10 Best Mirrorless Camera Under $500

If you think you only need expensive DSLRs to capture a great pictures, well, you do. But you can even do that with cheaper mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless cameras work equally well and come with superior camera operability. They give you the same result at half the price and weight of conventional DSLRs.

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• Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $600
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So what are you waiting for?

I have always been interested in photography, but what scared me most, was the cost of all those expensive DSLR cameras. DSLRs take great pictures, we all know that. But they also take a lot of money out of your wallet. And the lenses (bought separately) even add to the cost.

What if I’m not good enough for such an expensive camera?

Ever since I bought myself one of the best mirrorless cameras under $500, my worries were gone. These cameras are great and will let you take DSLR quality pictures at a moderately reasonable price.

But be careful though, most cheap mirrorless do not come with viewfinders at all. So be careful while you are looking for cameras with lower prices.

You can also look at the best mirrorless camera under $300 if you require something even cheaper, or you could compare these with a list the best mirrorless cameras under $600 and $1000 to see if you are willing to pay a little more for better features.

So if you are on a $500 budget, these cameras have been ranked based on their specs, handling, performance, operability, functionality, size, simplicity and value for money.

10 Best Mirrorless Camera under $500 in 2019

10 Best Mirrorless Camera under $500 Reviews in 2019

1. Fujifilm X-T10 Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Fujifilm X-T10 delivers everything you need within its compact, lightweight and robust body. The camera body weighs just 13.4oz/381g. It has been designed to be compact while maintaining the optimum balance between width and height.

The Fujifilm features a 16MP X-Trans CMOS II Sensor with an EXR Processor II for an outstanding image and video quality. It’s highly random pixel array effectively reduces false colours without the use of an optical low-pass filter.

The FUJIFILM X-T10’s large APS-C-sized 16M X-Trans CMOS II sensor features an original colour filter array with a highly random pattern that minimizes moire and colour aberrations, eliminating the need for an optical low-pass filter. The result is image quality that rivals a full-frame sensor.

The FUJIFILM X-T10 has a high magnification 2.36M-dot organic EL electronic viewfinder, which shows the subject clearly even in bright conditions. It has been designed with an improved magnification ratio of 0.62x that is the world’s shortest lag-time of 0.005 sec.

The camera offers High-Speed Continuous shooting at approx. 8.0 fps and Low-Speed Continuous shooting at approx. 3.0 fps.

With the new dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera Remote” application, you can focus and trigger the camera release from your smartphone or tablet. The app not only lets you adjust focus, but also control settings like shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity.

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2. Olympus E-PL7 Mirrorless Digital Camera

The E-PL7 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens compact camera with a modern twist. It delivers the otherworldly image quality you expect from Olympus.

The E-PL7 features 6MP Live MOS CMOS sensor, TruePic VII processor and in-body three-axis image stabilization system that is the same sophisticated core image processing technology for the high-grade Olympus cameras.This technology captures every nuance of detail and colour in your subjects.

Its autofocus system is so quick you can take 8 frames per second at full resolution and everyone will be sharp and clear. The 81-point AF grid covers the entire frame, allowing you to select the focus area that best matches the image you’re visualizing. And improved autofocus tracking enables you to pan on a moving subject and keep it sharp against a dramatically defocused background.

The E-PL7 opens up a new world of improved self-portraits with a 180-degree downward-opening touch screen that keeps your hand away from the lens, customizable interval shooting with an on-screen countdown and autofocus calibration after every shot and e-Portrait mode For smoother skin tones.

Olympus is known for the wide variety and extensive in-camera creative tools which puts them high on the fun factor. The E-PL7 will extend that reputation thanks to its 14 Art Filters Creative Toolbox

the E-PL7’s built-in WiFi turns your smartphone into an extension of your camera giving you, even more, shooting options than ever before. Including complete control over your camera settings, remote control shooting and instant sharing via the OI.Share app.

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3. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera

The black Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera is a versatile and advanced camera. With tons of amazing features, this camera is the number one best-seller on Amazon.

It features a 24.3MP APS-C-sized Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor to produce high-resolution still images and full HD movies.

With a marked low-light quality and sensitivity to ISO 25600, the Sony Alpha is beyond notable imaging traits.

The image processor can handle continuous shooting up to 11 fps and the intelligent Fast Hybrid AF system uses both phase and contrast-detection methods to quickly and accurately acquire focus.

The 3.0 inch 921k-dot Xtra Fine LCD screen features a tilting design to facilitate easier use from both high and low angles and also incorporates WhiteMagic technology for easier viewing in bright conditions.

The 0.39 inch 1,440k-dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF offers 100 percent frame coverage and a refined optical design to provide a natural viewing perspective and magnification.

The body design of the a6000 also houses a configurable user interface, built around several customisable buttons and two control dials, for efficient and intuitive access to frequently used camera settings.

For live view monitoring, image playback, and menu navigation, both a large rear monitor and detailed electronic viewfinder are available.

Additionally, a Multi Interface shoe is available for attaching external flashes, continuous lights, or microphones.

