You’ve decided to take that six-month trip around the world. Maybe you’re going to start a side business in wedding photography? Just had a newborn baby?
Whatever your intent, and whether you are upgrading or starting from scratch, here are the 10 best DSLR cameras under $500.
If you had asked me to give you a good selection of great cameras with this budget just a few years ago, I would have really struggled to come up with a half-decent list. But today, thanks to the speed at which digital photography is improving and prices decreasing, it’s become significantly easier.
Today, $500 is a big enough budget to buy a downright super-spiffy camera, which would have been unheard of five or 10 years ago.
However, with all the options out there, it can be incredibly difficult to find the one that fits your purpose and requirements.
In this article, we are going to describe our favorites and compile a detailed list of the best-reviewed and top-rated cameras to help you choose the one that’s most suited to you.
If a DSLR is what you’re looking for, here are our picks for the 10 best DSLRs for under $500.
Top 10 DSLR Cameras Under $500
Ranking | Camera Model | Lens Mount | Weight | Megapixels | Sensor | Review | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Canon EOS Rebel T5 | EF-S | 19.96 oz. | 18MP | CMOS (APS-C) | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#2 | Nikon D3200 | Nikon F | 17.76 oz. | 24MP | CMOS DX-format | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#3 | Canon EOS Rebel T6 | EF/EF-S | 17 oz. | 18MP | APS-C CMOS | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#4 | Nikon D5300 | Nikon F | 16.93 oz. | 24MP | DX-format CMOS | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#5 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 | Sony/Minolta Alpha | 23.77 oz. | 14MP | APS-C CCD | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#6 | Pentax K-30 W | Pentax KAF2 | 22.93 oz. | 16.1MP | APS-C CMOS | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#7 | Nikon D3400 | Nikon F | 13.93 oz. | 24MP | APS-C CMOS | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#8 | Canon EOS Rebel SL1 | Canon EF/EF-S | 14.4 oz. | 18MP | APS-C CMOS | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#9 | Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D | Sony/Minolta Alpha | 29.8 oz. | 6MP | APS-C CCD | Read Review | See Price on eBay | |
#10 | Pentax K-S2 | Pentax KAF2 | 23.92 oz. | 20MP | APS-C CMOS | Read Review | See Price on eBay |
What to Look for in a DSLR?
When choosing a budget-friendly DSLR, you should carefully consider what you intend to shoot with it. There is no definitive answer or best in class since everything depends on what you wish to do with it.
For example, if still images are what you are looking for, Nikon is probably the best bet. Canon and Sony instead offer a great balance between image and video.
Pentax also deserves a spot in our top 10, especially if you are looking for an action camera that is able to handle dust, water and moisture. However, this interesting perk comes at the price of a limited number of lenses to choose from in comparison with Canon and Nikon’s lens ranges.
The elements to take into consideration while choosing your DSLR are:
- Sensor size or photo quality: This is probably the most important element to consider when buying a new camera. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the better, but remember that the bigger the sensor, the more expensive the cameras tend to be.
- Low-light quality: You might be a day photographer, but there will be situations when you won’t be able to rely on natural light (indoors, clouded days). Therefore, you should consider the maximum native ISO sensitivity capability and choose the largest sensor size you can afford as well as a camera with good image stabilization so you can use slow shutter speeds.
- Speed: Make sure the autofocus system is fast enough to capture the type of subjects you want to photograph. If you intend to shoot action, then you want a camera that not only has excellent autofocus and fast continuous shooting but also offers good quality with between ISO 800 and 6400 because that is the range you will be using to set a fast shutter speed to capture the action.
First of all, before diving into the specifics of our top DSLRs for less than $500, are you still wondering if you should invest in a DSLR, stick to your smartphone or point-and-shoot, or just opt for a mirrorless camera?
There are obvious advantages to both smartphones and mirrorless cameras. We’ll describe those differences here, along with some of the disadvantages compared to DSLRs.
Why get a camera when you’ve got your phone?
The first thing to remember is that not every phone has a great camera. In fact, only a few (expensive) phones can produce pictures of a quality comparable to that coming from an actual DSLR.
While it’s true that smartphones have shocked the photography world by creating unexpected rivals in the last few years, mobile cameras have some cons that you might want to consider:
- Low-Light and Flash Photography: While shooting in daylight or well-lit environments with a smartphone results in incredibly sharp pictures, shooting in low-light situations or with the flash often results in poor quality images.
- Lenses: Despite the introduction of attachable lenses, like wide-angle and macro, smartphones still have a long way to catch up with the variety and quality of DSLR lenses — especially for zooming.
- Battery life: This is another big issue with smartphones, as battery life seems to decrease with the release of each new version.
Mirrorless or DSLR?
The image quality for mirrorless cameras is extremely similar to that of a DSLR with a same-size sensor and equivalent lens. The latest models feature sophisticated autofocus systems, and the fast continuous shooting speeds make them extremely competitive to some mid-range DSLRs.
The size (and consequentially, weight) of mirrorless cameras is very appealing, especially if you’re thinking about carrying your camera everywhere with you. Another benefit of mirrorless cameras is the possibility of a real-time preview of long exposure thanks to the lack of a mirror.
However, along with many advantages, there are some objective disadvantages:
- Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): DSLRs use optical viewfinders, which are usually better than most any other electronic viewfinder — especially for remedying the inability to refresh quickly enough.
- Battery life: Most DSLRs have better battery life than most mirrorless cameras.
- Lens options: Because DSLRs have been on the market for so long, you will be spoiled with choices. You can even use old lenses with or without an adapter.
What to Expect When Spending More?
The details and features of the cameras discussed in this article are obviously only relevant here since we are dealing with the best digital cameras and mirrorless cameras for under $500. If your budget were higher, there would be a few additional elements to take into consideration. If, for example, if you are looking to spend a bit more (but not entirely blow your budget), you should read our top 10 mirrorless cameras for under $1000 guide.
