inch tilting screen
- 11.0 fps continuous shooting
- 1440 k-dot electronic viewfinder
- Internal Wireless
- 344g. 120 x 67 x 45 mm
ISO/ Shutter Sound:
I set the Auto ISO setting to fluctuate between 100 and 1600 for extra safety.
It meets the requirements for my fashion shoot.
Even with fast lenses, the A6000 is still more than adequate for most people’s needs.
Additionally versatile, ISO performance ranges from 100 to 25600.
Nevertheless, using ISO 3200 and above may produce excessively noisy images for my fellow pixel-peepers.
Aperture/ Field of view:
As a fashionista, I had to choose a camera with a suitable aperture and field of view.
It has a good aperture of f/3.5-5.6, allowing me to easily take photos in low-light conditions.
The camera also has a wide field of view, which helps me capture the entire outfit in one shot.
The camera has a 24mm fixed lens, which is excellent for taking photos in tight spaces and on the go.
White Balance/ Frame Rate:
As I all know, white balance is the process of adjusting the color temperature of a video to make it look more natural, which was exactly what I needed in the beginning.
The white balance control on this camera allows you to adjust the color temperature from 3000K to 6500K and everything in between.
You can also fine-tune these settings using a dedicated slider for red, green, and blue controls.
The frame rate options are very simple as well.
You can shoot at 60p, which is suitable for fast action videos, or if you want to slow down footage later in post-production.
Why is this camera the best?
In my early years of job, I found it hard to find a high-quality camera that was also affordable.
I wanted something that would take good pictures but cost less than hundreds of dollars.
The A6000 is the perfect solution. It has fantastic views and is very affordable.
The camera has several modes and settings, so you can easily adjust the settings to fit your needs.
This camera is excellent for beginners as well as more advanced photographers.
Conclusion:
This mirrorless is well supported in my early days in this different job.
I have seen my photographers getting comfortable with it, and they were able to shoot amazing photos.
The camera has a tremendous dynamic range and can deliver excellent low-light performance.
It also has an APS-C sensor and a 24MP resolution, making it desirable for photographers of all levels.
If you are a beginner, buy it now!
Fujifilm X-T100: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500)
After my first photography campaign, I shifted my focus and job to photography.
My boss hired me as a head expert. I took photos of the company’s products and uploaded them to the website.
It wasn’t long before I was asked if I could shoot a campaign, and I said yes.
He asked me to work with Fujifilm X-T100, one of the best Mirrorless Camera under $500, and I was happy to do so.
The campaign was for a jewelry shop, and I had to take photos of the jewelry from different angles and lighting.
It was fun because I got to play around with different settings on my camera and see how they affected the shots.
Features:
- 24MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO 200 – 12800(expands to 100 – 51200)
- 00″ Tilting Screen
- 2360k Electronic dot viewfinder
- 0fps continuous shooting
- 4k at 15fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 121 x 83 x 47 mm
ISO/ Shutter Sound:
I was a novice to terms like ISO/ Shutter Sound and hence did not know when I reached them for the first time from my boss.
I related these terms to my camera in use and realized that it has a fully expanded ISO range of 100-51200, which was wow!
You can set the shutter speed from 30 seconds to 1/8000th of a second, which makes it possible for me to take some great action shots.
I also realized that the camera has a sensor-shift image stabilization feature, which helps capture clear images even if my hands are unsteady when shooting.
Aperture/ Field of view:
My boss told me the images I shoot must be much more focused and should not be sluggish.
He also said I should use an aperture of around f8 for my photos and not go higher than f16 unless necessary.
He told me a high aperture would blur the image, which I didn’t want.
It is how I came to know about it.
It has a 24MP sensor, which is good enough for most people, and the lens produces high-quality images with minimal noise.
White Balance/ Frame Rate
I thought this camera was great when I shot all the pictures; the white balance was perfect.
The final result was exactly what I wanted, and I achieved a pretty excellent color on the images.
I wanted green and blue, so I ensured I got them right.
The frame rate of the camera was also excellent.
Since I wanted to get the photos to develop, I could take numerous images simultaneously, which I liked.
Why is this camera the best?
Fuji is a famous company when it comes to photo and video equipment.
Since this business has been around for a long time, they are experts in camera production.
I’ve learned that having a nice camera is essential to take beautiful pictures.
And if you want to take excellent video footage, it is the best camera you can buy explicitly designed for those purposes.
