Digital Cameras Under £500
Once you look to pay between £300 and £500 for a digital camera you open up a choice between the most advanced compact digital cameras and lower priced Digital SLRs and Compact System Cameras.
In almost every case a camera in this price range will have a fairly complete range of advanced features. These cameras are aimed at you if you see photography as a serious hobby.
Often the more advanced digital cameras on this list are used as second cameras if you already own a Digital SLR, but find it is not always practical to carry one with you.
Perhaps the biggest question you face shopping in this price bracket is whether to go for a top of the range compact digital camera or buy an entry level Digital SLR or Compact System Camera. If you are trying to decide what is right for you it may be worth considering if you plan to invest further in your camera equipment at a later date or if this is more of a one off purchase. If it is a one off purchase then a top of the range compact may be the answer. If you feel future investment is likely then a Digital SLR or Compact System Camera will give you much greater flexibility and the chance to build on and enhance your equipment when you are ready to do so.
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Nikon Coolpix P510
Super Zoom 16 Megapixels 42x Zoom
The Coolpix P5100 offers a stunning amount of zoom. There are plenty of other features available too. These include manual exposure controls, manual focusing, a 5 frames per second burst mode, GPS, 360 degree panoramas and 3D photography. You also have access to a macro mode that can focus from 1cm away from your subject and a 3 inch LCD screen that you can tilt away from the camera body. A viewfinder is available too.
Guide Price: £304.99 See latest prices: Nikon Coolpix P510 Prices
Related Pages: Nikon Coolpix P510 Spec
Olympus XZ-1
Advanced Compact 10 Megapixels 4x Zoom
The XZ-1 has plenty of advanced features. These include manual exposure controls, image stabilisation and High Definition movies. There are a number of optional extras available too. For example you can add an external flash unit, viewfinder and stereo microphone.
Guide Price: £305.95 See latest prices: Olympus XZ-1 Prices
Related Pages: Olympus XZ-1 Spec
Canon Powershot G12 Rating: 90/100
Advanced Digital 10 Megapixels 5x Zoom
The Powershot G12 is packed with a range of features that would not look out of place on a Digital SLR. It is an ideal choice for anyone who is looking for a second camera for use when it is not practical to carry a Digital SLR. Features include manual exposure controls, manual focusing, a pull out and twist LCD screen, a RAW mode and a macro mode that can focus from 1cm away from the subject.
Guide Price: £309.99 See latest prices: Canon Powershot G12 Prices
Related Pages: Canon Powershot G12 Review Canon Powershot G12 Spec
Canon Powershot D20
Waterproof 12 Megapixels 5x Zoom
The Powershot D20 is waterproof to depths of 10m, shockproof to drops of 1.5m, freezeproof to temperatures as low as – 10 degrees centigrade and dustproof. It has a 3 inch LCD screen and can record both High Definition and slow motion movies. It has GPS tracking and in macro mode can focus from 1cm away from your subject.
Guide Price: £309.99 See latest prices: Canon Powershot D20 Prices
Related Pages: Canon Powershot D20 Spec
Olympus E-PL1
Compact System Camera 12 Megapixels
The E-PL1 has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, an 11 point auto focus mode and can fire off shots at a rate of 3 frames per second in burst mode. You can capture images in RAW and shoot High Definition movies. Olympus have made four different coloured versions available. These are gold, silver, black and red.
Guide Price: £315.74 See latest prices: Olympus E-PL1 Prices
Related Pages: Olympus E-PL1 Spec
Panasonic DMC GF3
Compact System Camera 12 Megapixels
The Lumix DMC GF3 is a compact size even for a compact system camera. It has a set of manual exposure controls (Fully Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority) as well as the ability to store images in RAW format. Some settings can be accessed through a touch sensitive LCD screen. The Lumix DMC GF3 is also capable of recording High Definition movies.
Guide Price: £320.15 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC GF3 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC GF3 Spec
Sony DSC HX20V
Extra Zoom 18 Megapixels 20x Zoom
The Cybershot DSC HX20V packs in plenty of features. These include GPS, High Definition Movies, Image Stabilisation for stills and movies and a 3 inch LCD screen. Other features worth a mention are a burst mode that can capture up to 10 frames per second and a mode for throwing the background out of focus to accentuate your main subject. The LCD screen is 3 inches in size and the camera is capable of focusing from 1cm away from your subject in macro mode.
