5 Amazing Cameras For Photo & Video Under $500! 

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I actually bought a Nikon D3200 almost a year ago and I was luckily enough to purchase it for £170, with the original lens included, it was in mint condition and came in the original packaging, with it's manual and accessories too. It's a great beginner DSLR and perfect for on a budget at the price point I got it for.

The D3200 was my main shooter for concert photography over several shows. The only reason I upgraded was I needed a bigger buffer size, so I went with the D7200.

Great video, this really helped me figure out what to buy. I'm leaning towards the M50 for sure. One question I have is if you'd recommend the original m50 or the even newer m50 mark II?

Great video! Love the focus on used gear too!

wonderfully explained 🥰 I think i am going for the canon m50 as a beginner 🤔how much am i have to pay for the lens?I wanna start with portraits and sometimes bird photography not too far from me

Yes! Definitely want to see a vid on the 5d mk2 raw video, as I still use this camera for shooting wedding films

Very much appreciated. Not even sure I'm a rookie at taking photos, but really thinking this is the year... thanks!

Don’t forget the Canon M5. It’s like the M50 without 4K. Super underrated.

The Canon 5D mk ii was used to shoot the season 6 finale of House. They also used it to shoot a lot of season 7. They said its small size in comparison to traditional cine cameras made it much easier to shoot in tight spaces.

3 cameras I would add to that list that I think really are worthy of being present : - Nikon D700, it's basically the same thing as the 5D classic, but with higher dynamic range, much better noise perforamance, fast shooting (up to 8fps with the battery grip 5fps without) and super solid autofocus even today. You can find it for about 250€ so definitely worth it to pick it up. It's also super solid and reliable. If you want a cheap full frame cameras that you can take to more serious shoots where the autofocus system of the 5D would be a big problem : this the perfect camera. Same goes for the 5D mk II as the 5D and 5DII share the same autofocus system. That's if you don't need the extra resolution of the 5DII that is. Color reproduction is also super good for the D700 and has been an argument to pick up that camera for a good decade. Probably the best Nikon has made to date (alongside the D3) (I would have also added the D300 which is basically the APS-C version of the D700, but that older 12MP sensor might be a little hard to work with for anyone not experienced enough. But I mean for the price it's going for nowadays (60 to 90 bucks generally) I don't think you can go wrong with it) - Canon 7D mk 1, was basically Canon's answer to the D300 and D300S, and has pretty nice specs (18MP APS-C sensor that is a little better than the 12MP on in the D300, 8fps shooting without the need of a battery grip of any sort and much better AF system than either of the 5D cameras here, or the APS-C Canon cameras of the time like the 50D or 60D. It's still worse than the AF system in the D300/D700 but honestly you'd be hard pressed to find any meaningful difference between those two cameras in the real world). It's probably the best budget wildlife camera, you can find it around 150 bucks, it's weather sealed, magnesium allow build and is overall very tough, to the same standards as the D700 and other 5D cameras. - Nikon D7000 (honestly could also include the D7100 as well since the budget is up to 500$ anyway) : this camera is truly a super high value for anyone that wants to start shooting for money like small events etc. The 16MP sensor is much improved compared to the D300 with moire dynamic range and less noise, honestly it still holds up today, the autofocus system is a bit of a downgrade but you still keep most of what made the D300 an D700 such good autofocusing cameras (3D tracking etc) just with a bit less points (39 instead of 51). It't solidly built, is weather sealed, has all the features you want out of a Nikon camera (can use the older AF-D lenses as well as AI lenses), has double card slots, shoots pretty okay 1080p video (as long as you don't need autofocus) and still uses the same battery format as current Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras (the En-El15 format) so if you end up upgrading you'll be able to carry over your old batteries as backups. You can find that one for just over 150€ generally, and it's probably THE best value for money for someone starting out a little businedd around photography as it allows you to shoot pretty much everything, from sports to events, to portraits (thanks to the nice skin tones and pretty low noise, as well as super good lens selection and compatibility) and even a little bit of video (with the presence of a mic jack). The D7100 is pretty much the exact same thing, except we do get the D300's AF system, and the D3200's 24MP sensor otherwise the camera is very similar to the D7000. And the D7200 is the same as D7100 with very small improvements like larger buffer space, but that's about it. Overall, best value resides around the D7000 and 7100 if you need extra resolution (can pick up a D7100 for right around 220€ around here)

Very helpful, thx for sharing your knowledge and expertise

I actually just purchased the Canon 5D Mark II based on based on this video! I was looking at saving for a new R6, but getting the MarkII allows me to be out taking high quality photos and learning more about all the settings while saving up for a newer camera with all the bells and whistles.

Great video. I want to ask if the Canon 5d mk ii has a clean HDMI out feed

Great video man👌 Good content that matches what folks are looking for will retain the views. I watched it from beginning to end and took a lot of good info from it👍 Thanks man!!!

Guy actually explained clearly. Thanks man

REALLY looking forward to the magic lantern video for the 5D, I want to buy one just to play eight the dual iso and dual exposure video modes

i loved this video. You explained everything so well

Thanks a lot for the infos , i m looking for the perfect video camera for my fitness contents.

