Best Cheap Cameras Under $500 for 2025

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 tops US DSLR sales charts for good reason. This 24.1MP camera teaches photography fundamentals while delivering consistently sharp images with Canon's renowned color science.

The EF/EF-S lens ecosystem gives the T7 unmatched value. Quality used lenses are abundant and affordable, making kit expansion budget-friendly. Built-in Wi-Fi simplifies sharing, and the optical viewfinder offers lag-free composition that smartphone users will love.

Key Strengths: Enormous affordable lens selection, 500+ shot battery life, intuitive menus, reliable still autofocus, optical viewfinder.

Best For: Photography beginners learning fundamentals, family photographers, traditional DSLR enthusiasts.

Limitations: No 4K video, 9-point autofocus system, fixed non-touch LCD, slower live view AF.

Canon's EOS R100 brings mirrorless capability to budget photographers at around $479 with kit lens. The 24.2MP sensor, 4K video, and Dual Pixel autofocus deliver modern performance in a compact package.

The RF mount provides genuine future-proofing. Access Canon's growing modern lens lineup while an EF adapter unlocks affordable legacy glass. Image quality punches above its price, with Canon's signature color rendering producing excellent JPEGs.

Key Strengths: RF mount expandability, compact build, 4K video, Dual Pixel AF, excellent JPEG color.

Best For: Budget mirrorless seekers, travel photographers, Canon users future-proofing their system.

Limitations: No touchscreen, limited burst buffer, cropped 4K, minimal physical controls.

The Sony ZV-E10 dominates budget vlogging with purpose-built creator features. Its flip-out screen, real-time eye tracking, and uncropped 4K/24p video deliver professional-grade content capability.

Sony's mature E-mount offers 120+ lenses from budget primes to pro glass. Product Showcase mode shifts focus when displaying items, and one-button background defocus simplifies shallow depth-of-field shots.

Key Strengths: Flip-out touchscreen, real-time eye AF, uncropped 4K, directional 3-capsule mic, Product Showcase mode, vast E-mount ecosystem.

Best For: YouTubers, vloggers, self-filming creators, video-priority shooters.

Limitations: No IBIS, limited battery for long recordings, no weather sealing, no viewfinder.

The Panasonic Lumix G7 delivers surprising video capability at around $400. This Micro Four Thirds camera records 4K/30p at up to 100 Mbps with a fully articulating touchscreen and affordable lens options.

Filmmakers appreciate the clean HDMI output, solid codec options, and footage that remains competitive even years after release. The smaller sensor provides deeper depth of field, actually beneficial for documentary and run-and-gun work.

Key Strengths: 4K/30p recording, 100 Mbps bitrate, articulating touchscreen, affordable MFT lenses, compact travel-friendly body.

Best For: Indie filmmakers, budget videographers, 4K-seeking travelers, outdoor photographers.

Limitations: Aging design, no IBIS, smaller sensor low-light limitations, external mic recommended.

The Fujifilm X-T200 delivers retro style and modern capability at budget prices. Its 24.2MP APS-C sensor produces excellent images, while the large 3.5-inch articulating touchscreen simplifies composition and navigation.

Fujifilm's color science shines here. Film Simulation modes replicate classic stocks, producing gorgeous JPEGs without post-processing. The compact body handles well for street photography and travel.

Key Strengths: Renowned Fuji color science, large articulating touchscreen, retro compact design, 4K video, Film Simulation modes, excellent JPEGs.

Best For: Style-conscious photographers, street shooters, aesthetic-focused travelers, JPEG shooters wanting great color.

Limitations: Limited burst buffer, 270-shot battery life, no weather sealing, AF behind Sony competitors.

The Canon EOS R50 at ~$599 exceeds our budget slightly but delivers substantial upgrades worth considering. It adds a vari-angle touchscreen, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection, and faster 12fps burst shooting.

The R50 bridges entry-level and enthusiast territory. Its autofocus tracks eyes, faces, animals, and vehicles reliably. The flip screen enables vlogging, and 4K quality improves noticeably over the R100.

Key Strengths: Vari-angle touchscreen, advanced subject detection AF, 12fps burst, improved 4K, compact RF body, USB-C charging.

Best For: Beginners investing for growth, hybrid shooters, pet photographers, upgraders seeking longevity.

Limitations: Cropped 4K, no IBIS, above $500 threshold, 310-shot battery life.