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4. Fujifilm X30 12 MP Digital Camera

The Fujifilm X30 is a stylish, premium compact camera with class-leading functionality, superb design, enhanced battery performance and unrivalled image quality.

The FUJIFILM X30 will help you captures high-quality images with its large 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor. And you’ll be able to enjoy high-speed continuous photography and Full HD movie shooting

The FUJIFILM X30’s 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor inherits the same architecture and features of the high-performance sensor found in the acclaimed FUJIFILM X-T1. Adoption of BSI (backside illumination) technology allows the successful incorporation of phase detection pixels into the array without affecting sensitivity performance

The FUJIFILM X30 offers a world of new possibilities in Full HD movie shooting. Shoot smooth 1920×1080 movies in 60fps or choose 50fps, 30fps, 25fps and 24fps frame rates. A high bit rate of 36Mbps allows clear capture of intricate movements.

It also comes equipped with features like the High-speed 12fps Continuous Shooting, Interval Timer shooting lets you see the passage of time, FUJIFILM Camera Remote, Manual Focus with Focus Peak Highlight function for sharper manual focusing, Real-time viewfinder, and lots more!

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5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 might not be a massive leap forward over the Mark II but it’s more refined features has made it to the list.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark III has a burst shooting of 8.6fps. Buffer performance is pretty good too, at 22 frames for raw files, while the camera will keep shooting JPEGs until the card is full.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 comes equipped with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Lens.And the camera retains a 2,360,000-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, along with a 3.0-inch 1,037,000-dot LCD touchscreen on the back.

The five-axis image stabilization system performs very well. With the shutter speed of 1/8 seconds, you will now be able to get sharp images. If you must brace the camera properly, it’s possible to shoot at even slower speeds for good results.

The iAuto mode delivers sharper images in all scenarios.

The Advanced Photo (AP) mode, allowing photographers to fine-tune images, as well as use the likes of Live Composite and Multiple Exposure without the need to dive into the camera’s main menu.

The package includes an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera Body USA Warranty – V207070BU000, an Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Lens and an Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R Lens all of which are covered by a USA warranty.

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6. Sony NEX-6L/B Mirrorless Digital Camera

Raise your photography to the next level with the Sony NEX-6, a remarkably compact mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera loaded with amazing camera features. You’ll feel

You will experience that special sense of quality and performance that is a signature of DSLRs and you have a camera well equipped to take you on a unique photographic journey.

The Sony NEX-6L/B Mirrorless Digital Camera is built with a 16.1 MP APS-C size HD image sensor that is the same sensor format that Sony builds into the full-sized DSLRs. With 13 times the area of the typical point-and-shoot image sensor, this one will deliver you an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.

Sony’s advanced Fast Hybrid AF has a Phase detection autofocus for the quick response that is ideal when tracking fast-moving subjects and contrast-detection autofocus for added precision. You can now take photos and videos with ease.

Also, the tracking Focus continuously tracks a user-designated subject and is now more effective at tracking people.

The Sony NEX-6L/B is also packed with other features like the Manual Focus Assist, Face Detection technology, Smile Shutter technology, Dynamic Range Optimizer, PhotoTV HD compatibility, Dual Format Media Card Slot all will make you a great photographer!

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7. Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K Mirrorless Camera

Pioneered by Panasonic the LUMIX G7 is a revolutionary Micro Four Thirds next-generation interchangeable lens camera. This design offers you a lighter, more compact camera body, while also offering cutting-edge video, audio, creative controls, wireless, intelligent-focusing, and exposure technologies not possible with traditional DSLRs.

The LUMIX G7’s 16-megapixel sensor operates much like the larger sensors found in traditional DSLR cameras. The G7, however, also features a next-generation intelligent image processor that produces video and photos free from artefacts that degrade image quality.

You can even capture stunning, high-quality images in low light conditions up to an amazing ISO 25,600. The LUMIX G7 also compensates for common image-quality problems.

The 4K Ultra HD video delivers a far more intense viewing experience with 4X times the number of pixels. your video files will feature superior definition and crisper detail than those originally filmed in Full HD with a camcorder.

The G7’s 4K PHOTO function allows you to play, pause, and extract individual high-resolution photos from 4K Ultra HD video filmed at 30 frames per second.

The Panasonic LUMIX G7 also features 4K PHOTO Function, 4K Video, Intuitive Controls, High-Visibility Viewfinder, Fast and Precise Autofocus Tracking, High-Speed Autofocusing with DFD Technology, Flexible Expandability OptionS and many more!

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8. Olympus E-PM2 Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Olympus PEN E-PM2 is all the proof you need that small and stylish can deliver impressive images.The PEN E-PM2 features technology to help you shoot brilliantly when a light is hard to find. The camera you want when you’re ready to leave compacts behind.

Featuring the 16 megapixels Live MOS sensor, the Olympus Micro Four Thirds flagship, the PEN E-PM2 is optimized to maximize the performance of all Zuiko digital lenses in any shooting condition. Improvements to the sensitivity and read-out speed of the existing sensor make shooting and Full HD movie recording possible.

Shoot up to 29 minutes of 1080 60i HD video and stereo sound in either MOV or AVI formats. A Direct HD Movie Button switches you from still to movie mode with just the press of a button.