Guide Price: £325.49 See latest prices: Sony DSC HX20V Prices
Related Pages: Sony DSC HX20V Spec
Nikon D3100
Digital SLR 14 Megapixels
The D3100 is an ideal starter Digital SLR. It is relatively small and lightweight and has a guide mode to help you get the most out of the D3100. Features include 12 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen. There is a range of manual exposure controls and you can record High Definition movies. It is available in kit form with a wide angle lens.
Guide Price: £327.79 See latest prices: Nikon D3100 Prices
Related Pages: Nikon D3100 Spec
Canon EOS 1000D
Digital SLR 10 Megapixels
The EOS 1000D is able to capture photos at a top speed of 3 frames per second for Jpegs. For composing photos there is a 2.5 inch LCD screen. Live view allows you to compose images using the LCD screen if you prefer this method to using a viewfinder. The EOS 1000D offers protection against dust with automatic sensor cleaning. This is none of the more lightweight SLRs weighing 450g. It is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards.
Guide Price: £334.00 See latest prices: Canon EOS 1000D Prices
Related Pages: Canon EOS 1000D Spec
Nikon Coolpix P7100
Advanced Digital 10 Megapixels 7x Zoom
The Coolpix P7100 offers a range of advanced features if you are looking for a smaller digital camera as an alternative to a Digital SLR. Features include manual control settings – fully manual, aperture, priority and shutter priority, plus the ability to store images in RAW format. For composition you can use an optical viewfinder or a high resolution, 3 inch LCD screen. You also have access to a macro mode that can focus from 2cm away from the subject and a High Definition movie mode.
Guide Price: £335.00 See latest prices: Nikon Coolpix P7100 Prices
Related Pages: Nikon Coolpix P7100 Spec
Fuji FinePix HS30EXR Rating: 86/100
Super Zoom 16 Megapixels 30x Zoom
The Finepix HS30EXR is a fully featured digital camera with many of the features you would expect to find on a Digital SLR. Features include a 30x zoom lens. The lens also has wide angle capabilities. There are a set of manual exposure modes and you also have access to manual focusing. There are High Definition movies with stereo sound and manual focusing. You can add extra power by adding an external flash unit via the hot shoe.
Guide Price: £339.99 See latest prices: Fuji FinePix HS30EXR Prices
Related Pages: Fuji FinePix HS30EXR Review Fuji FinePix HS30EXR Spec
Sony DSC HX200V
Super Zoom 18 Megapixels 30x Zoom
The Cybershot DSC HX200V is one of the most impressive digital cameras when it comes to the range of features on offer. As well as its 30x zoom lens it has a set of manual exposure controls. It can shoot High Definition Movies and you also have the option to take still photos when you are shooting a movie. For composing your shots you have a choice of a 3 inch, tilting LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder. In addition you can create 3D still images, defocus backgrounds and fire off bursts of photos at a rate of 10 frames per second. It also has GPS.
Guide Price: £339.99 See latest prices: Sony DSC HX200V Prices
Related Pages: Sony DSC HX200V Spec
Panasonic DMC FZ100 Rating: 87/100
Super Zoom 14 Megapixels 24x Zoom
Panasonic have packed in a wide range of features. These include a wide angle lens, image stabilisation, manual exposure controls, 11 frames per second burst mode, a 3 inch vari angle LCD screen and a hot shoe. The movie mode is one of the most advanced I have seen. It can shoot 1080p High Definition movies as opposed to the more widely available 720p. Stereo sound can be recorded and there is also a special high speed, QVGA movie mode. This can capture footage at 220 frames per second. You can then play back these movies in slow motion.
Guide Price: £345.00 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC FZ100 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC FZ100 Review Panasonic DMC FZ100 Spec
Canon Powershot SX30 IS Rating: 85/100
Super Zoom 14 Megapixels 35x Zoom
Clearly the headline feature is the 35x zoom lens. This is backed up by a set of manual exposure controls, a 2.7 inch LCD screen that you can pull out and twist round. There is also a hot shoe for attaching an external flash unit, as well as servo AF/AE for tracking moving subjects. If you would like to work with filters there is also a lens filter adapter available.
