BEST CAMERAS ON AMAZON

As photography continues to grow in popularity, it is important to know which camera can get the job done without breaking the bank.

The assumption for newbies is that the more expensive the camera is, the better the picture quality. Thankfully, there are some great options that will give you value for money and are also pocket friendly.

There are several options available on Amazon for $500 or even less, each with its own unique features and capabilities.

In this article, I will be writing on the best camera for $500 or less and we will explore the top 7 cameras available on Amazon for $500 after which I will recommend the best camera that tops the list.

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a compact rugged camera designed for outdoor and underwater photography. It features a 12 Megapixel sensor, a 4x optical zoom lens and a range of advanced features that makes it ideal for adventure photography.

One of the standout features of the Olympus TG-6 is its rugged design, it is waterproof to a depth of 50 feet, shockproof to a height of 7 feet and freeze proof down to 14 degree Fahrenheit which is minus 10 degree Centigrade. This makes it an ideal camera for use in harsh environments such as when snorkeling, scuba diving or hiking in rugged terrain.

The TG-6 also has a range of advanced features that makes it a versatile and capable camera. It has a fast f/2.0 lens which allows you to capture sharp and clear images even in low light conditions. There is also a built in macro mode which lets you get up close to your subjects and capture fine details.

Other features of the Olympus Tough TG-6 includes 4k video recording, built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy sharing of your photos and videos and a range of shooting modes including aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual control. In addition, the camera has a number of built in filters and effects that you can use to enhance your images.

One of the very few disadvantages of the Olympus Tough TG-6 is its relatively small sensor size which can lead to some image noise in low light conditions. Also, the camera’s autofocus system can struggle in low light which can make it difficult to capture sharp images in these conditions.

In conclusion, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a rugged versatile camera that can withstand the elements. Its advanced features and rugged design makes it an ideal camera for outdoor and adventure photography and its compact size makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

I will be recommending and rating this camera as the best camera because it is ready for any adventure. It’s built to endure all the extreme environments you love exploring. You can drop it, step on it, go deep underwater or out into a freezing blizzard. It just keeps on shooting awesome stills and video. Packed with pro features, you will nail difficult shots, even in low light. Shoot intricately detailed macro photos and unique shots underwater with vivid color. The lightweight, compact tough TG-6 is engineered to survive the world’s toughest places. Hence it is idle to take anywhere not minding the weather conditions.

The Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera is another great option for beginners. It boasts of a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and full HD 1080p video recording.

It also has an 11-point AF system for accurate focus and a 3.0-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and image playback. The camera comes with a Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, which is another great starter lens for most photography needs.

Fun fact about the Nikon D3500 DSLR camera is that you don't need to be a photographer to take a great photo, you just need the D3500.

It is as easy to use as a point-and-shoot camera, but it takes beautiful DSLR photos and videos that get noticed. It feels outstanding in your hands, sturdy and balanced with controls where you want them. It's compact, durable and versatile, ideal for travel. And it works seamlessly with compatible smartphones, making it easier than ever to share your great photos. Even if you've never picked up a DSLR camera, you can take beautiful pictures with D3500.

This camera offers a range of shooting modes including full manual control aperture priority and shutter priority. It has a range of scene modes such as portrait, landscape and sports which are designed to optimize the camera’s settings for specific types of photography.

If you can take a picture with your smartphone, you can take a great picture with the D3500. Auto Mode delivers amazing results in nearly any situation. If you want to learn while you shoot, turn on Guide Mode and follow simple on-screen guidance. It is fast, responsive and simple to use. You won't be stuck fussing with camera controls while a great moment passes you by. Just point, shoot and share amazing photo after photo.

However, even if the camera may not be sufficient for more advanced or demanding photography and the camera’s LCD screen is fixed and not touch sensitive, the camera can shoot full HD 1080p videos at up to 60 frames per second with manual control over exposure and focus.

The Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Camera is a great option for those who want a more compact camera without sacrificing image quality. It features a 24.3 Megapixel APS-C sensor and full 1080p video recording. It also has a fast hybrid autofocus system with 179 phase-detection points and a 3.0 inch tilting LCD screen for easy viewing and image playback.

The Sony Alpha A6000 is a popular mirrorless camera that was first introduced in 2014 and remains relevant even today. It is known for its compact size, fast autofocus system and excellent image quality making it a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

The camera comes with a Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens which is a great starter lens for most photography needs.

The Alpha 6000 comes with some fantastic features straight out of the box, including Sony’s recently updated Play Memories app library, which is accessible through the camera’s menu when connected to Wi-Fi. This provides you with a host of additional features that you can download (for free or purchase) to expand the camera’s functionality.

In terms of portability, most of the camera’s weight sits in the grip, which houses the battery and memory card, but this is countered by the weight of the lens, making the Alpha 6000 well balanced. It’s comfortable to operate one-handed, but for optimum comfort I preferred to use two hands and shoot through the EVF in the majority of instances.

The D5300 is a solid first camera that matches the video and sensor resolution of the Alpha 6000 and has a similar price tag, but benefits from having access to Nikon’s extensive lens family. There is an increase in size and weight with the Nikon, but if that is not a concern it will be tough to choose between the two.

The Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Camera is another great option for beginners. It features a 24.3 Megapixel APS C sensor and 4k video recording. It also has fast autofocus system with 91 phase-detection points and a 3.0 inch tilting LCD screen for easy viewing and image playback.