That is why I decided to purchase this camera!
Conclusion:
So, buying Fujifilm is a good option for beginning your photography journey.
It is among the top mirrorless cameras available for less than $500 and will serve you well for many years.
The camera takes excellent pictures and is simple to operate.
It is one of the most excellent options available if you’re searching for a camera that may serve as a stepping stone into the world of photography.
So, what are you waiting for? Buy it now!
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500)
The next phase of learning and experience was more fun than expected.
I learned to use a new camera, and it was fun.
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II is a compact camera with excellent performance.
It is one of the most compact and lightweight cameras with many valuable capabilities.
When I first clicked my model’s photo, she looked stunning on the screen.
Beginners just getting into photography and need a small, user-friendly camera should choose this best Mirrorless Camera for under $500.
Features:
- 20MP – 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
- ISO 160 – 12800( expands to 100 – 25600)
- 28-100 mm F1.8-4.9 Zoom Lens
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 00″ Tilting Screen
- 0fps continuous shooting
- Built-in Wireless
- 102 x 58 x 38 mm
ISO/ Shutter speed:
I usually work in peace.
The ISO and Shutter sound was acceptable, and I didn’t notice any unusual humming or high-pitched noises during the quick shutter speed.
I was impressed with the performance of this camera.
It’s an excellent option for people who want to take high-quality photos but avoid the hassle of lugging around a DSLR.
Aperture/ Field of View
My boss asked me to take photos of the office building across the street, and I couldn’t believe how clear they were.
The lens was sharp and crisp, even when I zoomed in.
There, I realized that the aperture and the field of view were even more impressive than the resolution and shutter speed.
The lens gave me a wider field of view than I’m used to, making it easier to get everything into the shot.
White Balance/ Frame Rate:
The white balance was good despite the office building being in the shade.
I did have to adjust it to get everything looking right manually, but once I did that, it was easy to capture all of the details without any color casts.
The frame rate was nice and smooth, which made me feel like a professional photographer instead of a rookie with shaky hands.
Why is this camera the best?
It’s the best because it got everything right.
The autofocus was fast and accurate, the image stabilization was perfect for shooting in low light, and the lens ensured I could get everything into focus.
It’s a great beginner camera for those just starting in photography, but it has enough features to keep more advanced users happy, too!
Conclusion:
This mirrorless is an excellent camera, and I recommend it to anyone looking for an upgrade.
It has enough features to grow into as your photography skills improve, but it also has plenty of built-in settings so anyone can pick it up and start shooting immediately.
Buy it now!
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500)
My next milestone was to use another Mirrorless Camera under $500 for a commercial shoot.
Using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7, my first commercial shoot was a music video for the band Secondhand Serenade.
I used two cameras for this project with different lenses to get different looks and coverage in our shots.
The shoot was a lot of fun.
Like with any new piece of equipment, I had to get used to it, but by the end of the day, I thought I had a decent handle on operating this camera for my specific requirements.
Features:
- 16MP – Four-Thirds CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 25600
- 00″ Fully Articulated Screen
- 2360k Electronic dot viewfinder
- 0fps continuous shooting
- 4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 125 x 86 x 77 mm
ISO/ Shutter speed:
I found that the camera’s autofocus worked well during my shoot.
It was fast, accurate, and pretty quiet.
I did notice that when using the DFD AF System (Depth From Defocus), it took a little longer to focus, but it also allowed me to shoot at faster speeds.
I was also able to shoot at ISO 25600 without too much noise.
The camera’s shutter sound is quiet, which is nice because taking pictures in a quiet area will not disturb those around you.
Aperture/ Field of View:
As I mentioned, my shoot with that band was in a small venue, and the lens was 14mm.
That allowed me to take some shots of the band while they were on stage, but it also gave me some nice close-up shots of their faces.
The lens was sharp throughout its zoom range and did not distort or soften any parts of my pictures.
White Balance/ Frame Rate:
The white balance on my camera was good, but it tended to get warmer or colder depending on the lighting I was taking pictures in.
It is not a problem because I can quickly fix it in post-production.
This camera’s frame rate is fast for its price range; as soon as you press the shutter button, it takes less than half a second to take your picture and store it onto the memory card.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is the best because of its price and quality.
It has many features that make it easy to use, but they are not so advanced that they will frustrate someone with no experience in photography.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, it is the best mirrorless camera under $500 because it is affordable, has an excellent sensor and processor, and is easy to use.
