Top 5 Cheapest Digital Cameras Under $500
Top 5 Cheapest Digital Cameras Under $500
Remember when it was common to drop $400 to $600 on a nice digital point-and-shoot? These days, with the same money, you can pick up a digital SLR camera. These aren't professional models or the very best that current technology has to offer, but for the photo enthusiast on a budget--or even the avid family photographer--they can be a big leap forward. With larger sensors and generally faster performance than snapshot models offer, these cameras provide plenty of tools for photographers who prefer a camera with more than one button. And if you save your pennies, you can increase their flexibility and image quality in the future with additional lens and accessory purchases. But which to buy from this year's models? Here's my take.
With the best overall performance, best low-light photo quality, and as the cheapest dSLR to offer video capture, the Pentax K-x rules for best overall value. It's not perfect--the video quality is just so-so, the automatic white balance is overly cool, and it's not a particularly newbie-targeted model--but it's solidly built and runs off AA batteries.
For the first-timer friendliest, the Nikon D3000 provides a guided shooting mode that can help you get up to speed. But it also has the most limited feature set of the bunch--there's no exposure or flash exposure bracketing, for example.
Keep in mind that only a couple hundred dollars more will buy a lot more camera; generally, models one price class up supply video capture, as well as better performance and photo quality. Plus, you've got a lot more to choose from.
Nikon D3000 (with 18mm-55mm VR lens)
Its feature set is basic even by entry-level standards, but the Nikon D3000 delivers the photo quality and performance you expect when stepping up to a dSLR, with an optional interface that's very beginner friendly.
The good: Beginner-friendly Guide mode; nicely laid out interactive control panel; solid photo quality up through ISO 1,600.
The bad: Extremely basic feature set; annoying multiselector switch.
Pentax K-x (black, with 18-55mm DA lens)
A fast, inexpensive dSLR with better-than-average low-light quality, the Pentax K-x nevertheless has some flaws, such as unreliable image stabilization, to watch out for.
The good: Very good noise profile; nice-size viewfinder for its class; relatively speedy.
The bad: Doesn't display AF points in viewfinder; no HDMI connector; slow Live View autofocus; mediocre LCD; unreliable image stabilization.
Canon Rebel XS (black, with 18-55mm lens)
The Canon EOS Rebel XS is a good entry-level dSLR, but only its photo quality stands out among the competition.
The good: Excellent photo quality for its class; solid performance.
The bad: Maximum ISO of 1,600; no spot meter; annoying, in-viewfinder, focus-point display.
Nikon D3100 (with 18-55mm lens)
A very good entry-level dSLR, the Nikon D3100 delivers excellent photo quality in a body that's streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively unintimidating for the less advanced. The only weakness of these electronic gadgets is performance; though solid, it nevertheless lags behind the competition.
The good: Excellent photo quality; well-laid-out controls; interesting, user-friendly Guide mode; full manual controls in video capture.
The bad: Smallish viewfinder; slower than the competition; no bracketing.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 (with 18-55mm lens)
Cheaper and with better photo quality than its sibling, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500's quirky design is the only real flaw in an otherwise solid entry-level tech gadgets with fast Live View shooting and a useful tilting LCD.
The good: Generally above-average performance and solid raw high ISO sensitivity performance for its class; large, tilting LCD; fast Live View autofocus; wireless flash.
The bad: Awkward aspects to the design; no video.
You know, it's a dream of every budding photographer to own a DSLR one day. Aren't you the lucky one for you have taken that one big step towards framing a career as a successful photographer? For your purpose, the best DSLR electronic gadgets under $500 have been wisely picked, and put here for your guidance. So, give them a go, click everything that was unseen before, and rest, let your pictures do the talking.
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