The best mirrorless cameras under $500

More and more of you have been asking me for camera recommendations, and generally speaking, budget is the first thing most people look at. That makes sense: depending on the camera, the investment can quickly become significant. In fact, if you’re looking for the best mirrorless cameras, we’ve written a full article on the subject that should help you. Gradually, I’ve decided to create a series of guides to help you choose the right camera for your budget, without breaking the bank. So, in today’s article, I’m going to show you the best mirrorless cameras under $500. More articles will follow soon, and of course, I’ll do my best to keep them updated as new models are released.

To be honest, this series of articles comes after a lot of work on the photography section of the blog, including the creation of a large database of currently available lenses and cameras. You may have noticed, or maybe not, but we’ve made major updates to the pages listing lenses by mount and to the pages grouping cameras by brand.

You’re probably wondering: why $500? It’s often the maximum budget beginners want to spend when they’re just getting into photography. Below $500, I’d rather be upfront: finding a new camera becomes difficult, and you’ll usually have two options: turn to the second-hand market or buy a cheaper small compact camera.

In this article, I’m going to focus on mirrorless cameras under $500. I’ll mainly concentrate on recent models, although you can obviously still find older cameras at very attractive prices. As you’ve probably guessed, camera prices change constantly, and it’s sometimes possible to find great deals or promotions.

As I mentioned above, I’m going to share my opinion on the best cameras currently available for under $500, at the time of writing. I’ll try to update this article regularly as new models are released. I’ve ordered the cameras from newest to oldest. To go a little further, I’ve also included a few older models at the end of the article that still perform well and, most importantly, are cheaper. Between you and me, you don’t necessarily need the latest-generation camera to get started in photography, and that’s probably a good thing.

In this first section, you’ll find three recent mirrorless cameras around the $500 mark. When I say “recent”, I mean cameras released within the last 2 or 3 years.

You can click on the links below to jump directly to the camera you’re interested in.

• Canon R100
• Canon R50
• Sony ZV-E10

I admit it: with a $500 budget, you’re often right on the limit, and sometimes slightly above it, even for entry-level mirrorless cameras.

Released in June 2023, the Canon EOS R100 is Canon’s entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera in the RF system. It features a 24.1 MP sensor, which is a very good starting point for clean, detailed images. Its sensitivity range runs from ISO 100 to 12,800, enough to handle many everyday shooting situations both indoors and outdoors. On the downside, the camera has neither in-body stabilization nor weather sealing.

It uses a DIGIC 8 processor, while autofocus is based on Canon’s first-generation Dual Pixel AF system. The electronic viewfinder is decent, with 2.36 million dots. However, the screen is fixed and not touch-sensitive, which is not very practical in 2026. In terms of speed, the camera can shoot at up to 6.5 fps, while video is available in 4K at 30 fps, but with limitations.

With this feature set, the R100 is mainly aimed at beginners looking for an affordable, easy-to-use camera. Its compact size and low weight also make it easy to carry around. Although the autofocus remains fairly basic, it is still more advanced than what you usually find in older entry-level cameras.

Overall, this mirrorless camera is a very good companion for getting started in photography, offering sharper and higher-quality images than a smartphone. However, it does lack a few useful features, such as a movable touchscreen and USB-C charging. If you’re more interested in sports or wildlife photography, I’d recommend looking at a more complete, and more expensive, model in the EOS R lineup.

It’s often available as a kit, usually a little more expensive but still worth considering:

• Canon EOS R100 + RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
• Canon EOS R100 + RF-S 18–45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM + RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM

The two cameras below are slightly above $500, but I think they’re worth mentioning if you can stretch your budget a little.

Launched in March 2023, the Canon EOS R50 quickly became an excellent option for content creators and beginners looking to move from a smartphone to a real camera with much better image quality. It has a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and remains compact, easy to use, and comfortable for both photo and video.

If you’re familiar with Canon’s camera lineup, the R50 arrived shortly after the R10 and R7 as a more affordable alternative for beginners. It shares the same DIGIC X processor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system as the R10. However, it does not offer 4K 60p recording, and its buffer is more limited. Its electronic burst rate reaches 12 fps, compared with 23 fps on the R10.

In terms of equipment, the R50 has a fully articulating screen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a simple interface that makes it easy to learn. It uses the same battery as the R10 but offers slightly better battery life. Its build quality is also reassuring for an entry-level body.

In short, the Canon EOS R50 offers excellent value for money. Even though it is usually a little above the initial budget, around $600–650 depending on deals, I think it deserves a place here. It performs very well. If you’re new to photography or simply want to move from a smartphone to a camera, you should notice a real difference.

It is also available as a kit:

Packs available:

• Canon EOS R50 + RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
• Canon EOS R50 + RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM + RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM

Don’t hesitate to check out the lenses dedicated to the Canon RF-S mount to see which lenses you could choose for your Canon R50 or Canon R100.

Launched in July 2021, the Sony ZV-E10 is an ideal camera for content creation and vlogging. It has a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and a BIONZ X processor. It can record 4K UHD video at 30 fps and Full HD at 120 fps, which is very useful for slow motion.

