As a photography enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the best cameras that offer great value for the price. Mirrorless cameras have gained popularity in recent years for their compact size and impressive image quality. In this article, I will highlight some of the best mirrorless cameras available for under $500.
When it comes to choosing a mirrorless camera on a budget, it’s important to consider factors such as image quality, features, and usability. The cameras on this list offer a good balance of these aspects while being affordable for those looking to get started in photography or upgrade their gear without breaking the bank.
Whether you are a beginner looking to explore the world of mirrorless cameras or a seasoned photographer in search of a budget-friendly option, the cameras featured in this article are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Let’s dive into the world of sub $500 mirrorless cameras and discover the best options available.
My Experience with the Fujifilm X-A7 Mirrorless Camera
As an amateur photographer looking for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera, I recently purchased the Fujifilm X-A7. I was drawn to its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around for outdoor shoots.
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X-A7 is its impressive 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which delivers stunning image quality with vibrant colours and sharp details. The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, ensuring that I can capture sharp images with ease.
- The Fujifilm X-A7’s 4K video recording capabilities allow me to create high-quality videos with excellent clarity and detail.
- Its flip-out touchscreen LCD is perfect for vlogging and capturing selfies, adding versatility to my photography.
- The camera’s built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it convenient to transfer photos to my smartphone for quick sharing on social media.
My Experience with the Sony Alpha a6000
Having used the Sony Alpha a6000 for photography for quite some time now, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and features.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a6000 is its impressive autofocus system, which allows for quick and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. This has been particularly useful when capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in low-light environments.
- The camera’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, making it a great option for travel or everyday use.
- The electronic viewfinder provides a clear and accurate preview of the shot, allowing me to compose my images with precision.
- The tilting LCD screen has also been a handy feature for capturing shots from different angles, especially for creative compositions.
My Experience with the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
As a photography enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to try out the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III mirrorless camera. I was impressed by its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around for hours of shooting without feeling fatigued. The camera body felt sturdy and well-built, giving me confidence in its durability.
One of the standout features of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III was its image quality. The 16-megapixel sensor delivered sharp and vibrant photos, even in low light conditions. The built-in image stabilization system helped me capture clear shots without the need for a tripod, which was especially useful for shooting on the go.
- The camera’s autofocus system was fast and accurate, allowing me to capture fleeting moments with ease.
- I found the intuitive menu system and customizable controls to be user-friendly, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
- The tilting touchscreen LCD was convenient for framing shots from different angles, and the electronic viewfinder provided a clear and accurate preview of the final image.
My Experience with the Panasonic Lumix GX85
Having used the Panasonic Lumix GX85 for quite some time now, I can confidently say that it’s a fantastic mirrorless camera that offers a great balance of features and performance at an affordable price point.
One of the standout features of the Lumix GX85 is its compact and lightweight design, making it perfect for on-the-go shooting without compromising on image quality. The 16-megapixel sensor delivers sharp and detailed images, while the 5-axis image stabilization ensures that my shots are always clear and steady.
- The GX85’s 4K video recording capabilities allow me to capture stunning footage with excellent clarity and detail.
- The tilting touchscreen display makes it easy to compose shots from different angles, while the electronic viewfinder provides a clear view of the scene even in bright sunlight.
- With a wide range of customizable settings and shooting modes, the Lumix GX85 gives me the flexibility to experiment with different styles and techniques.
My Take on the Canon EOS M50
When it comes to compact mirrorless cameras under 500, the Canon EOS M50 stands out as a reliable choice for both beginners and enthusiasts. As an avid photographer, I appreciate the M50’s compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around for long shooting sessions.
The Canon EOS M50 offers impressive image quality with its 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and DIGIC 8 processor. I’ve been able to capture sharp and detailed photos with vibrant colours that truly stand out. The camera’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing, perfect for capturing moving subjects or achieving precise focus in various shooting scenarios.
- The vari-angle touchscreen LCD makes it easy to compose shots from different angles
- The 4K video recording capability allows for high-quality video content creation
- The built-in electronic viewfinder provides a clear and immersive shooting experience
Nikon Z50: A Compact Mirrorless Camera Packed with Features
As an avid photography enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for a compact mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional performance without breaking the bank. The Nikon Z50 caught my attention with its impressive specifications and compact design.
Equipped with a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, the Nikon Z50 delivers stunning image quality and vibrant colours. The camera’s 209-point hybrid autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing, making it ideal for capturing sharp images of moving subjects.
- The tilting touchscreen LCD makes it easy to compose shots from various angles.
- The Z50’s 11fps continuous shooting mode is perfect for capturing fast-paced action.
- With 4K video recording capabilities, this camera is versatile for both stills and video shooting.
Sony Alpha a5100
As an enthusiast photographer looking for a compact mirrorless camera under $500, the Sony Alpha a5100 caught my attention. This camera offers impressive image quality and versatility in a compact and lightweight body.
With its 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, the Sony Alpha a5100 delivers stunning images with sharp details and vibrant colors. The camera’s fast autofocus system and 179 phase-detection points ensure that I can capture sharp and focused shots, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- The Sony Alpha a5100 features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen display, making it easy to compose shots from different angles.
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity allow for seamless sharing of images to my smartphone or tablet.
- Overall, the Sony Alpha a5100 is a great choice for photographers looking for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera without compromising on image quality and performance.
Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a versatile and feature-packed mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and performance at an affordable price point. With its 16-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording capability, and fast autofocus system, the Lumix G7 is a great choice for both still photography and video shooting.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around for everyday use or travel, while the ergonomic grip ensures comfortable handling during extended shooting sessions. The tilting touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder provide flexible shooting options, and the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy sharing of images and remote camera control.
- Pros:
- Great image quality
- 4K video recording
- Fast autofocus system
- Compact and lightweight
- Tilting touchscreen LCD
- Cons:
- Plastic construction may feel less premium
- No in-body image stabilization
- Limited selection of native Micro Four Thirds lenses
Best sub 500 mirrorless cameras
Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Small, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation
1 used from $399.00
Features
- Compact, lightweight EOS R series camera with an affordable price
- Smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series1 built for excellent mobility
- High image quality with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering a wide area2 up to 143 zones with auto subject detection and Eye Detection AF available with Servo AF.
- Continuous capture of up to 6.5 shots per second when set to One-Shot AF