Guide Price: £349.95 See latest prices: Canon Powershot SX30 IS Prices
Related Pages: Canon Powershot SX30 IS Review Canon Powershot SX30 IS Spec
Panasonic DMC FZ150
Super Zoom 12 Megapixels 24x Zoom
The Lumix DMC FZ150 is one of the most advanced digital cameras on the market. As well as the extra long zoom lens it has a full set of manual exposure controls. It can take shots at a speed of 12 frames per second and also has a special 3D mode. Image stabilisation is included as is a hot shoe and the ability to store images in RAW format. It can capture Full High Definition movies with stereo sound. The LCD screen is 3 inches in size and pulls away from the body to make your life easier if you find yourself in an awkward shooting position.
Guide Price: £359.99 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC FZ150 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC FZ150 Spec
Fuji Finepix X10
Advanced Digital 12 Megapixels 4x Zoom
The Finepix X10 stands out from the crowd. Fuji have equipped this camera with a wide range of advanced features and given it what it describes as a luxury design. It has a full set of manual exposure controls, manual focusing, a f/2 lens, bracketing, High Definition movies and the ability to shoot at 7 frames per second. In terms of design the controls are made of metal and the camera has a leather like finish with a magnesium top plate and camera base.
Guide Price: £364.99 See latest prices: Fuji Finepix X10 Prices
Related Pages: Fuji Finepix X10 Spec
Canon EOS 1100D
Digital SLR 12 Megapixels
The EOS 1100D is aimed at anyone looking to buy their first Digital SLR. It includes an on screen help to guide you through all the main features. Features include 12 megapixels, a 2.7 inch LCD screen, a viewfinder and High Definition movies, plus Eye-Fi connected features to help you upload your photos to your computer and photo sharing websites.
Guide Price: £379.95 See latest prices: Canon EOS 1100D Prices
Related Pages: Canon EOS 1100D Spec
Panasonic DMC 3D1
Waterproof 12 Megapixels 4x Zoom
The Lumix DMC 3D1 produces 3D images. It can also shoot 3D video clips as well as being able to shoot 2D High Definition movies. The camera uses two lenses to create the 3D images. When you are not shooting in 3D mode they can be used for dual shooting of 2D wide and zoom photos. Other features include a 3.5 inch LCD screen. The screen gives you touch control. The Lumix DMC 3D1 also has the capability to shoot 2D images at 8 frames per second.
Guide Price: £379.99 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC 3D1 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC 3D1 Spec
Panasonic DMC G3
Compact System Camera 16 Megapixels
The Lumix DMC G3 has a 3 inch LCD screen that pulls out away from the body and also twists around. The screen is touch sensitive allowing some settings to be changed via touching the screen. It has manual exposure controls, a viewfinder and images can be stored in RAW mode. There is a High Definition movie mode. Stereo sound can be recorded to accompany your movie clips.
Guide Price: £379.99 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC G3 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC G3 Spec
Sony SLT A35
Digital SLR 14 Megapixels
The SLT A35 is an entry level Digital SLR. It is capable of shooting short bursts at 5.5 frames per second and has a 3 inch LCD screen in addition to an electronic viewfinder. Other features include a 15 point Auto Focus mode and a High Dynamic range mode to help you inject extra detail into photos of high contrast scenes. Image stabilisation has been built into the body and the SLT A35 is able to shoot Full High Definition movies.
Guide Price: £394.99 See latest prices: Sony SLT A35 Prices
Related Pages: Sony SLT A35 Spec
Pentax K-r
Digital SLR 12 Megapixels
The K-r is a 12 megapixel Digital SLR aimed at hobby photographers. It is a step up from the most basic Digital SLRs. Features include a 3 inch LCD screen, an 11 point Auto Focus system with 9 cross type sensors and image stabilisation. A viewfinder provides an alternative option for composition. The viewfinder has a 96% field of view with 0.85x magnification. One feature that other brands do not tend to offer is the ability to use either a lithium ion battery or a set of AA batteries.