The camera comes with a Fujinon XC15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens which is great for most photography needs. The X-T20 is a very compact camera that, now and again, feels like there are a few too many controls to leave proper space for your hands – but that’s a minor quibble in the face of its image quality, features and performance. It’s not just a brilliant camera, it’s a bit of a bargain too.

Round the back, Fujifilm has added touch control to the tilting LCD display, and on the top of the camera there’s a new Auto lever to quickly switch the camera to full auto mode when there’s no time to think about the settings or you’re passing it over to someone else to use.

The new autofocus system is good too. For single-shot photography, its acquisition speed and accuracy feel as good as a mid-range SLR and it doesn’t slow down when you switch from the viewfinder to live view.

The X-T20 is a really impressive little camera. It uses the same sensor as the more expensive X-T2 and matches most of the bigger camera’s features. So often, when you choose a cheaper model, you feel as if you’re giving away more performance or control than you want to but that’s not the case with the X-T20.

At the heart of the Fujifilm X-T20 is a 24.3 Megapixel APS C CMOS sensor which delivers stunning image quality with rich colors and sharp details. It is paired with fujifilm’s advanced image processing engine which produces beautiful natural looking images that are true to life.

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 Mirrorless Camera features a 16 Megapixel Micro four thirds sensor and 4k video recording which delivers excellent image quality with good color accuracy and detail. It is paired with Panasonic’s venus engine image processor which helps to reduce noise and improve overall image quality. It also has a fast autofocus system with 49 contrast detection points and a 3.0 inch tilting LCD screen for easy viewing and image playback.

The camera comes with a Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH lens which is great for most photography needs.

A sensitivity range up to ISO 25600 permits working in difficult and low-light settings while 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization also helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. Spanning a broad range of features for both still and moving images, the GX85 is a versatile mirrorless camera further characterized by its sleek form factor and connected functionality.

Complementing the imaging attributes, the camera also incorporates both a 2.76m-dot electronic viewfinder as well as a 3.0" 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD, which has a tilting design to better enable working from high and low angles. Built-in Wi-Fi is also integrated into the design, which facilitates wireless image transferring and remote camera control from linked smartphones or tablets.

In addition to the versatile still shooting modes, the GX85 also supports recording UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) video with either 30p or 24p frames rates at 100 Mbps in the MP4 format. Full HD 1080p/60 is also supported, in both MP4 and AVCHD formats, as well as HD and SD resolutions. A built-in stereo microphone can be used during recordings, and features an integrated wind-cut filter for cleaner audio quality when shooting outdoors.

The Canon Powershot G10 is a high-end compact camera that was released in 2008. It was the successor to the popular Powershot G9 and was succeeded by the G11 in 2009. Despite its age, the G10 is still a capable camera that offers a range of advanced features and excellent image quality.

At the heart of the G10 is a 14.7 Megapixel CCD sensor which is paired with Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor. This combination delivers excellent image quality with good detail and accurate colors. The G10 also features a 5x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) which provides a decent amount of versatility for a camera of this size.

One of the standout feature of the G10 is its manual control options. The camera offers full manual exposure control allowing you to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed and ISO to achieve the desired exposure. There are also several other advanced shooting modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual focus.

The G10 also offers a range of other features that makes it a versatile and capable camera. It has a built-in flash, a hot shoe foe attracting an external flash and a 3 inch LCD screen on the back or composing and reviewing images. Additionally, the camera has a variety of shooting modes including a high speed burst mode for capturing fast moving action and low light mode for shooting in dimly lit environment.

One of the few downsides of the G10 is its size and weight; while it is compact for a camera with so many advanced features, it is still relatively bulky compared to many other compact cameras. Additionally, its battery life is somewhat limited so you may need to carry a spare battery if you plan on using the camera extensively.

Overall, the Canon Powershot G10 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high end compact camera with advanced manual controls and excellent image quality. While it is no longer the latest and greatest camera on the market, it is still a reliable and capable option for photographers who value manual control and image quality over portability.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera is also known as the Canon EOS 2000D. It is designed to be user friendly and affordable making it an excellent option for beginners looking to get into DSLR photography. It features a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor that delivers sharp, high-resolution images and full HD 1080p video recording.

It also has a 9-point AF system for accurate focus and a 3.0 inch LCD screen for easy viewing and image playback. A 9-point phase-detection autofocus system incorporates a single cross-type point to lend a high degree of focusing accuracy in mixed and low-contrast lighting conditions. This focusing system also utilizes an AI Servo AF mechanism for faster tracking and more accurate results.

The camera comes with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens which is a great starter lens for most photography needs.

With this camera, you can share the memories with your friends and family quickly and easily via built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology. You can capture every moment as it happens with the EOS Rebel T7's fast autofocus system, viewing each shot through the bright optical viewfinder.

A range of additional features, including a large LCD screen, Full HD video recording and an on-board feature guide help you capture eye-catching photos and video.

The photos you take with the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera captures more than the moment, they capture the feeling of the moment, a feeling that can be shared immediately with your friends and family and then relived for a lifetime.

Asides from the fact that the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera has a relatively basic autofocus system which may not be sufficient for more advanced or demanding photography, it is an excellent entry level DSLR camera that offers a range of advanced features and excellent image quality at an affordable price point.