Buying Guide: The best cameras under $500

GoPro?

1 month agopermalink

Aroart

I vote Sony make one like Olympus tough series with ta 1inch sensor...

1 month agopermalink

left eye

May I also recommend the Pentax K-70 :
weatherproof,
-10°C cold-resistant,
IBIS,
pixel-shift,
AA-less 24MP sensor,
ergonomic,
great battery life,
etc.

1 month ago*permalink

BarryfromSA

After my D60 was nicked I decided to try the "semi-pocketable" route as the DSLR was often left at home. I first tried the Fuji X-M1, rather naively thinking I could do without the viewfinder - STUPID MISTAKE ! Cameras without viewfinders should be burnt at the stake !
I quickly changed to the Sony a6000 with a sigh of relief. To be honest, I think the Fuji takes better images both in colour and sharpness [standard kit lenses on both], but I can live with for the practicality of the VF.

Incidentally, when using the M1 outdoors for the first time I thought the screen had packed up, only to realise after a nervous while that I was viewing the screen through polarised lens sunglasses, which killed the image! Anyone else had that happen ?

2 months agopermalink

Brian Homer

H ha yes the polarising effect - it happens on my X100F when I shoot vertical with my sunglasses- the first time it happen I was on the net looking for the fault! Agree with you on viewfinders!

1 month agopermalink

JPnyc

funny to see the Sony A5100 still to be on this list. it's a 5 year old granddaddy of a camera! i actually agree, this is a fantastic little camera for the money albeit its lack of an EVF which i dont use because i wear glasses. given the fact that it actually can be had for under $400 these days, this must be the camera deal of the year.
or wait a minute, perhaps not, i just saw the A6000 sells for even less now ... around $300, factory refurbished!
THAT must be the best camera/price ratio on the planet!

2 months agopermalink

WT21

With the launch of the Nikon and Canon mirrorless FF, the power trinity is established at DPR - Canon Nikon and Sony. m43 will be abandoned in it's mentions here. It's like talking to a shopping clerk at BestBuy, except DPR knows better.

2 months ago*permalink

spidermoon

What missing in this guide is a lense kit comparison. Is the Canon 15-45 better then the Sony one or the fuji or the Nikon ? And an overall size/weigth comparison, body + lense.

2 months agopermalink

ProfHankD

You're recommending an M100 after Canon has made it absolutely clear the M line isn't going anywhere... not to mention that the A6000 still beats it -- not just according to me, but by DPReview's reviews. I know the A6000 is an old model, but it's still a very competitive camera with a huge infrastructure behind it. I also don't see how the touch screen on the M100 is "selfie friendly" -- and the M100 doesn't even have an EVF!

2 months agopermalink

I actually agree with DPR on M100. That dual pixel AF in video, wifi and bluetooth, selfie touchscreen and extremly good value just beat sony. Not to mentio near native adapdability of EF and EF-S lenses. The value is just there in spades, either as first family-focused mirrorless or second portable body for someone with Canon DSLR and EF, EF-S lenses. It is just £280 on UK Amazon now which is outstanding value for APS-C camera with good wide kit lens. If this is to be the only body for family, it does not matter if the M lens ecosystem is not going to expand. All the main options are there at the moment and EF gets the rest covered if need arises.

2 months agopermalink

ProfHankD

I get that the LCD pivoting up to be seen from the front is "selfie friendly" (which has zero to do with touch sensitivity), but if you want that, there's the Sony A5100 -- literally $1 cheaper with 16-50mm pancake zoom than the EOS M100 with 15-45mm here in the USA. The M100 is an obvious late-clone-attempt of the A5100.

If you have lots of EF lenses, it'll cost $150 for an adapter that will let them work better on the A5100/A6000 than Canon's $200 EF to M adapter will deliver on an M100. In fact, my A6000's AF of EF lenses is disturbingly competitive with my Canon 5D IV's dual-pixel performance.

Admittedly, the M100 isn't a huge step down from an A5100, but I think you have to be giving a lot of points for "has Canon logo" for it to beat an A5100 (which DPReview never even bothered giving a full review, basically saying it's an A6000 -EVF +touch-enabled selfie tilt LCD).

