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Best Camera's under $500 Credit: Reviewed.com / Jackson Ruckar
Tech Cameras

The Best Cameras Under $500 of 2024

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Best Camera's under $500 Credit: Reviewed.com / Jackson Ruckar

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1
Editor's Choice Product image of Nikon 1 J5
Best Overall

Nikon 1 J5

3.8
Check Price at Amazon

A massive step-up in quality to entry-level shooters. Though it's no high-end option, the camera has serious burst speed, decent sharpness, and a boatload of features. Read More

Pros

  • Great burst speed
  • Solid sharpness
  • Extra affordable

Cons

  • None that we could find
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

Check Price at Amazon

This little camera outshines what many high-end smartphones are capable of, and the built-in 3x optical zoom lets you get closer to the action. Read More

Pros

  • 20-megapixel sensor
  • Intuitive touchscreen
  • 3x zoom lens

Cons

  • Lackluster battery life
3
Product image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40

3.9
Currently
Unavailable

Read More

  • Best Overall Nikon 1 J5
  • Other Cameras Under $500 We Tested
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy
Reviewed Staff
Written by Reviewed Staff

Updated November 13, 2019

Picking out a new camera is tough, and doubly so when you're on a tight budget. And while a few years ago you'd need to lay down nearly $1,000 to get a great, high-quality camera, there are plenty of cheaper options these days that get the job done beautifully.

Generally speaking, for $500 your best bet is either a point-and-shoot or an entry-level interchangeable lens camera. You can get a more advanced camera by shopping for a refurbished model at places like B&H, Amazon, and Adorama, but buying new has its perks.

If you're looking for a brand-new camera under $500, these are the models that performed best in our test labs.

  1. Nikon 1 J5
  2. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
  3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40
Product image of Nikon 1 J5
Best Overall
Best Overall
Nikon 1 J5

Equal parts interchangeable lens camera and point-and-shoot, the Nikon 1 J5 gives a massive step-up in quality to entry-level shooters. Though it's no high-end option, the camera has serious burst speed, decent sharpness, and a boatload of features for under $500. Anyone looking for a pint-sized mirrorless camera with a 1-inch sensor should put the Nikon 1 J5 on their shortlist.

Pros

  • Great burst speed

  • Solid sharpness

  • Extra affordable

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Amazon

Other Cameras Under $500 We Tested

Product image of Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

If you're the kind of person who still prefers to have a high-quality compact camera that you can carry everywhere, the Canon PowerShot G9 X is an almost ideal pick. It still outperforms smartphones for image quality, with the added benefit of tactile shooting controls, an easy-to-use menu system, and a 3x optical zoom. Available for under $500, it's an excellent choice for travel or just daily snapshots.

Pros

  • 20-megapixel sensor

  • Intuitive touchscreen

  • 3x zoom lens

Cons

  • Lackluster battery life

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40

In recent years, cameras have been fighting a losing battle. As more and more users elect to use their phones as their on-the-go camera, there are fewer times when a dedicated compact camera makes sense. Camera manufacturers have been combating this trend by packing as much performance as possible into pocketable point-and-shoots, hoping optical zoom will sway buyers. Just over a year ago, Panasonic announced the ZS40, a compact camera with advanced controls and a mighty 30x optical zoom lens to serve that exact purpose.

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Reviewed Staff

Reviewed Staff

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The Reviewed staff is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA. Backed by our knowledgeable writers and rigorous test labs, we're working hard to make sure you can make the right decisions about what to buy.

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