John Holguin
As a passionate photographer on a budget, finding the perfect mirrorless digital camera that offers outstanding image quality and advanced features without breaking the bank can be a challenging task. After extensive research and testing, I have compiled a list of the best mirrorless digital cameras available for under $500 that deliver exceptional performance and value for money.
These cameras combine compact size, versatility, and high-quality image capture, making them ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts looking to step up their photography game. Whether you’re interested in street photography, landscape shots, or capturing memorable moments with friends and family, these mirrorless cameras offer a range of features to help you achieve stunning results.
From impressive autofocus capabilities to intuitive controls and connectivity options, each camera on this list has been carefully selected to provide a seamless shooting experience. With a focus on affordability and quality, these mirrorless digital cameras offer the perfect balance of performance and price, making them a great choice for anyone looking to invest in a reliable camera without breaking the bank.
Best Mirrorless Digital Camera Under $500
When looking for a mirrorless digital camera under $500, there are a few key factors to consider. One important aspect to keep in mind is the camera’s sensor size, as this can greatly impact image quality. Additionally, consider the camera’s autofocus system, as well as its video capabilities.
One highly recommended mirrorless digital camera in this price range is the Sony Alpha a6000. This camera features a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, fast hybrid autofocus system, and Full HD video recording. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel and everyday shooting.
- Sony Alpha a6000: 24.3MP APS-C sensor, fast autofocus, Full HD video recording
My Experience with the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera
As a photography enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to try out the Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera, and I must say, I was truly impressed by its performance and features.
The Sony Alpha a6000 is a compact and lightweight camera that packs a powerful punch. With its 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, fast autofocus system, and 11 frames per second continuous shooting speed, this camera delivers stunning image quality and captures fast-moving subjects with ease.
Key Features of the Sony Alpha a6000:
- 24.3MP APS-C sensor for high-resolution images
- Fast hybrid autofocus system for quick and accurate focusing
- 11 fps continuous shooting speed for capturing fast action
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing and remote control
- 3-inch tilting LCD screen for shooting at various angles
Canon EOS M100: A Compact and Versatile Mirrorless Camera
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Canon EOS M100 is a fantastic option to consider. This compact and lightweight camera packs a powerful punch with its 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, delivering stunning image quality and sharpness in every shot.
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS M100 is its intuitive touchscreen interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate settings and capture great photos effortlessly. With built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, you can easily share your images on the go or remotely control the camera from your smartphone or tablet.
- Key Features:
- 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- Intuitive touchscreen interface
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- Compact and lightweight design
Fujifilm X-T100: A Compact and Versatile Mirrorless Camera
As an avid photographer, I have always been on the lookout for a reliable mirrorless digital camera that delivers exceptional image quality without breaking the bank. That’s when I came across the Fujifilm X-T100, a compact and versatile camera that exceeded all my expectations.
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X-T100 is its 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, which captures stunningly detailed images with vibrant colours and excellent dynamic range. The camera’s advanced autofocus system ensures that every shot is crisp and sharp, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in low-light conditions.
- The Fujifilm X-T100 is equipped with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a tilting touchscreen LCD, allowing for easy framing and composition of shots from various angles.
- With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, transferring images to your smartphone or tablet is a breeze, making it convenient to share your photos on social media or with friends and family.
- Additionally, the Fujifilm X-T100 offers a wide range of creative filters and film simulation modes, allowing you to add a unique artistic touch to your images without the need for extensive post-processing.
My Experience with the Panasonic Lumix G7
Having recently purchased the Panasonic Lumix G7, I must say I am thoroughly impressed with its performance and features. The camera offers exceptional image quality and versatility, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced photographers.
One standout feature of the Panasonic Lumix G7 is its 4K video recording capability, allowing me to capture stunning footage with incredible detail. The camera’s fast autofocus and high-speed shooting make it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, ensuring I never miss a moment.
- The camera’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, perfect for on-the-go shooting.
- The articulating touchscreen LCD is a great feature for composing shots from different angles and navigating the menu easily.
- The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables me to quickly share my photos and videos with friends and family, making it a convenient option for social media enthusiasts.
Exploring the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
When it comes to finding a reliable mirrorless camera under $500, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II stands out as a top contender. This compact and lightweight camera is packed with features that make it a great choice for both beginners and enthusiasts alike.
One of the standout features of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is its impressive image stabilization technology. With 5-axis stabilization, this camera ensures that your photos and videos come out sharp and clear, even in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld. This feature alone sets it apart from other cameras in its price range.
- Compact Size: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for all-day shooting sessions.
- Articulating Screen: The tilting LCD screen makes it easy to capture high or low-angle shots without straining your neck.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Easily transfer your photos to your smartphone or tablet for quick sharing on social media.
Conclusion
The Nikon 1 J5 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that offers impressive features at an affordable price point. With its 20.8-megapixel sensor, 20 frames per second continuous shooting, and 4K video recording capabilities, the J5 is a versatile camera that can handle a variety of shooting situations.
While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end mirrorless cameras, the Nikon 1 J5 is a great option for beginners or enthusiasts looking to step up their photography game without breaking the bank. Its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and interchangeable lens system make it a solid choice for those looking to explore the world of mirrorless photography.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- 20.8-megapixel sensor
- 20 frames per second continuous shooting
- 4K video recording
- Interchangeable lens system
Cons:
- Limited lens options compared to other systems
- No built-in viewfinder
- Short battery life
Best mirrorless digital camera under 500
Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Small, Lightweight,...
Features
| Part Number | 6052C002 |
| Model | 6052C002 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2023-06-27T00:00:01Z |