Guide Price: £418.00 See latest prices: Pentax K-r Prices
Related Pages: Pentax K-r Spec
Canon EOS 550D
Digital SLR 18 Megapixels
Canon has packed 18 megapixels onto the camera sensor. The EOS 550D is capable of shooting at rates up to 3.7 frames per second. It can also capture High Definition movies at a resolution of 1080p. It has a 3 inch LCD screen and is equipped with a 9 point AF system.
Guide Price: £430.00 See latest prices: Canon EOS 550D Prices
Related Pages: Canon EOS 550D Spec
Sony DSC HX1 Rating: 85/100
Super Zoom 9 Megapixels 20x Zoom
The CMOS sensor allows for faster capture of photos as well as helping to reduce noise levels. The camera has a range of more advanced features including manual exposure. The 3 inch LCD screen can be tilted to a more convenient shooting angle.
Guide Price: £430.98 See latest prices: Sony DSC HX1 Prices
Related Pages: Sony DSC HX1 Review Sony DSC HX1 Spec
Sony A33
Digital SLR 14 Megapixels
The A33 has a number of features that you would normally expect to find on a more expensive Digital SLR. These include Full High Definition movies, shooting at 7 frames per second, a vari angle LCD screen and 15 point Auto Focus. Other features include a High Dynamic Range mode to add extra detail to you high contrast photos. A noise reduction mode and handheld twilight mode also aim to increase picture quality in tricky shooting conditions.
Guide Price: £435.00 See latest prices: Sony A33 Prices
Related Pages: Sony A33 Spec
Panasonic DMC GX1
Compact System Camera 16 Megapixels
The Lumix DMC GX1 offers manual exposure controls (Fully Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority), Full High Definition movies and the ability to store images in RAW format. There is a 3 inch LCD screen. The screen allows you to change some settings by touch. There is also the option to purchase a viewfinder. This is attached to the Lumix DMC GX1 via a hot shoe.
Guide Price: £439.00 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC GX1 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC GX1 Spec
Panasonic DMC G10
Compact System Camera 12 Megapixels
The Lumix DMC G10 has plenty of advanced features. These include manual exposure, the ability to store images in RAW and minimum shutter speeds of 4 minutes when using the bulb setting. There is a 3 inch LCD screen and also a viewfinder.
Guide Price: £459.95 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC G10 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC G10 Spec
Sony Nex-5n
Compact System Camera 16 Megapixels
The Nex-5n has quite an array of features. It offers manual exposure controls and can shoot at up to 10 frames per second. The LCD screen is 3 inches in size and is controlled through touch. There is an advanced movie mode with the Nex-5n being able to capture High Definition movie footage with stereo sound. Sony have also built in a number of tips and a help guide to make it easy for you to get started.
Guide Price: £464.99 See latest prices: Sony Nex-5n Prices
Related Pages: Sony Nex-5n Spec
Canon Powershot G1 X
Advanced Compact 14 Megapixels 4x Zoom
The Powershot G1 X has a number of advanced features. These include manual exposure settings (Fully Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority), custom modes, RAW, a 4.5 frames per second burst mode and image stabilisation for both still shots and movies. High Definition movies with stereo sound can be recorded. The LCD screen is 3 inches in size and can be pulled away from the body and twisted round to find a more comfortable shooting angle. There is also an optical viewfinder.
Guide Price: £489.99 See latest prices: Canon Powershot G1 X Prices
Related Pages: Canon Powershot G1 X Spec
Panasonic DMC G2
Compact System Camera 12 Megapixels
The Lumix DMC G2 has a 3 inch touch controlled LCD screen. You also have access to a viewfinder. Other features include the ability to shoot High Definition movies and a set of manual exposure controls. Still images can be stored in RAW format. This opens up extra options for you if you like to work on your photos using image editing packages. The maximum shooting speed for still images is 3.2 frames per second.
Guide Price: £490.90 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC G2 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC G2 Spec
Nikon D5100
Digital SLR 16 Megapixels
The D5100 has a vari angle, 3 inch LCD screen, the ability to shoot 1080p High Definition movies and an 11 point Auto Focus system. Other features include a High Dynamic Range setting and a series of in camera effects include low key and high key modes.