However, keep in mind that this model is neither weather-sealed nor stabilized, which can make handheld footage or moving subjects more difficult to manage. The camera is light and compact, so it’s easy to carry. Its fully articulating touchscreen also makes filming yourself much easier. Autofocus is accurate and efficient, but the camera only has one SD card slot and uses a micro-USB port, which is admittedly not very modern.

Finally, although the price of this model, like the Canon R50, is often a little above your initial budget, I still think it is worth mentioning. Considering its features, it offers good value for money.

I should also point out that the Sony ZV-E10 Mark II was released in July 2024, but it is obviously more expensive for now.

For your information, this camera is available as a kit:

Packs available:

• Sony ZV-E10 + Objectif E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

The table below summarizes the specifications of the cameras mentioned above.

If you’re not specifically looking for a mirrorless camera and don’t mind having a fixed lens, I suggest taking a look at the cameras below. They are more compact- or bridge-oriented, but they can still be very interesting depending on your needs. As usual, I’ve selected cameras that I think are genuinely worth considering.

In fact, we’ve already written an article on the best compact cameras available. Here you’ll find some of the models mentioned there, along with a few others that might be a good fit for you.

Introduced in 2022, the Sony ZV-1F is designed primarily for vlogging. It features a 20.1 MP sensor and a BIONZ X processor. Its fixed lens is equivalent to 20mm, offering a wide field of view that is especially useful for filming yourself at arm’s length.

Its features include Background Defocus, Product Showcase mode, and Clear Image Zoom. The intuitive touchscreen is paired with a Photo/Video/S&Q button, making it easy to switch from one mode to another.

As mentioned above, this camera is designed for video. It offers electronic stabilization, works with Sony’s Catalyst software, and includes a good built-in microphone that delivers solid audio quality, even outdoors. For photography, however, it has a few limitations: it does not support RAW, its burst rate is modest, and the fixed lens limits your framing options. Its autofocus is also slower and less advanced than the ZV-1, for example.

The Sony ZV-1F is still ergonomic and easy to use. Its touchscreen interface and connectivity feel close to what you’d expect from a smartphone. However, the camera remains limited, especially in low light or for advanced real-time AF tracking.

In short, the Sony ZV-1F is a very good choice for vlogging and streaming. It can be a little above the $500 mark depending on deals, but it remains a good investment if your priority is creating simple, high-quality videos.

Available since September 2023, the OM System Tough TG-7 is a rugged camera designed to be used almost anywhere, even in tough conditions. With its 12 MP sensor and TruePic VIII processor, it can shoot RAW images and includes a 25-100mm equivalent f/2-4.9 zoom. I actually use it myself, and I’m really happy with it.

This model has several useful features: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS connectivity, and an LCD screen. The TG-7 is particularly well suited to macro photography thanks to its microscope mode, which can reach a magnification of up to 7:1. Its focus modes also help produce sharp and precise close-ups. On the video side, the camera offers 4K recording at 30 fps, with Full HD slow-motion options.

The Tough TG-7 is ideal for travel, diving, outdoor activities, and sports in general. Solid and compact, it is built to last. It is also compatible with LED diffusers and flashes, making it even more effective for macro photography.

To sum up, the TG-7 is a high-performing rugged camera that lives up to its promises in terms of durability. Trust me, I’ve already put it to the test. With a price around $549, it can suit both amateur and more demanding photographers looking for a reliable all-terrain camera.

If you’re interested in this type of camera, I’ve written a guide to waterproof cameras, with other equally interesting, and sometimes cheaper, options for adventurers and travelers.

Available since July 2024, the Panasonic Lumix FZ82D is a versatile and affordable bridge camera. Its 20-1200mm equivalent zoom and f/2.8-5.9 variable aperture allow you to capture distant subjects and moving scenes. It uses an 18.1 MP BSI CMOS sensor and a Venus Engine processor, both of which help with focusing speed and image processing.

The FZ82D has a 1.84 million-dot touchscreen and a 2.36 million-dot OLED viewfinder, making framing more comfortable. It can record 4K video at 30 fps and Full HD video at 60 fps. For long zoom use, it also includes features such as Zoom Compose Assist. Its size and weight remain reasonable for a bridge camera.

This camera is a good option for enthusiasts looking for a versatile and affordable model for travel, wildlife, or sports photography. With its 60x zoom, you can easily capture distant subjects. In terms of video, its features remain fairly basic, but they are enough for simple, everyday projects.

As you can see, the Lumix FZ82D is an affordable option for travel, wildlife, and sports photography. Some may feel the improvements over its predecessor are modest, but for me, the technical and ergonomic upgrades are a real boost for this bridge camera.

That’s it: we’ve rounded up the best mirrorless cameras currently available for under $500. I hope this selection helps you find the right model. If you have a little more to spend, we’ve also put together a comprehensive guide to mirrorless cameras under $1,000.

I’ve also included a few alternatives in a similar price range. I hope this extra selection helps you narrow down your choice.

See you soon for another article,

Written by Sylvain PONS

I've been passionate about photography since 2010, learning as I went along. Today, I dedicate myself to guiding others in their choice of camera gear and sharing a variety of tips to improve their photography skills.

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