Purchasing the best video camera for under $500 will be excellent for those who want to shoot high-quality videos while staying within a tight budget range. However, sometimes, singling out the best camera proves to be a challenging task.
But you do not need to worry as we have come up with a list of the best cameras of affordable price range. These not only come into your price range but also are equipped with all the essential features that a good photographer needs.
Suppose you are on the lookout for a video camera to shoot your children’s soccer games, your animals’ cute moves, or your friend’s marriage ceremony. In that case, you are going to discover the best video cameras under $500 are capable of filming the best video. Scroll the top-picked list of cameras under $500 below.
How We Select
We do not consider only a single aspect of video cameras; instead, we take into account every single detail of a camera, i.e., resolution, image quality, frame size, water resistance, weight, shape, battery life, pixels, handles, and price range.
After extensive research, we pick the best ones for you to help you avoid a sweat-pouring search and come to the direct place of the best pieces. We also consult the makers of every make to get the most about the camera and let you know all the features.
How We Test
We test all the cameras that we recommend by capturing beautiful scenery, shooting short videos, capturing images, and burst shooting. They are also tested in the lab to make sure that they are fit for recommendations. Our first and foremost try is to help you get the value-for-money pieces for an enhanced photography experience.
So, if you want to buy the best camera for under $500, you have come to the right place. Here, you will find out a list of the most tested, tried, and affordable cameras that you can get by remaining within the tight budget range.
Our Top Picks for You
After extensive research, we have come up with a list of the best video cameras that are, you can say, made for experiencing incredible photography experience. We have ensured that you get the best camera for under $500 to shoot the best videos ever. So, if you need the best video camera for under $500, you can choose from the list below;
1. Olympus OM-D E-M10 III
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent EVF
- Very good image stabilisation
REASONS TO AVOID
- Screen not vari-angle
- Limiting custom options
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
- Resolution: 16.1MP
- Lens: Micro Four Thirds
- Screen: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,370,000 dots
- Viewfinder: EVF 2.36 million dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8.6fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Today's best Olympus OM-D E-M10 III
With the OM-D E-M10 III, Olympus has provided you with a lesser budget and a reliable entry point into the series, resuming the company’s digital resurrection of its OM line, which has acquired massive popularity among photography lovers.
In this affordable range of price, you get
- 16MP sensor
- 36 million-dot electronic viewfinders
- 3 touchscreen
- five-axis image stabilisation systems
This model is equipped with the remarkable features of the Mark II OM-D E-M10.
However, nowadays, you are provided with 4K video quality that is more than awesome and much more advanced autofocus technology. As a tiny, lightweight, and user-friendly starter mirrorless camera, this one is fantastic. Additionally, it looks amazing for the price!
2. GoPro Hero11 Black
REASONS TO BUY
- Captures versatile 8:7 content
- Excellent image stabilisation
- Horizon is looking at up to 5.3K
- Simplified interface for beginners
REASONS TO AVOID
- The Low Light video isn't great.
- The front display is not touch-sensitive.
- GoPro membership required to unlock features
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 4.5 oz / 127 g
- Waterproof: 33.0' / 10.0 m
- 5K video: up to 60fps
- 4K video: up to 120fps
- 2.7K video: up to 240fps
- Stills resolution: 27MP
- Battery life: 2-3hrs estimate
Today's best GoPro Hero11 Black deals
Regardless of the shape of the Hero 11 Black, which is just like all the other GoPro cameras out there, its software and hardware are upgraded. This type of upgrade makes the Hero 11 Black take the lead.
It is equipped with a versatile sensor that is square-shaped. GoPro comes with simplified camera software that is a great addition as well. Quik, which is a GoPro companion app, also has been upgraded with sound updates.
When it comes to stabilisation, Hero has the best stabilisation in its class. It produces the best-looking video, which is dimly lit with darker scenes. It also comes with some new modes of video, such as light painting. Due to all these excellent features, the Hero 11 Black is a superb addition to the series.
If you are looking for the best aspect ratio to produce content, the Hero 11 Black has got you covered. Its 8:7 aspect ratio is a top-of-the-line ratio that lets you create the content of your wish.
Its 5.3K resolution provides you with an opportunity to crop your video and create a 4K video without any blurriness and quality deterioration. Interestingly, you can create a square, landscape, and portrait clip from only one video you have created before. All these salient features make the Hero 11 Black the best video camera for under $500.
3. Olympus Tough TG-6
REASONS TO BUY
- 4K video recording
- Generous optical zoom
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not enough 15m waterproofing
- Newer and expensive
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 12MP
- Lens: 25-100mm
- LCD: 3inches, 1,040k
- Waterproof: 15m/50ft
- Shockproof: 2.1m/7ft
- Freezeproof: -10ºC/14°F
- Max resolution: 4K
- Colors available: Red or blackPros
Today's best Olympus Tough TG-6 deals
If you talk about the tough camera market, the Olympus Tough TG-6 leads the race from the front. And that is not only due to the fact that it can handle tough conditions, but it is also armed with the advanced technology of imaging and videography.
Some relatively minor upgrades with respect to the previous TG-5 are the raw shooting and 4K capability. But it does not mean it does not have any new features that make it one of the best additions in the line. These features include LCD resolution that is far more improved as compared to the previous one.
