Top 10 Best Travel Cameras Under $500

Top 10 Best Travel Cameras Under 0

It’s hard to pick the Best Travel Cameras Under $500 with all the choices available today. Do not worry, I worked hard to offer you this list of the best travel cameras under $500. Great pictures, easy to use and lightweight! As a professional travel photographer, I am very familiar with cameras and which camera is the best for traveling. At the end of this article, you know exactly which travel camera is right for you! So let’s begin.

Best Travel Cameras Under $500 Comparison Table

Travel Cameras Under $500
Camera Name Megapixels Max Video Resolution
Nikon D3500 24.2MP 1080p
Canon EOS Rebel SL2/EOS 200D 24.2MP 1080p
Nikon D5300 24.2MP 1080p
Sony A68 24.2MP 1080p
Panasonic Lumix GX80/85 16.0MP 4K
Sony A6000 24.3MP 1080p
Olympus OM-D E-M10 II 16.1MP 1080p
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III 20.1MP 1080p
Panasonic Lumix LX100 12.8MP 4K
Panasonic Lumix TZ100/ZS100 20.2MP 4K

Here are the Top 10 Best Travel Cameras Under $500

Nikon D3500

  • Type: DSLR
  • Sensor: APS-C CMOS
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Lens mount: Nikon DX
  • Screen: 3in fixed, 921K dots
  • Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p
  • User level: Beginner/enthusiast

This is not only the latest DSLR and one of the best travel cameras under $500 for beginners on the market, but it’s also part of our highest budget. So you have money for accessories. The Nikon D3500 is a redesigned and redesigned version of the D3400, featuring a 24-megapixel sensor and an 18-55mm AF-P AF lens with a retractable mechanism to take up less space if you take it with you. the neighborhood of. The cheapest offer includes a non-VR lens, but we recommend paying a little more for the VR version.

Top 10 Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $500

Pros:

  • Very beginner friendly
  • Speedy AF-P kit lens
  • Great image quality

Cons:

  • Fixed rear screen

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Canon EOS Rebel SL2/EOS 200D

  • Type: DSLR
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Lens mount: Canon EF-S
  • Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000K dots
  • Viewfinder: Yes, optical
  • Continuous shooting: 5fps
  • Max Video Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
  • User level: Beginner

The EOS Rebel SL2, also known as the EOS 200D, is not Canon’s latest digital SLR, but that means prices have had time to go down. It surpasses the new EOS 2000D but is the price. You benefit from Canon’s excellent AF Dual Pixel CMOS system, offering mirror-less autofocus performance in live viewing and effective film adhesion, as well as the latest DIGIC 7 processing engine and Wi-Fi triplets, NFC and Bluetooth complete with wireless connectivity options. Burst recording at 5fps is fine, and the ability to connect a microphone increases Full HD video capabilities, while compatibility with Canon’s decades-old lenses enhances the attraction. Overall, the EOS Rebel SL2 is one of the best travel cameras under 500 dollars.

Pros:

  • Tiny, light body
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF works great

Cons:

  • No 4K video
  • Simple 9-point AF

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Nikon D5300

  • Type: DSLR
  • Sensor: APS-C CMOS
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Lens mount: Nikon DX
  • Screen: 3.2-inch articulating, 1,037,000 dots
  • Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p
  • User level: Beginner/enthusiast

The D5300 appears as a fairly conventional entry-level DSLR but offers some features that are not normally used on other models of this type. These include a generous 3.2-inch LCD screen, a 39-point AF system, and even a GPS system, which makes it particularly powerful for traveling photographers. Nikon has also chosen to remove the anti-aliasing filter from the camera’s APS-C 24.2MP sensor, giving it an edge over the details it can capture over the competition for 24MP cameras. The only drawback is that it does not offer a touch screen, but you still get a very versatile camera that gives great results. It is overtaken by the latest Nikon D5600, but do not worry, the D5300 is still one of the best travel cameras under $500.