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Canon EOS R7 (Body Only), Mirrorless Vlogging Camera, 4K 60p Video, 32.5 MP Image Quality, DIGIC X Image Processor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Subject Detection, for Professionals and Content Creators
Features
- DIGIC X IMAGE PROCESSOR: Enhances performance for sharp photos and ultra-high definition videos
- CMOS SENSOR: Canon’s 32.5 mp APS-C CMOS sensor ensures images appear crisp
- FULL RANGE LENS CAPABILITY: The EOS R7 is compatible with EF-S, EF, RF, AND THE NEW RF-S MOUNTS (1)
- HIGH-SPEED CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: With mechanical shutter speeds of up to 15 fps, this camera can continuously shoot sharp images of cars, sporting events, wildlife (2), and more
- 5 AXIS IMAGE STABILIZATION: Canon’s EOS R7 is built with seven stops of shake correction for coordinated control (3)—no matter what life throws at you


Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Digital Camera, 12-32mm and 45-150mm Lens Bundle, 16 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera Kit, 5 Axis In-Body Dual Image Stabilization, 3-Inch Tilt and Touch LCD, DMC-GX85WK (Black)
Features
- Fine Detail Performance: 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor with no low pass filter resulting in a near 10 percent boost in fine detail resolving power over existing 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensors
- Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Kit: With 2 super compact lenses 12 32mm F3.5 5.6 and 45150mm F4.0 5.6, shoot lighter and faster with the modern hybrid photography performance of a mirrorless camera and nearly half the bulk of most DSLRs
- Class Leading Dual Image Stabilization: In body 5 axis dual image stabilization works in both photo and motion picture recording—including 4K video—to produce clear handheld shots even in low light conditions. Battery AC Adaptor (Input 110 - 240V AC) (Included, connect with USB cable). Battery life (CIPA standard) Approx. 290 images (rear monitor), 270 images (LVF) with H FS12032
- Live Viewfinder and Tilting LCD Display: Integrated eye level electronic viewfinder (2764K dots) and rear touch enabled 3 inch LCD display (1040K dots) provides 80 degrees of up tilt and 45 degrees of down tilt to maximize viewing. Recording media-(Compatible with UHS-I UHS Speed Class 3 standard SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards). Direct Print-Pict Bridge compatible
- 4K VIDEO CAPTURE: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive Lumix 4K photo and 4K post focus allows you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the photo has been taken. Minimum Aperture: F22

