Now, in 2026, if you have $500 and want to buy your first camera, then this guide will obviously help if you’re looking for something professional, such as a full-frame camera, rather than a cheap plastic one. Then which one should you buy? We do have some options even in the $500 pro bodies that we are going to explore in this article.
The cameras that I am going to recommend are professional-level bodies, despite being available under $500, and these cameras have been used by professional photographers for years and are very much capable of producing publication-worthy images. So keep in mind that if a camera is cheap, it doesn’t mean that it’s bad. There are a number of factors that affect the camera’s resale value, so let’s jump into the guide.
Buying Tip #1 – Cameras Released Between 2016 – 2021 are Gold
Manufacturers are always pushing into the market with all their force, stacking test tech technologies to make sure users buy new camera systems alongside new lenses. But that doesn’t mean the DSLRs they made years ago are obsolete or not able to take great pictures. Even at that time, those cameras/DSLRs were taking amazing pictures, and even in the DxOMark list today, the D850 camera is considered one of the best DSLRs ever made and is still in the top five best cameras of the world.
So why does this push happen from camera makers for the mirrorless war or the DSLR cannibalisation? We have to understand that at some point, all these are marketing strategies, and we have to make some smart moves to save our hard-earned money and make correct decisions, specifically based on our requirements from a camera body.
I do agree that specifically in the videography/cinematography zone, there has been a lot of improvement in mirrorless cameras, but when we talk about still photography, yes, there are a lot of cameras—specifically the DSLR ones—available under budget and capable of capturing great pics. Most camera sensors from 10 years ago perform almost identical to modern sensors.
I recommend looking for a camera that was manufactured in the 2010s, specifically after 2014, as these represent the best price-to-performance ratio.
Also, one great benefit of buying older cameras is that
Buying Tip #2 – Buy Used on Amazon, Not Ebay, KEH or MPB
Why am I saying so? The reason is very simple. Amazon does have a quality management team that processes renewed and used models at the same time. If you receive a defective model, they have return policies, so you can return the model. Other than that, any of these websites like eBay, KEH, or MPB — I don’t know, a lot of users don’t have very good experiences with these, in my personal user experience and recommendation. So I would recommend that you should go with Amazon.com for these deals, and that’s the best option we have specifically in the United States of America.
Many camera YouTubers recommend buying on used camera websites like KEH or MPB because they’re sponsored by one of these two stores.
Best Full-frame Camera Under $500
The Sony a7 II camera was released in 2014, and currently, most used models in good condition are available for around $500 on Amazon.com. And as I have said, the best thing with Amazon.com is that you get a replacement warranty with it. If you don’t like the product, you can replace it.
There are multiple sellers there — the reputed ones — who are selling the Sony a7 II in good condition. Just look for the ratings, sort it out, and now you have your camera in your hand.
The camera has so many great qualities including:
- 24mp full-frame sensor
- IBIS (Internal Image Stabilization)
- The versatile Sony e-mount
- Tilt screen
We are using multiple Sony cameras, starting with the Sony A7 II, as well as the A7 III, and also crop bodies, on our YouTube channel, The New Camera. And when I’m not shooting with my Sony cameras, I am using the iPhone 17 Pro. And when I’m not shooting with my Sony cameras, I am using the iPhone 7 Pro.
The best part is that you can use most of the lenses without any worry since the Sony E-mount is completely open. Mostly in the studio, I use the Sony 50mm f/1.8 with the A7 III, the cheapest prime available for the camera. And specifically with the Sony ZV-E10 II, I am using the 16mm f/1.4.
Best APSC Camera DSLR and Mirrorless Under $500 – Sony A6300, Canon 5D II and Nikon D750
My personal pick among the set of available models is the Sony a6300. Since I have used the 24MP sensor–based Sony a6400 as well as the a6500, both of which deliver exceptional image quality, and at the very same time, the a6300 is also using the same sensor. The hybrid autofocus system, face and eye tracking are exceptionally good in this camera, and you have a great range of third-party lenses available at an affordable price.
Key Features
- 24mp APSC sensor
- 4k video
- 4D FOCUS with 425 Phase-Detect Points
- Full tilt screen
- Compact size
- Internal UHD 4K30 & 1080p120 Recording
- Versatile Sony e-mount
- Excellent auto-focus
It features some of the fastest auto-focus in the world and would be a great YouTube camera. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have IBIS, which is why I also recommended the a6500. If IBIS is a deal breaker for you, consider the a6500; if it isn’t, the a6100 is superior in many ways.
Other models to consider for the same price, if you’re only interested in Still Photography
Canon and Nikon full-frame DSLRs Fullframe are not that affordable and fall under the $500 (+$100) category. So if you’re a photographer interested in getting a Canon camera, then we do have some good Deals available for the Canon Fullframe DSLR cameras
Nikon Offers and available Deals
With all these cameras, as I have told you, we do have an option to return if the product is not as per what you expected. That’s the best part we have to deal with. Other than that, the pricing is very reasonable. We are getting a lot of options in the FF DSLR as well as the camera world.
Best Micro Four Thirds Camera Under $500 – Olympus e-m10 Mark IV
It’s a versatile camera for beginners available with Lens Under $699 ($639 with Amazon Visa card offer), with menus that help you learn photography directly on the camera. Scene modes, Art modes, and AP (Advanced Photography) modes — it’s all there. It even stitches panoramas in-camera for you.
This camera has all the advantages of a point-and-shoot, packed into a seriously nice and ergonomic retro-style body, with interchangeable lenses. And there are soooo many Olympus / OM System lenses to choose from — most of them are small and very manageable.
Behind all the easy-to-use menus and features, there is also a full set of manual controls for the amateur photographer. Great for selfies, but also for more serious work. You can definitely grow with this camera.
I guess that’s why this is Taylor Swift’s favorite camera (not kidding — look it up). She goes with it everywhere.
I love this camera when I run out and want to bring my smallest, easiest-to-carry kit that will always give me pictures far better than my iPhone 17 Pro.
Its standout features include:
- 20mp m4/3 sensor
- Weather sealed
- Compact for a professional camera
- 4k video
- Fully articulating screen
- High burst rates for fast shooting
- Excellent IBIS
- Great build quality
- Stellar battery life
The auto-focus is very underrated. Olympus is using a HYBRID PDAF sensor in the M10 IV. Don’t fear the 20mp sensor. I found that 20mp is more than enough, even for large crops.
Olympus IBIS is one of the best in the business. You can walk with this camera and get steady footage, something you can’t do with many flagship cameras even in 2026.
Recommendation and Conclusion
If you’re looking for a major update, a camera for your smartphone, then the best option is to invest in Olympus E-M10 Mark IV, at an approximate $500-$600 range, you will get a super sharp 14-42mm Lens and Camera body. I really don’t believe there is a better value on the market right now. The e-m10 Mark IV is capable of great stills, great video, and its compact size is a huge plus.
Micro four-thirds cameras aren’t trendy right now, which means it’s a buyer’s market.
About the author
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- Written By thenewcamera.com team
- The article “Best Pro Cameras to Buy in 2026 Under $500: Full Frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds for Savvy Shooters” was written on 8:26 am, Saturday, 13 December 2025, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
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