Finding a best DSLR Camera that too under $500 or $300 is not a big issue, you just need to is little research. While the research should be clever and legit which demands no trust on different artificial sources. To save your time and putting an end to your research, I have compiled a list of best ever DSLR under budget in 2021 which you must give a chance.
The best cameras used to mean high prices, but nowadays it is possible to get a quality model without breaking the bank . Not only are cameras becoming more and more sophisticated, but many older models are seeing their prices drop as new versions are released.
In some cases, the changes between the new and old version of a model are much more modest than the price difference suggests, endowing the older model with undeniable value for money.
A budget of 500 € (or sometimes a little more) will allow you to offer yourself an advanced compact, a hybrid for confirmed or a good entry-level SLR. The final choice of the type of camera you want is up to you, depending on your needs and your projects, but all the following models have one thing in common: they are benchmarks in their category.
Here is our selection of the best devices under the 500 € bar (be careful, prices are subject to variation and can sometimes exceed 500 € at the time of reading this article)
1. Nikon D3300
Very inexpensive but exceptional value for money.
Type: Reflex
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Screen: 3 inches, 921,000 pixels
Viewfinder: Optical
Burst: 5 images per second
Max video resolution: Full HD
User: Beginner
Despite the fact that Nikon replaced the D3300 with the D3400 , we believe that the former still offers unbeatable value for money. Its technical sheet equals many more expensive competitors, with for example a 24.2MP sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen and video recording in Full HD.
It even exceeds expectations in other areas: its battery of 700 shots is particularly robust and its burst mode at 5 frames per second is efficient. Of course, you won’t have the latest modern tech like a tilting touchscreen or Wi-Fi, but these are far from essential.
To put it simply, it is difficult to perform better than this D3300 for a case below the 600 € mark.
2. Nikon D5300
A good economical alternative to the latest models from Nikon, with a known and recognized 24.2MP sensor.
Type: Reflex
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens: Nikon DX
Screen: 3.2 inches articulated, 1.037 million pixels
Burst: 5 images per second
Max video resolution: 1080p
User: Beginner / amateur
At first glance, the D5300 appears to be a fairly conventional entry-level SLR, but it offers multiple functions that are not usually offered at this level of the range.
This includes a generous 3.2-inch LCD screen, 39-point autofocus, and even a GPS chip, making it especially appealing to traveling photographers. Nikon has also made the choice to ditch the anti-aliasing filter of the 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which gives it a clear advantage in terms of detail over rival 24MP cameras.
The only real flaw in this device is the absence of a touch screen, a feature that is now standard for boxes of this type. However, if you can do without it, this is a great product.
3. Canon EOS 750D
Despite its age, the EOS 700D is still comprehensive enough for novice users.
Type: Reflex
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Megapixels: 18MP
Lens: Canon EF-S
Screen: 3 inches articulated, 1.040 million pixels
Burst: 5 images per second
Max video resolution: 1080p
User: Beginner / amateur
The EOS 750D isn’t the latest DSLR in the Canon EOS lineup, but it is an affordable entry ticket for a first-time user. Within this compact box, you will find an 18MP APS-C sensor that can work up to sensitivities equivalent to ISO 25600, as well as a 3-inch adjustable touch screen.
All of this makes it ideal for handling in tricky situations, such as low light conditions or when you want to shoot above a crowd. You can also shoot in Full HD with Movie Servo autofocus, which is useful for keeping your subjects in focus. Burst mode is also respectable, photographing up to 5 frames per second.
Save the best for last: the EOS 750D gives you access to three decades of Canon EF and EF-S lenses,
4. Canon EOS 1300D
This small connected device is a must for smartphone owners.
Type: Reflex
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Megapixels: 18MP
Lens: Canon EF-S
Screen: 3 inches fixed, 920,000 pixels
Burst: 3 frames per second
Max video resolution: 1080p
User: Beginner
The Canon EOS Rebel T6, also known as the EOS 1300D, is an affordable and lightweight DSLR ideal for beginners in photography. Instead of stocking up on gadgets you’ll probably never use, Canon has managed to keep the price low by focusing on the essentials.
There is an 18MP APS-C sensor associated with the DIGIC 4+ processor, as well as a reliable 9-point autofocus and video recording in Full HD quality.
Wifi and NFC are present and despite the lack of touch screen or orientable, the resolution of 920,000 pixels of it is quite respectable for the price. In the end, this is a very good option for those who are simply looking for a reliable camera that produces quality shots.
5. Sony A68
Certainly not for everyone, this A68 will appeal to action lovers.
Type: SLT
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Screen: 2.7 inches, 461,000 pixels
Viewfinder: Electronic
Burst: 8 images per second
Max video resolution: Full HD
User: Beginner
A cleaving case, but which deserves its place in this top. With its unconventional SLT architecture, this camera is capable of offering 79-point phase detection autofocus, much more than SLRs of its level of range.
Add to that a burst mode at 8 frames per second with tracking focus and Sony 4D Focus technology and you get a camera that is much more powerful for capturing action scenes than most of its competitors.
Plus, with its tilting screen and OLED viewfinder, this device is more comfortable shooting in low light conditions or at an unusual angle than the average SLR, although the screen isn’t the best. in its class and that the future of the SLT system is not very clear now that Sony is focusing on derivatives of the A6000 (see below).