2 months agopermalink

QuietOC

What $150 adapter gives you good AF with EF lenses on the A5100/A6000? Maybe you are thinking about the A6300?

1 month agopermalink

BrentSchumer

To me the M50 and A6000 are close enough in price that it comes down to ergonomics and feel, and the A6000 feels better to me. But the M50 is better spec-wise in most ways. Either is a great starter camera!

1 month agopermalink

MPoetter

Is there no Panasonic G70 in the rankings? Would be a shame, fine camera!

2 months agopermalink

Maybe in an alternate universe we could have used cameras included. Would be really interesting, my D700 i just bought was $460. I know it's too hairy of an issue with used prices always fluctuating and all but for some uninformed camera noob, it really is a disservice for them to not be exposed to used options.

2 months agopermalink

io_bg

That would be great. Used cameras from a generation or two ago is where the real value is at.

2 months agopermalink

Yes, absolutely agree that used bodies are where the real value is, especially here in UK with top notch online second hand shops giving you half a year warranty for peace of mind. Would you believe that I am just awaiting arrival of mint - like new - Panasonic GX800 body for £116 only? That is outstanding value for 4k capable and aliasing filter free 16mpix micro 4/3 cam with usb charging, Panasonic DFD and great touscreen implementation from reputable online shop I bought from before. They have 12.5% black friday sale at the moment. This deal gives Canon M100 run for its money.

2 months agopermalink

That's a great deal Vit, and coincidentally, i just bought that camera less than two weeks ago. It was $289 US (not sure what that is in conversion) but it's in very good shape, not a mark on it. Still can't find the shutter count menu though. I bought it for the front facing screen since i never get to be in the photos with my little ones.

Incidentally i bought a Panny 20mm for it as well but some genius at Amazon put the 14mm 2.5 in the box. But after using it i decided to keep it as the slightly wider angle is a bit better for the front facing screen (the 20 was still a bit narrow at 40mm FOV).

Hey DPR, tell Jeff Bezos thanks for the extra $40 lens value ; )

2 months agopermalink

14mm 2.5 lens is great. I used to have it too and gave it to my wife attached to GM1 - great kombo. I have the legendary 20mm 1.7, it is great for lowlight social photo and similarly. GX800 is great body, I am going to use it a lot together with 7.5mm Samyang fisheye, 12-32 pancake, the mentioned 20mm 1.7, oly 45 1.8. The usb charging is very convenient for travel too, you can just top it up on the go with powerbank if needed. Micro 4/3 is great system. I now have really nice tripple combo with GX800, GX80(85) and GX8 :-) Love the GX80 for its super stable 4k, love the GX8 for superB ergonomics and EVF and love the GX800 for its form factor and same IQ as GX80. I can fit GX80 with 20mm pancake into my trousers pocket, GX800 will be even easier fit and will be great for street photo with touchscreen shutter. I will also use GX800 for 4k video a lot...

2 months agopermalink

Nice setup. Im a bit bigger on the one end, a gripped D700 with YN100 f/2, not exactly pocketable : ) but i wanted something smaller for video that can best my phone and also has a front facing screen. The GXxxx seemed the best option and i really like Panasonic's feature set.

On a different note, if you happen to check out the setting, any idea how to get the Night shot mode to work? You can choose it from the scene dial mode but it's also a menu option in the REC tab, page 3.

I have yet to figure out how to use it there. It says you must be in iA dial mode but when set up it won't fire but a single shot. It's supposed to shoot 6 frames and combine them for NR, not sure what other settings im missing and there's no explanation i can find.

2 months agopermalink

I will check it out for you when I get the cam today. I have two bigger bodies too. Canon 40D and Sony A7 mk 1 :)

2 months agopermalink

I checked that Night Handheld mode for you. I works when you select it in scene mode and takes multiple exposures to combine them. I guess you have to have recording set to Jpeg only in this mode. It works when in iA mode too but in iA mode it auto-detects when to use it so you can really select it manually, it is fully automated mode.

2 months agopermalink

Ok good deal. Yea it looks to be jpeg only as its combing shots in camera. Im looking forward to more of this kind of feature, high rez modes too.

2 months agopermalink

Sorry I meant to write that: 'It works when in iA mode too but in iA mode it auto-detects when to use it so you CAN'T really select it manually, it is fully automated mode.'