It’s also very durable and portable, making it perfect for anyone who wants an easy-to-use camera without spending over $500.
Buy it now!
Olympus OM-D E-M10 II: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500)
After excelling in my career in photography, I decided to give myself a gift of my camera.
For my use, I was seeking a camera that would be simple to operate yet capable of capturing photographs of a high caliber.
After reading many reviews of different cameras, I decided on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, one of the most sophisticated choices for a Mirrorless Camera under $500.
This model appealed to me since it combines portability with a large sensor, making it ideal for daily usage.
After using the camera for almost two years, I can say that I am delighted with it.
Features:
- 16MP – Four-Thirds CMOS Sensor
- ISO 200 – 25600( expands to 100)
- 5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 00″ Tilting Screen
- 2360k Electronic dot viewfinder
- 0fps continuous shooting
- FHD at 60fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 120 x 83 x 47 mm
ISO/ Shutter Speed:
This Olympus model is something that I have always pushed myself to purchase.
The ISO settings are also awe-inspiring for a camera in this price range.
Shooting up to 25600 ISO without much image quality loss is excellent for those who like to shoot in low-light conditions. Still, unfortunately, I don’t think Olympus has done an excellent job of reducing the noise at high ISOs.
That makes it challenging to shoot at anything above 12800 without having nasty grainy effects on your images.
Aperture/ Field of View:
I shot it with the 14-42mm lens, a great all-around lens for landscapes and portraits.
It is very sharp. However, I have noticed that at higher ISOs, there is some blurriness in the images.
The aperture range on this camera goes from f/3.5 to 5.6, which is pretty standard for most point-and-shoot cameras but still leaves room for improvement compared to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
White Balance/ Frame Rate
The white balance on this camera is pretty accurate, and most of the time, it does an excellent job of adjusting itself to whatever conditions you are shooting in.
It has a fast frame rate of 6.5 fps, slightly slower than the 7 fps on my SLR but still fast enough for most situations.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is the best because of its versatility.
It has a wide range of shooting modes and settings that can be used in any situation and impressive image quality for being such a small device.
So, if you are looking for a camera that is easy to carry around and versatile enough to use in any situation, this is the one for you!
Conclusion
So, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II is the best micro four-thirds camera on the market.
It has an excellent sensor, fast performance, and impressive image quality for its size.
Buy it now!
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: (Best Mirrorless Camera under $500)
After experiencing so much at my job, I got to help one of my friends who needed a camera for his vacation.
So I asked him what kind of camera he wanted, and he said it would be great if it were small enough to fit in his pocket.
I knew he wanted a mirrorless camera because I had discussed it before, so I started looking for one.
I came across the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II, the best Mirrorless Camera under $500, which my friend needed.
When I saw it in action, I knew this was the right camera for him.
Features:
- 20MP – 1′ BSI-CMOS Sensor
- ISO 125 – 12800
- 28-84 mm F2-4.9 Zoom Lens
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 00″ Fixed Type Screen
- 2fps continuous shooting
- FHD at 60fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 98 x 58 x 31 mm
ISO/ Shutter Speed:
I got a chance to relive my old novice days while guiding my friend through the ins and outs of using the camera.
The touchscreen display is a big help when navigating through all the features, but I would have preferred something else.
The ISO is decent, but it won’t be great if you want to use this camera for low-light situations.
You can make some decent shots in the dark, but you won’t be able to get very far with it.
The shutter speed could also be much faster, meaning it might turn out poorly if you’re trying to capture fast-moving objects.
Aperture/ Field of View
The aperture on this camera is decent.
It will be better than other models in its price range, but it does the job.
In addition, you may tailor the field of vision to your needs.
White Balance/ Frame Rate:
My friend was pleased with the white balance on this camera.
It was pretty warm and didn’t make the picture look unnatural.
The frame rate is also decent, but it could be better.
That is not your best option if you want to capture fast-moving objects.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is the best because it’s affordable, but it still has some great features that make it worth the money.
Even though some of its rivals may be better, this model will do the trick if you only need a simple one for a short journey or holiday.
Conclusion:
I find this camera, Mark II, is good if you want something affordable and easy to use.
This is worth considering if you’re starting with photography or want a reliable backup camera.
Buy it now!
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 Mirrorless 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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Best Cameras for Videography Beginners:
I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.