Buying a cheap camera these days isn’t a resignation to poor image quality like it once was. The best cameras under £500 / $500 now offer plenty of resolution, even 4K video. That’s because the technological advancements of the last decade have allowed flagship features to trickle down to entry-level models. And even those former flagship models can be purchased for a fraction of their former cost.

As we’re all probably very much aware, photography can be a very expensive business. We all strive to have the latest and greatest photography gear – but in this guide, we’re going to look at some of the best cameras under £500 / $500 and show that you don’t need the newest model on the market to get the features you need.

We know that £500 / $500 isn’t a small amount of money either, but it’s at this price point where you can get something that offers both impressive image quality and fantastic handling.

We’ve included both mirrorless cameras and DSLRs here. Most of the cameras on this list even include a lens for that magic sub £500 / $500 price tag. Keep an eye on promotions throughout the year, as manufacturers often offer cash back deals – especially close to Black Friday and Christmas.