Best Starter DSLR Camera under $500

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Last Updated on October 13, 2021

Top Pick: Nikon D3300

You should go for this one if you are looking for a starter DSLR camera under $500 and you don’t have the time to research. This camera is generally more reliable and has better image quality & performance along with advanced features than most other choices.

With so many popular camera options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 6 best DSLR cameras under $500! From Nikon and Canon to Sony and Pentax, there are a wide variety of different brand’s top-notch cameras with various price points.

These affordable budget cameras are perfect for beginners looking to get their feet wet in photography or videography. We hope that this blog post will help you find your next camera! 

6 Best Starter DSLR Camera Under $500

Nikon D3300

The Nikon D3300 is the perfect camera for any beginner. This DSLR has advanced features like a 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format image sensor, 5 frames per second continuous shooting, and 11 AF points with 3d tracking to keep your subject in focus no matter how fast they move or where they go on the frame. 

It also has ISO 100 12800 (expandable to 25600), 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps) hd video capabilities (mpeg 4/h.264/MOV). 

With its 3.0″ 920k-Dot LCD Monitor and lens compatibility at a glance, you’ll be able to capture every moment of life just as it happens without missing anything important! And don’t forget about that 3x Optical Zoom so you can get up close and personal shots from afar! 

Also with its lightweight and compact design, it’s easy to take this camera anywhere you go! And because it’s compatible with both FX and DX lenses there are no limits on what you can shoot or how close up you can get to your subject matter. 

Pros:

– Refined image quality than ever before.

– Easy to use for beginners and experts alike. 

– Great imaging capabilities in low light.

– The camera is lightweight and easy to use.

Canon EOS Rebel T5

Canon is the world’s leader in digital imaging, and they are proud to introduce their latest DSLR camera the EOS Rebel T5. It offers a powerful combination of brilliant features for both still photography and video capture. 

With an 18-megapixel CMOS Image sensor, DIGIC 4 advanced image processor, EF-S 18-55mm IS II standard zoom lens and 3 inch LCD screen with Live View shooting capability, this camera will help you take your creativity to new heights.

You’ll love the creative filters that let you apply effects like Grainy Black & White or Soft Focus right on the camera monitor before taking your shot – plus there are 19 other filter options available! And if you want to share your photos instantly with friends and family? No problem! Just connect your camera directly to a TV using an HDMI cable (sold separately) for big-screen viewing without any fuss.

Pros:

– The best camera for beginners.

– 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor.

– Captures high-quality detailed images in any light

– Built-in flash and basic feature guide help you make the perfect shot every time.

Pentax K-50

Cameras like the Pentax K-50 have been designed to appeal to both professional and novice photographers. With 16 megapixels, you can capture all of your memories in stunning detailed digital photography scenes. You’ll be able to make prints as large as poster size and still have incredible quality. 

It also has additional features of ISO range up to 51200, which means you can take photos even in low light without any noise or graininess ruining your shot. Plus, it comes with a shake reduction mechanism so you never miss another moment because of shaky hands.

This camera will help you create beautiful brighter images every time – no matter what type of photography you do! Whether it’s weddings, portraits, or landscapes – this camera will help bring out the best in every photo. And if that wasn’t enough already, it also includes WiFi capabilities so sharing your work is easier than ever before! Get yours today and start capturing life’s most precious moments like never before.

Pros:

– Easy to use with comfortable design. 

– Reliable, Durable & stable design. 

– High-performance 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS built-in image sensor.

– ISO Speeds up to 51200. 

Nikon D5200

The Nikon D5200 is a camera that has a distinct design to be easy for anyone to use. It’s perfect for the beginner photographer or someone who wants to take their photography skills up a notch. With an intuitive interface and powerful convenience features, it will help you capture your best shots yet.

You can now enjoy professional quality images without having to spend all day in front of your computer editing them. This camera lets you focus on what matters most – taking pictures! And with its 24MP sensor, you won’t have any problems capturing high-quality photos every time. 

The Nikon D5200 also comes with 39 autofocus points advanced technology which is spread out across the frame so they cover more area than other cameras do and make it easier for you to get a crisp image even when shooting fast-moving subjects like kids or pets running around the yard. 

Plus, this camera offers 5 frames per second continuous shooting so that no matter how quickly your subject moves, there will always be one-shot where they’re perfectly in focus! 

And if a video is more your thing then this camera would be a great choice too because it offers 1080p HD video at 30FPS (1080p at 60i). That means no matter how much action is going on in front of the lens, everything will stay nice and smooth thanks to full-time contrast-detect AF tracking.

Pros:

– Capture high resolution images that are sharp and clear.

– The camera is fast, powerful, and easy to use.

– It has a wide range of ISO settings and can shoot in low light conditions. 

– Affordable price.

Canon EOS 30D

The Canon EOS 30D is a digital SLR camera that comes with the crucial feature of an 8.2-megapixel CCD and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor for viewing images at extreme angles up to 170 degrees. This camera is perfect for photographers who want to take their work to the next level with its high resolution, wide-angle lens compatibility, and professional quality image processing capabilities. 

It’s also compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses as well as a wide range of accessories from the EOS system line so you can customize your photography experience however you like it best.

With this camera in your hands, you won’t miss out on any photo opportunities because of low light or bad weather conditions – just snap away without worrying about blurry shots or missed moments! And if you’re looking for even more creative control over your photos, try using one of their many filters which are available right on the spot through the LCD monitor! 

You’ll be able to edit them before they’re saved onto your memory card so there’s no need to worry about post-production editing later on down the road.

Pros:

– The camera is great for capturing high-quality images and prints.

– It’s compatible with a wide range of lenses and accessories.

– Shoot in any lighting condition and still get a good quality picture.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D is a DSLR camera with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology. This camera has 9 point AF system that can be used in AI Servo AF mode for continuous focus tracking of subjects as they move through the frame. 

It also has an optical viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage so you can see what your image will look like before you take it, making composition easier than ever before.

With this camera, you’ll never miss another moment to capture because it’s easy to use and delivers high-quality images every time. 

And if there are moments when you don’t have your camera handy, use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam.

Pros:

– Capture fast-moving subjects

– Take amazing, crisp shots in all lighting conditions.

– Capture high-quality videos with ease.

– Get professional results without the need for a DSLR camera.

Conclusion

Best Starter DSLR Camera Under $500

We hope that this blog post will help you find your next camera! If you’re not sure which DSLR is best for you, we recommend starting with the list of the best DSLR cameras under $500 in our article.

You never know what might be perfect for your needs and budget until you take a look at all of the options available to you.

Olivia Bouler

From a young age, camera's fascinated me. My dad gave me my first Canon when I was seven, and since then I've tried to improve my craft. As a young Ornithologist and photographer, I travel a lot and love to bring a camera with me. I love the feeling of capturing a moment that can never be repeated and providing someone with a memento of a time or place.