Best Digital Camera Under $500 of 2016

By Matt Staker. Last updated Jun 21, 2016.

The best cameras on offer in the sub-$500 range in 2016 from the high-end compact cameras to the entry level SLR's. Typically the high-end compacts have a well-honed feature set such as a high megapixel count, good optical zoom, optical image stabilization to reduce camera shake and excellent video capability. The cameras under this price range includes some of the best value cameras.

Expect the best optics in the compact camera market with ever-improving dynamic ranges at the 500$ price point. Canon for eg has it's HS system (High Sensitivity) which gives excellent image quality at higher ISO's. The Panasonic Lumix models use the excellent LEICA DC VARIO lenses. Olympus offers the M.Zuiko lenses for impressive image quality.

Also the best under 500 cameras offer an extended optical zoom range. At the wide-end the range is typically 25-27mm for generous viewing space and some of the superzooms offer up to 18X optical zoom.

The best superzooms below 500 dollar offer image quality on par with d-SLR's at a comfortable price and without the hassle of bulky lenses etc. Targeted at the amateur photo hobbyist segment, they provide the flexibility of full manual controls as well as powerful optical zooms. superior image quality at high ISO's etc. In addition they could serve as an add-on camera to a d-SLR for the serious photo enthusiast.

Browse All Top Digital Cameras Under $500 of 2016 »

Nikon 1 J5

	#1	#2	#3	#4	#5
	Nikon 1 J5	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V	Pentax K-S2	Nikon Coolpix S9900	Fujifilm X-A2


	[?] ReviewGist Score	[?] ReviewGist Score	[?] ReviewGist Score	[?] ReviewGist Score	[?] ReviewGist Score
Release Date	May 2015	Aug 2015	Apr 2015	Mar 2015	Mar 2015
Camera Type	Rangefinder-style mirrorless	Compact	Compact SLR	Compact	Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Resolution	21.0 Megapixel	18.0 Megapixel	20.0 Megapixel	16.0 Megapixel	16.0 Megapixel
Image Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS	BSI-CMOS	CMOS	CMOS	CMOS
LCD Screen Size	3.0 in.	3.0 in.	3.0 in.	3.0 in.	3.0 in.
Image Sensor Size	13.23 mm	2.5 mm	28.2 mm	2.5 mm	28.28 mm
	very capable camera TechRadar.com Rating Unavailable	The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V is a solid entry in the world of compact superzooms. PCMag.com	The Pentax K-S2 is an attractive option for photographers who don't put an emphasis on video capture. PCMag.com	If you're on a tight budget and are prepared to sacrifice a built-in electronic viewfinder, the COOLPIX S9900 represents great value for money - especially considering it sports a fully-articulated screen and built-in GPS. CameraLabs.com Rating Unavailable	It's fair to say that the X-A2's movie mode isn't overly advanced. PhotographyBLOG.com Rating Unavailable