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VJIANGER Digital Camera 4K Vlogging Camera 64MP Mirrorless Cameras for Photography with WiFi, 52mm Fixed Lens, 4.0" Fixed Touch Screen, 32GB SD Card & Camera Bag(W05-BlackS1)
Features
- 4K & 64 MP Digital Camera for Photography: The 4k photography camera with 60fps video resolution and 64 megapixel, provides a smooth shooting experience than 2.7K or 1080P video cameras, which can capture every excellent moment while vlog recording, the best camera for youtube. Youtube camera supports 16X Digital Zoom to get closer focus from far away and take close-up with clear details photos or recorder a wider range of scenery.
- 4K Vlogging Camera for Youtube as PC Camera : This 4k wifi camera can be used as a webcam just by connecting the PC with type C cable, choosing the "PC camera " mode, and the video camera with 4.0-inch ultra HD touch screen, equipped with a 3.5mm jack for external microphone to clear audio recording, a hot shoe can connect an external photo lighting, supports external 1/4 standard size tripod.
- Point and Shoot Camera with WI-FI : WI-FI connection can turn your smart phone into a wireless remote control and you can instantly transfer photos or videos from your camera to your phone and then to your social account, allowing friends to share your happiness for the first time without any delay.
- Auto & Manual Focus Function: This 4k point and shoot camera supports manual focus(MF). Whether in video or camera mode, just gently press the camera button, the focusing logo frame will appear on the display, let the camera do the focusing to capture your subject at the exact moment you intend. The cheap photography camera for you to record every detail moment, always keep you in focus.
- Easy to Use Beginners Camera: VJIANGER 4k mirrorless photography camera with compact size(0.86LB, 3.9*3.9*5.0 INCH)is so lightweight and portable. Pefect cheap digital camera for amateurs and beginner photographers to take it around. Easy to use makes it an ideal tiktok camera gift for beginners, kids, teens, students, elderly to take pictures and record, a perfect Christmas or birthday gifts for all ages, a perfect vlog camera for festivals, sports events, weddings or parties.

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Canon EOS R50 Content Creator Kit, Mirrorless Vlogging Camera, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, Stereo Microphone, Tripod Grip, Wireless Remote Control
Features
- Compact, lightweight RF mount camera with a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC X processor.
- 4K uncropped movie with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II at up to 30 fps oversampled from 6K and Full HD Highframe rate movie at up to 120 fps. Movie for Close-up Demo Mode quickly switches focus when a product is brought close to the camera.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering up to 100% x 100% area with 651 AF zones with auto subject detection and tracking of people, animals, and vehicles using deep learning technology.1
- Continuous shooting with 12 fps with Electronic First Curtain and 15 fps with Electronic Shutter.
- Take great shots even in difficult settings with Advanced A+ Assist which offers an expanded array of autocompatible scenes enabling greater expressive capability in auto mode, and built-in flash for shooting in dark environments or with backlit scenes.

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Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging, Black (3380C132)
Features
- Compact, Lightweight and High-Quality RF Lens with a Versatile Zoom Range of 24-105 millimeter
- Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 stops of shake correction
- Maximum Magnification of 0.4x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.66 feet in Auto Focus.
- Maximum Magnification of 0.5x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.43 ft. when using Center Focus Macro.
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.


