Sometimes when people think about video cameras, they only consider the expensive ones. Not to say there’s anything wrong with those, but if you’re looking for one for a more budget-friendly price, the best 4k camera under 500 dollars will surely be of interest.
These cameras can shoot footage in 4k resolution, and it features some other valuable specifications like an articulated LCD monitor. It also has optical image stabilization (OIS), which you can expect in more expensive models.
However, the biggest advantage of the 4k camera is the quality. The price tag is $500, so if you’re looking for the best 4k camera that doesn’t cost a fortune but still delivers good enough quality, these might be the ones for you.
Best 4K Camera Under 500
So let’s have a look at some of the best 4k cameras under 500.
Canon EOS 2000D (Rebel T7) Digital SLR Camera
The Canon brand is no need for introduction. It is one of the most well-known in the industry, with a reputation for high-quality, powerful cameras. The Canon EOS 2000D (Rebel T7) Digital SLR Camera offers incredible detail and precision.
With a large and clear LCD screen, you can use this camera to photograph anything that catches your eye. This Canon camera has an array of incredible features, including the ability to capture high-quality images and videos in low light conditions.
Plus, this package also comes with several fantastic add-on accessories. This includes a large 18-55mm lens and a 16GB memory card. This makes the perfect camera for all those interested in photography.
The reasons that this camera is so popular include high-quality images, easy-to-use and lightweight, excellent battery life, and long-lasting charge. This camera is incredibly versatile and can be used in many different situations. This makes it ideal for any hobby photographer or those just starting out in the industry.
24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
9-Point AF system
Built-in WiFi and NFC
3.0 inch LCD
Affordable
Easy to use
High-quality images.
Amazing customer service.
No cons at the moment.
🎯Analysis: I love this camera. It is just so easy to use, and the quality of the images is impressive; it is just a matter of getting used to the camera and being comfortable with its various settings, as I mentioned above.
The interface on this camera is very user-friendly for those new to using a DSLR. I would highly recommend this camera for those looking for a promising yet affordable way to capture their next memory.
Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K Digital Camera
The Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Digital Camera works fluently. It comes with an impressive 14-42mm mega-vision focal length lens and a 16 MP camera sensor. With its compact dimensions, it allows for easy carrying around and uses when you want to take your photography skills outdoors as well.
Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K Digital Camera is packed with numerous features that make it one of the best cameras on our list. It includes a high-performance image sensor and built-in DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology to focus faster, more accurately.
The Panasonic LUMIX Camera is a four-third type digital camera, so it has sensors that are exactly the same as those used in 4K TVs and monitors. The Lumix G7 4K Digital Camera is a powerful camera with the features you need to take high-definition photos.
16-megapixel micro four-thirds sensor
Intuitive controls
High-resolution Viewfinder
Three 4K photo modes
Compact and lightweight design
Portable
Silent shooting
Highly rated by its users
Customer service is not that good.
🎯Analysis: We can see that this 4K camera is packed with many advanced features from the specifications alone. It also has a great lens that allows you to take more pictures and videos simultaneously while also giving you an ultra-wide angle of view.
OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
This camera is durable and waterproof up to 15 meters. It’s perfect for outdoor activities such as climbing, surfing, and snorkeling. The camera is compatible with all Micro SD cards.
The camera is lightweight, only 9 ounces, and it’s compact enough to fit in your pocket or purse. It comes with a great LCD. The camera has an F-2.0 lens that can get you more into your photo without having to move back too much.
Images captured with the TG-6 camera are stored in RAW and JPEG format and compatible with any microSD card. The TG-6 camera will also capture high-quality 4K UHD video at 30/25fps. This camera is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality compact camera used during outdoor activities.
Waterproof up to 50 feet
Shockproof and Dustproof
Available in two colors
5 underwater shooting modes
High-quality lens
Simple operation
Takes good pictures and video
Waterproof
Doesn’t comes with an SD card
🎯Analysis: The TG-6 camera is an excellent value for the price. The camera is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and there are lots of great features. This camera is simple enough to get the job done. If your budget is $500, then you can also go for the camera under $300 or below.
