10 Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $500

Prepare to take on the globe with the best mirrorless camera under $500! This is the article for anyone wishing to improve their photography game with a high-quality mirrorless camera. Don’t waste your money on the most expensive piece of photography equipment. It’s simply not necessary! With less than $500, you can completely change the way you capture images.

We’ve compiled a list of the top mirrorless cameras under $500. These cameras have all of the characteristics that a modern camera should have. Don’t assume for a minute that you have to settle for a substandard, second-hand brand. The greatest brands, such as Sony and Canon, provide high-quality cameras for less than $500. Furthermore, as camera technology improves and costs become more accessible, camera quality improves more than before.

Why should you choose a mirrorless camera over a DSLR or a digital camera? Simply because a mirrorless camera is ideal for anyone on a tight budget. These cameras are usually less expensive than a large DSLR and have more features than a small digital camera. When it comes to cameras, they’re the sweet spot.

Mirrorless cameras are also ideal for inexperienced photographers. They’re enjoyable to use, don’t require any prior knowledge, and can be far more comfortable than a DSLR. If you want to gain confidence in capturing images in a range of scenarios, we recommend starting with a cheap mirrorless camera. And, yes, $500 is more than sufficient to get started on the path to being a professional photographer.

10 Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $500

1. Panasonic G7

The Panasonic G7 adds another enticing option to the company’s core G series lineup. It’s dubbed the “baby GH4” by many because it offers a similar feature set at a much lower price. However, it’s a camera that’s almost identical to Panasonic’s Gx85, with the main difference being their form factors. It was first announced in the summer of 2015, and it includes a 16-megapixel Live MOS Micro-Four-Thirds sensor, the Venus Engine 9 processor, 4K video at 30 frames per second, 1080p video at 60 frames per second, a 3-inch articulating touchscreen, and wireless networking.

It employs a 49-point contrast-detect AF system in conjunction with Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus technology to achieve exceptional single-point focusing performance. It also has a long battery life, with 330 shots per charge and 140 minutes of video. Aside from that, it has twin control dials, a built-in flash, microphone input, 10 frames per second burst shooting, HDR, High Res Shot, 4K burst, and timelapse.

We expect great focusing and photographic performance from late-generation Panasonic cameras, and the G7 certainly delivers with its rich feature set and DSLR-styled design.

2. Panasonic GX85/GX80

The Panasonic GX85 is a more compact version of the Panasonic GX8, having a comparable design and feature set. Panasonic brings another choice to their range for consumers looking for a powerful, yet travel-friendly companion with this release. It was first announced in the spring of 2016 and includes a 16.0-megapixel Live MOS Micro-Four-Thirds sensor, the Venus Engine 9 processor, 4K video at 30 frames per second, 1080p video at 60 frames per second, a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, USB charging, and wireless networking.

It employs a 49-point contrast-detect focusing mechanism identical to the G7, which also enables exceptionally quick single-point focusing performance. Unfortunately, the battery life is slightly lower than that of the competition, with only 290 photos per charge. Aside from that, it has image stabilization, burst shooting at 10 frames per second, a built-in flash, dual control dials, 4K photo, 4K Live crop, Post Focus, HDR, stop-motion animation, and timelapse.

In many aspects, the GX85 is comparable to the G7. Unlike the G7, however, Panasonic has eliminated the Optical Low Pass Filter, making it the first Panasonic camera to have this function. By removing this filter, the camera is able to deliver a higher image quality and resolving power. It also has a new shutter, which reduces vibrations and makes it the ideal instrument for handheld shooting. Overall, the GX85 is a simple camera with a functional design that produces an outstanding photography tool in a rangefinder-style chassis.

3. Canon EOS M6

The Canon EOS M6 joins the M5 as the EOS M lineup’s more economical option. It has many of the same characteristics as the M5, with the key difference being that it lacks an electronic viewfinder and is slightly smaller. It was first announced in the spring of 2017 and includes a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the Digic 7 CPU, 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, a 3-inch 180° rotating touchscreen, and wireless networking.

It employs a 49-point autofocusing system in conjunction with Canon’s acclaimed Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to achieve class-leading subject and face tracking performance. The battery life, with 295 shots per charge, is significantly below average. Aside from that, it has electronic video stabilization, 9 fps burst shooting, a built-in flash, dual control dials, a microphone input, HDR, and timelapse.

Overall, the EOS M6, despite its small size, offers Canon’s finest mix of portability and performance in this price range yet. It takes the best elements of the M5 and places them in an upgraded M3 body, all without sacrificing quality or performance. And it’s a great alternative to Canon’s bigger DSLRs, offering identical advanced capabilities in a lighter, more compact form.

