Best Camera Under £500

 

 

 

 

Canon EOS 600D

PROS – Excellent, adjustable screen; Very good image quality; Start-up time

CONS – Video footage could be better; Expensive; Some metering issues

 

 

 

Nikon D3200

PROS – High-resolution sensor; Excellent video mode; Fuss-free design

CONS – Slow AF at times with kit lens; Cold cast over LCD; Shallow grip

 

 

 

Olympus E-PM2

PROS – Sensitive screen; Fast AF; Build; Reliable image quality

CONS – 16:9 screen ratio (but great for video); Tiny buttons; Fiddly kit lens

 

 

Panasonic Lumix GX1

PROS – Refined design; Metal features; Very good AWB performance

CONS – Noise at higher sensitivities; Faint control engravings; Low-resolution LCD

 

 

 

Pentax K-30

PROS – Large, bright viewfinder; Decent audio; Excellent ergonomics

CONS – Slower start-up than other DSLRs; Noisy kit lens; CA with kit lens

 

 

 

 
Samsung NX1000

PROS – Great video; Brilliant features-to-price ratio; Resolution

CONS – Muted colours; Sometimes-slow AF and Raw write times; No IS as standard

 

 

 
Sony NEX-5R

PROS – Superb image detail; Prompt image capture; Responsive screen

CONS – Bulky kit lens; Occasionally warm AWB; AF faster on competitors

 

Sample Images