Looking for a good camera body to capture your favorite moments but don’t want to break the bank? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best camera bodies under $500, along with detailed reviews and a buying guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, finding the best camera that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket can be a daunting task. But worry not, we’ve got you covered! So, let’s find the best camera body under $500 for you!
Best Choices
Last update on 2023-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Everything you Need to Know About Camera Body Under $500
There are numerous camera body options available in the market under $500 that offer a great balance of quality and affordability. These cameras are perfect for beginners who are looking for a good camera to start their photography journey or for photographers who are on a tight budget.
The most common camera bodies under $500 are mirrorless cameras such as the Sony A6000, Fujifilm X-T20, and Panasonic Lumix GX85. These cameras have excellent image quality, superior autofocus, and video capabilities that are suitable for vloggers or videographers. Another option are the entry-level DSLRs like the Nikon D3500 or Canon EOS Rebel T7 which feature good beginner-friendly features such as guided modes and fast autofocus. These cameras are perfect to get into the world of interchangeable lens cameras. Overall, there are a lot of choices for camera enthusiasts who are on a budget and want to take great photos without breaking the bank.
10 Best Camera Body Under $500 – Reviewed
- Full HD 1296P Camera: Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the Sixmou B9 body camera captures videos and photos in stunning HD 1296P resolution, going beyond the...
- Multifunctional: The Sixmou B9 Bodycam recorder is a portable device that handles video and audio recording. You can also use it as a standalone voice recorder....
- Local Device Playback: This personal bodycam comes with an integrated full-color OLED screen, allowing you to review your video right away without needing a PC....
- One-Click Recording: In certain emergencies, you might need to record or snap photos swiftly. The Sixmou B9 body camera supports one-click recording,...
- 180° Rotating Lenses: Different scenarios may call for various viewing angles. The 180° swivel lens lets you adjust the camera's field and capture a broader...
- 💙【Ultra-Clear 1080P Videos with Night Vision】:1080P HD Video Recording, This body camera equipped with High-Intensity infrared Night Vision, also capture...
- 💙【Mini Camera with 3 hours Recording Time】:Hidden body camera design powered by a rechargeable lithium battery and built- in 64GB storage (up tp 128GB)...
- 💙【180 Degree Rotatable Lens】:This video recorder has a 180-degree rotatable lens , You can adjust the angle required for recording. shooting the valuable...
- 💙【Lightweight & Compact Size & Back Clip】:The mini body camera itself is very small and lightweight, it has small size 0.98x0.40x3.1 in, weighs 0.81oz...
- 💙【Multi-purpose Full HD 1080P Mini Camera 】:Our 1080P hidden body camera suitable for a variety of scenarios: perfect for video recording, business...
- 【Portable FHD 1440P Body Cam 】- This body video / audio Camera for law enforcement with FHD 1440P video and 3300pixels photo and 150° wide angle allows...
- 【Long Battery Life & 64GB Ultra large Memory】 - With a built-in powerful 3300 mAh battery, the body cam supports 11 hours non-stop recording, enough to get...
- 【Super Infrared Night Vision & HDR technology】- With high-perormance Mstar COMS sensor and HDR technology the body camera provides great exposure and...
- 【One key operation & Multi Function】- The body camera supports one key to Record Audio, Video and Take Photograh, not need to power on the cam, make the...
- 【Motion Detection & Loop Recording】 - Optional intelligent motion detection and loop recording for different usage requirements. You can set a password for...
- 【Multi-functional Body Worn Camera】The WEIIBDIE 1080p body mounted camera can record video, take pictures, and support voice recording lonely ,easy to use...
- 【128GB Large Memory&Long Battery Life】wearable Body cam with audio recording wearable adopts external micro SD card storage, provides you flexible memory ;...
- 【1080P FHD Body Mounted Camera with Night Vision】The small body camcorder with up to 1920*1080/30fps Resolution video and 40M photo and 140° wide angle...
- 【IP67 Waterproof Security Camera & 2M Anti-Drop】Fully-wrapped button design ensures that the WEIIBDIE body mounted camcorder is more sturdy, even in rainy...
- 【User Friendly body Video Camera and Warranty】Every button shows every function and features, even you don’t need to read manual and know how to use it...
- 【1.4" Powerful Cam's LCD Screen / Hotspot Mode】1080P Body Camera Recorder with the 1.4IN High-quality LED Screen to replay the videos. Convenient for your...
- 【Full HD 1080P】Ksadbossbo Body Camera Combine high-quality optical glass & multi-layer coating technology to ensure the recording quality, Video can be...
- 【180° Rotatable - 120° lens & Motion Detection / Flashlight Mode】 Body camera with a 180° rotatable /120° lens that can adjust the lens direction to...
- 【7 HR Battery life/64GB & 3 ways to Replay】The Body Camera with Equipped with a 1400 mAh rechargeable battery, that can last almost 6-7 HR working time,...