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Panasonic LUMIX G7KS 4K Mirrorless Camera, 16 Megapixel Digital Camera, 14-42 mm Lens Kit, DMC-G7KS
$497.99
3 used from $392.58
Features
- Superb DSLM image quality without the bulk and weight of traditional DSLRs
- Never miss a photo with three unique 4K ultra HD video pause and save 4K photo modes
- Fast and precise auto focusing tracks the subject; Focus mode AFS (single) / AFF (flexible) / AFC (continuous) / MF, AF mode face/eye detection / tracking / 49 area / custom Multi / 1 area / pinpoint
- Class leading, ultra compact, interchangeable lens and accessory option; HDMI: MicroHDMI TypeD / VIERA Link,video: Auto / 4K / 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 480p, Audio: Stereo
- Unwire your creativity with integrated Wi Fi sharing

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Canon EOS M10 Mirrorless Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Image Stabilization STM Lens Kit (White)
Features
- 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to H: 25600) and DIGIC 6 Image Processor can help capture photos and videos in stunning detail even in challenging lighting situations
- Hybrid CMOS AF II helps deliver speedy and accurate autofocus along with a maximum continuous shooting speed of up to 4.6 fps to capture fast action
- Intuitive touch screen 3.0 tilt-type (180° up) LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) can be perfect for selfies and allows focusing and shooting, easy menu navigation and simple viewing of images and videos
- Create Full HD 1920x1080 movies at 24p and 30p in MP4 format with ease using manual movie control
- Easily adjust image settings using Creative Assist, including brightness, background blur, vividness of color, contrast, warmth and filter effects


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Canon EOS R6 Mark II - Full Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only) - Still & Video - 24.2MP, CMOS, Continuous Shooting - DIGIC X Image Processing - 6K Video Oversampling - Advanced Subject Detection
Features
- FULL-FRAME CMOS SENSOR: 24.2 effective megapixels (approx.) lets you capture sharp, detailed images even in low-light conditions indoors and outdoors (compatible with Dual Pixel CMOS AF).
- DIGIC X IMAGE PROCESSOR: Enhances digital camera performance and processes, including image stabilization, image processing, and video functionality, for sharp, high-resolution images and video with minimal noise or grain.
- HIGH-SPEED CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: Electronic shutter speeds of up to 40 fps at 20MP let you capture dynamic action shots of athletes, animals, vehicles in motion, or even the split-second changes in facial expressions for portraits.
- ENHANCED SUBJECT ACQUISITION: In addition to people, small animals, cars and motorcycles, the R6 Mark II also easily detects horses, trains, and aircraft, with the option to automatically select the subject type without manually switching.
- ADVANCED HEAD, FACE, EYE DETECTION: Automatically detects and focuses on a person's head, face, or eye—even the left or right eye—plus, effectively tracks the whole body, face, or eye of animals for fast, accurate image or video capture.

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Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera - 8K Video, 45 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, DIGIC X Image Processor, Up to 12 fps Mechanical Shutter (Body Only)
Features
- High Image Quality featuring a New 45 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor..Working Temperature Range : 32–104°F / 0–+40°C, Working Humidity Range 85% or less
- DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-51200; Expandable to 102400x1.
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps electronic (silent) shutter.
- Dual pixel CMOS AF covering approx. 100% area with 1,053 AF areas.
- Subject tracking of people and animals using deep learning technology.


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Q&A:
What are the best sub 500 mirrorless cameras?
1. Sony Alpha a6000 – a popular choice with excellent image quality and fast autofocus.
Which mirrorless camera under 500 is good for beginners?
2. Canon EOS M100 – a compact and user-friendly camera with good image quality.
Is there a sub 500 mirrorless camera suitable for travel photography?
3. Fujifilm X-A7 – a lightweight camera with a versatile lens system, great for travel photography.
What about a budget-friendly mirrorless camera with 4K video recording?
4. Panasonic Lumix GX85 – a compact camera with 4K video capabilities and in-body image stabilization.
Are there any sub 500 mirrorless cameras with weather-sealing?
5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III – a weather-sealed camera with a good range of features for its price.