Rankings and Reviews
We’ve ranked the following products based on the criteria discussed in the “What to Look for in a DSLR” section above and obviously the $500 budget.
For each camera below, you will find the technical specifications (including megapixels and weight) as well as the pros and cons for each of them, making it easier for you to pick the right camera for your needs.
#1. Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera
- Model: EOS Rebel T5 (also known as EOS Kiss X70, EOS 1200D)
- Lens Mount: EF-S
- Weight: 19.96 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 18MP / CMOS (APS-C)
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentamirror)
- The high points: High-resolution sensor, light & compact, flash sync port, face detection
- The not-so: No WiFi, no image stabilization, no articulating screen, low-res LCD screen
You can’t go far wrong with a top entry-level Canon DSLR, and the Rebel T5 is no exception. It even sports full manual exposure control, which is not typical with beginner EOS cameras.
We saw the Rebel T3 DSLR way back in 2011, and then came the long-awaited Canon T5. I think it was worth the wait for the new and improved 18MP sensor if nothing else. But there’s more.
The Rebel T5 also gives us a much-improved ISO range (up to 12,800) as well as larger higher resolution images. There’s a noticeable improvement with the HD video and recording capabilities too.
I like this camera for all kinds of reasons. It feels good in the hands, thanks to the ergonomics and rubberized grip. It’s a simple design yet with sophisticated functionality and intuitive controls.
You can also opt for Canon’s EOS Rebel T5i if you have an extra 170+ bucks. The T5i comes in at just under $500. The main differences are the T5i’s articulating touchscreen and the additional burst shots.
Both cameras are pretty much on a par with each other aside from the price and a few features.
What Reviewers Say
The EOS Rebel T5 has been an excellent selling camera for Canon. That alone means it’s going to get more praise than criticism. It does have its faults, but over 90% of user feedback is positive in nature.
The T5 is the first DSLR for many new owners, and they love everything about it. The ease-of-use gets a lot of approval from those moving up from compacts and smartphone photography.
The price gets another big thumbs-up. Many users say it has more features and functions than they’ll ever need or use. They’re right too, but this is typical with many electronic devices, not only DSLRs.
Rebel T5 owners are keen to upload some of their best pics to support their reviews. Impressive photos, along with lengthy feedback, are good signs that a product meets expectations.
Reviewer’s Gripes
The missing WiFi disappoints some reviewers. Others talk of the low-res (460kdots) LCD display. The more experienced users complain about the slow continuous 3fps (frames per second) shooting.
Those used to interactive smartphones screens miss the touchscreen technology. Despite this, and a few other minor criticisms, very few would reverse their decision and are delighted with their T5.
What’s Good
The Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR produces beautiful images with accurate colors. The high-resolution 18MP sensor is a significant upgrade that delivers finer details.
The design is lightweight, compact, and compatible with around 300 native Rebel T5i lenses. That makes it a camera for keeps for photographers who don’t intend to move up the camera ranks.
The flash sync port is useful for those who like to connect to an external flash unit. The built-in flash is not always enough. There may be times when even casual snappers want extra brightness and detail.
Face detection is another welcome feature that makes taking photos simpler. So this camera has a lot going on for newbies, though it’s not ‘feature-packed’ for the more experienced shutterbugs.
A Good First-Time DSLR
You can’t go wrong with the T5 if you’re stepping into the DSLR world for the first time. You have more flexibility and quality to look forward to than any compact or smartphone, and there’s HD video, too.
There’s a lot of competition out there at the entry-level. However, beginner cameras don’t get much better than the T5. It has easy handling, an array of practical functions, and offers real overall value.
What Could Be Better
What could be better with the Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR depends what you compare it to. When likened to direct rivals it boils down to which of your priority boxes are checked.
There isn’t any WiFi connectivity, which is a significant drawback. It lacks in-body image stabilization as well. Still, over 90 of Canon’s native lenses offer Optical Image Stabilization.
No articulating touchscreen is only an issue if you’re used to cameras that have them. Some folks find touchscreens faster to navigate than manual controls, and tiltable screens offer more flexibility.
Also, continuous shooting could be faster, and the low-resolution LCD is disappointing. Generally, though, the T5 is a value-packed entry-level DSLR.
#2. Nikon D3200 Digital SLR Camera
- Model: D3200
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Weight: 17.76 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 24MP / CMOS DX-format
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentamirror)
- The high points: Clear images, lightweight, button layout, flash sync port, good battery life
- The not-so: No WiFi, no articulating or touchscreen, no weather sealing, slow live-view AF
I know the look and feel of a camera can be subjective to some degree. Even so, I have to say the Nikon D3200 Digital SLR is one of those light-tight boxes I can’t put down.
This puppy packs in lots of value, but then it does come in at just under 500 bucks. The massive 24MP sensor is Nikon’s highest-resolution APS-C DX format, and it lives in this entry-level DSLR.
Budding videographers love the improved features over the older Nikon D3100. There’s a lot more control over exposure settings and audio. The LCD screen is also an improvement on its predecessor.
I got the impression that Nikon designed this camera with the novice firmly in mind. The controls are well placed, simple, and intuitive. They’ve even expanded the Guide Mode, which is a joy to explore.
Anyone who doesn’t want to spend a small fortune on a digital-SLR may want to hold on to this one. It’s fully compatible with a wide range of Nikon AF-S/AF-I lenses, from ultra-wide angles to telephotos.
The D3200 has a few downsides that we’ll look at shortly, but there are no nasty surprises.
What Reviewers Say
The Nikon D3200 sold well at its launch, and it continues to fly off the shelf. We know it ranks well and has a loyal following before even looking at the reviews.