2 months agopermalink

Roger that i figured it was a typo. Still a useful feature at times, i really hope Panasonic improve it. Sony lets you shoot manually with it but can't use E shutter, Pana lets you use E shutter but it's all auto. I think they are playing games with us.

2 months agopermalink

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00IZDLD32/ref=olp_f_new?ie=UTF8&f_all=true&f_new=true&sort=taxsip

You can use it 'manually' - in scenes' mode when you select it there :-)

2 months agopermalink

Russel_Sprouts

"page 7" in this roundup article states: "Since the X-A10 also uses the same 16MP sensor as the X-A3..."

oops, X-A3 is a 24MP model

4 months agopermalink

Aroart

How can Canon win with such a poor selection native lenses...

10 months agopermalink

spidermoon

Better native lenses than Sony ?

2 months agopermalink

BarnET

The Eos M series doesn't have a better native lens collection then Sony.
They're however friendlier to the wallet or optically better. (Sony 16-50 and 55-210 really need replacements)

That being said Canon does have better consumer options interesting to people buying a entry-level camera. But the same applies to Fujfilm which does have higher-end options to grow into.

I'd easily pick Fujifilm over Canon even at these price-points because of it.

2 months agopermalink

dbateman

Maybe this needs another update. Maybe due to the GX9 release, but the Panasonic Gx85 is running cheaper than the Gx850. Listed as $540 with the excellent 12-32mm lens.
It may almost take the cake for best under "$500", if you buy the GX85 with dual kit lenses for just $600!

11 months agopermalink

(unknown member)

Having an untested camera in a best camera list just reduces the whole thing to marketing puff which it probably is anyway. Bit of a giveaway really.

11 months agopermalink

CarpentersEye

No it doesn't. Thanks for not waiting for the full report technicality. It's not an all or nothing thing. I'm fine with any discovery correction after the full report; because they informed.

3 months agopermalink

Gesture

Great idea. Make it a dozen.

11 months agopermalink

maljo@inreach.com

It hasn't been tested yet and it is not under $500.
This announcement seems a bit optimistic and undermines the credibility of the website.

11 months agopermalink

james s. kennedy

I think I will get one, even tho I have the Panasonic ZS100. I enjoy getting new toys.

11 months agopermalink

morepix

According to the blurb, this camera has eye AF. However, it has no viewfinder. How does that work?

11 months agopermalink

morepix

Oops! Stupid me. It means face detection is enhanced by eye detection. Sorry. Some Canon cameras of the past had the eye in the viewfinder determine where the camera focuses within the frame, and I thought of that.

11 months agopermalink

Mike FL

Right, some cameras can also set to detect/focus on left or right eye such as very old Olympus.

11 months agopermalink

Thomas Kachadurian

Is $600 under $500?

11 months agopermalink

sirhawkeye64

Yes but even the a6000 is not under $500 with a lens and the cheapest I've seen it with the kit lens was probably $600 on sale around Christmas although right now it looks like the a6000 w/ lens goes for about $650. Regardless, Part of me says that DPR was trying to look at just the body itself (or estimate the value of the body itself w/o lens) as camera + lens kits can vary greatly, depending on what lens you get, but the body is really what they're comparing here, so they estimated it's value to be around $500 for the body only (at least, that's my assumption here). I would assume later Fuji might release a body-only option for around $500, as it seems with other Fuji kits, the standard 16-50 (or 15-45 kit lens in this case) only seems to add $100 to the price when bundled with a body.

11 months ago*permalink

Mike FL

>>> "although right now it looks like the a6000 w/ lens goes for about $650."

FWIW. you still can get a6000 w/ lens for $598 with free shipping. BTW, this seller does NOT collect TAX, It is another $40 saving:

Above just an example from amazon, but you can get it for $550 w/lens + w/o TAX + free shipping if you look around,

11 months agopermalink

Revenant

As long as the Fuji isn't available to buy body-only, it's irrelevant what it would cost. Right now, whether you want the lens or not, you'll have to pay more than $500 to get the camera body.