- 【Multi-function Cam & After sales-service】The Cam with No LED recording mode, has an App for you to replay & transport the videos by hotspot, and LED...
- 【Perfect Body Cam with 1.3"LCD Screen】Body Camera with 1080P Recording all could replay by the 1.3inch High-quality LED Screen the mini body camera supports...
- 【High-Quality Optical Glass with Full HD 1080P】This camera uses a high-quality optical glass lens with multi-layer coating technology, and built-in...
- 【Free 64GB Memory Card and 2000mAh Battery】This body camera equipped with a 2000mAh rechargeable battery, it has a larger battery capacity than other body...
- 【180° Rotatable and 120°wide-angle lens】 Body Cam adjust the lens direction to your demand, ensuring the cam will not record at a wrong angle. rotation to...
- 【Magnetic Back Clip Design and Metal Base with Stickers】 The magnetic back clip design makes it easy to clip the camera to your pocket, bicycle or carry it...
- 【180° Rotatable Lens & Upgrade Sturdy Back Clip】 The body cameras supports rotate 180 degrees manually,you can adjust the angle required for recording,easy...
- 【Full HD 1080P & 6 Hours Recording Time】1080P video recording and 40MP photos, the body worn camera with clip could provide clear footage in daily life. The...
- 【64GB Large Storage & Loop Recording】This video camera built in with a 64G memory card, Supports loop recording, our body camera automatically overwrites...
- 【Freely Switch Upside & Down Lens】 The Wearable body camera has auto Upsidedown Image, no need to manually adjust the lens,it is very convenient to record...
- 【White Illumination】 The Body mounted camera has high definition 2LED lights,can emits large white light, which acts as an illuminating light.
- 【3 in 1 Body Worn Camera】Our body mounted camera not only has video function, but also supports audio recording, photo taking, Loop recording and infrared...
- 【HD 2K Bodycam with 4 Infrared Lamp】The body cam uses a high-quality optical glass lens with multi-layer coating technology, and built-in anti-shake...
- 【Wifi Body Cam & Easy APP Installation 】Our body camera has the wifi function, you can scan the download QR code in the instruction to install the APP, then...
- 【3 Modes after Connection to PC】There are 3 modes for connecting to a computer through a data cable: memory: in this mode, video or photo files can be...
- 【3 Way to Fix】Compared with other conventional portable body cameras on the market, our bodycam has three fixing methods: clip, magnetic block, and nut....
- ☑ Body Portable affordable Camera: This body camera is preferable to set up for security. It is designed with an awesome 360 degrees rotatable clip behind the...
- ☑ Mini Outdoor Camera is enhanced with Night Vision: This small camera is suitable for the outdoor. Wear it to do some outdoor sports, such as running, and...
- ☑ Security Nanny Cam with Loop Recording & Built-in Memory Card: Needn’t purchase an additional memory card, this tiny camera has built-in a SD card. When...
- ☑ Sports Recorder with Ultra-long Working Time from the Battery of Body Camera: This wearable cop cam built-in an 800mAh rechargeable battery. It can record...
- ☑ Body cameras as security gadgets or a fun gift: it works as a Nanny cam to watch the children for parents.A self-defense device to avoid being harassed by...
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty
- 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor,Display Screen 3.0-Inch Rear Screen, LCD (921000)
- EXPEED III Image Processing
- Wide ISO sensitivity range,Filter Thread: 52 mm
- One-touch Full HD 1080p movie recording
Last update on 2023-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reasons for Buying Camera Body Under $500
There are several reasons why purchasing a camera body under $500 can be a wise investment, especially for casual or beginner photographers. In this section, we will explore some of the key benefits of opting for an entry-level camera body.
What Things to Consider when Buying Camera Body Under $500?
Before you invest in a camera body under $500, there are certain factors that you should keep in mind to make an informed decision.
Sensor size
Sensor size is an important consideration when buying a camera for several reasons. Firstly, the larger the sensor, the better the image quality. A larger sensor size allows more light to be captured, resulting in clearer, more detailed images. This is particularly important when shooting in low-light conditions. A larger sensor also allows for greater depth of field control, allowing photographers to manipulate the focus of the image more effectively.
Secondly, a larger sensor size allows for greater flexibility when it comes to lens selection. A larger sensor size means that lenses with larger apertures can be used, allowing for more creative control over depth of field and low-light performance. In contrast, smaller sensors require smaller lenses and are generally less flexible in terms of lens selection. Considering sensor size when buying a camera body under $500 is essential to ensure you get a camera with the best possible image quality and flexibility within your budget.
Maximum ISO
Maximum ISO is the measure of a camera’s ability to capture images in low light conditions. Higher maximum ISO values allow for better performance in low light situations, resulting in clearer and less noisy photos. When considering a camera body under $500, choosing one with a higher maximum ISO value will provide more flexibility in shooting situations, especially when natural light is limited.