Pros:

  • No low-pass filter means great detail
  • Larger-than-usual screen

Cons:

  • The screen isn’t touched sensitive
  • Some banding in high-ISO shots

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Sony A68

  • Type: SLT
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Screen: 2.7in, 461k dots
  • Viewfinder: Electronic
  • Continuous shooting speed: 8fps
  • Max video resolution: Full HD
  • User level: Beginner

A Marmite camera, but that certainly deserves a nod to our list of the best travel cameras under $500. With the less conventional SLT construction, the camera can offer 79 phase detection points, which is significantly more than similar DSLR cameras. Add to that 8 frames per second burst with focus tracking and Sony’s 4D Focus technology. This gives you a camera much better suited to shooting than many others. With the added benefit of a tilt screen and an OLED viewfinder, the camera is obviously more flexible when shooting in low light conditions or with unusual angles than the average DSLR, although the screen is not the best of its kind and the future of the SLT system is not entirely clear now that Sony is focusing its attention on the will of the A6000.

Top 10 Best DSLR Cameras Under $500

  • AF system particularly advanced
  • 8fps burst shooting

Cons:

  • LCD isn’t the biggest
  • Average built quality

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Panasonic Lumix GX80/85

  • Type: mirrorless
  • Sensor: Four Thirds
  • Megapixels: 16.0MP
  • Screen: 3.0-inch, 1,040k tilt touch
  • Viewfinder: Electronic, 2,765k
  • Lens: Micro Four Thirds
  • Continuous shooting speed: 8fps (40fps elec shutter)
  • Max video resolution: 4k
  • User level: Intermediate

An incredible value for money, with or without its small 12-32mm zoom lens, the Panasonic Lumix GX80/G85 combines a range of high-tech features in a compact design and is one of the best travel cameras under 500 dollars around the world. These include 5-axis image stabilization, Light Speed autofocus, post-focus and 4K ultra-high definition for quick-shooting videos and photos, as evidenced by Panasonic’s best cameras. There is also a built-in high-resolution electronic viewfinder on the back of the camera, as well as a tilting touch screen. If you want a camera with many functions and performance, but with a small structure and a low price, you have excellent value for money camera.

Pros:

  • Very compact body
  • Built-in electronic viewfinder
  • Great value for money

Cons:

  • MFT sensor only 16MP

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Sony A6000

  • Type: Mirrorless
  • Sensor size: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.3MP
  • Viewfinder: EVF
  • Screen: 3-inch tilting screen, 921,600 dots
  • Maximum continuous shooting rate: 11fps
  • Maximum video resolution: 1080p
  • User level: Beginner/enthusiast

The excellent Sony A6300 and A6500 may not have a budget, but the A6000 is a high-performance camera and one of the best travel cameras under $500. In fact, the company claims to be the best-selling mirrorless camera to date. Even if it lacks the 4K video option of its older siblings, you have enough features you would never expect from a comparable price DSLR camera. These include a mammoth 179-phase AF detection that makes tracking the subject a breeze with burst recordings at 11 fps. This combination alone should make the camera attractive for sports and action photographers, while the tilting LCD, a 2.36-megapixel OLED viewfinder, integrated Wi-Fi and NFC only aggravate the transaction.

Pros:

  • Great image quality
  • Excellent EVF

Cons:

  • The display isn’t touched sensitive
  • Setting AF point somewhat awkward

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 II

  • Type: Mirrorless
  • Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
  • Megapixels: 16.1MP
  • Lens: Micro Four Thirds
  • Screen: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,370,000 dots
  • Viewfinder: EVF
  • Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8.5fps
  • Max Video Resolution: 1080p
  • User level: Beginner/enthusiast

The digital boost of Olympus’ OM analog line is highly appreciated by enthusiastic photographers. With the OM-D E-M10 II camera, the company offers budget-reduced products with a solid contribution to the series. What is surprising is how much the model has in common with the former OM-D E-M5 II. Both, for example, 16MP sports sensors, TruePic VII processors, 2.36 million point viewers, and five-axis image stabilization systems. Of course, not everything is the same, but if you consider the enormous price difference between the two, the OM-D E-M10 II model becomes the best value for money with a margin. Overall, this is one of the best travel cameras under $500.

