Best Cameras For Around £500

When you set a budget to get a new camera you might be unsure what kind you want, or what's actually available for your money. Here, we set out the different types of camera and some high-scoring examples that are available for around £500 (slightly more money if you're buying from the USA). If you need some help in choosing the right type of camera for you, have a look at our Camera Buying Guide.

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Why Is My Favourite Camera Not On The List?

Feel free to make a suggestion in the comments section below if you don't see a camera, you think, is perfect for beginners. 

What kind of camera are you looking for?

• I want a DSLR for around £500
• I want a bridge camera for around £500
• I want a mirrorless camera for around £500
• I want an advanced compact camera for around £500

Digital SLRs

Canon EOS 750D 

The Canon EOS 750D (and 760D) update the Canon EOS 700D from two years earlier, with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, along with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. 

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Nikon D5300 

The Nikon D5300 has a 24.2-megapixel sensor and sports a flip-out screen for extra versatility. It's compact for a DSLR and has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. It's also in black, red or silver. You can get it with an 18-55mm lens and still come in under budget. 

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Sony Alpha a68 

The Sony Alpha 68 has a 24-megapixel sensor and features 4D focus tracking. It has the same focusing system as the a77 II with 79 AF points. It has good colour reproduction and a good battery life to boot. 

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Bridge Camera

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 

The Lumix FZ1000 was the world's first compact to feature 4K video recording and also has a 16x zoom lens. With a 20.1 megapixel sensor and Leica optics, it's a high-spec camera for the money. 

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Nikon Coolpix P900 

The Coolpix P900 has an impressive 83x optical zoom and a 16-megapixel sensor. It can also record full HD 1080p video and is capable of focusing on something less than a centimetre away from the lens. If you don't want the hassle of changing lenses and want a lot of zoom, this camera is an ideal choice. 

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Mirrorless (Compact System Cameras)

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II 

The OM-D E-M10 Mark II is a stylish MFT camera that scored highly in our review. It has a 16-megapixel sensor and features impressive 5-axis image stabilisation. It has a premium build and is great value for the price. 

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Panasonic Lumix GX80 

This 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor camera has 5-axis in camera sensor-based image stabilisation, 4K video recording and a post-focus function. it has a newly developed, quieter shutter unit.

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Fujifilm X-T10 

The X-T10 is another stylish mirrorless offering that has a 16 megapixel APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor and FullHD video along with 8fps continuous shooting. It also has built-in Wi-Fi allowing remote control and transfer.

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Sony A6000 

The Sony a6000 claimed to have the world's fastest AF when it was released in 2014. This mirrorless camera has a 24.3-megapixel sensor and is capable of 11 fps continuous shooting. 

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Compact Camera

Panasonic Lumix LX100 

The Lumix LX100 has a Micro Four Thirds sensor in an advanced compact body and has a bright f/1.7-2.8 Leica lens. It features Built-in Wi-Fi and an electronic viewfinder.

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Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 III 

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III is designed for those that want better landscapes and portraits, and is only 9g heavier than the RX100 Mark II. The Mark III features a 24-70mm equivalent wide-angle lens and a built-in pop-up viewfinder. As well as better auto-focus modes, the camera features a tilting screen that tilts to face you. 

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Panasonic Lumix TZ100 

This advanced camera is designed to give the highest image quality possible while still fitting in your pocket and is a little powerhouse. It has a 10x optical zoom and bright f/2.8 aperture. 

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Canon Powershot G1X II 

The Powershot G1 X Mark II is an advanced compact offering a 1.5 inch CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom lens and control rings around the lens for easy adjustment of settings. 

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More Top Lists 

To find the right memory card for your camera, have a look at our memory card guide and take a look at our 'Best Gear' section where you'll find more tops lists like this one. 

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