The 24-megapixel sensor gets a lot of mention and so it should. After all, image quality and fine details are at the heart of photography. This is true whether you want pictures for show or for dough.
Like the Canon above, entry-level users appreciate the Nikon’s D3200. It checks plenty of the right boxes. It’s affordable, it sports user-friendly features and has a compact & lightweight design.
That last point is pertinent for folks dipping their toe into DSLR photography for the first time. There are a few complaints that it’s awkward for larger hands to grip.
There are not many negative reviews for this camera, and almost nothing to suggest regret.
What’s Good
Image quality is superb. You can expect beautiful skin tones, skies, and background blur (bokeh) with the right lenses. We have Nikon’s DX-format CMOS quality image sensor to thank in part for this.
The high pixel count guarantees quality printed images too, even enlarged and trimmed shots. The camera’s ergonomics, smart button positions, and 18-ounce light weight make it a joy to handle.
There’s a flash sync port and a built-in pop-up flash. The port isn’t something most newbies concern themselves with at the start. Most go on to appreciate the creative flash feature later.
There’s good battery life (540 shots) with the Nikon D3200 DSLR. It’s a key buying thought with all cameras, but they don’t all have it. It’s great to find extended life with an entry-level product.
The D3200’s full HD provides quality yet simple movie recording at max 1920p x 1080p resolutions.
Other Noteworthy Features
You’ll be pleased to know there’s an external microphone port if you’re into quality audiovisual work. The D3200 also sports 11 focus points and includes one cross type focus point.
Other key features are the camera’s optical built-in viewfinder and face-detection focusing. There’s also its excellent low light ISO–1131, and the Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) memory Card support.
What Could Be Better
The Nikon D3200 has its downsides. It shares most of these with other entry-level DSLRs, so there are no great surprises here. Some users find the absent WiFi a frustration.
You won’t find an articulating screen on the D3200 either, nor a touchscreen. Whether the missing touchscreen is an issue depends on how much you rely on the technology in everyday life.
There’s not any kind of weather sealing on the camera either. Although weather-resistant bodies are becoming more familiar, they’re still quite rare with DSLRs. This is especially so with cheaper models.
The slowish Live View is sure to affect some people’s buying decision. It depends how much you intend to use it and how fast you need it to be. It should definitely be on the Nikon’s improvements list.
#3. Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera
- Model: EOS Rebel T6 (also known as the EOS 1300D)
- Lens Mount: EF/EF-S
- Weight: 17 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 18.0MP / APS-C CMOS
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentamirror)
- The high points: Affordable, lightweight, WiFi w/ NFC, flash sync port, face detection focusing
- The not-so: No video AF, no articulating or touchscreen, slow low-light focus
Here’s the Canon EOS Rebel T6 entry-level Digital-SLR. If you’re familiar with its predecessor, the T5, you’ll surely notice the brighter, crisper LCD screen. Small upgrades like this make a big difference.
The Rebel T6 is perfect for those who are serious about image quality but not necessarily passionate about photography. It’s more versatile and produces better stills than compacts and smartphones.
I doubt you’d find a more affordable DSLR with these features and specs, not brand new anyway. It also has WiFi and NFC connectivity options that make shooting and sharing as easy as pie.
There are no complaints about the image quality for an entry-level camera in this class. Moreover, if you want more color saturation from the default, you can always dial it up to match your preferences.
The T6 competes well on all fronts when compared to its nearest rivals. This includes design, handling, features, ease-of-use, and picture quality.
At first, I thought it was a little feature-poor. Then I remembered its price and the target audience. You need to raise your budget if you want things like 4k video, electronic viewfinders, and stabilization.
What Reviewers Say
Canon’s EOS Rebel T6 hasn’t been around as long as the T5, and so it has fewer reviews. The feedback is equally as impressive, though. Most praise it for image quality and ergonomic, lightweight design.
It’s about 3 ounces lighter than the T5. That doesn’t sound like much, but it matters when a camera’s around your neck on all-day shoots. Another talked about advantage is WiFi and NFC connectivity.
It seems that people love to handle the T6 and find it a great photography-learning tool. There are plenty of uploaded shots to back up the reviews too, and they do the camera and reviewers justice.
It doesn’t have an articulating or a touchscreen—something only a few bother to mention. If you read the reviews, you’ll come across plenty of positive adjectives used by 90% of happy reviewers.
I did come across a few serious complaints from a minority of new buyers online. Most of these were from people who received damaged refurbished cameras.
What’s Good
The best way to sum up this camera is affordable and highly dependable. Seriously, DSLRs don’t get much cheaper than Canon’s EOS Rebel T6. The ergonomics and light weight also add to its appeal.
Canon’s T6 is a quality entry-level, budget-friendly camera for newbies to the Digital-SLR world. It has plenty of features for amateurs, but without it being overwhelming.
WiFi and NFC connectivity are especially welcome for those moving up from Smartphones. It lets budding shutterbugs easily send stills and videos to compatible smartphones or tablets.
A flash sync port is not typical of entry-level DSLRs. It’s true that most novice photographers don’t bother with this feature. Still, it’s good that the flash sync is there for those who do want it.
The camera’s face detection focusing is a great help for novice users who take plenty of people shots. It uses a kind of shape recognition technology to find and focus on faces in a scene.
What Could Be Better
Budding videographers need to know that the T6 doesn’t have video autofocus. There’s no touchscreen control, either. This could frustrate some people moving up from touchscreen smartphones.
Another gripe is the absence of an articulating screen. New users won’t miss a tilting screen if they’ve never used one. However, it might affect the buying decision of those who have.
You may skip the Rebel T6 if you do lots of low-light photography. It suffers from a little AF hunting, and there’s no image stabilization with the lower-end lenses. A tripod is a must-have in these cases.
