If you are thinking of purchasing a proper camera that even a professional film maker would be proud of, you should consider getting a DSLR camera. If you’re on a tight budget, then your best bet is probably finding the best DSLR under 500 dollars. I would know, as a college student with an interest in photography/film when I go to Amazon and see all these incredible cameras with price tags up to $2,000 – I cringe a little. I can’t afford that!
Thankfully, however, there are tons of cheap DSLR cameras that have just as much quality as the expensive ones without the hefty price tag. The following are some of the best DSLR cameras under $500 that you should consider buying:
1. Canon EOS Rebel T5
Best DSLR Under 500 Price: $499.00
This camera is great for photographers, families, and beginner DSLR users. Capturing movies and photos with it is absolutely easy. Among the amazing features that it is comprised of include a powerful 18 megapixel image sensor, DIGIC image processor, dual layer metering system, and a lightweight construction. You will not have any problems carrying it around if you like taking photos and recording videos wherever you go because it is lightweight. It is designed to deliver intuitive and speedy operation that ensure that you get the best shot whether you are waiting for that perfect expression or capturing high speed action on the soccer field. It comes with a helpful feature guide that enables you to understand how to use it with ease.
2. Canon EOS Rebel T5 EF-S
Best Cheap DSLR Cameras
Price: $399.00
Even though this camera is considered to be ideal for beginners or budget film enthusiasts, it is packed with a wide range of amazing features that make it perfect for professionals too. Among the things that you will like about it include the weight, the large view screen, how easily it fits in the hand, the battery life, button placement, and the ease of use of the software that it comes with. Thanks to this easy to use software, you will have an easy time when you need to upload your pictures. It is not a complicated camera that you would need to take a lot of time to learn how to use. In fact, you will simply pull it out of the box and start using it right away! With full manual control over things such as the aperture and shutter speed, as well as so many easy to use features, this is a great, affordably priced DSLR camera.
3. Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS
DSLR Under 500
Price: $479.00
With this DSLR camera, you will be able to capture every moment in lifelike quality. It is a small and easy to use HD-SLR that captures full HD videos with softly colored backgrounds and vibrant colors. After capturing the videos or taking pictures, it allows you to share them instantly using your compatible smartphone as well as the wireless adapter. It comes with two lenses allowing you to replace them accordingly when you notice a problem. Setting it up is absolutely easy – all you need to do is charge the battery, format the card, and then connect the lens! It features well built quality that makes it very long-lasting with proper care and maintenance. It is also lightweight, so carrying it around will not be an issue. You can edit the photos you have taken right from the camera.
4. Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS
Best DSLR Cameras Under 500
Price: $369.00
Life is full of joyful and surprising moments that are worth recording and remembering! This camera enables you to create beautiful pictures and videos of your moments with ease. It is a really impressive camera for an entry level photographer or videographer complete with a user friendly interface that will not give you any trouble when learning how to use it. It comes with a lot of built-in picture editing features. It is small in size and lighter, something that makes it easy to hold and carry around. If you are still new to using cameras, it has an easy to use guide mode that will be perfect for you. Other modes that you might need to explore as you continue using it include flash mode, auto mode and panoramic mode. All modes work absolutely well, and there is also aperture priority mode that will give you outstanding portrait results.
5. Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS
Best DSLR Camera Under 500
Price: $446.95
This is a wonderful basic level DSLR that performs well at all levels. Even though it does not offer much when it comes to innovative features, it is equipped with highest pixel count as compared to other similar cameras, and has impeccable image quality. The images that it produces feature low noise and the highest resolution possible. Its interface is very easy to understand and use. It comes with guides that will show you different shooting scenarios, and there is a help screen for just about every menu option that it has. There is a dedicated recording button that allows for point and shoot when taking videos and manual controls for taking videos of a more advanced crowd.
6. Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera
Best DSLR Under 500
Price: $354.00
There is no doubt that this Nikon D3100 DSLR camera is one of the best entry levels DSRLs that you will find on the market. It offers very good image quality that is accompanied by speedy operation as well as straightforward handling. The interface of the camera is beginner friendly and has plenty of manual controls. If you are a first time user who is looking for a camera that will offer you a lot of capabilities, then you need to buy this one. Even when the light is not enough, you can still be able to take good quality images and videos using the built-in pop-up flash.
Conclusion
With the above-mentioned cameras, you can be absolutely sure that you are putting your money to good use. Nikon and Canon are among the best manufacturers of DSLRs, and they are likely to remain that way in the foreseeable future. Since these cameras are products of these manufacturers, you can rest assured that you are making the right decision when you buy them. These prices may go up so grab these while they’re still cheap! I hope you enjoyed this review of the best DSLR under 500 dollars.