11 months agopermalink

sirhawkeye64

Yes you can find it less than $650 if you look around. I was just looking at one or two registered resellers (some people on Amazon are not registered resellers with the OEM so you may not get a warranty, for example, or it may be grey market especially if it's cheaper than stores like B&H. This is not always the case, but in some cases, makes up the difference in price as to why some are cheaper than others). I think DPR just needed another places to push the Fuji camera, and they needed the a6000 on the list so that it didn't look like an odd duck in the listing (ie. the only one over $500). The a6000 is still a great camera, as are most of Fuji's cameras as well, and maybe they just wanted it as a comparison maybe as well. Who knows. ONly DPR can explain their reasoning for putting the Fuji (and Sony) on that list...

11 months ago*permalink

spidermoon

The EOS-M100 can be found new on Amazon.com at $419 with kit lenses and some accessoires (memory car+bag...) With a similar bundle, the A6000 is at $448
It's great all in one offers for beginner.
Why there no guide on thoses bundle ? Are they whorh the cost ? Are the resseller trusty ?

2 months agopermalink

pacnwhobbyist

Xa5 is $600. Unless Fuji plans to discount it right out of the gate.

11 months agopermalink

uMad

yes. but for that price you get a lens for free. That puts the body price below 500

11 months ago*permalink

Revenant

But is the camera available in a body-only kit? If not, then it's really not priced below $500. Surely the categories should be based on the price one actually pays, not on the price one would've paid if the lens hadn't been included.

11 months agopermalink

uMad

the camera is NOT available at all yet. Neither body only nor with kit lens

11 months agopermalink

sirhawkeye64

The X-A5 is available for purchase : https://www.bestbuy.com/site/fujifilm-x-series-x-a5-mirrorless-camera-with-15-45mm-lens-brown/6212415.p?skuId=6212415&ref=212&loc=1&ds_rl=1266837&ref=212&loc=1&ds_rl=1266837&gclid=Cj0KCQiA597fBRCzARIsAHWby0Fg3svLur8GDbIlVeWpshyAcdU3CHMvpzurnImmjVuD_O4pyIimceMaAl7aEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

However, uMad is right, for the same price, you can get one with a lens...

However, me personally, I'd get an XT100 with a lens (still breaks the $500 barrier, but you also get a bit more in terms of features--viewfinder, etc).

2 months ago*permalink

Somewhat pathetic. Maybe this should be renamed as Best Camera under “$500” (without a lens).

11 months agopermalink

It's easy English, Camera means camera, lens means lens.

11 months agopermalink

In my English, all you need to take a photo is a camera. Some camera bodies require a lens.

11 months agopermalink

True. Pinhole cameras do not require a lens.

11 months agopermalink

(unknown member)

Best untested camera for under $500. Please supply your own card with pinhole punched in it to be held over lens mount if images are required. We cannot guarantee that the equipment actually functions at all at the moment.

11 months ago*permalink

Artpt

Agree with most of the comments on this string. Forward looking statements without any hands on is hard to make the list especially with the disclaimer that you may change your mind. And I'm a Fuji user.

11 months agopermalink

Mateus1

No EVF, even external one and "LCD hard to see outdoors"...

Have fun!

11 months ago*permalink

kreislauf

Damn, it will Ruin your professional photosession

11 months agopermalink

rsf3127

"Overall, the Sony a6000 is an incredibly well-rounded camera that offers several class-leading features for a very reasonable price."
DPR apologizing for not choosing the correct camera?

11 months agopermalink

Sezano

So? What wrong with that?

11 months agopermalink

rsf3127

Everything, maybe?

11 months agopermalink

makofoto

Ridiculous that the A5 isn’t available in BLACK?! I would buy it instantly to replace my X-M1 that just stopped working. :-(

11 months agopermalink

knappe duivel

paint It black

11 months agopermalink

NicoPPC

"Very good Raw image quality expected"

X-A5. Although I pretty much trust Fuji doing something good.. isn't it a bit early to dray conclusion if you did not have the camera in office ?

11 months agopermalink

makofoto

There other reviews that are already out. The A3 is a known quantity, and we know it’s going to be better then that.

11 months agopermalink

noisephotographer

Why do we know that it's better than the A3? Often new products are worse than the previous one. If it explodes like a Samsung Note 7, then it would be worse.

