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A $500 camera budget is strongest when it includes sale, refurbished and used options. The Canon EOS R100 is the standout new interchangeable-lens choice; older DSLRs and mirrorless bodies make compelling used alternatives.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canon EOS R100 | $399–$499 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 | $150–$200 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Nikon Z50 | $400–$550 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Sony Alpha a6000 | $300–$500 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Sony ZV-1F | $350–$500 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Panasonic Lumix G7 | $250–$450 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Panasonic Lumix FZ80 | $350–$500 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Canon EOS Rebel T7 | $300–$500 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Nikon D3500 | $300–$500 | Amazon |
| 10 | Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II | $400–$550 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Canon EOS R100
Entry RF-mount mirrorless camera and the clearest new-body option near this budget.
- 24.1MP APS-C
- RF mount
- new mirrorless
- small
- basic controls
Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2
Simple waterproof compact for casual travel and poolside use.
- waterproof compact
- 16MP sensor
- rugged
- simple
- small sensor
Nikon Z50
Used mirrorless option with an APS-C sensor and Nikon Z mount.
- APS-C
- Z mount
- handling
- lens system
- usually used at this budget
Sony Alpha a6000
Used APS-C mirrorless classic with extensive E-mount lens choice.
- APS-C
- E mount
- autofocus
- lenses
- older design
Sony ZV-1F
Compact vlogging camera with a fixed wide lens.
- fixed wide lens
- video focused
- small
- video controls
- no zoom
Panasonic Lumix G7
Used Micro Four Thirds mirrorless body with 4K video.
- Micro Four Thirds
- 4K video
- controls
- lens choice
- older autofocus
Panasonic Lumix FZ80
Bridge camera with an exceptionally long built-in zoom.
- superzoom lens
- bridge camera
- reach
- all-in-one
- small sensor
Canon EOS Rebel T7
Used entry DSLR with an optical viewfinder and EF lens availability.
- DSLR
- 24.1MP APS-C
- viewfinder
- easy lenses
- older system
Nikon D3500
Used beginner DSLR with direct controls and a strong battery reputation.
- DSLR
- APS-C
- battery
- beginner friendly
- used market
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Used weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds body for photographers who value handling.
- Micro Four Thirds
- weather sealing
- controls
- stabilization
- used market
Buying tips
- Budget separately for a memory card and a spare battery.
- A used interchangeable-lens camera can offer more capability than a new compact.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.