Photography has been described by most as capturing moments unable to be put in words; that sometimes become more real than reality when relived.

A useful gadget is, however, crucial for the moment to be captured right, as certain things have to get considered when selecting the best camera for photography.

Features to look for in a camera:

Price budgets are among the essential elements you have to consider, as expensive does not always guarantee quality.

Easier said than done; we will give you suggestions of the best cheap cameras for photography with quality in mind. Some features to look for when selecting the cameras include:

• Quality of the pictures: technology used like mirrorless cameras to reduce on reflection and a digital single-lens reflex camera better known as digital SLR or DSLR.

• Autofocus Type: Phase detection points, checking horizontal and vertical cross-type points, e.g. when skydiving, in water or angled views.

• Max Video Resolution: Checking the number of pixels a video or image contains, e.g. 360p, 720p, 1080p, and 4K, also enables easy editing like cropping, wide-angle or zoom.

• Objective: Traveling, adventure, events like weddings, etc. considering environmental factors like dust, humidity, moisture, and water, etc. which may be affecting the lens, quality, and outcome of the picture. Choosing waterproof and dustproof cameras may be useful.

• Durability and Warranty: Battery life, Brand selection, manufacturing location/country, etc.

• Distance coverage: Depth of field, zooming distance, portability including weight and size of the camera.

• Aftereffect: Slow motion enabled, interchangeable lens, 3D exposure, contrast adjustments, adding or removing color.

• Sensor size: stabilization capability ensuring smooth and clear pictures.

• Input/Output (I/O) ports: Interface capability with computers, headphones, USB port, phones, microphones, and other external devices.

• Wireless connectivity: Capabilities in WiFi connection to the internet or on devices, with phones, laptops, and tablets, Bluetooth connections, etc.

A Simple (But Complete) Guide to best Cheap Camera for Photography under $500

1. Nikon D3300

The Nikon D3300 is one of the best cameras for photography as well as videography at a reasonable price of $ 397. Reason being its DSLR small crop-sensor with an 18-55mm lens which offers high-quality pictures and videos.

Its user interface is also friendly with a lighter and sharper improved kit lens making it portable and easy to point and shoot. It’s also recommendable for indoor photography due to its bright flashlight.

2. Canon IXUS 185

The Canon IXUS 185 is a compact, super slim camera best for beginners with a low budget of $99 at Amazon. The camera’s resolution is 1280×720 (HD) and 20Megapixels with a relatively small sensor of 1/2.3in but a decent zooming optical range of 8x.

Its full setting is 24mm, but if left on Auto setting to allow in light, it adjusts to a maximum ISO 800 through its light sensitivity ranges between ISO 100 to ISO 1600. Its LCD picture quality is stunning also when taking maximum continuous shoots with speeds of up to 3fps.

3. Sony Cyber-shot WX220

The Sony Cyber-shot WX220 is much powerful than most cameras with an optical zooming capability of 10x at an affordable price of $135. The lens also has a focal range of between 25-250mm and a small LCD screen size of 2.7in, 460k dots.

The picture quality is excellent, offering a bright and punchy 18.2MP quality and detailed pictures with a maximum video resolution of 1920×1080. The Full HD quality videos and photos also get maintained even when using a maximum continuous shooting speed of 1.5fps.

4. Canon PowerShot SX730 HS

Canon SX730 HS (PowerShot) has a portable body with a massive 40xzooming capability best for beginner to professional photographers at an affordable price of $349.

With 20.3MP and a focal range of between 24-960mm, its LCD offers a 3in tilting feature; enabling it to be flipped and face the front for selfies via a mode dial and 1/2.3in Sensor.

The Full HD camera is also simple to use, point and shoot, with a video resolution of 1920×1080 and a maximum continuous shooting speed of 5.9fps.

5. Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ9

The Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ9 is ideal for travelers and selfie lovers making it suitable for beginners and intermediate users with a friendly budget of $348. Falling under Panasonic’s long-running ZS (Travel Zoom) series, it’s the best for holiday occasions and travels on city breaks due to its features.

Starting with its 30x optical zoom which can get connected via Wi-Fi plus raw shooting with a maximum continuous shooting speed of 10fps. Its video quality is 4K with 20.3MP and a lens of 24-720mm offering LCD 3in tilting features.

We hope this simple, but complete guide has shown you a selection of the best cheap cameras for photography by different brands. Also for different users, events and functionality to help you make an informative decision in selecting the best affordable camera.