Some people travel for the adventure and can’t think of anything better than exploring the Pyramids of Giza or Peru’s Machu Picchu.
Others prefer exotic vacations, lounging on the beach in tropical Fiji.
No matter what kind of traveler you are, photos are the most timeless souvenirs from your trip. They allow you to capture the highlights and memories of your journey so that you can relive them again and again.
Smartphones can get the job done, but travel cameras take your vacation photography to the next level. If you’re looking for the best travel cameras under $500, you’ve come to the right place.
The best DSLR travel camera under $500 is the Canon EOS Rebel T7. It is a beginner-friendly, entry-level DSLR that allows you to capture photos in 24.1 megapixels and HD video. It has high-quality autofocus and will enable you to take selfies with the remote shooting feature easily.
This camera travel review guide includes a detailed breakdown of the best travel digital cameras under $500. We discuss the main features and real feedback from actual customers. We also take a look at some common questions about travel cameras.
So, let’s start the journey!
5 Best Travel Cameras Under $500 in 2021
1. Best Mirrorless Travel Camera Under $500: Canon EOS M50
- Camera Type: Digital mirrorless
- Sensor Size: 1-inch APS-C CMOS
- Sensor Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
- Lens Mount: Canon EF-M
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Video Resolution: 2160p
- Weight: 0.9 pounds (408g)
What Makes This Travel Camera Under $500 a Top Pick?
The Canon EOS M50 is the best travel camera with a viewfinder under $500. It is perfect for both travel photography and videography, allowing you to capture videos in 4K and images in 24.1 megapixels.
This lightweight camera is the perfect companion for trips of any kind. It has a rapid autofocus that can fix on moving objects or the eyes of static objects, allowing you to capture the most beautiful memories.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the efficiency of the autofocus and how it allows the mirrorless APS-C camera to achieve similar results to a full-frame DSLR. They also love the touch screen and how it can fully flip to take selfies or shoot video logs.
However, users dislike the cropping of 4K videos. They also dislike the low battery life and that the camera needs an adapter for many lesnes. This is a common problem with mirrorless cameras because DSLRs have a wider variety of lenses.
Features and Considerations
We also appreciate the wireless connectivity of this camera. It can sync to your device with WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC. You can even set up automatic transfer and have the peace of mind that your travel memories are secure.
2. Best DSLR Travel Camera Under $500: Canon EOS Rebel T7
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor Size: APS-C CMOS
- Sensor Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
- Lens Mount: Canon EF
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Weight: 1 pound (454g)
What Makes This Travel Camera a Great Option?
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is our pick for the best digital SLR camera under $500. It is the perfect combination of high-quality photos with simple, user-friendly features. The CMOS sensor can handle an impressive 24.1 megapixels and you can also shoot videos in HD.
This camera has all the quality of a DSLR camera, with minimal cost to your wallet or adjustment to its settings. The transition is seamless and perfect for beginners.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the autofocus of the camera, which particularly excels in close-up shots. Most of the users are beginners who are using the camera as their starter DSLR camera, so they appreciate the simple features.
However, the Rebel T7 can adjust slowly to high contrast lighting. It also lacks a microphone jack, so it’s not suitable if you want to create higher-quality videos with commentary. Reviewers also criticize the quality of the included lenses. They suggest keeping the camera body and using different lenses.
Features and Considerations
The Rebel T7 is the best digital camera under $500 if you are a beginner. If you’re a selfie lover, you’ll appreciate the remote shooting feature. You can pair the camera to your device and use your phone screen to take photos. This allows you to get great travel shots in front of the world’s wonders.
3. Best Small Travel Camera Under $500: Sony RX100 III
- Camera Type: Digital zoom
- Sensor Size: Exmor R CMOS
- Sensor Resolution: 20.1 megapixels
- Lens Mount: –
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Weight: 0.6 pounds (272g)
What Makes This the Best Compact Camera Under $500?
The Sony RX100 III is the best slim digital camera for travel under $500. It is lightweight and compact, so you can easily slip it in your handbag or daypack for your day trips.
