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

The Best Cameras Under $500 of 2026

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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

Currently
Unavailable

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

Currently
Unavailable

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

Currently
Unavailable

Read More

  • Nikon 1 J5

  • Other Cameras Under $500 We Tested

  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

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

April 18, 2017

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
Editors' Choice
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

Other Cameras Under $500 We Tested

Product image of Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Editors' Choice
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

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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