Pros:

  • Excellent EVF
  • Very good image stabilization

Cons:

  • Screen not vari-angle
  • Limiting custom options

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Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III

  • Type: Compact
  • Sensor: 1in type
  • Megapixels: 20.1MP
  • Lens: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8
  • Screen: 3in tilting screen, 1.228million dots
  • Viewfinder: EVF
  • Max burst speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: Full HD (1080p)
  • User level: Enthusiast

The original Cyber-shot RX100 was a landmark version, with its large 1-inch sensor, its many features and its small case that raises the standard for a compact size that you can always keep in your pocket. This third iteration includes a 20.1-megapixel sensor and a fast zoom lens f/1.8-2.8.8 3x which corresponds to 24-70 mm in full-screen mode. It even detects in a pop-up electronic viewfinder. Sony recently announced the RX100 VI, which has a long zoom range but a much higher price. We believe that the RX100 III is still one of the best travel cameras under $500.

Pros:

  • Excellent sensor
  • Tiny body

Cons:

  • Some handling issues
  • Maximum aperture at 100mm

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Panasonic Lumix LX100

  • Type: Compact
  • Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
  • Megapixels: 12.8MP
  • Lens:24-75mm, f/1.7-2.8
  • Screen: 3.0-inch, 921,000 dots
  • Viewfinder: EVF
  • Continuous shooting: 11fps
  • Max Video Resolution: 4K
  • User level: Intermediate/expert

While the most enthusiastic compact cameras are lucky enough to have a 1-in-1 sensor, the Panasonic LX100 fills a larger four-tiered Microsensor in a slightly larger package than the standard compact and is one of the best travel cameras under $500. In fact, it is the only compact camera with such a sensor, which allows it to provide excellent image quality. You may find that the focus range of the lens from 24 to 75mm is somewhat limiting, but with a maximum aperture of f / 1.7 to 2.8, it is beautiful and clear. Add to that a 4K video, a built-in viewfinder, and Wi-Fi with NFC, which always matches recent offers.

Pros:

  • Excellent feature set
  • Huge sensor for a compact

Cons:

  • Limited focal range
  • Big for a compact

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Panasonic Lumix TZ100/ZS100

  • Type: Compact
  • Sensor: 1-inch type CMOS
  • Megapixels: 20.1MP
  • Lens: 25-250mm f/2.8-5.9
  • Viewfinder: EVF
  • Screen: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000 dots
  • Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps
  • Max Video Resolution: 4K
  • User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Compact cameras with 1-inch sensors are desirable for the quality of their images, but they rarely offer lenses larger than 100 mm. The only exception to this is the Panasonic Lumix TZ100, which works with its 20 MP 1in sensor with a surprisingly long 25-250mm f/2.8-5.9 optics. Certainly, to achieve this, it’s a little bigger than the average compact, and all that’s clear at its telephoto end, but if size and telephoto are your priorities, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something more appropriate. And that’s just the beginning; with a small electronic viewfinder, 4K video recording, raw recordings and a five-axis OIS system to keep sharp images and stable videos, it needs masses, outside of the title specifications. Overall, this is one of the best travel cameras under 500 dollars.

Pros:

  • Unique proposition
  • The inclusion of 4K video

Cons:

  • The viewfinder is very small
  • Narrow max telephoto aperture

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Final Words

Travel photography is not an exclusive art. Good travel photos are not made with sophisticated technologies or advanced features, but with the help of visually impaired people. The most important thing you can have is an eye for life and a sense of excitement. Everyone – and I mean everyone – can be a travel photographer. Our list of the Best Travel Cameras Under $500 shows you the 10 most interesting options you need to consider for a budget travel camera.