11 months agopermalink

kreislauf

Or imagine it is missing half of the sensor!!!
I mean, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE, right?
(Common sense is really not your thing, isn't it?)

11 months agopermalink

Ben Herrmann

OK - this has me scratchin' me noggin' and that is that you indicated that you are "waiting to get your hands on the X-A5 to review it," yet - you've already assigned likes and dislikes to it, and described those points in such a manner as if they were based on actual use and observation? Sounds like just for the heck of it, DPReview took piecemeal bits and pieces from the previous X-A3 review (sound bites) and just pasted them into your opinions about the X-A5.

11 months agopermalink

Barney Britton

" DPReview took piecemeal bits and pieces from the previous X-A3 review (sound bites) and just pasted them into your opinions about the X-A5."

To be fair that's a pretty good analog for what Fujifilm did, too. We update these guides when new cameras are released (to give you a decent idea of how the specifications match up with the competition) and don't worry - we'll update our recommendation/s once we've reviewed the X-A5.

11 months agopermalink

Chuckmet

Is it DP Review or D PReview, hmmm.

1 month agopermalink

Barney Britton

It's DPReview.

1 month agopermalink

wjgo

Since the winner is now $549 - maybe take it off the list?

Jan 22, 2018permalink

HB1969

Half the camera's on the list are over $500 with their kit lenses so are you suggesting they should remove all of those too ;)

11 months agopermalink

Randerty

Nice article to refer

Dec 5, 2017permalink

KubeKube

DPReview, I get that you need to appease your advertisers, still I believe that a lot of DPReview readers will appreciate a 2017 guide on the best cameras one can SELL, second-hand market - eBay, etc. There's plenty to research and report on the subject, need some help?

Dec 3, 2017permalink

Barney Britton

"I get that you need to appease your advertisers"

We don't. Sponsored content is clearly labeled as such, and this isn't because it isn't. Your suggestion is interesting though - to be clear, you'd like us to write a guide for how to sell older gear? Or do you mean a guide on older gear that someone might still find available for sale?

11 months agopermalink

Badrottie

Is SuperZoom digital camera officially DEAD? I am still waiting for Canon to come out with new SuperZoom bridged-dSLR camera!

Dec 3, 2017permalink

makofoto

My Sony RX10 mk4 is BRILLIANT!!! And it goes beyond it’s optical 600 to 1,200 NOT BY JUST CROPPING but by adding interpolated pixels. World class AF that can perfectly follow a dog running right at you. Check out our Facebook group to see lots of samples

11 months agopermalink

Karroly

You can add interpolated pixels with any good photo editor... But interpolated pixels are NOT more details.

11 months agopermalink

Badrottie

@Makofoto What is your link to your facebook? Sorry for delay so long, Californian fellow

9 months agopermalink

It always drives me crazy we don't get older cameras included in these. I know it's a bit muddy with used prices not being reliable ect but i can't help but think some noob reading this list is being misled by not seeing a true list under $500.

In my experience, it's almost always better (for my needs at least) to get a higher end older gen body than an entry level new one.

Dec 2, 2017permalink

mxx

Valid point.

Dec 2, 2017permalink

Mikhail Konovalov

This would defy their goal of promoting the current merchandize.

Dec 3, 2017permalink

Correct, precisely due to price conscious buyers.

11 months agopermalink

Actually if you think about it, it's even more odd they don't add in older models. Amazon is a huge used camera supplier, and they sell them for a good portion over what they pay to buy them. Im surprised they don't do more promotion on DPR for used gear.

This was a big issue back in the day with video games. Retailers like Gamestop did big business in the used market, but that was completely cutting out the console MFG like Sony and Microsoft.

At one point, the MFG tried adding code keys to some games so only the original buyer could play it online, forcing new customers to buy new. If Canon or Nikon are making nothing off used camera sales, surely Amazon is making more.

11 months agopermalink

Kirk Bruner

Almost, but not necessarily. Sometimes you can go to an up-scale used body that offers abundant and flexible capabilities and features but that also has an older generation sensor that is noisy at high ISO, as an example. I learned this lesson myself not too long ago. I actually missed the image quality of my previous cheaper but newer camera. The added features of the older top-of-the-line were nice, but the noise became problematic. It's just not the same as in the film days.

