Best video camera under 500

You enjoy taking pictures, but you don’t exactly pursue them . However, that can count on sharp, consistent images and occasional video recordings.

While smartphone technology has improved a lot years and you can capture more than just decent digital photos, it still cannot reproduce the detail and vividness that a real digital camera can provide. Phones often have a hard time taking photos in low light and cannot always capture moving pictures. You’ll know this if you’ve ever tried to take photos during a concert while the artist was dancing on stage. Unlike a digital camera, the phone basically works in one mode as well, without features like adjustable shutter speed, face detection or noise reduction, so you can tweak and improve the quality of your photos. Plus, you know that two-finger zoom is never ever. Whether  for your next big trip, or just to refresh your Instagram game, we found five well-reviewed options that offer a variety of features without breaking the bank.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D)

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D is an entry-level DSLR camera for first-time ILC users and smartphone upgrades. It’s a slight upgrade from the T6 to the 24MP sensor, but other than that it has the same internal specs and hardware as the T6. It features Wi-Fi with NFC to share photos when you are away.

First-time photographers with ILC can do well in the smart automatic mode, but unfortunately, the entry-level Canon Assistant is not included. Therefore, you will have to look for the more expensive SL2 or T7i. Those who want to learn and control camera settings can use a rear dial to quickly access shooting parameters. However, advanced users may start to find limitations in the physical minimum controls. The back screen does not tilt or touch the controls like some in this category. The T7 offers a 9-point AF system that is now many generations old. Overall it is reliable, but slows predictably focus speeds for live view; these are the best ones. Selecting the autofocus point is just the push of a button, but focus competitors will likely seem more intuitive for someone accustomed to taking pictures with a smartphone. The good news is that the T7 (and an entry-level DSLR camera as well) clearly outperforms its unmatched competitors with 500 cycles per battery charge.

Overall, we found that Canon’s junior rebel deliver pretty pictures instantly. JPEG processing tends  blue and red, contrast can be stronger, but it provides stunning visuals that serve novices well. Those who dig deep will find the RAW files useful for fine-tuning images recorded in poor lighting conditions and to moderate “shadows move”. Despite using a newer 24MP sensor, the older Digic 4+ processor in the T7 offers a maximum ISO 12800 expansion setting, which is the same as the T6. This relatively low number means the T7 is unlikely to be suitable for low-light photography.

Maximum video resolution is 1080 we would expect good video quality, although it is still limited to a single point AF. The manual exposure options for video recording can be unlocked, which is great. However, we feel that the beginner interested in video can continuous autofocus while shooting.

Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 is an entry-level DSLR camera that uses the same 24MP sensor, Expeed 4 processor, and 11-point autofocus system as its straightforward predecessors. Bluetooth connectivity is offered only to release the shutter from your smartphone or to send low-resolution images from the camera to the mobile device.

The main difference between the D3500 and D3400 is the size: Nikon took a really small camera and made it smaller. Beginners can start with Nikon’s excellent steering mode, while seasoned photographers can find full manual controls. However, you are limited to a single disk to make the changes. The D3500’s optical viewfinder is on the smaller side, and the fixed 921k-dot LCD on the back lacks touchscreen functionality. The D3500 offers very little frame coverage and only one center crossing. As with all DSLR cameras automatically moves when you are in a class on faces when shooting with the viewfinder, and autofocus in live view is much slower than in the viewfinder. However, the battery life is pretty solid at. With a good one use of this is greater resistance.

The D3400 produced good JPEGs with bold, attractive colors, and we expect the same performance from the D3500. The 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 foldable lens is also a useful starter lens. Regardless of the glass in front of the sensor, experienced photographers can achieve maximum detail preservation and post-processing flexibility when shooting in RAW mode.

Like its predecessor, the D3500 records Full HD videos of up to 60p. We think it will work well as well as that one does the D3400 – good movie quality and make progress compared to previous generations. it is vey simple camera for the design to record movies, but it does produce good quality clips even though video is not a primary function.

The previous generation D3400 was a camera with nice little light, and the D3500 promises more. It’s even smaller than its predecessor, and it hits the market at an equally low price: the D3500 18-55mm kit costs $ 150 less than the initial MSRP of the 3400. If you’re looking for a compact camera and that’s your wish  cut costs, the D3500 is worth a watch.

Canon PowerShot G7 X

Here is a link for a special offer on   Mark II on Amazon which is currently available as a package with some helpful tools. It’s a little over our $ 500 budget, but it’s such a bargain that I had to include it.

Based on an impressive 1-inch 20.2-megapixel sensor, the 24-100mm equivalent lens is the standout, offering an aperture range from f / 1.8 to 2.8.

With this “fast” aperture, you can shoot in low light without a flash, without having to resort to higher ISO values, which may result in a blurry picture. (Read this post on understanding opening your wish to learn more about how quickly unlocking can help.)

The ISO performance of the   Mark II is very good for a sensor of this size, but shots at low ISO values ​​are always cheap. It is known as best video camera under 200.

In practice, I managed to get relatively clear shots up to ISO800, but that doesn’t mean I’ll limit myself to that number. I’d rather let the camera convert ISO = up to ISO 10,000, which means I can at least capture the moment.

Panasonic Lumix ZS100

Compact pocket cameras with 1 inch their image quality, but rarely offer lenses larger than about 100mm. The only exception is the Panasonic Lumix ZS100, which combines a 1-inch, 20-megapixel tall lens of 25-250mm f / 2.8-5.9. Sure, to take that into account, it’s a bit bulkier than the compact average and not as bright at its close-up end, but if the size and scope of the zoom is your priority, it will be hard to find something more suitable. And that’s just the beginning. With a compact electronic viewfinder, 4K video recording, raw recording, and 5-axis OIS that helps maintain image clarity and video stability, it also provides blocks in addition to titles. With the ZS200 now available, the price has decreased even more!