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The 7 Best DSLR Cameras Under $500
These days, everyone has a camera. Smartphones have revolutionized the way we take pictures but they still have their drawbacks. If you want high-quality photography then you’re going to need a DSLR camera.
The problem then comes if you’re on a budget. Some premium DSLR cameras will set you back thousands of dollars, which most people can’t afford. Thankfully, you don’t need to pay those prices.
We’ve scoured the market to come up with the seven best DSLR cameras under $500. These are all models which we think represent incredible value for money while still having quality far above what you’ll find in the average smartphone. Your job is to simply read on and choose your favorite DSLR camera. Let’s go!
Best Buy
1. Canon EOS 4000D DSLR
With this Canon camera, you can create unique stories with DSLR quality photos or even Full HD movies more effortlessly than ever. It has an intelligent auto mode that allows you to seize your moments via a telephoto lens or wide-angle lens in professional quality.
The precise autofocus helps you capture the clearest moments, and the optical viewfinder makes sure your pictures are perfectly framed. Due to the creative shooting and editing features that the included lenses and filter kit allow, your memories will be as unique as you want them to be.
Once you have captured your perfect moments, you can share them immediately through your smartphone. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, so it’s easy to connect to any phone. Whether you decide to capture your memories directly or remotely, you can always store them on a camera’s memory card.
When one memory card is full, you can easily remove it from the camera and keep it in the camera’s memory card wallet. Plus, you can even shoot your frames remotely via the Canon Camera Connect smartphone app. In addition, this Canon camera comes with a wrist strap, so you can always keep your equipment secure. Cleaning it will be simple as well with the complimentary cloth and lens cleaning pen.
2. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80
Whether you are a traveler who likes to capture breathtaking landscapes, or a professional photographer looking to provide unique memories, this Panasonic camera could be perfect for your needs. With its long zoom and wide-angle features, the camera enables an enjoyable experience while being user-friendly at the same time. Due to its simple and durable design, everyone can use it easily anytime they want to.
Regardless of how low the light conditions are, you will be able to capture the perfect moment, even at night time. What’s more, the clear display on the viewfinder will show your view in even the brightest sunlight so you can capture those sunny moments. With the latest 4K photo and video technology, this Panasonic camera allows you to take Ultra HD photography or 4K video at 30 frames per second in the highest resolution.
Not only that, but you can also replay, find and save a particular moment in a video you have taken by creating a picture of it. Both these still images and the ones you have captured as original photos can be manipulated even after you saved them on your memory card.
The focus stacking feature you can use on them is perfect for changing the focus point if you need to afterward. Plus, it provides creative freedom to create rare and unforgettable memories.
3. Nikon D3500
This Nikon DSLR camera could be perfect for any professional photographer; however, it’s so easy to use that even beginners can learn how to handle it. Even if you’re only used to taking your photos and videos with your smartphone, you will still be able to capture the perfect moment with this device. All you need to do is point and shoot, and you are guaranteed to end up with beautiful results.
If an unforgettable moment lasts longer, you can also opt for using the shutter function to take one amazing picture after another. The controls are easy to balance when you want to adjust your settings, so you won’t miss any moment while fussing with complicated menus.
The outstanding design can fit perfectly into anyone’s hands, and it’s sturdy enough to last on all your adventures. Even with the handy telephoto lens attached, the device is lightweight and easy to carry around. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide variety of smartphones, making it easier than ever to share those incredible moments you have captured.
As soon as you shoot your stills, you can immediately send them to your friends and family. The vivid colors of the photos and the 4K videos taken with this Nikon camera will capture anyone’s imagination, whether they were taken with a wide lens or any other one.
4. Pentax K-50
For those who are more seriously into photography, this Pentax camera could present the perfect solution. Even though this DSLR is in the mid-range price, it has top-notch features that provide advanced functionality and fast results.
Its highly delicate sensor allows you to shoot continuously with an average rate of six frames per second and it will focus automatically. The focusing screen can be adjusted to suit your needs, and finding the balance between image quality and resolution will never be a problem. Regardless of which setting you use, you will have a wide field of view under any light condition.
With its innovative body shake reduction feature, this Pentax camera is stable enough to create sharp images. Plus, this mechanism makes it a lot more durable as fewer parts are being used, meaning there is less chance of debris getting inside the device.
This means that you will have a cold, water, and dust-resistant camera for an extended period of time. Not to mention it comes in several bold colors, so you can express your style even more easily.
In addition, you can enable the automatic image transmission feature and send your photos to your loved ones as you are taking them. All this is possible with the handy Eye-Fi wireless SD cards you can use to save and share your pictures and videos across compatible devices.
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5. Sony A55
This Sony camera could definitely be a great tool to use if you prefer to capture your memories in HD movies or are required to take lots of pictures at high speeds. With its precise focus detection, it will provide you with the ultimate video shooting experience.
Using the translucent mirror technology, capturing clear images is equally simple during fast-moving movie shooting as is taking still photos. As the mirror always stays in place, your exposure is fixed at the first frame and stays that way until you move your camera to a different position. With its fast processing engine, this camera is able to both shoot and process your images at a spectacular resolution at high speed.
When it comes to taking those perfect pictures, this Sony camera also delivers on a professional level. Whether you wish to capture a portrait or a landscape in a panorama view, you can find the best shot on either the electronic viewfinder or the LCD monitor the device possesses.
On the LCD monitor, you will also find a wide variety of shooting options suitable for everyone’s needs. Once you are done shooting, you can compose your digital masterpieces, highlighting the best detail and shadowing in each of your shots. You can even combine images and create the perfect picture that will capture everyone’s attention.
6. Canon EOS Rebel T7
This Canon camera is designed for those who want to step up their photo-taking game and switch from smartphone pictures to high-quality photographs. New users are able to control the device through their phone and use the camera’s intelligent automatic mode to adjust the settings to suit any subject. Whether you continue on this mode or try the advanced functions, you will be able to send the photos and videos you have taken to any compatible device through the Canon app.
Through this, you will be able to archive your pictures and videos, browse your archive, and transfer your files or share them with other people. Not only that, but thanks to the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi, you can share your memories instantly through various channels, from email to social media directly from the device.
The 18 Megapixel image sensor and the highly sensitive processor will allow you to create photos and videos with incredible details and vibrant colors that everybody will want to see. What’s even better is that you will be able to do that regardless of the light conditions.
Whether you are out partying at night or hiking under a high sun, this Canon camera will allow you to capture the perfect shot on each occasion. The fast and responsive performance of the device will also help create images that you can print and reproduce without sacrificing their quality.
7. Sony SLT-A65V
With its high-resolution focus and ability to take up to 10 frames per second, this Sony DSLR camera definitely represents the best of both worlds. Due to its unique translucent mirror technology, you will be able to produce HD movies and professional-grade photos even at high speeds.
By combining high-speed focus and precision shots, you can take your images and videos to a whole new level. The sensitive viewfinder will help you find the best view and frame, so you can let loose your creativity by producing unique digital concepts. Whether you share these directly from the device or store them on a compatible SD card or memory stick, it will be up to you.
As the camera is able to register familiar faces and prioritize them when focusing, taking pictures with your family and friends will be much more straightforward in the future. You won’t have to hunt for a smile on your stills either, as the device will find them automatically.
You will also be able to capture scenic imagery while traveling with the sweep panorama mode. Due to its weather and dust-resistant design, this Sony camera can be your ideal tool to capture unforgettable memories on your vacations. Plus, the extended battery life will ensure that you can always take a shot when you need to.
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