Best cameras under $500 in 2021
Whether you're looking for a compact camera with image quality exceeding that of your smartphone or just want something to sit alongside your more expensive gear, there are some impressive products that won't bust your wallet.
The cameras in this buying guide are light and portable, and several feature selfie-friendly LCDs. Generally speaking, you won't find a lot of direct controls or a lot of customizability, and 4K video is rare, but for those seeking a point-and-shoot experience with better image quality, these cameras fit the bill.
Canon's EOS M200 is an approachable camera that is capable of excellent image quality and will just about fit in your pocket. The EF-M lens lineup offered by Canon and Sigma isn't terribly varied, but there are good options available for most users. The controls are well-judged, and the touchscreen interface is polished and responsive.
For a camera whose price hovers around the $500 mark (with a lens), the M200 provides a lot of bang for your buck.
If you're not convinced by our recommendation, take a look at all of the cameras we considered in the list below, and read on for a detailed look at how they stack up.
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* Product has not been reviewed and is not eligible for a recommendation at this time.
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The boys from Calgary are on a quest to find the best camera under $500 in 2021. Does such a beast still exist? This episode may reveal as much about the state of the camera market as it does about Chris and Jordan's personal gear preferences.
The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is the latest in the company's entry-level mirrorless line-up. It's a beginner-friendly camera that does many things well, but ultimately doesn't stand out amongst its competition.
We've been testing Olympus' newest beginner-friendly mirrorless camera as the weather warms up, documenting all kinds of creatures reappearing in the wild.
Four months after launching it in the Asia-Pacific market, Olympus is bringing its PEN E-PL10 camera system across the pond to North America.
It's inexpensive, lightweight and will keep going for days on a single battery charge. While it's not great for video and its wireless image transfer is slow, the D3500 is a simple and un-intimidating camera that's a great starting point for beginners.
The Nikon Zf is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera with classic looks that adds the latest Expeed 7 processor and features such as 3D Tracking AF to the $2000 price bracket. We're not sure the experience lives up to the looks.
The Sony a9 III is the world's first full-frame mirrorless camera to feature a global electronic shutter with simultaneous readout. We've been using a full production version of this 120 fps sports camera, to see what you gain (and, perhaps, lose).
The Aura Carver 10.1" HD Digital Frame is a great way to put your portfolio on display and a great way to surface forgotten memories. The colors are vibrant, and the build quality is solid, but the Carver isn't without a few quirks.
With a bigger battery and better video capabilities, the Fujifilm X-S20 could be the vlogging machine content creators have been waiting for.
The Sony a7CR is a high-resolution addition to the company's compact full-frame a7C series. So what did we make of it and where does it leave the a7 IV that it sits just above?
If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.
What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.
'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked.
What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out.
Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.