Even though it is small, it has surprisingly good photo quality and has a sensor resolution of 20.1 megapixels. It even includes an electronic viewfinder so you can properly focus and get the best holiday snaps.
It is best suited to portraits and close photography, due to a soft defocus of the background.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how quickly the lens moves and focuses. This makes it a great option for moving objects like festivals and sports. They also like the flip-up screen which allows you to see your selfies as you take them. There’s no need to mess around with a selfie stick.
However, users dislike the restrictions of the optical zoom. It isn’t the best choice for distance photography, because you will miss out on smaller details. They also dislike that the settings wheel doesn’t have a lock. It’s easy to accidentally switch settings without realizing.
Features and Considerations
The RX100 III is great for dimly lit environments because of its sensitive image sensor. This makes it a great option if you like to wander new cities at dusk or nighttime. It can also handle bright environments with an in-built ND filter that adjusts exposure.
4. Best Wide Angle Travel Camera Under $500: Canon PowerShot SX620
- Camera Type: Digital zoom
- Sensor Size: CMOS
- Sensor Resolution: 20.2 megapixels
- Lens Mount: –
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Weight: 1 pound (454g)
What Makes This Travel Camera Under $500 a Great Option?
The Canon PowerShot SX620 is the best point and shoot travel camera under $500. It has a powerful optical zoom of 25x, which can capture beautiful landscape or architectural shots. Overall, this compact camera is simple and user-friendly, with an impressive picture quality of 20.2 megapixels. At this price point, you can’t find better.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how easy it is to use this camera. Despite its small size, they also highlight its durable construction and long-lasting properties. They also like how quickly the camera turns on and focuses. You can shoot photos in seconds and never miss a photo-worthy moment.
However, they report some issues with connectivity. Even though you can connect this camera to WiFi, the instructions are not straightforward. Other settings like a digital timer are difficult to find. The camera functions well as a point and shoot model, but more complicated settings are a weakness.
Features and Considerations
The PowerShot SX620 includes Intelligent IS technology, which helps to stabilize images. It switches between various modes to reduce shaking and keep clarity of your photos. This camera remains steady even when your hand doesn’t.
It also has a remote shooting function, where you can control the camera from your device. This is a perfect option for selfies, group photos, and more. If you’re sick of being left out of family vacation snaps, you’ll love this feature.
5. Best Beginner Travel Camera Under $500: Olympus PEN E-PL10
- Camera Type: Digital mirrorless
- Sensor Size: Micro four thirds
- Sensor Resolution: 16 megapixels
- Lens Mount: Micro four thirds
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Video Resolution: 2160p
- Weight: 0.8 pounds (380g)
What Makes This Entry-Level Travel Camera Special?
The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is the best camera for $500 if you’re new to the travel photography game. The package includes the camera and a starter kit with camera bag, rechargeable battery, and memory card. You can take this straight onto the plane as your carry-on.
It has a gorgeous vintage design paired with modern and user-friendly features that beginners will love. It’s compact but powerful, with a 16 megapixel image sensor that can bring your travels to life.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the quality of the in-built image stabilization. This makes it a great option for when you’re shooting on uneven surfaces like a boat or while walking. It also has a strong battery life, which is a huge plus when you’re on the go. It can last several days of exploring.
However, the autofocus is not as good at tracking moving objects. It uses a contrast-detect-only system, which is slower than other technologies. This camera is a great option for photography, but there are better choices for travel videography.
Features and Considerations
It has an LCD screen that flips a full 180 degrees in Selfie Mode. This is perfect for capturing moments in front of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. You can take the photo with just a tap of the touch screen.
It also includes in-built photo modes for panoramas, macro images, and more. If you’re new to photography, this helps you explore different styles of images and build your confidence. You can also easily send the photos to your device with in-built Bluetooth and WiFi.
Travel Camera Under $500 FAQ
Should I Buy a New or a Used Camera?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to buy a new or used camera for your travels. The primary considerations are price, quality of the camera, lifespan, warranty, and the option to resell.
