Mirrorless cameras are gaining popularity over the years. For someone looking for the features like lightweight build, compact design, and portability, there is no better choice than a mirrorless camera. And if you’ve got 500 bucks put aside for it, get ready for some deals that you simply can’t ignore! Now the question here is, what’s the best mirrorless camera under $500?
Well, there might not be an exact answer to it but making a list of the best ones in the market is something we can pull off. So, before you go on your next or first of the many photo walks, let’s take a tour of the marketplace to spot the best deals out there.
My Top 5 Picks for the Best Mirrorless Camera Under $500
The process of choosing a camera isn’t as easy as it sounds. Especially when you have to think thoroughly about all kinds of features, advantages, drawbacks, and pricing. To make the whole process a bit easier, I’ve handpicked the best ones in the market based on different aspects. Here they are –
Table could not be displayed.Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K Digital Camera(weather sealed mirrorless cameras)
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Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K is a professional grade micro four-thirds (MFT) camera that comes with a high dynamic range, great ISO sensitivity, and features to give you the best results. It’s pretty much a full-frame DSLR minus the inconvenient size and the weight.
This camera offers quality images, all thanks to the 16-megapixel sensor and advanced image processor. Auto Focus and Depth-From-Defocus (DFD) technology offers quick and precise focus adjustment so that you can take the perfect shot. 4EV (Exposure Value) features enable it to capture shots even in low light.
This device is not limited to 4K videos and photos only. Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K camera allows you to extract 4K images from the videos. Thanks to this feature, now you won’t miss the perfect shot of a flying bird! Besides this, there are 3 convenient 4K photo modes for burst shots. so it is one of the best 4k camera under $500.
It has a 3-inch LCD Display (1,040 dot) and a (2,360K dot) OLED electronic viewfinder. Having both of these features, spot and capture the subject according to your preference.
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Here is Why You Should Choose This One
- Offers Anticipated Results for Both Photos & Videos
- Convenient Controls and Features
- Weather Sealed Mirrorless Camera
- Offers a Wide Range of Compatibility
- Easily Adjustable Aperture and Shutter Settings
Drawbacks that You Should Also Consider
- Battery Backup is Not Satisfactory
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
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This one is a great choice for all kinds of photographers out there. The almost perfected combination of image quality, technology, and features in the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera is the best you can ask for at this price range.
For detailed and high-quality images this camera offers a 24.3 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor. In terms of resolution, this mirrorless camera is on par with most DSLR cameras. You can also use it to make 1080p full HD video if you are into videography and filmmaking.
Also, the BIONZ X processing gives you the most anticipated quality of images. This processing technology and the CMOS sensor offer you an ISO range from 100 to 25000. Now you can capture the moments and scenes even in low light.
The OLED electronic viewfinder here is as responsive as its 3.0″ 921k dot LCD display. This viewfinder displays what’s in front of you exactly how it’ll appear on the screen. With this feature and the fast auto focus6 (179 AF points and 11Fps) of this camera, you’ll never miss the perfect shot with great accuracy.
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Here is Why You Should Choose This One
- Comes as a Complete Package
- Works Great for All Purposes
- A Good Deal for the Money
- Has Intuitive Controls
Drawbacks that You Should Also Consider
- Battery Drains Really Fast
Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Digital Camera(best budget mirrorless camera)
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Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Digital Camera is one of the best budget mirrorless cameras out there. This camera comes with a 16-megapixel MFT sensor. This Live MOS Sensor along with the processing capability of Venus Engine, gives you the anticipated image quality with minimum noise.
For increased image stability, this camera has Panasonic’s DFD (Depth-From-Defocus) and AF (Auto Focus) technology. Now you don’t have to miss a shot at the perfect moment just because the focus didn’t work! And for manual focus, the whole thing will be smooth & silent with the stepping motor.
The ultra-fast 3 fps 4K video feature takes the videography experience to a whole new level. This camera allows you to record videos with 3840 x 2160 resolution. Also, the in-body 5-axis dual image stabilization doesn’t just work in photos but also in 4K videos. It’s undoubtedly one of the best mirrorless cameras for video.
This camera comes with a LUMIX G 45-150mm Telephoto lens and a 12-32mm Standard lens. The built-in Mega O.I.S feature is greatly convenient as it compensates for handshakes even without a tripod. All things together, it’s one of the best 4k cameras under $500.