4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 II

The Olympus E-M10 Mark II is a retro-styled, yet practical camera evocative of OLD OM-D film cameras. It’s also the successor to the company’s first entry-level E-M10. Olympus has packed the greatest elements of its more costly competitors, particularly the E-M5 Mark II, into a more cheap body. It was first announced in the spring of 2014, and it includes a 16-megapixel Live MOS Micro-Four-Thirds sensor, a TruePic VIII engine, 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, and wireless networking.

It employs an 81-point hybrid autofocusing technology that combines contrast detection and phase detection. The battery life is good, with 320 shots per charge and a sleep mode that extends the battery life to a remarkable 750 shots per charge. Aside from that, it has image stabilization, burst shooting at 8.5 frames per second, a built-in flash, an electronic viewfinder, dual control dials, 4K time-lapse, Photo Story, focus bracketing, HDR, and Live Composite.

Overall, the E-M10 Mark II receives a competitive feature set from its more costly brothers at a difficult to discount price point. And it offers a unique combination of features that other cameras simply cannot equal, most notably its enormous feature set and appealing appearance. Not to mention that it provides unrivaled customization and is the best in its class. It combines a classic design with current innovation, making it ideal for people searching for an elegant, yet capable, photography-focused camera.

5. Fujifilm X-T100

The Fujifilm X-T100 is a new series from Fujifilm, and it is the company’s most affordable X-Series camera featuring an electronic viewfinder. Many of its fundamental features are shared with the X-A5, bridging the gap between it and the higher-end X-T20. It was first announced in the summer of 2018 and includes a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the X-Processor 4 image processor, 4K video at up to 15 frames per second, 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, a 3.0 three-way touchscreen, and WiFi networking.

It, like the X-A5, has a 91-point Hybrid autofocus system for improved subject tracking and facial tracking. The camera’s battery life is also good, with Fujifilm rating it to give 430 photos per charge or 90 minutes of video. Aside from that, it has 6 fps burst shooting, twin control dials, an electronic viewfinder, 11 film simulations, Multi Focus, 4K burst, USB charging, time-lapse, RAW conversion, and a microphone input.

Overall, the X-T100 offers a similar shooting experience to the higher-end X-T20 while being significantly superior in terms of build quality to the X-A5. While both cameras have identical internals, its unique three-way LCD display and viewfinder allow it to slot somewhat higher in Fujifilm’s lineup. And it’s an eye-catching classically SLR-styled camera with a robust feel that will turn heads. And it’s ideal for enthusiasts who like a more premium build quality and a greater degree of control over other more basic entry-level cameras.

6. Olympus E-PL8

The Olympus E-PL8 is the latest entry-level camera in the company’s popular PEN line. Olympus has revamped the camera with sleeker aesthetics while keeping the familiar control set from previous models. Its sleek and modern form also makes it an appealing option for inexperienced photographers. It was first announced in the fall of 2016, and it includes a 16.1-megapixel Live MOS Micro-Four-Thirds sensor, the TruePic VII processor, 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second, a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, and wireless networking.

It employs the same 35-point contrast-detect AF mechanism as the E-M5. It has a good battery life of 330 shots per charge and 90 minutes of video recording time. Aside from that, it has picture stabilization, burst shooting at 10 frames per second, a built-in flash, dual control knobs, HDR, timelapse, live composite, and multi-exposure.

Overall, the E-PL8 is a sleek camera with features that are suited for people looking for high image quality with rangefinder controls in a low-cost, compact design.

7. Canon EOS M100

Canon’s entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS M100, succeeds the two-year-old M10. In contrast to the EOS M6, this is the camera aimed primarily at the entry-level market and starting photographers wishing to upgrade from their smartphones. It was first released in the fall of 2017 and includes a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Digic 7 CPU, 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, a 3.0-inch 180° flip touchscreen, and wireless networking.

It employs the same 49-point autofocusing system as the M6. It also has Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth and assured subject tracking. In addition, the battery life, like that of the M6, is slightly below average, with only 295 shots per charge. Canon, on the other hand, has included an Eco mode, which extends the battery life to 410 shots and 80 minutes of video recording. Aside from that, it has electronic stabilization for video recording, a built-in flash, time-lapse movies, and burst shooting at 6.1 frames per second.

Overall, the M100 is a fantastic low-cost camera that has the profile of a point-and-shoot but with the added bonus of interchangeable lenses. While it is a simpler camera than the M6, it nevertheless contains many of the same powerful technologies. As a result, the platform is powerful and diverse, making it ideal for beginners. Furthermore, its straightforward and easy-to-learn UI makes it a preferable option to the more expensive M50.