GoPro HERO10 Black
The Go Pro HERO10 Black is an easy-to-use, waterproof camera with an auto-intelligent processor. It has a built-in touch screen and front screen that allows you to preview images in vibrant colors on the 4k UHD video recording.
It is a waterproof camera and can also be used in snowy conditions, hot and humid areas, etc. You can use the touchscreen to swipe through pictures and even select multiple images that you want to delete.
It features 5.3K ultra HD video, a 23MP highest resolution digital camera, and the capability to take overhead photos and take self-portraits. This camera is considered as one of the best cameras one can have in their hands as this model lets you feel like you have a virtual reality screen built-in.
Shoots 5.3K videos at 60 FPS
Extraordinary image quality
Fas and reliable connectivity
Compact design
8x Slo-mo
Its compact size adds convenience.
Waterproof and shockproof
HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization
Overheating problem
Heating issue
🎯Analysis: You cannot go wrong with the GoPro HERO10 Black. This is a high-quality camera that you can use in almost any weather. It has so many valuable features that it is hard to choose what are the important ones.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 Digital Camera
It is a huge camera, but it also has a large sensor and a wide-angle lens. It is not just any ordinary camera as it has 60x optical zoom to capture even the far-off places clearly. Its optical system ensures you won’t miss anything within the range of its sensors.
You can indulge in photography more freely because this camera has 4K resolution, which means your pictures will be more detailed when you download them onto a computer. It comes with a “Wi-Fi” capability so you can share your photos easily.
It is compact, durable, and portable and can be taken along to places where photography needs to be done.
Also, 4K resolution ensures that anyone can zoom into the picture during editing and still have a good resolution for displaying it. The automatic settings also come in handy for beginners when doing photography because of which one doesn’t have to fiddle with a lot of settings to get the desired results.
60x optical zoom
Powerful stabilization
18.1 megapixel MOS sensor
1,170k dot viewfinder
It has good features and an excellent quality lens.
The “Wi-Fi” feature enables one to share their pictures easily.
Easily operated with the touch-enabled LCD display on the back.
Travel-ready
The camera is a bit bulky
Light metering is not up to the mark.
🎯Analysis: If you are looking for a good quality camera with an excellent lens, this one is for you. It takes good pictures, has 4K resolution for enhanced picture quality, and has 60x optical zoom, making it the best camera for professional quality pictures.
The touch-enabled LCD display on the back of the camera makes it easy to operate. This is one of the best cameras available in this range.
DJI Osmo 4K Action Camera
The DJI Osmo Action is a 4K action camera that offers some of the best specs under 500. It comes with a 12-megapixel sensor, features a wide 145° angle lens, and can shoot up to 4K at 30fps while providing you rock steady image stabilization.
This DJI Osmo Action comes with a variety of accessories. The image stabilization system reduces the unwanted shaking of videos and videos made in the case of low light conditions.
It is a waterproof camera of up to 11m. The DJI Osmo Action is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones, allowing you to start recording videos immediately upon getting connected to your phone. The captured images also come out clear and sharp, ensuring that they are not too dark or too bright.
145 degrees wide-angle lens
Dual Display screen
Waterproof up to 36ft
8x Slow motion
Wide dynamic range
Low light video recording
The camera is easy to set up and mount on different devices.
Steady video footage
Not a durable product
🎯Analysis: The DJI Osmo Action is great for capturing your amazing adventures and sharing them on social media networks like YouTube and Facebook. Since it can be mounted on several devices, it allows you to shoot from different perspectives hence more exciting than filming yourself.
Canon EOS Rebel T100/4000D DSLR Camera
This Canon EOS Rebel DSLR camera features an 18 MP sensor to create amazing-looking images, while the HD video capture feature is excellent for sharing your videos. The Rebel T100 is compact, lightweight, and available in black color.