6. Sony A6000
Excellent for action scenes and sports, its large range of parameters makes it very complete.
Type: Hybrid
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.3MP
Viewfinder: Electronic
Screen: 3-inch tiltable, 921,600 pixels
Burst: 11 frames per second
Max video resolution: 1080p
User: Beginner / amateur
Sony’s excellent A6300 and A6500 are overpriced, but the A6000 is a very effective alternative. Indeed, according to the Japanese company, it is their best-selling hybrid of all time.
Although it lacks the 4K video option of its big brothers, it comes with many features that one would not expect even on a SLR at this price range. This includes a monstrous 179-point phase-detection autofocus that makes it easy to track subjects, as well as an 11fps burst mode.
On its own, this combination should immediately catch the eye of action and sports photography enthusiasts, but it also comes with a tilting LCD screen, 2.36MP OLED viewfinder, Wi-Fi and NFC, for our greatest pleasure.
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 II
A concentrate of technologies inherited from its cousin the E-M5 II, at a much more affordable price.
Type: Hybrid
Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
Megapixels: 16.1MP
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Screen: 3 inch tiltable touchscreen, 1.37MP
Viewfinder: Electronic
Burst: 8.5 frames per second
Max video resolution: 1080p
User: Beginner / amateur
The digital revival of the legendary OM series from Olympus was a huge success with connoisseur photographers. With this OM-D E-M10 II, the firm does not forget the small budgets and offers them a serious entry point to this range.
What is most surprising is the number of points in common with the more advanced OM-D E-M5 II. Both include 16 MP sensors, TruePic VII processors, 2.36 MP electronic viewfinders and 5-axis image stabilization systems, for example.
Of course, they’re not strictly the same, but when you dwell on the price difference, the OM-D E-M10 II just happens to be a lot better value!
8. Panasonic Lumix LX100
The only compact with a Micro Four Thirds sensor!
Type: Compact
Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
Megapixels: 12.8MP
Lens: 24-75mm, f / 1.7-2.8
Screen: 3 inches 921,000 pixels
Viewfinder: Electronic
Burst: 11 frames per second
Max video resolution: 4K
User: Intermediate / Expert
While most amateur compacts are content with 1-inch sensors, the Panasonic LX100 packs a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor in a body barely larger than average amateur compacts.
It is in fact the only compact equipped with this type of sensor and this is in no way foreign to its excellent image quality. You might find the focal length of the 24-75mm lens a bit tight, but with a maximum aperture of f / 1.7-2.8, the image is crisp and clear.
Add to that 4K video, a built-in viewfinder, Wi-Fi and NFC and you’ve got a device that always stands up to the latest news.
9. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II
The second generation of the RX100 hides a treasure trove of technologies within a reduced case.
Type: Compact
Sensor: 1 inch, 20.1 MP
Lens: 28-100mm, f / 1.8-4.9
Screen: 3 inch tiltable, 1.228MP
Viewfinder: No
Burst: 10 frames per second
Max video resolution: Full HD
User: Intermediate
The original Cyber-shot RX100 had a remarkable output, with its large 1-inch sensor, its many features in a small body, raising the standards of the segment for a compact that still fits in a pocket.
This second model, released in 2013, has remained faithful to the formula but Sony has introduced a backlit sensor for better light capture as well as a tilting screen, among others.
If you can afford to slightly exceed the 500 € mark or if you have the patience to wait for a special offer, you may also be interested in its successor, the RX100 Mark III, which has an integrated viewfinder and a brighter lens among its new attributes.
10. Panasonic Lumix TZ100
The TZ100 makes up for its small size with a large sensor and versatile lens.
Type: Compact
Sensor: 1 inch, CMOS
Megapixels: 20.1MP
Lens: 25-250mm, f / 2.8-5.9
Screen: 3 inches, 1.04 MP
Viewfinder: Electronic
Burst: 10 frames per second
Max video resolution : 4K
User: Beginner / hobbyist
Compact pocket cameras with a 1-inch sensor are popular for the quality of their images, but rarely offer lenses larger than 100mm. The only exception is this Panasonic Lumix TZ100, which pairs its 1-inch 20MP sensor with a surprisingly long 25-250mm f / 2.8-5.9 lens.
It’s of course a little more plump than a standard compact and not very bright at telephoto, but if size and telephoto range are your priorities, you won’t find a better deal.
And that’s just the start: with its small electronic viewfinder, 4K video recording, raw capture, and a 5-axis optical stabilization system to help you get crisp images and steady videos, it has many other qualities alongside its flagship features.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Which is Best among Nikon or Canon?
Well, both companies have made exciting and modern technology based DSLR Cameras so far. Both companies have their own Pros and Cons, but Canon is a step ahead in making best DSLR cameras under $500.
Which Mirrorless Under $500 Is Best?
Panasonic G7 and Panasonic GX80/85 are two top notch and best Mirrorless Cameras that come under $500.
Which is best DSLR Under $500 for professional use?
There are too many high end cameras released by Canon and Nikon, but Canon 7D and Nikon D750 are two mainstream cameras that can be used professionally.
Conclusion
I have mentioned latest models of DSLRs of best companies that too under budget of $500. Now it’s totally up to you which model, company or gadget suits you the most. Nikon and Canon, no doubt both these brands are manufacturing modest DSLR Cameras with time, but there are many other brands that are faster in race and producing quality cameras.
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