Nice overview! Thanks for sharing 👏

thank you. that was so incredibly helpful choosing a camera for fitness content has been overwhelming think ill go with the canon m50

I'm thinking about replacing my good old 450D. What do you think about the 7D mark II. I want a camera that has a good AF system to shot in airshows and that can reliable focus with f1.8 lens. I want it to be APS-C because I want the extra reach and portability. I want it to be cheap 😂. Awesome videos keep with this amazing work.

Stabilization should also be mentioned as a key factor when talking about specs

Very great detailed and informative video. You have even listed your recommendations and links with everything and have extra videos on just that camera and explained lens. I think I found everything I was looking for in one video, thanks!!

Finally someone who says budget camera and not have 800 cameras as the first option 😂

I can ignore video recording capability but i do concern about its fast auto focus timing.. so which one the best choice for my preferences? Thx

What about Nikon z30 for video like reels and shorts? is it better than canon m50 ,5d mark 2

My father bought the d3200 when it came out and since he doesn't use it anymore I'm using it. Great camera but the thing that bothers me is that I do not know how my shot will look like other than focus and composition

Thanks, this is very helpful.

Does the Nikon 3200 fully meter with manual focus Nikkor AI or AIS lenses? That would be terrific. thanks for the great review. Liked and subscribed.

Looking to record and take sports videos and pictures. What do you recommend

Thanks for this video, God bless!

I actually just got the d3300, used. It's so small, portable, its quality Is really good too. For my family it was a great buy. I rent 5d mk 3 and other bigger cameras when needed.

Does any of these cams can be used for streaming?

I want to see the video about magic lantern on the canon 5d mark ii Also, if you don’t mind me asking, what do you shoot your RU-vid videos on? I have the m50 but I’m looking to upgrade eventually Edit: I see you shoot on a a7siii. Anything you’d recommend under $1000 for video? Besides the x-t4, which I’ve been looking at as a Fuji user.

Once again, no one mentions the king of affordability: The Nikon D600! Full frame, 24 MP, video recording, screw-type focusing (to use older F mount D- type lenses!)

is the eo 80d good for wedding videos?

The 5dc menu should be the benchmark for other menus. Clean and simple.

Really helpful brother. I'm going to buy the 2005 old buddy.

I would recommend Pentax K5 or K5 II. I have a K5 IIs and I can't say enough good about it. With K mount you also have literally decades worth of lenses to choose from.

the nikon d3200 takes very nice picures but i have found out that it only has 3x optical zoom.i want to pretty much sometimes planespot and a planespotting camera need around minimum 25x to30x ON MINIMUM. and since im in romania romania uses rons and 1 us dollar = 4 rons and 200x4 is 800 .800 rons. so can you help me find a good camera for spotting?

Great video. that footage from Canon 5D Mark II freaked me out. wow.

Is there any reason why the 5D Mk II is recommended but there is no mention of the Mk III? It looks like the Magic Lantern firmware also works with the Mk III.

Im so glad i found your channel

Thanks a lot. I am using EOS 60D for more 10 years. Still happy with it for photos. But your video gave me idea to look some used full frame camera :)

Got a D3300 currently and as I do less landscape work due to health reasons currently and do more product style photography now I really think about going mirrorless soon, just to have better live view from the tripod in the home studio. Probably gonna go back to Sony.

Nice video review. I have a D3300, D3400, A6000 and A5100. great cameras.

i got a nikon d3200 for plane photography and it works great for a beginner

I bought the t4i as my first camera and it does decent photos and recently got a great deal on a canon m50 330$! It came with the kit lens to I love it

I started with Nikon D5200 for my photo/video works and upgraded to Sony A7sii, I learnt manual focus from Nikon and it paid off

For the Canon 5D Mark II using the hack to get better video, what kind of CF card or SD card is needed to prevent bottlenecking the quality of the video?

I have used 5d mark II and it's absolutely lovely. but with 200mm lens, it's freaking heavy.

Great video bro

i want to move to mirrorless, currently i use 700d, any recommendation?

Canon 80d, and the 760d is one of the most underrated dslr canon do its probably the best begginers camera out there.

Via a website you can put the Canon 5D Mark 2 as a picture profile on the Nikon D3200. I did it with my Nikon D5500

Is a Canon eos 50d for 180 Dollars good?

Is the Canon Rebel t3i good for its price?

If you wait and and really search you can get a few great options Under 500, eos rp, 5d3 (often £184 on mpb) or the a7III as well as plenty of LUMIX options

Awesome explanation! I think m50 is superb for beginners

Panasonic g9 and Olympus e-m1 m2 are getting close to that $500 threshold. Both excellent choices.

despite not beeing weatherselad, the a6000 can take some abuse the AF can be unreliable, hence its pretty old, it works good a f4 but when using faster lenses, getting sharp faces can sometimes be a bit of a pain.