The Rebel T100 camera bundle comes with EOS 100D 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom lens is designed for consumers looking to make their first foray into DSLR photography. This T100 camera offers excellent optical performance.
This DSLR camera from Canon is also designed for users who are familiar with the basics of DSLR photography and want to learn professional-quality skills.
18-megapixel sensor
Motorized zoom
Multi-coded Digital HD UV filter
Tulip lens hood
Small and compact
Perfect for shooting action sports, travel, and travel photography
It comes with many accessories
Live view feature
No cons at the moment
🎯Analysis: This is an excellent camera for beginning photographers and those new to photography in general. The video is great, and the image quality is exceptional. I would recommend this camera to anyone looking to buy a DSLR under $500.
Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 4K Camera
This Panasonic Lumix ZS 100 is a great 4k camera that gives you a 4k resolution at 30fps video recording. It is possible to shoot smooth, high-quality 4k videos that look like movies. The camera features a fast Auto Focus speed.
This Panasonic Lumix ZS 100 also has a 20.1-megapixel sensor with hybrid optical image stabilization (OIS). It also includes a 3-inch touch LCD screen and memory card slot. The camera offers a variety of features for shooting and sharing in 4k.
It also has the ability to autofocus while recording video continuously, and if desired, you can manually focus while recording. The camera’s intelligent high-speed continuous shooting features an incredible startup time and quick capture speeds.
Tilt correction
An advanced image processing system
10x zoom lens
High-speed AF
Eye-level viewfinder (EVF)
Hybrid OIS
Post focus function
Travel friendly
Complex for some users
🎯Analysis: The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 is a capable camera that is ideal for photographers looking to shoot 4k without breaking the bank.
AKASO Brave 20MP WiFi Action Camera
The AKASO Brave Camera is an affordable entry-level camera with stunning image quality. It has a 4K 30fps camera with 20 MP and noticeable low light performance to bring your home videos to life.
The camera also has two batteries for extended shooting time, a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth connection, and is waterproof up to 131 feet! Recording videos in 4K is a significant upgrade from the 1080p HD that most cameras offer.
In addition, it can also record slow-motion video in good quality and play it back in real-time so that you can see your actions like never before. The camera’s display is large enough to see clearly, especially when filmed in 4K quality. It has a 2-inch display which is enough to show everything clearly and make your videos look like the real deal.
Electronic Image Stabilization
IPX7 Water-resistant
Dual-screen
Waterproof
Extended shooting time with 2 batteries
Waterproof up to 131 feet
Built-in WiFi
Longer battery life
Some users didn’t like the video quality of this camera.
🎯Analysis: The AKASO Brave Camera is the perfect camera. It has features that most people will appreciate, and it’s worth every penny. Plus, you will not have anything to complain about after using this camera!
ORDRO 4k Video Camera
It is the best in both 4K video recording and 1080P FHD video recording. It is easy to use and affordable on the budget. It is one of the cheapest 4k cameras. It has the capability to shoot in a variety of modes, and it has easy-to-use features.
This camera can record 60 frames per second at 1080p resolution and 24 frames per second at 4K. Included in the camera are many accessories like a 3.1 inch IPS touchscreen. This touchscreen is full of useful functions. The lens also comes with 30x digital zoom.
It is a great camera at a low price. It has good video quality, easy to use design, and many features. It also comes with a standard warranty. It is one of the best 4k cameras you can buy for under $500.
Sony IMX258 CMOS sensor
IR Night Vision
30x Digital zoom
Time-Lapse function
High-resolution images
Detailed settings menus
Affordable
Wide-angle lens
The sound quality is not good
🎯Analysis: You can easily shoot in both 4k and 1080p. It has a steady video recording without any distortion. It also has a perfect lens. It is one of the best cameras for under $500, and it is recommended by many people who have bought it.