These disadvantages would be significant concerns with higher-end DSLRs. For an entry-level camera, though, I think the T6 exceeds the expectations of most new users.
#4. Nikon D5300 Digital SLR Camera
- Model: D5300
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Weight: 16.93 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 24MP / DX-format CMOS
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentamirror)
- The high points: Lightweight, image quality, menu, articulating screen, long battery life
- The not-so: Slow Live View, poor instructions for advanced features, limited special effects
My fourth pick is another high-quality Nikon DSLR aimed at enthusiastic entry-level photographers. It’s easy to mistake the Nikon D5300 for the D5200 at a glance—looks can be deceptive.
The new high-res 24.2MP sensor is no small detail. Other improvements include better JPEG images and video recording. There’s also extended battery life thanks to the EXPEED 4 image processor.
It was also nice to see the built-in WiFi as it’s not a feature found with all entry-level DSLR cameras. Photographers who go on long shoots enjoy the build quality and ergonomics of the D5300.
I found it comfortable and natural in the hands, and not at all plasticky. There’s a nice solid feel to this camera. This is most likely due to the high-quality plastic that they’ve reinforced with carbon fiber.
The image quality is another plus point for this entry-level DSLR. It sports good resolution (detail) and has impressive high ISO performance. There’s even an option to shoot in RAW format.
My main disappointment with the Nikon D5300 is its 3.2 inch hi-res LCD. The reflection and glare from the glossy surface are too much under brighter light conditions.
Many photographers invest in the Nikon D5300 Digital SLR Camera, and that tells us plenty.
What Reviewers Say
Many people choose the Nikon D5300 Digital SLR Camera, and that tells us plenty. Buyers of this affordable camera are not shy to express their thoughts either.
The camera’s size, lightweight, and ergonomics get plenty of positive recognition. Reviewers also like the bright articulating LCD screen. Adjustable screens a rare find on entry-level DSLRs.
There’s more praise for how long the batteries last. This extended operating time is another bonus point for the D5300. Short battery life can be a real pain with some cameras, even at the higher end.
WiFi is another feature that gets plenty of constructive feedback. Wireless connectivity is not a given with entry-level Digital-SLRs, so it’s sure to check a priority box for some users.
Reviewer’s shared gripes are the noisy AF and spotty GPS. Some have other personal dislikes, but these are not widespread and therefore subjective.
What’s Good
The D5300 has a beautiful compact design and light body, yet it’s still durable. It’s more comfortable in the hands than the older D5200, plus the grip is noticeably better and helps you steady the camera.
Excellent build and handling aside, this entry-level camera produces consistently good image quality. There are plenty of uploaded samples. Photos are sharp, the skin tones smooth, and the details rich.
The intuitive menu has a plethora of handy features that are easy to navigate and simple to use. The straightforward menu system and bright articulating LCD screen make this a great first DSLR.
A 3.2″ articulating screen may not be on the list of new DSLR users, but most are happy to have it. It’s a feature that gives snappers more creative composure opportunities.
Another major attraction of the D5300 is the long battery life, which gives up to 600 shots per charge.
Other Features We Like
The D5300 sports 39 focus points and 9-cross-type focus points. The built-in GPS is another welcome touch, as is the built-in WiFi. And the remote smartphone control is sure to appeal to some users.
Some of the camera’s body elements contain carbon fiber composite, which adds to its durability. The external features include a microphone port and a flash sync port.
Creative types appreciate the time-lapse recording that’s simple to use with the D5300. Lastly, being able to choose this camera from three distinct body colors is something most models don’t offer.
What Could Be Better
One of the camera’s main attractions is also one of its biggest irritations. I’m talking about the Live View. It can often be slow to the point of frustration, and that’s not good.
The camera has a simple design and is easy to use, but people still need initial guidance. No one ever complains if a manual is too patent. Alas, the instructions for the D5300 can be vague.
Well-informed users can soon work everything out, but that’s not the point. Entry-level DSLR users don’t expect vague instructions in what should be a well-written user guide.
Finally, there are limited special effects. I mention this because it came up in some of the reviews. Then again, it’s a beginner-level camera, so we shouldn’t expect too many bells and whistles.
#5. Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 Digital Camera
- Model: Alpha DSLR-A350
- Lens Mount: Sony/Minolta Alpha
- Weight: 23.77 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 14MP / APS-C CCD
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentamirror)
- The high points: Articulating LCD screen, IS, flash sync port, dynamic range optimizer
- The not-so: Small LCD, heft, no WiFi, no touchscreen, poor flash coverage at wider angles
The Sony Alpha DSLRA350 doesn’t share the same popularity as its Canon and Nikon rivals. Despite this, I found the picture quality easily comparable to Canon’s EOS 40D and XSi DSLRs in particular.
There are plenty of “like new” bargains around for under 300 bucks. Many features of this DSLR caught my eye, but I won’t go into micro details of them all. It’s a good solid product, too.
One of the first things I noticed was how Live View did not affect AF speed. That’s not something all cameras can boast. The camera’s Super SteadyShot does a great job at stabilizing images.
A brand new model is attractive at the prosumer-level, but quality used cameras are also popular with newbies. The DSLR-A350 is easy to learn, simple to operate, and it has a good grip.
I also noticed how the sensor kept detail consistent with no major noise suppression at the lower ISOs. The performance of in-camera Jpeg is fine, and the printed images turn out well, too.
A few other points worth a mention are the fast USB transfer, fast AF, and the pop-up flash. Most new users won’t consider the Alpha DSLR-A350 at its new price, but as a secondhand choice—definitely.
What Reviewers Say
People who get their hands on one of these puppies are happy snappers overall. The majority of reviewers agree that this is a fantastic DSLR with the right lenses.