My favorite is the Nikon d5500 and you can get it in great condition below 500 at times 😅

I have the Nikon D3200 I bought quite a long time ago for photos, and it just happened to be a good budget video shooter. When I can upgrade to a better video shooter, I'll get the Canon M50 for great video options, and I can get an adapter so I can use my current Nikkor lenses along with Canon lenses I'll get in the future.

In my country, the canon eos 5d classic body and nikon d3200 (with 18-55 included) are now selling for only 120$ Also nikon d60, canon 1000d and canon 40d are selling online for under 80$ now

I just came here and subscribed cause I found your dollar you left at McGuire’s in Destin, FL

Which camera do you recommend for best picture quality?

loved your video!

I just bought a camera using the link you provided. I hope you get commission from it or something of value. Thanks for the awesome rec. can’t wait or start filming

The best video ever!!

I've had my Nikon D3300 since 2019, was my first DSLR camera too. I actually love it and don't regret it! It's a really good camera especially if you know what you're doing!

What is the best camera for takeing pictures of wildlife in this group of cameras in this video

Hey, I know I´m 3 weeks late. But I have a question, if you could choose between the nikon d3200 and a sony nex 5r (mostly for video purposes) which one would you choose?

I was searching for some cheap camera for beginning to shoot, and I found used with 2000 shots a Canon eos 1200D for like 140$, it’s not a great deal but considering that where I live for

Really a bummer not seeing any Panasonic G7/G85. They are literally at 350 and 450-ish on MPB and could be upgraded with a Viltrox Speedbooster. They're not as versatile as other cameras but they can be real manual-focus video workhorses thanks to their assist features.

I personally would suggest the Panasonic GX80/85. Got mine for some 250$ secondhand and it’s a beast.

Currently using a Olympus Omd Em10 Mkiii. Looking for a second camera (preferably an upgrade of what I have now) that is good with both video and photography. What are your recommendations for a budget camera with a wide array of lenses?

Another FoxTailWhipz banger

The a6000 is awesome

fuji film xt1/2 should be on this list too got it for $289 use a couple years ago and the sensor is on par with the Canon 5D MKII. Same quality style sensor with that creamy smoothness and creamy color that can't be replicated anymore. Plus it has fuji's film simulations built in. Only con is the lenses since fuji isn't 3rd party friendly

Have you ever tried the 1d mark iv? It's under the 500 mark and it looks like a pretty good camera overall

Great 👍❤ ❤from Gilgit-Baltistan

I currently have a D3300 😄

While I agree and think the 5D ii is probably the best deal out there (almost a steal)… I think the a6000 is quite a deal at that price because of the e-Mount. Might not make sense to the beginner but the amount of lens available on that mount is a huge plus! 👍

Years ago, I purchased a used Canon 5D Mark II, and a few year later a used 5D Mark III. I sold my 5D Mark II. I bought a used Canon Rebel T7. My only Canon camera I purchased new is the R100. I'm giving away my T7 as a Christmas present 2023. I still have my 5D Mark III. But my camera of choice is the R100.

If you're up for the challenge. Make a video about Magic Lantern..installed in 5D mark II or III. Compare it to some of your favorite modern cameras.

On ebay I was able to snag my D600 for less than $500, so you can definitely buy a solid rig for the money

Didn't understand any of this. Still a good video, thanx.

I use my old canon 6d for all sorts, from dragonflies in flight to astro landscape photography including star trails and its awesome and built like a tank and also weighs like one haha that is the only down side.

Will a CF SD adapter work with the 5D?

Who would you recommend the a6000 for? The only one you didn’t touch on at the end there.

You can find a Nikon d800 around $500 that's a full frame camera with 36 mp. Probably going to have to get an older lens to keep cost down, but still a great deal

I got my d3200 for about $100 with a free camera bag to boot. Best deal I have ever had.

I need a vlog camera under 500!!

What’s the best for race car photography because they’re moving really fast

I currently still use my Nikon D200 as my one and only camera. I admit it my not be as nice as the cameras on this list, but you could put it on the list of cameras under $100. Currently, I'm trying to save up to get my hands on a camera that just barely doesn't make this list's price cutoff. I really want to get my hands on the Nikon D800 to try out, but it would have to be on a list going to $600 to be a candidate for the list. If anyone reading this has an opinion on the D800, feel free to share if you think it is worthwhile trying to save up for it or not. I really want to stick with Nikon so that I don't have to worry about swapping lenses.

If the budget is up to 500 for this video, you can find D750s and D810s for around that price, on sites like mpb. Those would outclass any other camera on this list, when it comes to still photos

Got a Olympus EM5 Mk.2 for 200$!!! Weather sealed, magnesium body, IBIS, articulating screen, 16MP and High Res Mode 40MP, Focus stacking, focus bracketing, endless options of customisations and custom buttons, access to PRO grade light and inexpensive lenses on a ecosystem that is still alive, 10fps, 1/8000 shutter speed, silent electronic shutter, gimbal like 1080p 60fps IBIS video and so on... Other than that i would go for a bigger APSC sensor Sony a5100 but less features for 200$ with the kit lens included.

Magic lantern 5d mark 2

I wanna see video with ML and Mark II