This camera is one of the best camera under 500 for beginners who want to get started with 4k cameras but don’t want to spend huge amounts of money on a 4k camera.
Buying Guide for Best 4K Camera Under 500 Dollars
Here are some of the things that you should keep in your mind while purchasing the camera for under $500.
Design
The design of the camera may be a key aspect in selecting one. Some cameras have more appealing designs than others. The type of photo shooting you will be doing will also factor into which camera you purchase.
If you plan to take portraits with your camera, then perhaps a camera with a longer lens would be better to purchase, as it will allow for shooting in low light without overexposing the image. If you plan to shoot very close-up photos, a stable tripod is crucial to ensure that your photos aren’t blurred with hand movement.
Weight and Size
This aspect may come up if you are planning on traveling with your camera. Most people will want to know whether it will fit in their bag easily or if it will be bulky and heavy. The camera’s size and weight are crucial in planning your trip.
If you have any plans of traveling from place to place, it’s important to consider the size and weight of your camera. If you plan on taking a road trip, you should choose a lightweight camera, easy to carry and quiet when taking photos.
Sensor Size
The camera’s sensor size is a crucial factor in determining the quality of your photos. Many sizes are available to choose from, with 10x and 16x being the most popular. The image sensor should be large enough to produce a good light for novices and expert users alike.
Zoom Ratio
The quality of the camera you purchase will depend on how far you can zoom in on your subject. The zoom ratio is a key factor to consider when buying cameras. The higher the zoom, the better your lens will be to pull in a subject and show it in detail.
Lens
The lens is also something to think about when purchasing a new camera. The lens is how wider or longer you will be able to zoom in on your subject. The type of lens you buy will depend on how close up you want your subject to look.
A telephoto lens, for example, may be better for distance shots, while a standard zoom would be better for close-up images.
Video Quality
If video quality is something that you think about when purchasing a new camera, then you should also think about the frame rate and resolution of the video. The frame rate can determine whether your video looks choppy or not, while the resolution determines how clear it actually is. If you plan to do much video recording with your camera, then a higher resolution may be important.
Budget
Your budget may be an essential factor when buying a camera. If you have a set price range in mind, this will give you the ability to narrow down your choices.
If you plan on spending over five hundred dollars on a new camera, it’s good to consider what exactly you plan on doing with your camera and what features you may need in your model. Choosing a camera based solely on the price is likely to make, but not necessarily the best.
FAQ
What is a 4k camera?
It’s a video camera with a 3840 x 2160 pixels video resolution. Cameras in this range are usually used to make a living in the film and television industry.
Can I use any camera with any resolution?
No, not really. It’s not that simple as that. You need to know about the type of video shot for your individual needs.
How will my video and pictures be affected?
It depends on your skill as a cameraman or a photographer. But generally speaking, digital cameras with 4k resolutions will give much better images than other resolutions. Hence, if you are a cameraman, it’s best to use a 4k camera.
Is it true that a 4k camera can only shoot in 4k?
No, of course not. You can also choose other resolutions.
What is 4k resolution used for?
When you probably first hear about 4k, you think it’s just another gimmick. But once you start using a camera with such a resolution, you will realize the quality of your videos and pictures is much higher than that of standard-definition cameras.
Even though we are talking about a video camera when it comes to photography or still images, the quality of your photos will improve drastically as well. Just think of it in terms of making a living for yourself.
Conclusion
The 4k camera market is a vast and competitive space, but it also has a lot of expensive high-end models that will break the bank for many consumers. There are still some great choices out there for those on a budget or looking for something more affordable.
We reviewed ten 4k cameras under 500 dollars in this article and found them worth their price tags. These cameras deliver some stellar image quality.
These 4k cameras offer great value and should be considered by anyone who is looking for a new shooting device without breaking the bank. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment sections below.
We hope this article helped you choose the best 4k camera under 500. If you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social network.