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Here is Why You Should Choose This One
- Convenient Features
- Both LCD Display and Electronic Viewfinder
- Convenient 4K Photo Modes
- Great Range of Compatibility
Drawbacks that You Should Also Consider
- Viewfinder Position Might Seem Inconvenient
Fujifilm X-T100 Mirrorless Digital Camera(best 4k mirrorless camera under 500)
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Fujifilm X-T100 Mirrorless Digital Camera comes with an iconic retro style design and compact build. With the advanced features, technology, and functionality it’s one of the best 4k mirrorless cameras under 500. Let’s find out why.
This camera has a 24.2 Megapixel APS C size sensor to ensure quality images with less noise. The Color Reproduction technology enables you to get the perfect result. You can simply put life into a bleak photo if you want. This camera also works great in low light and offers a superb edge-to-edge resolution.
It has a touch-sensitive screen that helps you to get precise AF shots and shows you how the outcome is exactly going to be. Besides that, there is an electronic viewfinder with a high resolution of 2.36 million dots. It also offers 0.62x high magnification.
The battery life of this camera is better than most mirrorless cameras. It’s capable of taking 430 shots per charge which is actually better than the entry-level DSLRs.
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Here is Why You Should Choose This One
- Has a Lot of Convenient Photo & Video Modes
- Offers Anticipated Results
- Improved Battery Life for Long Time Use
- 3-Way Tilt LCD Monitor
Drawbacks that You Should Also Consider
- APS-C Sensor Doesn’t Work Well in Low Light
Samsung NX1000 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera(mirrorless camera under $400)
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If you’re a little short on budget, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on photography. Samsung offers the cheapest mirrorless camera with great features and quality. If you’re looking for a mirrorless camera under $400 then Samsung NX1000 is your go-to choice.
The ultra-high speed Auto Focus is the heart of this camera. It can focus on the subject in an instant and sharp, noiseless images. 8 frames per second rate is another key to its high-speed capturing capability. In short, you won’t need to worry about missing a moment with the Samsung NX1000 Mirrorless Camera.
The CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) image sensor also helps with the precise autofocus system. This sensor ensures anticipated picture quality because of its higher sensitivity. Thanks to this sensor, you’ll also get great results in low light.
This camera will also be a great choice for someone who is into videography and filmmaking. The Samsung NX1000 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera comes with an optional 18-200mm lens that is specifically designed for Full HD video.
Considering all these things, for someone who is looking for a good deal on cameras, this one is definitely the best camera under $400.
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Here is Why You Should Choose This One
- Great Choice for Beginners
- Has All the Basic Features and Modes
- A Good Deal for the Money
- Offers Quality Images with Precise AF System
Drawbacks that You Should Also Consider
- Not So Convenient for Professional Photographers
How to Choose the Best Mirrorless Camera Under 500
Before choosing any camera, you should be aware of the basic terminology for photography. When it comes to choosing the best mirrorless camera, the whole process can seem a little overwhelming. But you don’t need to worry about that. I’ve got some tricks and tips up my sleeve that’ll help you choose the right one without any double thoughts. Here are the key points –
Decide the Purpose of the Camera
If you’re buying a camera within a tight budget, there is always going to be a limit to how good the overall performance will be. If a camera is too good for a certain type of photography then it must be compensating for something else. That’s why it’s really important to know what you want to shoot.
Choosing a camera with a dedicated purpose will help you make the best out of your $500. For example, Sony Alpha a6000 Camera will be a great choice for sports photography as it has really fast AF feature and fps rate. Panasonic LUMIX GX85 will be convenient for videography because of its certain features.
However, reaching a level where you own a very specific camera for a certain purpose is a long shot! Then again, you need in-depth knowledge of all kinds of specifications and their functions for it. So, if you’re not so sure, choose something like the Panasonic LUMIX G7 that offers balanced performance.
Check for Compatibility & Availability of Lens
The usability of a camera depends on what kind of lens you’re going to use with it. So, you should definitely go with an interchangeable lens camera. At first, the kit lens may seem just enough but when you start discovering new things, you’ll definitely feel the need for a dedicated lens.
