These are my top 10 best cameras under £500 on today’s market. If you’re on a budget and trying to decide which camera to buy, I have listed some great budget friendly options below to get you up and running with your camera. The following cameras cover DSLR, mirrorless and compact, point and shoot cameras, which will be great for portraits, travel, lifestyle and landscape photography.

Whatever style of camera you’re looking for, there’s something here for you to consider as I list their features and specs below. The great thing about today’s cameras market is that the models from a few years ago are still excellent cameras. A few years doesn’t make them bad cameras. As technology moves at such a rapid rate, we can lose sight of some of the gems which still have a place in our camera world today.

Here are my top 10 cameras for under 500:

Canon 5D mark 3

The Canon 5D Mark III is a professional-grade DSLR camera released in 2012, designed for advanced photographers and videographers. It features a 22.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5+ image processor, and a 61-point autofocus system that delivers fast and accurate focusing.

It also has a high ISO range of up to 25,600, which allows for shooting in low light conditions without compromising image quality. The camera can shoot up to 6 frames per second and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second. Additionally, the 5D Mark III has a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, making it durable and able to withstand challenging shooting conditions.

Overall, the Canon 5D Mark III is a highly capable camera that delivers excellent image quality and performance for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Canon EOS 200D

The Canon EOS 200D, also known as the Rebel SL2 in some regions, is a compact and lightweight DSLR camera designed for entry-level photographers. Released in 2017, it features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 7 image processor, delivering high-quality images with accurate colors and sharp details.

The camera also has a 9-point autofocus system, which provides reliable focus tracking, making it easier to capture sharp images of moving subjects. Additionally, the EOS 200D has a vari-angle touchscreen LCD display, which can be tilted up or down for shooting at different angles or for vlogging.

It also has Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy image sharing and remote control via a smartphone or tablet. The camera is an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a compact and user-friendly DSLR camera that delivers great image quality.

Read my article about how to choose a camera here

Fujifilm X-T3

The Fujifilm X-T3 is a high-end mirrorless camera designed for professional photographers and enthusiasts who demand excellent image quality and performance. Released in 2018, it features a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and an X-Processor 4 image processor, delivering outstanding image quality with vibrant colors and impressive detail.

The camera also has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 425 phase detection points that cover almost the entire frame, making it easy to track moving subjects. The X-T3 can shoot up to 11 frames per second with a mechanical shutter or 30 frames per second with an electronic shutter, making it an excellent choice for sports or wildlife photography.

The camera also has a 3.69 million-dot electronic viewfinder, a three-way tilting LCD touchscreen, and 4K video recording capabilities. Additionally, the X-T3 has a rugged magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed to protect against dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures.

Overall, the Fujifilm X-T3 is an outstanding camera that delivers exceptional performance and versatility for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the best.

Sony A7

The Sony A7 is a full-frame mirrorless camera released in 2013, designed for enthusiasts and professionals who require a compact and lightweight camera that delivers excellent image quality. The camera features a 24.3-megapixel full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor, providing exceptional image quality with low noise and excellent dynamic range.

The A7 also has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 117 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points that cover almost the entire frame. The camera can shoot up to 5 frames per second and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second.

Additionally, the A7 has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, a tilting LCD screen, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. The camera body is made of magnesium alloy and is weather-sealed, making it durable and able to withstand challenging shooting conditions. Overall, the Sony A7 is an excellent mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and performance in a compact and lightweight package.

Leica TL

The Leica TL is a compact and stylish mirrorless camera designed for enthusiasts who demand a high-end camera that is easy to use and delivers excellent image quality. Released in 2016, it features a 16.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a Maestro II image processor, delivering stunning images with exceptional detail and color accuracy.

The camera also has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 49 points, making it easy to capture sharp images of moving subjects. The TL has a minimalist design with a unibody aluminum construction, giving it a sleek and modern look.

The camera has a large 3.7-inch touchscreen LCD display, which is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it ideal for beginners. The TL also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for easy image sharing and remote control via a smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the camera has a range of high-quality lenses that are compatible with the Leica TL mount, giving users the flexibility to choose the best lens for their shooting needs.

Overall, the Leica TL is an excellent mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and style, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who demand both performance and aesthetics.

Fujifilm X-T200

The Fujifilm X-T200 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera released in 2020, designed for beginners and enthusiasts who demand excellent image quality and performance in a user-friendly package. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and an advanced image processor that delivers exceptional image quality with vibrant colors and impressive detail.

The camera also has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 425 phase detection points that cover almost the entire frame, making it easy to track moving subjects. The X-T200 can shoot up to 8 frames per second and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second. Additionally, the camera has a large 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD display that can be tilted up or down for shooting at different angles or for vlogging.

