In case you’re considering taking photography to a professional level, yet you are just beginner wondering where to start from you’ll probably start your journey by first getting yourself a camera.

At the starting point, you’ll have to look for one that is simple to use and can easily understand the way it works. The simple cameras for starters are usually budget-friendly that you find below $500 in camera stores of you can search online.

There many brands of cameras to choose from you need to know which the best brand is to buy but the most important things to look at are the features in the camera.

Best camera brands include;

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Canon
·
Nikon
·
Sony
·
Panasonic

Those brands have the best features and are long-lasting cameras that have a good reputation, they keep upgrading camera features over time.

Features to consider when buying a camera:

For any modern camera under $500 should have the following features for it to function effectively for any photographer Wi-Fi – it’s important as you may connect more cameras to yours or with any mobile device through Wi-Fi to transfer any image or directly send any image or video on the internet directly

Video resolution – it’s important to capture videos with a maximum resolution for the quality purposes of the video of HD (720) or FHD(1080) that determines the video clarity.

Megapixel – you can have options to filter the photo within the camera and produce even larger quality images.

Sensor size – sensors come in sizes according to how well they perform for example microsensor, full-frame, and crop sensor.

Autofocus – autofocus put in cameras differ in performance some are greater
than others depending on how they are built.

Lens mount – it focuses on measuring the accuracy of the image taken, most cameras rely on propriety lens mounting system.

When buying the camera those are the important features you should be able to find in the camera for its proper functioning. The more you get experienced in the field of photography you’ll find that you may need to upgrade into cameras that have more sophisticated features.

Cameras under $500:

1. Canon EOS Rebel T6

Sensor aps -c CMOS, lens mount canon, EF-s, megapixel 18mp, screen 13inch fixed LCD, video resolution 1080p.

It has WI-FI and NFC, LCD in place and 18 sensors. Its lightweight at an affordable price, its recommended for beginners and for own use at home.

2. Nikon D5300

Lens mount Nikon dx, megapixel 24.2mp, sensor aps c MOS, video resolution 1080p, screen 3.2 inches.

It’s a strong camera for traveling having a larger screen than usual, the screen is also sensitive.

3. Sony A68

Megapixel 24.3, sensor aps -c video resolution full HD, screen 2.7 inch.

It has advanced AF system with 8fps burst shooting. This camera is best in action shooting than any other. It is more flexible shooting on low light

4. Olympus OM-DE E-M10 11

Sensor micro 4thirds screen 3.0 inch, videos 1080p, lens micro 4 thirds, resolution 16.1mp.

It has great EVF with excellent image stabilisation it is an analogue OM line that is quite popular among photographers. The price is totally worth the value.

5. Panasonic Lumix lx100

Movies 4k, lens 24-75mm, screen 3.0-inch, sensor micro 4 thirds, resolution 12.8p.

It has good features to set and a huge sensor for compact feel.

In fact, it’s the only compact camera that has such a sensor. Its not specifically for beginners but more to intermediate and even professionals use it.

It also has WIFI and NFC. It’s wide and provides quality images.

You may find all those cameras online at affordable prices which is less than $500, it’s best if you consult a professional photographer to guide you in buying the best beginner camera. All the information of the cameras is always provided in the online stores make sure you read about them and go through the reviews to buy the appropriate camera.

Most of the above cameras come with warranties and delivery services depending on your residence. It’s best when you buy a digital camera than analog ones because they are so much easier to use, and you find many options when using them.

Used cameras:

Due to low budgets, most of the beginners go for the used cameras because of the very low prices, but personally I prefer a brand-new camera.

Used cameras sometimes lack some features or others may be non-functional above that they may require you to keep taking them for repair most of the times and that’s spending more and money, they have no warranty and cannot last for a long time. Its always by luck to find a good used camera and they can also be bought online.