Some user feedback advises against the kit lens saying it’s a waste of good money. I couldn’t see any quality complaints as such. It’s just that some of the cheaper alternatives are equally as good.
One of the main attractions is the simplicity of the camera coupled with its power and flexibility. The image quality gets plenty of approval from amateurs and semi-professionals alike.
The controls are intuitive and the options are simple to work out. And snappers love the Live View.
What’s Good
Tiltable screen lovers appreciate the 2.7″ articulating LCD screen, especially for Live View shooting. It’s not fully articulating, but the two-way angle tilt still gives much more flexibility than fixed screens.
The in-camera image stabilization (IS) means every lens benefits. You can expect around 2.5–3.5 exposure steps advantage with this system. That means less flash usage and sharper photos.
The Sony Alpha DSLR-A350’s in-camera image stabilization says goodbye to dark and blurred shots. The consequence of this means reduced frustration and less time deleting spoilt shots.
There’s a flash sync port with this camera, too. There’s also an automatic pop-up flash for those who prefer simple automation. The pop-up flash helps first-time DSLR users achieve better results.
The camera’s Dynamic Range Optimizer is a smart feature and another winner for the entry-level. Its job is to enhance backlit subjects by recovering otherwise lost details from shadows and glare.
What Could Be Better
The Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 has a bright articulating LCD screen, and that’s great. What’s not so good is its 2.7″ size. It’s a tad on the small side and a bit awkward for people with poorer eyesight.
Camera heft is another issue. There are heavier entry-level DSLRs around, but it’s no lightweight. There’s no WiFi connectivity, and that may be a concern—or not—depending on your needs.
The absent touchscreen is another setback for those coming from touchscreen smartphone cameras. Though to be honest, it never takes long to get used to interacting with manual controls.
The pop-up flash is quite good and a lot better than the older pull-up types. The only problem with the small flash is its poor coverage at wider angles.
#6. Pentax K-30 Digital SLR Camera
- Model: K-30
- Lens Mount: Pentax KAF2
- Weight: 22.93 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 16.1MP / APS-C CMOS
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentaprism)
- The high points: Colors, weather sealed, excellent image quality, fast shutter, AF adjustment
- The not-so: Video, heavy, battery, no WiFi, no articulating or touchscreen, AE Bracketing
The Pentax K-30 is my favorite camera from an aesthetics viewpoint. We’re so used to the all-black or black & silver models that these new colors are a breath of fresh air.
A camera’s looks are irrelevant to some people. Others appreciate the beauty of design and precision engineering. And let’s not forget, many photographers wear Digital-SLRs around their necks all day.
All things considered, the K-30 is probably Pentax’s finest DSLR achievement. It’s not just a pretty product, either. This camera sports plenty of impressive features, as well.
It was like welcoming back an old friend the moment I held the camera. The lightweight compact design sat in the hands like it was made-to-measure. It’s sturdy too, and it has weather sealing.
The price, capable functions, and aesthetic appeal make the K-30 a real winner in my book. The 16MP Sony sensor is another of its key attractions. Others include the UI enhancements and improved video.
A K-30 DSLR is for anyone who wants a quality camera that looks great and is simple to use. It’s an ideal choice for those who prefer a small, lightweight camera with decent image quality.
Not the Perfect Pentax
As much as I praise the Pentax K-30 W Digital SLR, it’s not without a few faults. Its drawbacks are certain to deter some and not others. After all, there’s no one camera to please all shutterbugs.
I have my criticisms, but you may disagree with their relevance. So, predictive autofocus would have been a welcome feature. And videographers would have appreciated an external microphone jack.
Staying with video, the AF can be painfully slow at times, and noisy. That means it gets’ picked up by the built-in mono mic. Another of my gripes is the absence of an HDMI out port.
What Reviewers Say
The feedback for this camera is around 90% favorable. The majority of reviewers say the camera has pretty much everything they need. Many praise the K-30 for its robust feature set.
Pentax users tend to be a loyal bunch so reviews can be a little on the biased side. Its value-for-money gets a lot of mention, and I agree with this. It has features usually found on much costlier DSLRs.
Some of the most talked about likes are the weather and dust sealing and the electronic viewfinder. Then there’s the focus peaking, AF fine adjustment, programmable wheels, and two user modes.
A good percentage of the reviews pay tribute to the camera’s robust build. It’s the same sturdy build that makes it heavy-ish, and that’s one of the complaints from regular users.
Most reviewer gripes are about the vague customer service and not the actual camera.
What’s Good
You’re in for a treat if aesthetics is important to you. The Pentax K-30 is a gorgeous-looking camera, and you can choose from black, blue, and the striking white colors.
What we have here is a DSLR that does more than look pretty. The weather-sealed body is not something you find with most cameras, and even less likely in this price range.
The K-30 produces beautiful images. You can expect stills that are bright and sharp when equipped with a decent lens. There are some reports of slight underexposure, but that’s easy enough to fix.
The range of shutter speeds is a respectable 30–1/6000 sec. The AF fine adjustment is another welcome feature that lets users fine-tune their focus with up to twenty compatible lenses.
Other Features We Like
There are other things to like about the K-30, aside from the reported highlights. Focus buffs have their 11 focus points and 9-cross type focus points.
Other worthy characteristics include 6.0fps fast continuous shooting and time-lapse recording. There’s also a built-in optical viewfinder, face-detection focusing, and image stabilization.
The camera offers good low light ISO too. More features include the flash Sync Port and 1920 x 1080 Max Video Resolution. The video, though, is not one of the camera’s best features (see below).
What Could Be Better
The Pentax K-30 W is primarily a quality stills tool with video capability. Look for a product that offers 4K (Ultra-HD) video if videography is an integral part of what you do with a camera.