| Price history for Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Small, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation | |
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Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm - E...
Features
| Part Number | ILCE6400M/B |
| Model | ILCE6400M/B |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2019-02-28T00:00:01Z |

| Price history for Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm - E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B | |
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Canon EOS M200 Compact Mirrorless Digital Vlogging Camera with EF-M 15-45mm lens, Vertical 4K Video Support, 3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD, Built-in Wi-Fi, and...
Features
| Part Number | 3700C009 |
| Model | 3700C009 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | White |
| Release Date | 2019-10-10T00:00:01Z |

| Price history for Canon EOS M200 Compact Mirrorless Digital Vlogging Camera with EF-M 15-45mm lens, Vertical 4K Video Support, 3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD, Built-in Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Technology, White | |
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Canon EOS R100 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens, 128GB Extreme Speed Memory, Video Light, Microphone, Grip, Filters, Lenses,...
Features
| Part Number | CN-R1001845128EX-VCK-050724-cr |
| Warranty | 90 days limited warranty |
| Color | Black |

| Price history for Canon EOS R100 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens, 128GB Extreme Speed Memory, Video Light, Microphone, Grip, Filters, Lenses, Case, Software, More (Premium Bundle) (Renewed) | |
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Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor, 4K Video, Hybrid Camera, Photo and Video, Vlogging,...
Features
| Part Number | 5812C012 |
| Model | 5812C012 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | White |
| Release Date | 2023-03-16T00:00:01Z |

| Price history for Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor, 4K Video, Hybrid Camera, Photo and Video, Vlogging, Content Creator, RF Mount, White | |
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Canon EOS R10 RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Vlogging Camera, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, High-Speed Shooting, Subject...
Features
| Part Number | 5331C016 |
| Model | 5331C016 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2022-07-28T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |


5K Digital Camera for Photography, 48MP Autofocus Vlogging Camera with Viewfinder & Dual Camera, 16X Digital Zoom Point and Shoot Cameras with 32GB SD Card 2...
Features
| Part Number | 203-HEI |
| Model | DC203 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Color | Black |

| Price history for 5K Digital Camera for Photography, 48MP Autofocus Vlogging Camera with Viewfinder & Dual Camera, 16X Digital Zoom Point and Shoot Cameras with 32GB SD Card 2 Batteries Compact Travel Camera | |
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Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera for Photo and Video, Built-in Microphone with Tracking, Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens System, 12-32mm...
Features
| Part Number | DC-G100KK |
| Model | DC-G100KK |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2020-07-28T00:00:01Z |

| Price history for Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera for Photo and Video, Built-in Microphone with Tracking, Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens System, 12-32mm Lens, 5-Axis Hybrid I.S., DC-G100KK (Black) | |
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LUMIX S9 Full Frame Camera with 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 L Mount Lens, Compact Mirrorless Camera for Content Creators with Real Time LUT, Open Gate and Easy Sharing...
Features
| Part Number | DC-S9KG |
| Model | DC-S9KG |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Green |
| Release Date | 2024-06-26T00:00:01Z |




Q&A:
What is the best mirrorless digital camera under 500?
One of the best mirrorless digital cameras under 500 is the Sony Alpha a6000. It offers excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a compact design, making it a popular choice among photographers.
Are there any other good mirrorless digital cameras under 500?
Yes, another great option is the Fujifilm X-T200. It features a 24.2MP sensor, 4K video recording, and a tilting touchscreen display, all for under 500 dollars. It’s a versatile camera suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts.