And to future-proof your purchase, make sure that there is enough availability of compatible lenses in the market. It’d be really convenient if your camera is compatible with lenses from other brands too. Also, make sure that the mounting technology is well-suited for the upcoming advanced lenses.
Never Compromise with Image Quality
It’s always important to make sure that your camera is capable of providing the anticipated image quality. It’s true that only a good photographer can produce good photos but the camera plays its role too. That’s why you need to choose a camera that offers high-resolution images.
If you don’t have a high-resolution camera then I am afraid you won’t be satisfied with a large printed copy of your photograph. The details of the images will be blurry and the overall image will be noisy.
Think Thoroughly About the Sensor
The sensor is pretty much like the heart of a camera. The quality of an image greatly depends on the size of a sensor. Let’s simply put it like this, the larger the better. A larger camera sensor works well with a higher megapixel count and produces noiseless images.
Mirrorless cameras usually have these 3 types of sensors- APS-C, full-frame, and Micro Four Thirds. All 3 types yield different kinds of results. Among all these, the APS-C is the least convenient when reviewed individually. But it can offer excellent results if the camera has good image processing technology.
Functionality Matters a Lot-Check Image stabilization
Different cameras have different features and modes. Having these in your camera really makes the whole thing a lot easier. Almost all the cameras have some common modes and features in them while some offer a little extra. Image stabilization is the feature that you will certainly need for sharper pictures without any shakiness. So, make sure the camera has that feature that you need.
Battery Life is Important
Inadequate battery life is the trademark flaw of almost every mirrorless camera. There really isn’t much you can do about it. However, there are some mirrorless cameras that offer battery life as good as DSLR cameras. For example, the Fujifilm X-T100 Mirrorless Digital Camera has excellent battery life.
But there is always a catch with a larger battery! The camera becomes a little heavier than it should be for a mirrorless camera. And if you ask me, I think it stands against a major point of having a mirrorless camera.
FAQ on Cheap Mirrorless Camera
People often ask, which brand is best for mirrorless cameras?
Ans: There isn’t really a specific answer to that question. Mirrorless camera has been in the market for a long time and their demand is increasing day by day. That’s why almost all renowned camera brands manufacture great quality mirrorless cameras in different models.
A specific mirrorless camera can be best from one aspect but might not be so good from another aspect. It really depends on which model we’re talking about. But if I really have to choose the top 5 brands that you can rely on for mirrorless cameras, those would be Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm.
Another common question is, is a mirrorless camera good for still photography?
Ans: The answer is yes, mirrorless cameras are good for still photography. Still photography means capturing inanimate objects in an artistic way. These are usually high-quality close shots with intricate details. The color tone, focus, and sensor play a great role here.
Mirrorless cameras are now as good as DSLRs in this regard. Sometimes it’s been proven to be more convenient. The photographer can adjust the setting and capture the moment in one take as the preview is displayed right there on the screen.
People also ask, are mirrorless cameras of better quality?
Ans: If the question is whether mirrorless cameras are of better quality than DSLRs then the answer is no. Mirrorless cameras are gradually improving to match the level of DSLRs while eliminating the weight and large size. It’s improved a lot in recent days but not in a way that you can claim it’s simply better.
Although, some mirrorless cameras are definitely better than entry-level DSLRs. On the contrary, mirrorless cameras have gained a reputation for capturing better-quality videos.
What Cameras do professionals use, DSLR or mirrorless?
Ans: DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, both are widely used by professionals. DSLR cameras aren’t going to lose their demand any time soon. But it’s true that many professionals are also using mirrorless cameras and many of them find it more convenient.
Still, it would be hard to accept that a mirrorless camera is as good as a DSLR. It surely is a great alternative but it can’t offer a wide range of options like DSLRs.
Here’s My Take on This Matter
The passion for capturing moments on a screen is something only a handful of people can relate to. But the problem is, following this passion isn’t as easy as the others. Without having a good camera it’s really hard to quench your thirst for anticipated results. So, you got to start somewhere, and $500 can be a good start.
That’s why I’ve made this list of the 5 best mirrorless cameras under $500. I’ve made this list based on thorough research, well-thought comparison, and my knowledge & experience of photography. This should smooth the way for you. Hopefully, you found this article helpful.
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