The X-T200 also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy image sharing and remote control via a smartphone or tablet. The camera has a sleek and modern design and is available in three different colors. Overall, the Fujifilm X-T200 is an excellent mirrorless camera that delivers outstanding image quality and performance for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

See the Fujifilm X-T200 here

Download stunning presets for your camera editing here

Fujifilm x-pro 1

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 is a retro-styled mirrorless camera released in 2012, designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand a camera that delivers excellent image quality and performance. It features a 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor and an EXR Processor Pro, providing exceptional image quality with low noise and excellent dynamic range.

The camera also has a unique hybrid viewfinder, allowing users to switch between an optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder for greater flexibility in different shooting conditions. The X-Pro1 has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 49 points, making it easy to capture sharp images of moving subjects.

The camera can shoot up to 6 frames per second and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second. Additionally, the X-Pro1 has a rugged and durable magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed, making it suitable for use in challenging shooting conditions.

Overall, the Fujifilm X-Pro1 is an excellent mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and performance in a retro-styled package, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Sony RX100 Mk 5

The Sony RX100 V, also known as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V, is a compact and powerful point-and-shoot camera released in 2016, designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand a high-end camera that is easy to use and delivers excellent image quality. The camera features a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor, delivering stunning images with exceptional detail and color accuracy.

The RX100 V also has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 315 phase detection points that cover almost the entire frame, making it easy to track moving subjects. The camera can shoot up to 24 frames per second in burst mode and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000th of a second. Additionally, the RX100 V has a versatile Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, which is perfect for capturing a wide range of subjects from landscapes to portraits.

The camera has a large 3-inch tiltable LCD display, which is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it ideal for beginners. The RX100 V also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing for easy image sharing and remote control via a smartphone or tablet.

Overall, the Sony RX100 V is an excellent point-and-shoot camera that delivers exceptional image quality and performance in a compact and user-friendly package, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts and professionals who demand both portability and performance.

Fujifilm X-T1

The Fujifilm X-T1 is a high-end mirrorless camera released in 2014, designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand a camera that delivers excellent image quality and performance. It features a 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and an EXR Processor II, providing exceptional image quality with low noise and excellent dynamic range.

The camera also has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 49 points, making it easy to capture sharp images of moving subjects. The X-T1 has a rugged and durable magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed, making it suitable for use in challenging shooting conditions.

The camera also has a unique hybrid viewfinder, allowing users to switch between an optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder for greater flexibility in different shooting conditions. Additionally, the X-T1 can shoot up to 8 frames per second and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second.

The camera has a range of high-quality lenses that are compatible with the Fujifilm X mount, giving users the flexibility to choose the best lens for their shooting needs. Overall, the Fujifilm X-T1 is an excellent mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and performance in a rugged and durable package.

Panasonic Lumix FZ80

The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a bridge camera that was released in 2017, designed for those who want a powerful camera that is easy to use and offers great value for money. The camera features a 18.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch High Sensitivity MOS sensor and a Venus Engine image processor, delivering excellent image quality with vibrant colors and fine details.

The Lumix FZ80 has an impressive 60x optical zoom lens with a range of 20-1200mm, making it ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to wildlife. The camera also has a fast autofocus system with Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology that can quickly and accurately lock onto the subject, even in low light conditions.

The Lumix FZ80 can shoot up to 10 frames per second in burst mode and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second. Additionally, the camera has a range of advanced features, including 4K Ultra HD video recording, 4K Photo mode, and Post Focus, which allows users to select the focus point after the shot has been taken.

The Lumix FZ80 also has a 3-inch LCD display that is tiltable and touch-sensitive, making it easy to navigate through menus and change settings. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is an excellent bridge camera that offers a lot of features and capabilities at a very reasonable price, making it a great choice for those who want a powerful and versatile camera without breaking the bank.

Bonus camera – Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is a hybrid camera that combines digital imaging technology with the popular instant film format. It was released in 2019 and is designed for those who want a fun and creative camera that is easy to use and offers instant gratification.

The camera features a 1/5-inch CMOS sensor and a Fujinon lens that can capture 16.1-megapixel still images and 1080p Full HD video. The Instax Mini LiPlay has a built-in printer that can produce high-quality credit card-sized prints in just seconds, making it perfect for creating instant souvenirs or gifts. The camera also has a range of fun features, including sound recording, which allows users to attach a recorded message to the printed photo, and QR code printing, which can embed a short video or audio message into the printed photo.

The Instax Mini LiPlay also has a variety of creative filters and frames that can be added to the photos before printing, allowing users to personalize their images. The camera has a compact and lightweight design and can be easily carried in a bag or pocket, making it ideal for travel or everyday use.

The Instax Mini LiPlay also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect the camera to their smartphone and use it as a remote control or to print photos from their phone’s camera roll.

Overall, the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is a fun and creative hybrid camera that combines digital technology with instant film printing, making it an ideal choice for those who want to capture and share their memories in a unique and playful way.

These have been my top 10 cameras for under 500, and I hope you’ve found them useful. To watch my review of these cameras on YouTube, here’s the link below.