Additionally, a higher maximum ISO value provides the option to shoot at higher shutter speeds, allowing for sharper images of moving subjects or in situations where a tripod cannot be used. Therefore, it is important to consider the maximum ISO value when purchasing a camera body under $500 to ensure maximum flexibility in shooting conditions and the ability to capture high-quality images in low light environments.
Camera body type
When buying a camera body under $500, it is crucial to consider the camera body type. Camera bodies come in different types, such as mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, point-and-shoot, and compact cameras. Each type of camera has its pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your photography needs. For instance, mirrorless cameras are lightweight, compact, and offer good image quality, making them ideal for travel photographers and vloggers. On the other hand, DSLRs are suitable for photography enthusiasts who want to experiment with various lenses and manual controls.
Additionally, the camera body type determines the lens mount and compatibility. Different camera brands have different mount systems, and not all lenses are compatible with every camera body type. Therefore, it is essential to choose a camera body that accepts lenses that meet your requirements and budget. Moreover, selecting the right camera body type helps you learn and adapt to various photography styles and techniques, making it an investment that will benefit you in the long run.
Availability of manual controls
Availability of manual controls is an essential factor to consider when buying a camera body under $500 because it gives you more control over your photography. The ability to adjust settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO manually allows you to customize your shots, achieve the desired depth of field, and control the exposure. It also assists you in adapting to different lighting conditions and achieving the ideal composition, which is critical in photography.
Additionally, manual controls help you understand the basics of photography and improve your skills. By experimenting with different settings, you will get to know how each setting affects your photos, and you will learn how to use them effectively. Overall, the better control you have over the camera, the better photographs you will take, making manual controls an essential factor to consider when choosing a camera body under $500.
Lens compatibility
When buying a camera body under $500, it is important to consider lens compatibility because not all lenses are compatible with all camera bodies. Different brands have different mount systems, and even within the same brand, there may be various types of mounts that are not interchangeable. If you already own lenses, you will need to make sure they will work with the camera body you are considering, or factor in the cost of buying new lenses.
Lens compatibility also affects the quality of your photos. Some lenses are specifically designed for certain types of photography, such as landscape or portrait, and may produce better results when paired with the appropriate camera body. Additionally, using incompatible lenses can cause distortion or vignetting, which can negatively impact the overall quality of your images. Therefore, by considering lens compatibility before buying a camera body, you can ensure you are getting the best possible results from your equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good camera body options under $500?
There are several good camera body options under $500 for beginners and enthusiasts alike. For entry-level photographers, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a popular choice. It features a 24.1-megapixel sensor, full HD video capabilities, and built-in WiFi and NFC for easy sharing of photos.
For those looking for a more advanced option, the Sony Alpha a6000 is a mirrorless camera with a 24.3-megapixel sensor, fast autofocusing, and continuous shooting up to 11 frames per second. It also has WiFi and NFC connectivity, as well as a built-in electronic viewfinder. Both the Canon EOS Rebel T7 and Sony Alpha a6000 offer great value for their price and are highly recommended for those on a budget.
Can I still take high-quality photos with a budget camera body?
Yes, it is possible to take high-quality photos with a budget camera body. The quality of the photo depends on more than just the camera body; factors such as lens quality, lighting, composition and post-processing also play a significant role in the final output. With proper technique, composition and post-processing, you can produce excellent images with a budget camera.
It’s worth noting that while a high-end camera body does offer some advantages in terms of image quality and performance, it is not always necessary for producing great photos. Many professional photographers still use older models or budget-friendly cameras for their work and achieve impressive results. Ultimately, the key is to understand how to use your camera and other equipment to their fullest potential to capture the best possible images.
What types of photography are best suited for a camera body under $500?
Camera bodies under $500 are best suited for photography types that do not require high-end features and equipment. These types include beginner-level photography such as family portraits, landscapes, and travel photography. These can be captured with a basic DSLR or mirrorless camera body with a standard lens of 18-55mm or 50mm.
Moreover, camera bodies under $500 are also good for street photography, sports, and candid photography. For this type of photography, a fast autofocus, burst mode and good low-light performance are important. Some budget-friendly camera options that can be used for these types of photography include Canon EOS Rebel T7, Nikon D3500, and Fujifilm X-T30. These cameras offer good image quality and decent features for their price range.
Are there any limitations or drawbacks to choosing a camera body under $500?
Yes, there are some limitations and drawbacks when choosing a camera body under $500. These cameras typically have smaller sensors which can result in reduced image quality compared to more expensive models. They may also have fewer features and limited functionality, such as lower frame rates and limited ISO ranges. Additionally, the build quality and durability may be compromised in cheaper models, making them more prone to damage and wear over time.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, choosing the best camera body under $500 might seem like a daunting task, given the endless options available. However, by considering factors like image quality, durability, and user-friendliness, along with our list of top 10 picks, you can narrow down your options and make an informed decision. Above all, it’s essential to find a camera body that suits your needs and preferences and brings out your creativity, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer. With these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the best camera body under $500 that will help you capture amazing shots without breaking the bank.