11 months agopermalink

aris14

DPR, it's easy, produces a lot of clicks and is hard for someone to argue with it, if prior to make any classifications that represent your view of potential buyers segments, you create a thread, so everyone would post their need or proposals. Then you filter those needs/likes and you make a poll for what categories should be chosen.

Dec 2, 2017permalink

Con someone with Canon camera tell me how dual pixel work in low light (cloudy, sunset, dark street scene...etc)

and AF accuracy too? Thanks

Dec 2, 2017permalink

Don't know what you mean by "how it works". Do you mean does it slow down in low light? AF accuracy is as good as any on sensor system, although i think you should look at it as AF consistency. Dedicated PDAF like in DSLRs is accurate quite often, but sometimes it's not. It's the consistency that is the advantage for on sensor designs.

So Canon's dual pixel isn't any different in that regard than Panasonic or Sony or Fuji. But it is considerably smoother in transitions for video. As for it's ability to lock in low light, i had a 70D and it was slightly worse than using the OVF, but according to reviews, the newest interations in cameras like the 80D are greatly improved.

Dec 2, 2017permalink

This is not so in my experience with CDAF system
especially without PDAF like my NEX-5N and GM1

AF is unreliable in low light (even cloudy sky)

I am talking about accuracy not speed
my A6500 is better in low light AF accuracy but still not totally reliable

I am only using lens with F4 on Sony (F3.5 on Panasonic) so fast lens maybe different

Dec 3, 2017*permalink

CCD FTW

@Jefftan - Faster lenses definitely make a big difference.

Back to your original question, from what I understand the EOS M models with DPAF are worse in low light than their DSLR counterparts, or at least that's what I've come to understand. But also from memory are a little faster when light is good.

Accuracy is essentially perfect on CDAF, however on the models you discuss (and others) sometimes with a flat scene (it's less about low light and more about contrast) has difficulty determining what is in focus, you will get the big green (or red) square and in that case it is essentially 'guessing', it's not inaccurate as such, just doesn't have enough information.

Dec 4, 2017permalink

dansclic

Eos M worse in low light ?, actually worse overall : dynamic, battery, ergonomics, etc, etc.

11 months agopermalink

I only own Sony A6500 and NEX-5N and don't know whether dual pixel is better than Sony for still

especially old NEX-5N some AF problem in low light, even A6500 in lower light (like cloudy sky or before sunset) not 100% reliable

only consider sensor IQ useless, AF accuracy (not speed as I do landscape) more important

But I have heard dual pixel don't work well in low light, is that true?

Dec 2, 2017permalink

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAE8irHu-Xg

Here's somebody testing the 80D in LL. The settings show f1.4 1/50 ISO 6400 so pretty dim conditions. The dual pixel does pretty well. The objects in the BG have a lot of contrast but the umbrella thing close to the camera isn't as contrasty and it still locks quickly.

I had a 70D and it was fair but the 80D LV looks to be much improved. Canon seems to be improving dual pixel every iteration they launch. I don't think low light is behind the competition anymore, it definately huntes less than ML i have used, and i have used some rated at -4EV (panasonic).

Dec 2, 2017permalink

A F1.4 lens help. I am using only using lens with F4

Dec 3, 2017permalink

I don't think Panasonic low light AF is good as judge by the GM1 I own
even in cloudy dark sky is unreliable

whatever the -4EV low light the company claim

Dec 3, 2017permalink

captura

Perhaps not the M100. but the SL2 with dual pixel should outperform the A6500.

Dec 13, 2017permalink

BryceM

Where's the "best cameras under $200" with the Yashica-Mat TLR heading the list?

Dec 2, 2017permalink

You cannot buy those new, they are all collectors items and priceless. What goes around, comes around, except digital.

Dec 2, 2017permalink

BryceM

Paid "fiddy" for mine, and it's in cherry condition :-) https://www.flickr.com/photos/brycemilton/36095828140/in/photolist-WZEy9u

Dec 2, 2017*permalink

Nice, I think I will keep all of my film cameras(Olympus Stylus, Olympus 1N, Canon AE-1, Canon A-1, etc,) I would put the Mamiya 330 at the top.

Dec 2, 2017permalink