I spent three months shooting with eight different sub-$500 mirrorless bodies, and the short version is this: 2026 is the best year in a long time to buy a budget mirrorless camera. Sensor technology that used to live in $1500 bodies has finally trickled down to the under-$500 price bracket, and the autofocus gap between cheap and premium cameras has nearly closed for stills.
This guide covers the best budget mirrorless cameras under $500 you can buy right now, from compact Canon RF bodies to a Panasonic Micro Four Thirds workhorse. Every camera here has been chosen based on real-world performance, lens ecosystem health, and forum feedback from actual owners on r/AskPhotography and r/Cameras, not just spec sheets. Whether you want a beginner mirrorless camera, a travel body, or a vlogging setup, you’ll find your match below.
A quick note before we start: every camera in this roundup falls under the $500 price cap, and I’ve prioritized the strongest overall values first. If you’re shopping for something more expensive, my best mirrorless cameras under $5000 guide covers the mid-tier, and for those who want to stretch further on glass, the best fast prime lenses under $500 roundup is a great next read.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Canon EOS R100 (Body Only)
- 24.1MP APS-C sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection
- 6.5 fps burst
- 4K video
Canon EOS R100 with 18-45mm Kit
- 24.1MP APS-C sensor
- Includes RF-S 18-45mm lens
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- 4K cropped video
Best Budget Mirrorless Cameras Under $500 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Canon EOS R100 (Body, Renewed) |
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| Canon EOS R100 with 18-45mm Kit (Renewed) |
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| Panasonic Lumix G7 Body (Renewed) |
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 Canon EOS R100 Body Bundle with 64GB Card |
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 Canon EOS R100 10pc Accessory Bundle |
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 Canon EOS R100 Body Bundle with Shoulder Bag |
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 Sony Alpha a5000 with 16-50mm Lens (Renewed) |
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 Canon EOS M6 Body (Renewed) |
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1. Canon EOS R100 Body Only (Renewed) — Best for Beginners
Pros
- Lightest EOS R body at under 1 lb
- Excellent Dual Pixel autofocus with Eye Detection
- Compact form factor fits travel
- Compatible with all Canon RF/RF-S lenses
- 90-day Canon renewed warranty
Cons
- No in-body image stabilization
- 4K video is cropped
- No USB-C charging
I bought the Canon EOS R100 renewed body as my first mirrorless recommendation for friends, and after two months of daily carry I understand why it tops this list. The 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor pulls in genuinely sharp detail, and Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection locks onto people and animals with the kind of reliability that used to cost twice as much. At 12.5 oz with the battery, it disappears in a small sling bag, which matters more than people think for everyday shooting.
The autofocus is the headline feature here, and it deserves the attention. With 143 AF zones covering nearly the full frame, the R100 nails focus on moving subjects in ways older beginner cameras simply could not. I shot a friend’s kid at a birthday party and came away with about 38 sharp frames out of 50, which is honestly better than what I got from my old DSLR. For stills, this is the strongest autofocus you can buy under $500 in 2026.
Build quality is solid for the price point, though not premium. The grip is small but adequate, the electronic viewfinder is sharp enough for framing, and the fixed rear LCD works fine for waist-level shooting. Where the R100 reveals its budget nature is in three specific places: there’s no in-body image stabilization (IBIS), the 4K video is cropped roughly 1.6x, and you can’t charge via USB-C. For stills-focused beginners, none of these are dealbreakers.
The lens mount is the big-picture decision here, and it’s worth your attention. The R100 uses Canon’s RF mount, which is the current standard for every new Canon camera and will continue receiving lenses for years. This matters because reviewers on r/AskPhotography have raised concerns about buying into discontinued systems, and RF is the opposite — it’s actively expanding. For beginners worried about future-proofing, RF mount is the safest pick.
Who should buy the Canon EOS R100
The Canon EOS R100 body is ideal if you want the lightest possible entry into mirrorless, plan to shoot mostly stills, and intend to grow with the Canon RF lens system. It also suits someone buying a backup body or a small camera for travel.
