NPR: Best Camera Under $500?

dp1320 · April 2014

We're looking to get a new camera before baby gets here but don't want to spend a million dollars...ideally, we would like to keep it under $500. I know we have a couple photogs in the group... what do you recommend?

usernewname · April 2014

I have a canon Elph. Takes amazing photos for a little point and shoot. I would love a fancy one sometime but this does a great job.

Unknown · April 2014

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frugalwife · April 2014

I am ordering this one. A little more than $500 but it came highly recommended to me.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XKRPD4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AXCB29L39I26U

Jdub489 · April 2014

I have a Canon EOS Rebel II and love it! I'm not a photographer by any means and needed a good starter camera that was easy to use, could cover the basics, and takes great photos. This one came recommended by several people, and I've definitely been satisfied.

mrspopsicle · April 2014

I have a Samsung NX1000. It's a little less bulky than a DSLR and takes fantastic pictures. It was highly recommended to me to take pictures of kids.

https://www.samsung.com/us/photography/digital-cameras/EV-NX1000BFWUS

(It's cheaper on amazon. I think I paid $699 at a speciality camera store here for the camera, case and a lens)

lauralou3x3 · April 2014

If you're looking for a good beginner DSLR, a Nikon D3100 is a good choice. I'm a beginner photographer and have started out with that. It's basic but good enough to get amazing shots

Amazon is a great place to get a deal on one.

pistolpackinmomma · April 2014

I love my canon rebel t4i!

jenb_99 · April 2014

I've been happy with my Canon PowerShot SX260. It takes clear pictures indoors and out, and I have no problem capturing DS even when he's moving. I think I paid $200 for it two years ago, so it's probably cheaper now since something newer has undoubtedly replaced it.

spacepotatoes · April 2014

The Canon and Nikon DSLRs mentioned are great entry level cameras if you want a DSLR, but they are at the top end of your budget and any accessories like more lenses and filters will put you well over.

I'd recommend a high performance point and shoot. I have the Canon Powershot SX200 and love it. The current model is the SX280, or if you want to go bigger with the lens, SX510.

There's some good info and suggestions here too:
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/80414923#Comment_80414923

(sorry, that links to a specific comment. I can't get it to just link the whole thread.)

Kaylee524 · April 2014

It really does depend on whether you want a point and shoot or something a little more customizable and advanced. I personally have the Sony NEX F3K - it's a compact system camera, so it has interchangeable lenses and some advanced options, but it doesn't have the mirror system that DSLRs use. It's also smaller than a DSLR, but larger than a point and shoot. The Sony compact system cameras are great because they use the same image sensor as their DSLRs, so the picture is great. It also shoots 720p video.

As @spacepotatoes said, though, they are at the upper end of your price range. I bought the camera and have been adding additional pieces as I get the money. My Christmas bonus went toward the 55-210mm telephoto lense, and I'd eventually like to add a viewfinder as well.

If you're not as interested in a lot of extra features and customization, though, there are lots of great point and shoots out there.

bumpuser10194737 · April 2014

I have a Nikon D5100 that we bought refurbished (by Nikon) that was less than your budget and I LOVE it, but I do think that like @spacepotatoes‌ said, it depends on what you are looking for and what you want to do with it. I have already bought an additional lens, flash, and filter for it, but I really want to make photography a hobby and am working on really learning it and Photoshop. If you don't want to get that involved I would go with something a little easier to use.

dp1320 · April 2014

thanks for all the feedback ladies!! You're the best!

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