Mirrorless cameras broke onto the scene and provided strong competition to the DSLR dominance. Not only are they more compact, lighter and generally better for shooting videos, they’re also cheaper and offer similar shooting capabilities.
Plenty of people have or are making the transition from the DSLR to the mirrorless camera. If you’re yet to buy a camera, then perhaps you’ll be interested in comparing the specifications that a budget mirrorless camera can offer.
DSLR’s are normally more expensive camera choices. That also remains true for lenses as well, if further down the line you wanted to enhance your cameras shooting ability. However, it is possible to buy a DSLR for under 500 dollars.
Although, with mirrorless cameras you get far more for your money. Generally speaking, you’ll get a better camera that shoots better images. Especially whilst working on a small budget.
This list will provide you with some valuable information regarding which mirrorless cameras are out there for less than 500 dollars what they offer you and what you might use them for. Read on to get yourself the perfect mirrorless camera without breaking the bank!
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless camera is the first on our list. Weighing in at just under 500 dollars this camera is not only great value for money, but also perfect for a wide range of shooting options.
Users of this camera are amazed at both the easy use and experimentation available. This camera offers anyone the chance to explore photography as either a hobby, or an artistic practise.
This camera features a 24.3 Megapixel camera, a 3 inch LCD screen that tilts making it easy to compare various shots and also hone in your skills if you’re beginner. The shooting ability of this camera is truly remarkable given the price and anyone photographer would be glad to have the Sony Alpha A6000 in their arsenal.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Sony build quality.
- Amazing image quality thanks to the 24.3 megapixel camera.
- 3 inch tilt-able LCD screen – great for filming videos and composing your shots before you take them.
- This camera is great for beginners, amateurs, photography students and also professionals.
- Flawless image quality.
- This camera will shoot great images, even in low level light conditions.
- Perfect for travelling with.
- Light compact design that is ergonomic and built for a user friendly experience.
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows.
- Great for a whole range of photography making it the perfect camera for the versatile shooting.
- Will shoot moving subjects with ease.
- Will also shoot great portraits.
- Built in WiFi for easy transfer and sharing.
- Well built and highly durable.
- In comparison to a DSLR of similar value the Sony A6000 offers a far superior user experience.
- Perfect for taking with you everywhere and anywhere.
Cons
- This camera is just under 500 dollars making it one of the more expensive cameras on this list.
- No touch screen with some other models have included.
- The battery life is short if the camera isn’t switched onto aeroplane mode for long periods of time.
Sony NEX-3NL/B Mirrorless Digital Camera Kit
Most people that have brought the Sony NEX-3NL/B have an amazing experience shooting with this camera. This is the perfect option for anyone looking to start shooting photography, easy to use for beginners and also tactile enough that your images will always appear great.
The LCD screen allows you to carefully compose your shots before you take them enabling almost anyone to shoot great photographs from the outset but also grow and develop with your camera as you hone in your skills.
The Sony NEX series by Sony offers one of the smallest bodied cameras capable of shooting with an APS-C sensor. Plenty of photographers will find that this camera is the perfect mirrorless camera for them. Consider purchasing this camera if you want to shoot amazing pictures with a hassle free device that will never let you down!
The Sony NEX-3NL/B is the perfect Mirrorless camera. Functioning much like a simple point and shoot you’ll be dazzled by the images you can capture with this camera!
Pros
- Perfect for beginners.
- Similar layout to a simple point and shoot camera.
- You’re able to compose your shots fully with the LCD screen.
- Great value for money.
- Small, compact and the perfect travel companion.
- Great for shooting anywhere and everywhere.
- Outstanding image shooting abilities.
- Easy to hone your skills and take professional looking images from the outset.
- Built in flash for capturing images in limited light.
- APS-C image sensor perfect for snapping great images.
- High ISO performance.
- Bargain price for an affordable entry level camera.
- 180 degree fully LCD tilting screen that other more expensive models don’t offer.
- 1 megapixel sensor for taking great snaps.
- Full HD video shooting capabilities.
- Take easy self portraits with the 180 degree tilting screen.
- The camera feels expensive and great value for money.
Cons
- Limited amount of accessories you can add to the camera to enhance shooting possibilities.
- People have had issues attaching external lenses.
- LCD isn’t very sharp.
- The sensor size of 14 Megapixel is extremely low in comparison with other cameras that make this list.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II mirrorless camera is Olympus’ best offering of a mirrorless camera for under 500 dollars. This camera has a great array of features that make it a great option for plenty of users.
This camera is great for photography students anyone wanting a camera that they can grow with. For the outset, this camera is light portable compact and durable. But, it also offers great image quality as well as the option for adding lenses at a later date which will eventually be purchased by anyone wanting to further enhance their shooting skills and shooting potential.
For this reason alone, we suggest this camera for those that are intending to take their photography career further than just shooting for fun. It’s a great beginner option as the camera shoots great images easily, but will also be a great launch pad to get you on the path of shooting professionally.
Pros
- Greta for beginners and those that want to hone their photography skills.
- Perfect for those that are photography students as this camera has the potential to add plenty of accessories.
- Compact, portable and durable.
- Shoots great shots straight out of the box.
- Great value for money.
- Comes with a sharp built in EVF.
- Comes with a built in flash for shooting in low level light.
- Tilting screen for easy shooting and honing your skills.
- 5-axis image stabilisation that retains the highest image quality.
- 6FSP continuous is a great feature that no models within this price range offer.
- Built in WiFi for easily transferring your shots.
Cons
- This camera has no mic input so it doesn’t make for a good camera for those also wanting to shoot films.
- Power button has reported issues.
- Controls can be initially confusing.
- Doesn’t come with an SD card when you purchase the camera.
Sony a5100 16-50mm Interchangeable Lens Camera
The Sony A5100 is the final camera that makes our list. Sony are probably the leading producer of mirrorless cameras right now so its no surprise they feature three times in this article.
This is another versatile camera from Sony that makes for great image shooting options but also works well for filming. Lots of vloggers have used this camera as its both great value for money and has superior video taking abilities.
The built in WiFi and 24 megapixel sensor are particularly attractive considering the price and Sony build quality.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Perfect for vlogging.
- 2 megapixel sensor.
- Sony build quality.
- 0 FSP continuous shooting capabilities.
- High video resolution.
- WIFi connectivity built in.
- Compact small and lightweight.
- Ergonomically designed great for holding for long periods of time.
- Files are saveable in RAW format which is great for editing potential.
- Great features, low price tag and small body.
Cons
- Lacks professional features.
- No built in image stabilisation.
- No viewfinder.
- No flash.
- Won’t shoot well in low level situations.
Conclusion
This list has compromised a run down of all the best mirrorless cameras on the market right now for less than 500 dollars. If you’re new to photography hopefully you’re able to see that mirrorless cameras normally offer much better value for money in comparison with DSLR’s.
This list has featured cameras that are good mirrorless options for those just wanting a simple camera, those that want to learn photography and those that need video filming potential too.
Whatever your needs are – its likely on a limited budget that a mirrorless camera will offer you the best option. Consider one of these cameras if you’re after a great camera that’ll shoot amazing shots from the word go.