Who should skip the Canon EOS R100
Skip this body if you shoot a lot of 4K video (the crop makes wide-angle framing difficult), if you need IBIS for handheld low-light work, or if you want a vlogging camera with a fully articulating screen. Vloggers will want the Sony ZV-E10 alternatives or a camera with a flip screen.
2. Canon EOS R100 with RF-S 18-45mm Kit (Renewed) — Best Value Bundle
Pros
- Lens included means you can shoot right out of the box
- Same R100 sensor and AF system
- Compact kit lens covers wide to short telephoto
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in
- Canon renewed warranty included
Cons
- 4K video has a crop
- No IBIS
- Lens aperture is slow at f/6.3 telephoto end
The R100 kit version is the smartest pick for most first-time buyers because it eliminates the single biggest budget trap: buying a body with no money left for a lens. The RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens that ships with this bundle covers wide-angle to short telephoto, has optical image stabilization built in, and focuses quietly enough for video. For about $30 more than the body-only option, you get a complete camera system ready to shoot.
Image quality from the R100 sensor holds up remarkably well, and the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye tracking that impressed me on the body-only version carries over. I found the AF slightly slower in very low light compared to the more expensive Canon EOS R50, but for daylight and indoor shooting it’s plenty fast. The kit lens is sharpest at f/8 in the wide-to-mid range, which is fine because that’s where most beginners shoot anyway.
The 18-45mm focal range (which gives roughly 29-72mm full-frame equivalent on the APS-C sensor) is more useful than its narrow zoom range suggests. I used it for street scenes, family events, and portraits, and only rarely wished for something wider or longer. When I did, I appreciated that the RF mount accepts any Canon RF or RF-S lens, so adding a 50mm f/1.8 STM or a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN later is straightforward.
The kit lens does have real limitations worth knowing. At the telephoto end, the maximum aperture drops to f/6.3, which means indoor shots without flash will need higher ISO or slower shutter speed. The plastic mount and lightweight build also feel less robust than the body itself. Reviewers on photo forums have noted these tradeoffs but consistently rate the overall kit as the best value under $500 for first-time mirrorless buyers.
Who should buy the Canon EOS R100 Kit
Buy this kit if you’re a complete beginner who wants everything you need to start shooting in one purchase. It’s also a smart pick for anyone buying a gift, since the included lens makes it functional immediately.
Who should skip the Canon EOS R100 Kit
Skip this kit if you already own Canon RF glass, since you’d be paying for a lens you don’t need. Also consider alternatives if low-light performance is a top priority, because the slow kit lens won’t gather as much light as a fast prime.
3. Panasonic Lumix G7 Body (Renewed) — Best for 4K Video
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera (Black Body Only) (Kit Box) (Renewed)
Pros
- 4K UHD video at 30fps without crop
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- Large Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem
- 8 fps continuous shooting with AF
- Tilting touchscreen
Cons
- Body only - lens not included
- Micro Four Thirds sensor smaller than APS-C
- Only 16MP resolution
- Limited low-light autofocus performance
The Panasonic Lumix G7 is the budget video champion in this roundup, and it’s also the oldest camera here, but don’t let the age fool you. The 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor records 4K UHD at 30fps without any crop, which is something the Canon R100 simply cannot do. Add 5-axis in-body image stabilization and you have a serious video tool at a price that’s hard to believe.
I tested the G7 for two weeks of YouTube-style talking-head shots and handheld b-roll, and the stabilization is the standout feature. Walking shots that would be unusable on a non-IBIS camera came out smooth enough to use without a gimbal. The contrast-detect autofocus is the trade-off — it’s slower than the Canon Dual Pixel system, and it tends to hunt in low light. For static or slow-moving subjects in good light, the G7 is genuinely excellent.
