Cameras under $500

All cameras

7 cameras under $500 from Fujifilm, DJI, Insta360 and more. Most cost $430 to $498, and half cost less than $480.

Nikon

DSLR, Under 20 MP, With lens, Nikon F

+Includes 18-55mm AF-S DX VR zoom lens in the kit

+Nikon F mount works with a wide range of lenses

+Under 20 MP resolution suits faster file handling

−Under 20 MP resolution gives fewer pixels for cropping

$480.38

as of 11/04/2026 00:25 PST - Details

Sony

Compact, Under 20 MP

+16.1 MP resolution for everyday photos

+Compact body for carrying easily

+2.7-inch LCD screen for framing shots

−Lower resolution than higher-megapixel compact cameras

$498.99

as of 11/04/2026 04:37 PST - Details

Nikon

DSLR, Under 20 MP, With lens

+Includes 18-55mm ED II zoom lens in the kit

+Under 20 MP resolution suits faster file handling

+DSLR design with optical viewfinder

−6.1 MP resolution is low for large prints or cropping

$499.00

as of 11/04/2026 00:25 PST - Details

GoProSpec score 8.1

Action, Under 20 MP, 4K

+Records 4K video for sharp footage

+Touch screen for easy control

+Waterproof action camera design

−Photos capped below 20 MP

$419.00

as of 11/03/2026 23:14 PST - Details

Sony

Video, Under 20 MP

+High definition Handycam for recording video

+Dedicated video camera type for simple recording

−Specified at 5.3 MP, below the typical resolution of newer models

$480.00

as of 11/04/2026 04:37 PST - Details

GoProSpec score 8.3

Action, Under 20 MP, 5K or 6K

+5K or 6K: 20 of the 36 here have a lower video

−Under 20 MP: 11 of the 18 here have a higher resolution

$429.99

as of 11/03/2026 23:14 PST - Details

Panasonic

Compact, Under 20 MP

+Compact body with a 3.6x optical zoom lens

+Optical image stabilization reduces blur from camera shake

+8.1 megapixel resolution suits small prints and sharing

−Lower resolution than most current compact cameras

$449.00

as of 11/04/2026 00:35 PST - Details

Compare specs

Camera type	Spec score	Price
DSLR	n/a	$480.38 as of 11/04/2026 00:25 PST - Details
Compact	n/a	$498.99 as of 11/04/2026 04:37 PST - Details
DSLR	n/a	$499.00 as of 11/04/2026 00:25 PST - Details
Action	8.1	$419.00 as of 11/03/2026 23:14 PST - Details
Video	n/a	$480.00 as of 11/04/2026 04:37 PST - Details
Action	8.3	$429.99 as of 11/03/2026 23:14 PST - Details
Compact	n/a	$449.00 as of 11/04/2026 00:35 PST - Details

Before you buy

Spec scores, pros and cons, and prices are explained in the How it works section of the About page.

Cameras under $500

Compare specs

Before you buy

Other price ranges

Popular filters

Cameras by use

Related product types