Moreover, an underwater microscope feature also adds too much value to the camera, allowing enthusiast photographers to look at things more closely than ever before.
TG-6 produces 4K video at the rate of 30fps, which is a great thing. It does not stop here but also provides you with a chance to create HD video when you shoot at 120fps to make a slow-motion video. And when we talk about the optical zoom lens, you will be surprised to know that it provides you with 25-100mm optical zoom, which is more than enough. This optical zoom capacity allows you to get closer to the object.
This camera comes with a heavy-knit hand grip that allows you to hold your camera firmly and save it from accidental falls that can cost you hundreds of dollars. Whenever you use the internal zooming mechanism, you do not need to worry about knocks and bumps because the lens never comes out.
This piece is a sophisticated beauty with an extraordinarily exquisite feature, which is its ability to work underwater because it is waterproof. And I can wager that TG-6 is one of the best waterproof cameras out there. All these exquisite features make it the best video camera for under $500.
4. EOS Rebel T7
REASONS TO BUY
- Tiny, light body
- Excellent price
REASONS TO AVOID
- No Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Fixed LCD screen
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: DSLR
- Megapixels: 24.1MP
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Screen: 3-inch LCD, 920K dots
- Viewfinder: Yes, optical
- Continuous shooting: 3fps
- Movies: Full HD (1080p)
- User level: Beginner
Today's best EOS Rebel T7 deals
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a fantastic option for any beginning or aspiring photographer wishing to test out their first DSLR. It is an amazingly equipped beginner’s DSLR and one of the much-anticipated replacements for the entry-level EOS Rebel XS.
Although it lacks a flash and is marketed in some countries as the EOS 2000D, it does have a 9-point autofocus system, 3fps burst shooting, Full HD video, and, of course, the Canon EF-S mount, which offers the user access to an enormous selection of wonderful lenses.
The EOS Rebel SL7 is an excellent deal because it accommodates new users while providing potential for development.
5. Panasonic Lumix ZS70
REASONS TO BUY
- The effective image stabilisation system
- Selfie functionality works very well
REASONS TO AVOID
- The viewfinder is very small.
- Soft results at the wide-angle setting
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 20.3MP
- Lens: 24-720mm 3.3-6.4
- LCD: 3in tilting, 1,04k dots
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Beginner to intermediate
Today's best Panasonic Lumix ZS70 deals
If you are searching for a point and shoot camera to shoot while travelling, you have come to the right place because the long series of ZS of Panasonic is one of the best picks for you. It is a full pack of exquisite features that can prove a game changer for travelling vlogging. Although Panasonic ZS-70 came to market back in 2017, it is still rocking when it comes to zoom lenses. Moreover, its compact shape is a plus.
You can move your pictures on the go because this piece is wifi ready. This top-of-the-line camera has a 30x zoom capability with one of the best features: RAW shooting. It also is equipped with an electronic viewfinder that is, no doubt, a rather small one but is a great feature to be in such beauty.
This camera is armed with an autofocus that is a speedy one. The best thing about this autofocus is that it is 49 points, which provides you with high-quality photos. Furthermore, the metering system is there to help you set the exposure and white balance. Therefore, you can balance the exposure, whether there is enough light or not.
Of course, ZS70 is the best video camera for under $500 when it comes to portability and versatility. So, if you are looking for an option that can suit your pocket and requirement for the best photography.
6. Canon EOS Rebel T100
REASONS TO BUY
- Decent specs
- Extremely affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Limited burst buffer
- Primitive autofocus
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: DSLR
- Megapixels: 18MP
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Screen: 2.7-inch screen, 230,000K dots
- Viewfinder: Yes, optical
- Continuous shooting: 3fps
- Movies: Full HD (1080p)
- User level: Beginner
Today's best Canon EOS Rebel T100 deals
Canon has been feeding the market with low-budget DSLRs to provide beginners with an opportunity to start with an exquisite model to level up their photography experience. People with a low budget but a photography passion can also avail this amazing opportunity.
Canon EOS Rebel T100 is one of the most low-priced options equipped with all the features you want in your photography piece. That is why you should grab your hands on this exquisite product to level up your photography.
Anything that falls within the boundaries of photography or videography can be done with the help of this camera. It is armed with all those features that a good camera needs. So, you can pick it up if you are thinking of starting photography. 18MP resolution and 3fps burst shooting make this camera one of the best of this series.
As always, Canon is known for its incredible lenses. This beautiful compact piece also owns the signature lenses that make its results even better.
The Bottom Line
This list is especially for you regarding the best video camera for under $500. all the cameras mentioned above are the top picks, as these are equipped with all the features you are going to need for perfect photography and videography.
A budget of $500 might not have been sufficient to purchase a quality camera a few years ago. However, it is now possible for photographers to buy incredible cameras while still sticking to a lower price range, thanks to technological advancements and the decline in comparable material prices.
All the cameras are top of the line of their respective series and tell their own glory story that you can wager by using them. Moreover, the price range is not possible to get a nice product. We have tried our best to avail you the best camera for under $500.
So, do not take too much time thinking and grab your hands on the best video cameras on the market that will level up your photography experience.