The Olympus E-OM2 also is equipped with features like TruePic VI Image Processor, Proven Dust Reduction System, In-Body Image Stabilization, Built-In Grip, Immediate Response Touch Navigation on 3″ LCD, Live Guide and NEW Direct Live Guide Button, iAuto, 8fps Sequential Shooting, Immediate Response ONE-Touch Shutter and Control, AF Illuminator, Bundled Flash and many more!

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9. Canon EOS M10 Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS M10 Camera with 15-44mm IS STM Lens combines a lightweight, compact design with the power and image quality. EOS cameras are known for along with the versatility of interchangeable lenses. All these features plus a 15-45mm IS STM standard zoom lens combine to make the EOS M10 worthy of your attention while being conveniently wrapped in a slim, stylish camera.

The 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor captures lots of detail with very little image noise. The sensor itself is the APS-C type which will help you take photos and videos in high resolution mean you can crop the image to focus on one section or have enough detail to print large photos to display.

Canon’s DIGIC 6 Image Processor not only speeds up camera operations but also helps enhance a number of the camera’s advanced features. The DIGIC 6 Image Processor aids the camera’s sensor in capturing detailed images with reduced noise at high ISOs and enables high-quality movie capture with a number of different movie compressions including MP4.

The EOS M10 camera can capture 1920×1080 Full HD video at frame rates of both 24p and 30p and can record in MP4 format for easy sharing online.

The EOS M10 camera is a fine movie-making tool. With touch-activated AF and a number of manual controls available, it’s easy to make intuitive setting adjustments silently and on the fly using the EOS M10’s dials and touch operations.

It’s vital to see if you’ve composed the photo you want. The EOS M10 camera 3.0-inch touch screen has 1.04 million pixels, letting you preview images in high detail. It can pivot a full 180°, meaning you can capture a unique dog-eye-view of the world or flip the screen up to get that epic selfie.

The Canon EOS M10 camera comes with many other features like the Creative Photographic Options, Easy-to-use Built-in Flash, Built-in Wi-Fi, Built-in NFC Capability, Remote Shooting & Wireless Printing, Expanding Creativity with EF and EF-S Lenses, and a lot more!

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10. Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera

You can now capture amazing details with the 20.1MP camera that is so simple that anyone can use. With its self-portrait-friendly zoom lever and 180 Degree-tilting screen that lets you see the shots as you take them, this camera makes quality photography look easy.

Ready to share these frame-worthy moments with friends? Faster-than-ever wireless sharing with one-touch NFC connectivity lets you upload to Facebook and more, directly from the camera.

The Sony Alpha a5000 camera uses same sensor format found in other conventional DSLRs

That offers you a 13x the area of a typical point-and-shoot image sensor. The 20.1MP APS-C sensor delivers an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous blurred backgrounds to give even simple shots an artistic touch.

You can also now easily capture HD Movies in your choice of standard 60i or cinematic 24p frames per second, all at Full HD 1920×1080 resolution.

The Alpha a5000 is equipped with a convenient tiltable LCD touchscreen that flips up 180-degrees without sacrificing compactness. Take stunning self-portraits, perfectly framed low angle shots and incredibly precise composed pictures.

The Alpha a5000 also offers tonnes of other features like the 20.1 MP Exmor HD APS sensor, Auto Object Framing fills the frame with your subject, Photo Creativity feature, Convenient Power zoom lens w/ motor zoom lever and body control, Picture Effect modes, Anti-Motion Blur mode, Face Detection/Smile Shutter, Superior Auto mode, Speed Priority Continuous mode, PlayMemories Camera Apps and lots more!

The package includes an NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, an AC-UB10 USB AC charger (in-camera battery charging), a Mini-B USB cable, and shoulder strap.

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How to choose the Best Mirrorless Camera under $500?

With so many models from top brands coming out every month, I know how difficult it is to pick out a new camera. Whether this is your first camera, or you are replacing your old one, cameras aren’t something you can buy every month.

They are a long-term investment. Which is why you must pick yours carefully.

You must keep in mind as to what you require a camera for.

If it is just to satisfy your hobby, you can opt for the cheaper ones, since they will give you pictures good enough for your collection and also to upload on social media.

But if you need it for professional reasons, the expensive cameras are pricey for a reason. They offer higher resolution and better picture quality that can be introspected for your photography.

So, depending on what you need it for, purchase it according to the price. If you want something cheaper you can take a look at the best mirrorless cameras under $300. Or if you need better mirrorless camera experience, be sure to check the best mirrorless cameras under $600 and $1000.

The Best Pick

Out of all the best mirrorless cameras under $500, if I had to pick one, I would pick the Fujifilm X-T10 Mirrorless Digital Camera as my favourite. This camera has everything I want in a camera.

The Fujifilm features a large 16MP X-Trans CMOS II Sensor with an EXR Processor II, a 2.36M-dot organic EL electronic viewfinder, High-Speed Continuous shooting and

With all its features and world’s shortest lag-time of 0.005 sec that makes this camera unbeatable at its price.

See if this camera meets your requirements and you will love it too!