At 1.4 lbs. (23 oz.), the camera—mounted with a telephoto lens—is cumbersome to wear around the neck. Another drawback of the k-30 is its short battery life that only gives 410 shots per charge.
Another missing feature that’s common at the entry-level is the absence of WiFi connectivity. It might not surprise you to learn that there is no articulating or touchscreen control either.
The camera does offer AE Bracketing, though it’s limited range: ±2 EV is not very impressive.
#7. Nikon D3400 Digital-SLR Camera
- Model: D3400
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Weight: 13.93 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 24MP / APS-C CMOS
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentamirror)
- The high points: Small and portable, easy to use, good low-light ISO, long battery life
- The not-so: No WiFi, no touchscreen, no AF micro adjustment, no image stabilization
Nikon’s D3400 is another quality entry-level DSLR for less than 500 bucks. It was the anticipated upgrade to the older D3300, but there were no great surprises on the features front.
Where this camera shines is with the improved usability and image quality. Both these things are far more important than any bells & whistles that do little more than sound good.
Its value for money is unquestionable given the strong performance and user-friendly appeal. It looks like a professional camera, but it won’t intimidate new users once they pick it up and turn it on.
The body is small and has a neat compact design that you can’t appreciate from the promotional images. The image quality is superb and the single-shot AF reliable. It’s a nice beginner DSLR to use.
One of the main disappointments was the absence of wireless connectivity. I wasn’t impressed with Nikon’s SnapBridge connectivity, either, which slowed the camera down. It’s limited in function, too.
The Nikon D3400 is a great choice for entry-level photography. If you’re serious about video, though, look at other choices. I’d say the video functions and features of the D3400 are mediocre at best.
What Reviewers Say
The D3400 Digital-SLR camera gets plenty of real user feedback, and most of it is encouraging. Photographers talk about the sharp images helped by the 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
A high percentage of reviewers recommend the D3400 to their readers. They talk of its ease of use, comfortable feel, and lightweight body. That last point is worth noting if you go on long shoots.
The D3400 is one of those cameras where reviewers loved to show off their work. It’s always helpful for undecided shoppers to see uploaded photos that back up the words of the reviews.
Advanced features people like are the ISO management and RAW shooting. The video gets some positive feedback as well. It’s not a serious video tool, but the quality is OK for a camera in its class.
This camera certainly gets heaps of praise as an entry-level product.
What’s Good
The Nikon D3400 is light when compared to other DSLRs on this page. It’s also smaller and more portable. These things are often basic buying considerations for photographers at all levels.
Photographers demand more than lightweight, ergonomically pleasing designs, and portability. These things are significant, yet they mean nothing if the camera falls short on the usability front.
User-friendliness and the small learning curve are among the D3400’s key attractions. Despite being a simple camera for beginners, it has plenty of flexibility for more advanced users when they need it.
The higher ISO settings are perfect for low light situations. You can expect to see a little noise in some shots, but I found most of the higher ISO photos to be more than satisfactory.
The extended battery life of the D3400 is an incredible 1200 shots. That takes some beating.
Other Features We Like
There are a few other features worth a mention before I finish this section. For connectivity, you have Bluetooth and a remote control with a compatible smartphone.
The camera’s built-in optical viewfinder (OVF) allows you to see what the lens sees. The OVF makes composing shots more accurate and less opportunistic. Pro photographers prefer OVFs for this reason.
Portrait—and people photographers more generally—like the Face Detection Focusing. There’s also Panorama Shooting for wide format photography enthusiasts.
The camera comes with a flash sync port, which is good news for creative flash photographers.
What Could Be Better
There’s no built-in WiFi with the Nikon D3400. It doesn’t have a touchscreen LCD display either, nor is it tiltable. There are no real surprises here, but these things would have been nice extras.
You won’t find any AF micro adjustment with this camera. It’s a shame, as there may be times when the AF is way out. This is where AF micro-adjust focus becomes vital, and I’m a big fan of it.
Another missing feature is the absence of in-body image stabilization. It does have over 85 D3400 lenses that come equipped with Optical Image Stabilization. There are pros and cons for each system.
Owners of the D3400 appreciate its photographic capability more than its video potential. Video performance is underwhelming for anyone who’s used to 4k UHD. Others should find it OK-ish.
#8. Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera
- Model: EOS Rebel SL1 (also called the EOS Kiss X7 (Japan), and Rebel 100D)
- Lens Mount: Canon EF/EF-S
- Weight: 14.4 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 18MP / APS-C CMOS
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentamirror)
- The high points: Great image quality, light, touchscreen, external mic port, flash sync port
- The not-so: Shortish battery life, no articulating screen, No AF micro adjustment, no WiFi
We’re back to Canon again, this time it’s the EOS Rebel SL1. It’s another lightweight and compact DSLR aimed at the entry-level. Image quality is superb and on a par with Canon’s T4i/T5i.
A few things caught my eye with this capable little camera. I found the autofocus to be consistently fast and accurate. I mention this because not all autofocus systems are as good or as reliable.
The Live View is also decent. Too many cameras experience Live View lag, but this one fares pretty well in comparison. And the simple touchscreen feels familiar with its range of digital controls.
The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 feels like an old friend if you’re familiar with camera touchscreens. It may be a small-bodied DSLR, but it’s still easy to use, even with bigger hands.
You might consider this camera if you like to shoot in Live View and record videos. Those who need extra bells, whistles, wireless connectivity, and an articulating screen are likely to give it a miss.
The EOS Rebel SL1 is a good all-around camera. The quality photos are an impressive 18MP, and the video is a decent 1080/30p.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers rate the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR highly. Photographers love its small, lightweight, compact body. It’s tiny when compared to the likes of a T5i or the 70D.
