John Holguin
As a photography enthusiast on a budget, finding a high-quality mirrorless camera that doesn’t break the bank can be a daunting task. However, after extensive research and testing, I have compiled a list of the best mirrorless cameras that are priced under $500.
These cameras offer a great balance of features, performance, and affordability, making them ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and even professionals looking for a reliable backup camera. From compact and lightweight models to cameras with advanced autofocus systems and impressive image quality, there’s something for everyone in this price range.
Whether you’re into landscape photography, portraits, or street photography, these mirrorless cameras deliver excellent results without compromising on quality. So, if you’re in the market for a new camera that won’t break the bank, check out my top picks below!
Best Mirrorless Cameras Under 500
When it comes to finding a quality mirrorless camera without breaking the bank, there are several great options available for under 500. These cameras offer excellent image quality, advanced features, and portability, making them ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera, consider the Fujifilm X-T200. This camera features a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, 4K video recording, and a fully articulating touchscreen, making it a versatile option for both photography and videography. With its compact size and lightweight design, the X-T200 is perfect for capturing moments on the go.
- Sony Alpha a6000: The Sony Alpha a6000 is another top contender in the sub-500 mirrorless camera category. With a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, fast autofocus system, and compact body, the a6000 delivers impressive performance in a small package.
- Canon EOS M50: The Canon EOS M50 is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile mirrorless camera under 500. It features a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, Dual Pixel autofocus, and a vari-angle touchscreen, making it a great option for vloggers and content creators.
- Panasonic Lumix GX85: For those interested in a smaller form factor, the Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a compact mirrorless camera that packs a punch. With a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, 4K video recording, and 5-axis image stabilization, the GX85 is a great option for travel and everyday photography.
Fujifilm X-T200: An Impressive Mirrorless Camera Under $500
As an avid photographer, I have been thoroughly impressed with the Fujifilm X-T200 mirrorless camera. It offers exceptional image quality and performance, all at a budget-friendly price point. The X-T200 features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor that delivers stunning detail and sharpness in every shot.
One of the standout features of the X-T200 is its 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, which makes framing and composing shots a breeze. The camera also boasts 4K video recording capabilities, allowing me to capture high-quality videos with ease. Additionally, the X-T200’s fast and accurate autofocus system ensures that I never miss a moment.
- The Fujifilm X-T200 has a sleek and compact design, making it easy to carry around for all-day shooting sessions.
- With a wide range of compatible lenses available, I can easily customize my setup to suit different shooting scenarios.
- Overall, the Fujifilm X-T200 is a fantastic mirrorless camera that packs a punch in terms of features and performance, all while staying under the $500 mark.
Sony Alpha a6000: My Go-To Mirrorless Camera Under $500
When it comes to mirrorless cameras under $500, the Sony Alpha a6000 is my top choice. This compact and lightweight camera packs a punch with its 24.3MP APS-C sensor, fast autofocus system, and impressive low-light performance.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a6000 is its 11 fps continuous shooting capability, making it perfect for capturing fast-paced action shots. The camera also offers Full HD video recording, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a tilting LCD screen, making it a versatile option for both photography and videography.
- The Sony Alpha a6000 features a sleek and intuitive design, making it easy to handle and operate.
- With a wide range of compatible lenses available, you can easily customize the camera to suit your specific shooting needs.
- Overall, the Sony Alpha a6000 is a reliable and affordable mirrorless camera that delivers impressive image quality and performance, making it a great option for photographers looking to step up their game without breaking the bank.
My Experience with the Canon EOS M100
When it comes to mirrorless cameras under $500, the Canon EOS M100 is a standout choice. I recently had the opportunity to test out this camera and was impressed by its compact size and powerful features.
One of the things that immediately caught my attention was the 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which delivered crisp and vivid images. The camera also features Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate autofocus, making it perfect for capturing action shots and portraits with stunning detail.
- Compact and Lightweight: The Canon EOS M100 is incredibly easy to carry around, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
- Intuitive Touchscreen: The 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly, allowing for easy navigation and quick access to settings.
- Wireless Connectivity: With built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, I was able to easily transfer photos to my smartphone for instant sharing on social media.
- Full HD Video: The camera also excels in video recording, offering Full HD 1080p at 60fps for smooth and high-quality footage.
Exploring the Panasonic Lumix GX85
Delving into the world of mirrorless cameras under $500, one standout option is the Panasonic Lumix GX85. This compact and lightweight camera offers a range of features that make it a compelling choice for both beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Equipped with a 16-megapixel sensor, the Panasonic Lumix GX85 delivers sharp and detailed images with vibrant colours. The camera’s 5-axis image stabilization system ensures smooth and steady shots, even in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld.
- 4K Video Recording: The Lumix GX85 allows you to capture stunning 4K videos with clarity and detail. Whether you’re recording your travel adventures or creating content for your YouTube channel, this camera has you covered.
- Tilting Touchscreen: The 3-inch tilting touchscreen makes it easy to compose your shots from various angles. You can also touch to focus and capture photos with a simple tap on the screen.
- Electronic Viewfinder: For those who prefer composing shots through a viewfinder, the Lumix GX85 comes with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder that provides a clear and accurate preview of your images.
My Experience with the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
As an avid photographer looking for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera, I decided to give the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III a try. I was pleasantly surprised by its compact size and lightweight design, making it perfect for on-the-go shooting.
One of the standout features of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is its impressive image quality. The 16-megapixel sensor captures sharp, detailed photos with vibrant colours. The built-in image stabilization ensures that my shots are always clear and blur-free, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- The camera’s 121-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, allowing me to capture sharp images of moving subjects with ease.
- The flip-out touchscreen makes it convenient to compose shots from various angles, while the intuitive menu system is easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- With 4K video recording capabilities, I can also capture high-quality video footage with the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.
Nikon Z50
When it comes to mirrorless cameras under 500, the Nikon Z50 is a standout choice. I have personally found the Nikon Z50 to be a versatile and reliable camera that delivers excellent image quality.
One of the key highlights of the Nikon Z50 is its compact and lightweight design, making it perfect for shooting on the go. The camera features a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that produces sharp and detailed images with vibrant colours.
- The Nikon Z50 offers 11fps continuous shooting and 4K video recording capabilities, allowing me to capture fast-moving subjects with ease.
- With a 209-point hybrid autofocus system, I have found the camera to be quick and accurate in focusing on my subjects.
- The tilting touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder provide flexible shooting options, while the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it easy to share images wirelessly.
Sony Alpha a5100
The Sony Alpha a5100 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that offers impressive image quality and fast autofocus performance. It features a 24.3MP APS-C sensor and BIONZ X processor, allowing you to capture sharp and detailed photos with low noise even in low light conditions.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a5100 is its 179-point hybrid autofocus system, which ensures quick and accurate focusing, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The camera also offers a tilting touchscreen LCD that makes it easy to compose shots from high or low angles.
- The Sony Alpha a5100 is a great choice for beginner photographers looking to step up from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.
- Its compact size and user-friendly interface make it a versatile option for capturing everyday moments and creating stunning images.
- With built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, you can easily share your photos and videos with friends and family or transfer them to your smartphone for editing and sharing on social media.
Exploring the Panasonic Lumix G7
As an enthusiast of photography, I recently delved into the world of mirrorless cameras and stumbled upon the Panasonic Lumix G7. This camera offers a wealth of features and capabilities that make it a compelling choice for both beginners and experienced photographers alike.
One standout feature of the Panasonic Lumix G7 is its 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, which delivers impressive image quality and sharpness. Additionally, the camera boasts 4K video recording capabilities, allowing users to capture stunning footage with exceptional detail and clarity.
- The Panasonic Lumix G7 features a versatile 14-42mm kit lens, providing a wide range of focal lengths for various shooting scenarios.
- With its 3-inch tilting touchscreen display, the camera offers intuitive controls and easy navigation for adjusting settings and capturing the perfect shot.
- The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix G7 enables seamless sharing of photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet for quick and convenient sharing on social media platforms.
Canon EOS M200
As an aspiring photographer looking for a mirrorless camera under $500, I came across the Canon EOS M200. This compact and lightweight camera offers impressive features for its price point.
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS M200 is its 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which delivers high-quality images with sharp details and vibrant colors. The camera also has a DIGIC 8 image processor, allowing for fast and responsive performance.
- Compact and Lightweight: The Canon EOS M200 is perfect for photographers on the go, with its small size and lightweight design.
- 4K Video Recording: Capture stunning 4K videos with the Canon EOS M200, allowing you to create professional-looking footage.
- Eye Detection Autofocus: The camera’s Eye Detection AF ensures that your subjects are always in focus, making it easier to capture sharp portraits.
- WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Easily share your photos and videos with the Canon EOS M200’s built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fujifilm X-A7 is a versatile and beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that offers impressive image quality, ease of use, and a sleek design. With its 24.2MP sensor, 4K video recording capabilities, and advanced autofocus system, it is a great option for those looking to step up their photography game without breaking the bank.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, the X-A7 delivers solid performance and quality results for its price point. Whether you are a budding photographer or a seasoned enthusiast, this camera provides a good balance of features and affordability.
- The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around for everyday shooting.
- The flip-out touchscreen is perfect for vlogging and capturing creative angles.
- The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for quick and easy sharing of your images.
Best mirrorless cameras less than 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 | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), Full-Frame Hybrid Camera, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Photo and Video Capabilities, Black
Features
| Part Number | 5666C002 |
| Model | 5666C002 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2022-11-29T00:00:01Z |



