As competition is fierce in digital camera market, consumers are being offered an unprecedented array of professional-grade cameras at increasingly cheaper prices. This brief lists shows some of the best digital cameras you can buy for under $500.
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
With an immense 50x zoom range and a top-of-the-line image stabilization feature, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS is ideal for taking pictures outdoors. Despite having a larger lens, this camera is still fairly small, compact and lightweight. Producing vivid colours and with sharp definition, this 12 megapixel camera produces lifelike photographs from up close or from kilometres away. With a shutter lag of only 0.3 seconds, this camera won’t keep you waiting when you need to take multiple shots in a hurry.
Besides featuring a variety of other artistic effects such as Fish-Eye, Monochrome, Toy Camera and Super-Vivid, the Canon Powershot SX50 also comes with Canon’s exceptional Miniature Effect. This mode works for both photos and movies producing a very compelling and creative shooting effect even when dealing with the largest landscapes.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200
With an f2.8 aperture, fast-capture performance and supreme video and picture quality, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 is one of the best all-around digital cameras you can buy for under $500. Shooting movies in 1080p60 in AVCHD for super-high quality or in MP4 mode for web-videos, the Lumix FZ200 also comes with an audio-input socket for getting the most out of your movies.
Combining the acclaimed LEICA DC VARIO lens with a specialized 40fps burst photograph feature, this camera combines professional-grade photo quality with the versatility and instant-gratification of more recreational digital cameras. With the f2.8 aperture across the whole zooming range, you don’t need to rely on high ISO settings to get a clear picture in low light.
Sony A37
Featuring Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology, this interchangeable lens camera can shoot 16.1 megapixel resolution pictures at 7fps while still maintaining auto-focus. With the option to shoot at 60/50i AVCHD video quality while controlling focus and exposure, this camera has no problem keeping up in a fast-paced, high-action environment.
Equipped with 2.7-inch tiltable LCD screen, an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, multi-frame noise reduction, auto HDR and 3D sweep panoramas, the Sony A37 is a little camera with a lot of horsepower under the hood.
Olympus E-PM2
A new camera with an old vintage look, the Olympus E-PM2 maintains the retro stylings of cameras from decades ago while giving you the best of 21st century technology. With a 3-inch LCD touchscreen, 1080p HD video, double-axis image stabilization, 8fps burst shooting, 12 creative Art Filters and a wireless link to social media sites and smartphones, the Olympus E-PM2 leaves little to be desired for a camera under $500.
Sony NEX-5R
Giving you an extremely fast focus and shoot time, excellent image detail and an easy-to-use interface, the Sony NEX-5R gives you consistently superb images without putting any extraneous features in the way. Additionally, you don’t even need cables or wires to transfer your photos to a computer or smartphone. With the Sony NEX-5R’s wireless settings and downloadable apps, you can easily transfer your photos and videos to a tablet or website.
Written by David Johnson. David is a freelance photographer who loves to buy digital cameras online and participate in photo walks.