Entry-level users write of how amazed they are with all that this camera offers. Some are updated reviews after a few years of use. The feedback is equally as glowing.
The price gets a lot of mention too. People like what they get for what they pay. Users compare its lower cost to higher-priced mirrorless cameras and fixed lens superzooms.
Around 90% of all reviews for the Rebel SL1 are favorable. Image quality, ease of use, quality design—it’s all there. That’s impressive for a camera that’s been with us since March 2013.
The small size is not to everyone’s liking, especially those with larger hands. I also came across a few complaints about how the mirror slap was too loud.
What’s Good
Image quality is impressive for an entry-level DSLR camera that costs less than 500 bucks. It produces sharp, well-defined images across its ISO range from 100 through to 1600.
The camera body weighs just 14.4 ounces, which is less than a pound. It’s tiny, too. The SL in the name stands for Super Lightweight, which is apt. The SL1 is most like the smallest DSLR around.
Touchscreen LCD-displays are not typical of entry-level DSLRs, so it’s nice to see one with the SL1. Its 3″ screen has 1.04 million dots and sports a 7-step brightness adjustment.
There’s an external mic port for videographers. Using a quality stereo microphone produces far superior audio than the camera’s built-in mono mic.
The camera’s flash sync port is a useful extra. It’s handy for people who like to control off-camera flash or need more light than the pop-up option provides.
What Could Be Better
Battery life for the EOS Rebel SL1 is just 380 shots. That’s on the lowest side of average. It’s depressing when compared to the 1200 shots of the Nikon D3400 above.
The camera sports a bright touchscreen, but it’s not articulating. Most photographers love tiltable screens—once they get used to them. Still, this is a small DSLR, and I doubt it has space for one.
AF micro adjustment can be a godsend when AF can’t focus on a thing for whatever reason. The Rebel SL1—like so many entry-level DSLRs—lacks this useful feature.
Another missing feature is WiFi connectivity and NFC technology.
#9. Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D Digital SLR Camera
- Model: Maxxum 7D
- Lens Mount: Sony/Minolta Alpha
- Weight: 29.8 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 6MP / APS-C CCD
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentaprism)
- The high points: Easy to use, creative controls, CCD-Shift anti-shake system, built-in flash
- The not-so: Heavy, low battery life, to articulating or touchscreen, AF hunting in low light
You won’t find a new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7Ds under $500, but there are plenty of like-new models for less than half the price. The Maxxum 7D is one camera where ‘used’ makes a wise investment.
The first thing that struck me when I picked up one of these puppies was the build. It’s certainly a sturdy camera. The downside of this is its heft, and it’s no lightweight at almost 30 oz.
I’m not a big fan of hefty cameras on long shoots, but I’ll make an exception here. The Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D produces images with amazing clarity, colors, and fine detail.
The battery life is also impressive, and that’s something we all want on our checklist. For storage options, the camera takes affordable CF (CompactFlash) memory cards.
This DSLR comes with in-camera image stabilization, which seems to do a good job. Any kind of image stabilization is always welcome, especially for shooting in low light.
There’s no video recording with this camera, though. It’s a photographer’s tool with no videography benefits at all. It’s also quite complicated for the raw beginner to grasp.
What Reviewers Say
Those who do buy the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D 6MP appreciate its style and technology. It’s also a popular choice for people who want to get some use out of their Minolta AF lenses.
The Maxxum 7D was a natural transition from the older Maxxum 7 (Minolta a7) 35mm film camera. It’s a camera with manual controls on the body as opposed to LCD menus. Some people prefer this.
Reviewers like the protruding controls because they’re within easy reach and clearly marked. Some cameras bury their digital controls in complicated menus. There are pros and cons for both systems.
The superb image quality gets a lot of mention. The built-in anti-shake technology helps to keep photographs nice and sharp. Reviewers often refer to the Maxxum 7D as a real photographer’s camera.
Shared Reviewer Gripes
There are a few shared complaints. The AF is slow in low light situations, for one. The other is that the white balance (WB) doesn’t do a good job at removing unrealistic colors (lighting) indoors.
People who buy this camera tend to be serious amateurs and semi-pros. They like the robust design but not its weight. Aside from those issues, owners of a Minolta Maxxum 7D are a mostly a happy bunch.
What’s Good
Most photographers like cameras that offer some level of sophistication, but with easy handling. Well, this puppy is so easy to manage. Even novice users soon find the manual controls a joy to use.
Konica Minolta positioned the analog controls after a lot of careful thought. The layout is much simpler than it looks, too. Seriously, a novice can handle this D-SLR in no time—with their eyes shut.
The camera has CCD-shift camera-shake compensation. At the time, it set the standard for in-body Anti-shake technology. In fact, it was the world’s first DSLR to support this with compatible lenses.
The built-in pop-up flash is another neat trait, but it’s not perfect. It lights subjects really well, but the default flash tends to overexpose a tad.
What Could Be Better
Supporters of more traditional DSLRs don’t like the Konica Minolta 7D with its external controls. And the 1.8 lbs. (28.9 oz.) body is a dislike shared by almost all photographers.
Another letdown of the Minolta 7D is the short 400-shot battery life, though this is the worst-case scenario. The NP-400 lithium-ion battery provides more life in bright light and no flash usage.
There’s no articulating or touchscreen control either. Both touchscreens and tiltable displays are in high demand these days. Expect to see most future D-SLRs offering at least one of these options.
Finally, the camera’s low-light focus ability has mixed reviews. In theory, focusing is okay because the built-in flash acts as an AF assist lamp. In practice, some users report a little AF hunting in dim light.
#10. Pentax K-S2 Digital SLR Camera
- Model: K-S2 Weatherized
- Lens Mount: Pentax KAF2
- Weight: 23.92 oz.