8. Olympus E-P5

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a popular addition to Olympus’ entry-level PEN camera family, succeeding the E-P3. It has many of the same fundamental features as the higher-end E-M5, Olympus’ flagship camera at the time, but at a lower price point. It was first announced in the summer of 2013, and it includes a 16.1-megapixel Live MOS Micro-Four-Thirds sensor, the TruePic VI engine, 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second, a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, and wireless networking.

It has the same 35-point contrast-detect autofocus mechanism as the E-M5, but with improved performance and touch AF capabilities. It also has a decent battery life of 330 shots per charge. Aside from that, it has picture stabilization, a continuous burst mode of 9 frames per second, a built-in flash, dual control knobs, timelapse, multi-exposure, HDR, Live Guide, 12 Art filters, and Photo Story.

Overall, the E-P5 receives the same image quality, autofocus, and stabilization technology as the more expensive E-M5. However, it adds new functionality to the previous set, as well as a more streamlined and compact design, making it a standout in the company’s lineup. And it’s a stylish, high-performance camera that pays homage to the original PEN F. It’s an enticing blend of old and new, combining classic design with 21st-century capabilities. But one that hasn’t scrimped on quality while reducing. Its advantages make it a superb and adaptable alternative that is suitable for both rookie and advanced shooters.

9. Fujifilm XA5

The Fujifilm X-A5 is part of Fujifilm’s entry-level lineup, aimed at beginners, socialites, and vloggers searching for an image quality increase over their smartphones. It was first announced in the fall of 2018 and includes a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the X-Processor Pro Image Processor, 4K video at up to 15 frames per second, 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, a 3-inch 180° flip touchscreen, and wireless connection.

It employs a 91-point Hybrid AF system that now includes phase-detection for improved subject tracking performance over the predecessor. The camera’s battery life is exceptional, with Fujifilm rating it to give 450 photos per charge and 100 minutes of video recording. Aside from that, it has a continuous shooting speed of 6 frames per second, dual control dials, a built-in flash, a microphone input, timelapse, USB charging, Selfie Mode, Portrait Enhancer, and Multi Focus. It even gets Fujifilm’s famous Film Simulation settings to replicate classic film stock for photographs that stand out from the crowd.

Overall, the Fujifilm X-A5 is one of the company’s smallest and lightest products to date. Despite its small size, it retains Fujifilm’s timeless classic style, nostalgic charm, and robust feature set. Its simple UI and user-friendly settings make it ideal for novices, Instagram, and lifestyle shooters looking for a quality upgrade over their smartphone.

10. Sony a5100

The Sony a5100 is the latest a5000 series camera from Sony, which incorporates many of the fundamental technology from their higher-end a6000 series into a more affordable chassis. However, it outperforms its bigger brother, the a6000, in many respects. It has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a Bionz X image processor, 1080p video up to 60 frames per second, a 3-inch 180° flipping touchscreen, USB charging, and WiFi networking.

For high continuous autofocusing performance, it employs a 179-point phase-detection system. It has an outstanding battery life for this class, with 400 photos per charge and 75 minutes of video recording. In contrast to its competitors, it has a physical zoom lever enabling smooth and cinematic zooms when filming. It also features a feature that is unique in this class called Dual Recording. This feature captures both a high-quality and low-quality video at the same time, allowing for immediate web sharing while keeping the higher-quality footage for post-production use.

Overall, the Sony a5100 is a straightforward camera for individuals seeking ease of use and great autofocusing capabilities.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding which mirrorless camera to buy, there is a lot to think about. As a result, we’ve compiled a concise list of all the most crucial things to look for when making your purchase.

The lens system is the first. Any mirrorless camera can swap lenses, which makes a big impact when transitioning from one type of photography to another. Whatever camera you choose, make sure it is fully compatible with a zoom lens, telephoto lens, macro lens, wide-angle lens, and, of course, a prime lens. You may even choose a mirrorless camera that comes with a set of high-quality lenses to save time and money.

Second, it all comes down to the sensor. An APS-C sensor is the most common type of sensor found in mirrorless cameras. When it comes to sensors, larger is usually better. A larger sensor will provide less noise and a wider ISO range when photographing at night. When comparing two cameras, always compare the sensor size and ISO range.

Finally, the viewfinder is really crucial. While using your camera, the viewfinder will be your window to the world. 4K video, autofocus, and wireless connectivity are all key features. However, you will need a high-quality viewfinder with an easy-to-use menu, a large screen, and excellent clarity. This can greatly assist you in realising your full potential as a photographer.