Guide Price: £498.00 See latest prices: Nikon D5100 Prices
Related Pages: Nikon D5100 Spec
Sony A290
Digital SLR 14 Megapixels
The Sony A290 is a starter Digital SLR. It is aimed at someone looking for their first Digital SLR. It has 14 megapixels. Features include a 2.7 inch LCD screen and a viewfinder. It has image stabilisation built into the body. For lowlight shooting you can increase ISO levels to a maximum of ISO 3200. If you are planning to shoot fast moving subjects you can switch to a burst mode that is able to fire off shots at a rate of 2.5 frames per second.
Guide Price: £499.00 See latest prices: Sony A290 Prices
Related Pages: Sony A290 Spec
Sony A390
Digital SLR 14 Megapixels
The A390 is an entry level Digital SLR. It has 14 megapixels. The 2.7 inch LCD screen can be tilted at an angle to help you in awkward shooting positions. Sony have built image stabilisation into the camera body. There is a burst mode that can shoot at 2.5 frames per second.
Guide Price: £499.00 See latest prices: Sony A390 Prices
Related Pages: Sony A390 Spec
Sony A55V
Digital SLR 16 Megapixels
The A55V has a great range of features for a mid priced Digital SLR. These include 16 megapixels, shooting at 10 frames per second, Full High Definition movies, GPS tagging, a 3 inch vari angle LCD screen and a sweep panorama mode. The sweep panorama mode has a 3D option. There is also setting to increase the dynamic range of your photos. This brings out extra detail in the lightest and darkest areas of your photos.
Guide Price: £499.00 See latest prices: Sony A55V Prices
Related Pages: Sony A55V Spec
Sony Nex-3 Rating: 85/100
Compact System Camera 14 Megapixels
The Nex-3 has a 3 inch, tilting LCD screen, a set of manual exposure controls and the ability to fire off a burst of shots at a maximum speed of 7 frames per second. You are able to shoot High Definition movies and capture 3D sweep panoramas. Further options include settings to maximise the Dynamic Range of your photos and defocus the background of your shots.
Guide Price: £499.99 See latest prices: Sony Nex-3 Prices
Related Pages: Sony Nex-3 Review Sony Nex-3 Spec
Nikon 1 V1
Compact System Camera 10 Megapixels
The Nikon 1 V1 has a wide range of more advanced features. These include manual exposure controls, a 73 point auto focus system and the ability to capture action at a rate of 10 frames per second. For composing images you can choose between a 3 inch LCD screen and an Electronic Viewfinder. The camera is also capable of recording where you are in the world when a picture was taken through its built in GPS tracking system. You will also find an advanced movie mode. The camera is capable of shooting Full High Definition movies, movies that can be played back in slow motion and capturing still images when you are shooting a movie.
Guide Price: £499.99 See latest prices: Nikon 1 V1 Prices
Related Pages: Nikon 1 V1 Spec
Nikon 1 J1
Compact System Camera 10 Megapixels
The Nikon 1 J1 has a selection of manual exposure controls. If is capable of capturing the action at a rate of 10 frames per second. Focusing options include a 73 point Auto Focus system. Photos can be stored in RAW as well as Jpeg. For composing photos the LCD screen is 3 inches in size. Movies options include being able to shoot Full High Definition movies, shooting slow motion movies and being able to take still snaps when a movie is being recorded.
Guide Price: £499.99 See latest prices: Nikon 1 J1 Prices
Related Pages: Nikon 1 J1 Spec
Olympus E-PL3
Compact System Camera 12 Megapixels
The E-PL3 offers manual exposure controls (Fully Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority), manual focusing, image stabilisation and the ability to store images in RAW format. It has a metal finish and is available in silver, black, red and white. It is able to record Full High Definition movies with stereo sound. The 3 inch LCD screen tilts away from the body for when you find yourself in tricky shooting conditions.
Guide Price: £499.99 See latest prices: Olympus E-PL3 Prices
Related Pages: Olympus E-PL3 Spec
Olympus E-PM1
Compact System Camera 12 Megapixels
The E-PM1 has image stabilisation, manual exposure controls and manual focusing. It also has a 35 point Auto Focus system and AF tracking. It can store photos in RAW format and has a 3 inch LCD screen. Your movie needs are catered for by the ability to shoot Full High Definition movies with stereo sound. Olympus have included an in camera user guide.
Guide Price: £499.99 See latest prices: Olympus E-PM1 Prices
Related Pages: Olympus E-PM1 Spec
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