Used cameras are cheaper than new cameras if you choose the same model. This makes them a better option if you’re on a budget. Used cameras are also a reliable choice if you want a back-up camera, where quality is not the highest priority.
A new camera is better quality than a used camera. However, there are different categories of secondhand cameras. Online sellers indicate the level of usage, using scales like Like New, Used-Very Good, Used-Good, and Used-Acceptable. A Like New camera is almost the same quality level as one fresh from the box, but with a smaller price tag.
Cameras also have different lifespans. The lifespan of a camera depends on its shutter count, which is how many times it has taken a photo. Cameras can take a certain number of photos before breaking the shutter. You should check the estimated shutter count of the used camera and ask the previous owner how many images they have taken.
If you are buying a camera intending to sell it later, you should steer clear of used cameras. Like cars, cameras reduce in value as soon as you use them for the first time. You will never get the same amount of money back, and the amount quickly reduces.
You should also consider the warranty. New cameras come with a warranty, often from 1-3 years, while many used cameras do not. If you are going to travel with your camera or worry about breaking it, you should avoid a used model.
Overall, it comes down to a matter of preference. New cameras have better quality, longer lifespan, higher resale value, and a warranty. However, you can find some used cameras with comparable quality for a much lower price.
What Type of Camera Has the Cheapest Travel Lenses?
When it comes to travel cameras, you have a few main types:
- Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR)
- Single-lens reflex (SLR)
- Mirrorless
- Digital zoom
Digital zoom cameras are the cheapest of all the options. However, they do not have interchangeable lenses, so you are restricted to the included lens in the camera.
SLR cameras use film to take photos. They are also less common than digital cameras, so you may pay more for the rarity of their lenses. They are not the best option if you are looking for cheap travel lenses.
Mirrorless cameras and DSLRs are the two most common digital travel cameras with lenses. Between them, mirrorless camera lenses are generally more expensive and it’s also more difficult to find them secondhand.
Therefore, you should stick with a DSLR if you’re looking for the cheapest travel lenses. There is a lot of availability on the market so you should be able to get new or secondhand lenses with no problems.
DSLR or SLR, APS-C or Full-Frame Camera: What’s Better for Beginners?
The main difference between DSLR and SLR cameras is the D: digital. SLR cameras are traditional film cameras that use the reflection off internal mirrors to capture photos. DSLRs do the same thing, but you use them with digital memory cards.
DSLRs are more suitable for beginners because you have room to make mistakes. You can take multiple photos, revise your options, and play around with settings. With an SLR film camera, you are restricted by the number of shots on your film. You also can’t see the photos until you develop the film.
APS-C and full-frame refer to the size of the image sensor on your camera. An APS-C sensor measures 22x15mm, while a full-frame sensor measures 36x24mm. With a full-frame camera, you can take larger photos with a greater surface area.
However, APS-C is more suitable for beginners. Full-frame cameras are more expensive. When you’re starting out, you want to opt for a budget or mid-range camera that allows you to practise your photography skills. When you gain more confidence, you can upgrade.
This depends on your photography style as well. Full-frame sensors are better suited to portrait photography because the depth of field can blur the background more effectively. They also fare better with large landscape shots because you can capture more of the scene.
However, APS-C sensor cameras take better subject photos from a distance. If you love photographing wildlife or sports, the smaller sensor size allows you to fill the entire frame with your subject.
Therefore, overall APS-C cameras are a better option for beginners. However, if your true passion is portraiture, then you should opt for a full-frame camera from the start.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many wonderful options if you’re looking for the best travel camera under $500. Budget doesn’t have to mean a drop in quality, and many of the cameras shoot beautiful and detailed photos.
When it comes to choosing a travel camera, you need to balance the price, photo quality, versatility, and portability. You want a model that you can take with you anywhere and capture the best of your unforgettable trips.
Next time you set off on a trip, make sure to pack a travel camera. You won’t be sorry!
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