- Megapixels/sensor: 20MP / APS-C CMOS
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentaprism)
- The high points: WiFi w/ NFC, image stabilization, articulating screen, weather sealed body
- The not-so: Heavy, small grip, short battery life, no touchscreen
This is—without doubt—the smallest weather-resistant, dustproof, DSLR around right now.
The Pentax K-S2 is a boxy looking camera with a deep, comfortable grip. It hovers around the $500 mark so it just barely made it onto this page. It appeals to a broader audience too.
You can also order this camera from a plethora of finishes. For example, you have color options, subtle LED rings, and various decorative accents to boot.
The K-S2 DSLR has a wider range of advanced features compared to some of the other picks. There are the dual-controlled wheels, full body weather sealing, and a viewfinder with 100% coverage.
Compared to its predecessor—the K-50—the K-S2 is faster and has a host of features the earlier model lacked. These upgrades are all things that helped to make shooting stills easier and more enjoyable.
Pentax’s K-S2 doesn’t sell as well as its more famous rivals. I still think it can compete with the likes of Canon and Nikon if more people gave it a chance.
Okay, so its shutter is quite loud, the video is average, and it weighs a lot—for its size. But then, every camera has a few negative aspects—every camera.
What Reviewers Say
The lack of real user reviews surprised me. The Pentax K-S2 Digital-SLR is a competent camera coming in at just under 500 bucks for a new model (body only).
The feedback is approximately 88% positive. The things people like most about this camera are its entry-level price tag and high-end appeal. For example, a soft, quiet shutter and fast autofocus.
It’s not a videographer’s dream, but photographers adore it. They remark on the large built-in optical viewfinder and excellent image quality. The rugged build and weather-sealed body are two more likes.
People point out the camera’s ample feature set despite it being the smallest weatherproof D-SLR going. There’s a lot to please, but it has a few drawbacks like all cameras.
The biggest complaint from reviewers was with video quality. A little research before they bought it would have informed them about that. Again, this is primarily a photographer’s camera.
What’s Good
There’s plenty to celebrate with the Pentax K-S2. The camera has features you wished other models had. Still, it is at the higher end of this price range.
For connectivity, there’s WiFi and NFC (Near Field Communication). Wi-Fi connection and data transfer have never been as seamless between a camera and compatible smartphones or tablets.
The K-S2 has in-camera sensor-shift image stabilization, and that’s a real help for handheld photography. Pentax calls their 3″ articulating screen a vari-angle LCD, but it means the same thing.
The 3-inch LCD works on a tilt/swivel articulation mechanism. This makes it viewable from most angles. That’s great news for creative photographers and folks who like to take selfies.
Pentax’s K-S2 has a weather-sealed body. You might think this is a typical feature, yet very few cameras provide weather protection in their construction. It’s another bonus point for this DSLR.
Other Features We Like
There are a few other K-S2 features worth a mention before I end this section. In no particular order, there is the built-in optical viewfinder, 20.0MP high-res sensor, and 51.200 – max ISO.
The camera has a super-fast 1/6000s shutter speed, but that’s not the end. There’s also face detection focusing, 5.4fps fast continuous shooting, and time-lapse recording.
For creative flash and videographers, there’s a flash sync port and external microphone port. Other features include a wide AE bracketing range: ±5 EV, and AF fine-tuning.
As you can see, there’s a lot to explore with the Pentax K-S2 Digital-SLR Camera. Even so, it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.
What Could Be Better
The K-S2 from Pentax is not the heaviest camera in this guide, but it’s not the lightest, either. The grip is deep but quite small, so it may affect the comfort level for people with larger hands.
The battery life is unimpressive at around 410 shots. The optical viewfinder doesn’t help. The camera’s Live View mode likely reduces the battery life still further, though I didn’t get to test it.
This camera offers much value. OK, so there isn’t a touchscreen, but the articulating screen makes up for that. Touchscreens don’t provide new photographic opportunities, yet tiltable screens certainly do.
The Wrap-Up
These are the 10 best DSLR cameras under $500, and no two models here are the same. The camera that suits you depends on your specific photographic needs and expectations.
Every Digital-SLR on this page brings something different to the table. No single product has it all, but there are sure to be cameras that have all that YOU need.
The purpose of this guide is to help you make better buying decisions. You may have to compromise in some areas. There are many things to consider, so be sure to make a checklist of preferences.
The camera’s weight, its size, and overall handling are three. Sensor size and the range of internal and external features are other considerations. Menus, shooting modes, and automation are a few more.
Remember to check video quality and capability if that’s important to you. Only you can know what you want or need out of these incredibly capable entry-level DSLRs. These reviews are sure to help.
Good luck and happy snapping!
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Thank you! This was an informative, helpful list for someone in the market for a perfect DSLR. We’ve been living in Puerto Rico since Jan. 2018 (helping to restore homes after Hurricane Maria) and I’ve decided I NEED to capture these moments with a real camera. Smartphones are great but there are so many wonderful, real-life images that I’m missing out on. Just last night I could’ve filmed a magnificent blood red moon that was huge. Didn’t look so great on the old smartphone. I’ve been shopping for a camera since last March and I keep putting it off. After this excellent list of options, I think I’ve made up my mind.
Gracias.
Hi Carena Martin,
I love your review! thanks for sharing this! I am more of a Canon kind of person, but after seeing Nikon D3400 as the best choice, I am actually reconsidering. Yes, it’s unfortunate for Canon Rebel SL1 to lose because of lacking connectivity like bluetooth. But nowadays, not only should you be quick on taking the perfect moment in your camera, but sometimes you just have to be quick as well on posting it.
Hello Carina Martin,
Thanks for this detailed post. It will be helpful for many new vloggers. I am using the Canon Rebel T5 for my blogging use. It solves almost all my requirements.