| Price history for Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens, Black (ILCE6100L/B) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|

Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Silver
Features
| Part Number | 16782662 |
| Model | 16782662 |
| Warranty | 1 Yr Manufacturer |
| Color | Silver |
| Release Date | 2022-11-17T00:00:01Z |

| Price history for Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Silver | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|


| Price history for Sony a6600 Mirrorless Digital Camera Bundle with Pixel Advanced Accessories | Sony Alpha 6600 | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|

Canon EOS R7 RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Vlogging Camera, 32.5 MP Image Quality, 4K 60p Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Dual Pixel CMOS...
Features
| Part Number | 5137C009 |
| Model | 5137C009 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2022-06-23T00:00:01Z |

| Price history for Canon EOS R7 RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Vlogging Camera, 32.5 MP Image Quality, 4K 60p Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Subject Detection, Content Creators | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|




| Price history for Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm OSS Lens (White) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|


| Price history for Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|

Canon EOS RP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging,...
Features
| Part Number | 3380C132 |
| Model | 3380C132 |
| Warranty | 1 Year Manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2020-04-29T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 105mm |

| Price history for Canon EOS RP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging, Black (3380C132) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|

Q&A:
Which mirrorless cameras priced under 500 are considered the best?
Some of the best mirrorless cameras priced under 500 include the Sony Alpha a6000, Fujifilm X-T100, and Canon EOS M100.
What features make the Sony Alpha a6000 a top choice among mirrorless cameras under 500?
The Sony Alpha a6000 is popular for its fast autofocus system, excellent image quality, compact size, and overall performance, making it a great choice for both beginners and enthusiasts.
Why is the Fujifilm X-T100 recommended as one of the best mirrorless cameras under 500?
The Fujifilm X-T100 offers a stylish design, good image quality, a versatile tilting touchscreen, and a wide range of compatible lenses, making it a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera.