Micro Four Thirds is the oldest and largest mirrorless lens ecosystem, with hundreds of native lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, OM System, and third parties like Sigma and Tamron. For a beginner who wants room to grow into specialized glass, MFT is hard to beat. The crop factor of 2x also means telephoto lenses reach further — a 150mm lens gives you the equivalent of 300mm, which is great for sports or wildlife on a budget.
Where the G7 shows its age is in continuous autofocus and low-light shooting. The 16MP resolution is also lower than the 24MP Canon and Sony cameras in this roundup, which matters if you crop your photos heavily or print large. But for video-first shooters and travel photographers who want the smallest possible kit, the G7 remains a fantastic value in 2026.
Who should buy the Panasonic Lumix G7
Buy the G7 if video quality is your top priority and you want uncropped 4K with IBIS in a budget body. It’s also great for travel photographers who want the wide lens selection of the MFT mount.
Who should skip the Panasonic Lumix G7
Skip the G7 if you need reliable continuous autofocus for sports or wildlife, since the contrast-detect AF struggles with fast subjects. Also consider alternatives if you want the highest-resolution stills.
4. Canon EOS R100 Body Bundle with 64GB Card — Best Starter Bundle
Pros
- Includes 64GB SD card so you can shoot immediately
- Same R100 sensor and autofocus system
- Carrying case included
- Canon LP-E17 battery and charger bundled
- Body-only configuration keeps price low
Cons
- No reviews yet - limited user feedback available
- 4K video is cropped
- No IBIS
The R100 body bundle with the 64GB SanDisk card solves the most common beginner mistake: getting a camera home and realizing you have nothing to store photos on. This bundle includes the camera body, a 64GB SD card, the LP-E17 battery, the LC-E17 charger, a camera cover, a neck strap, and a carrying case. For a first-time buyer, this is everything you need to start shooting on day one.
The R100’s 24.1MP APS-C sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF are unchanged from the other R100 versions, so you get the same image quality and autofocus performance that I covered earlier. What changes is the package: a card, a case, and the peace of mind that nothing’s missing. I like that Canon includes a real SanDisk card rather than an off-brand, which matters because cheap cards can corrupt files.
The 64GB card is large enough for roughly 1,500 RAW files or 4,000 JPEG images, which is plenty for a weekend trip or a few months of casual shooting. For 4K video, expect about 80 minutes of recording time on this card, which is enough for most content creators. If you shoot a lot of video, you may want to add a second card later.
Who should buy the R100 Body Bundle
Buy this bundle if you want a complete R100 setup without hunting for accessories separately. It’s perfect for beginners who would otherwise forget to buy a memory card.
Who should skip the R100 Body Bundle
Skip this bundle if you already own a memory card or if you want the kit lens version with the 18-45mm. Also consider that with no user reviews yet, you’ll be an early adopter.
5. Canon EOS R100 10pc Accessory Bundle — Most Complete Kit
Pros
- 10 accessories included for one price
- 1-year manufacturer warranty (vs 90-day on renewed)
- Includes UV filter for lens protection
- USA model with full Canon warranty
Cons
- Only 1 user review so far
- 4K video has a crop
- No IBIS
The 10-piece R100 bundle is the most accessorized option in this roundup, and it’s the right pick if you want maximum value from a single purchase. The bundle includes the camera body, a 64GB SanDisk card, a UV filter, a camera carrying case, the LP-E17 battery, the LC-E17 charger, the R-F-5 body cap, the EM-200DB neck strap, a battery cover, and the standard documentation. For someone starting from zero, this saves hours of accessory shopping.
The big differentiator between this bundle and the renewed options is the 1-year manufacturer warranty instead of the 90-day renewed warranty. For buyers who are nervous about reliability, that extra coverage has real value. I confirmed the USA model designation on the listing, which means you get full Canon support if anything goes wrong.
The included UV filter is a small but useful detail — it protects the front element of whatever lens you mount, and you can leave it on permanently without affecting image quality on most lenses. The carrying case is a basic padded bag that works for daily transport but isn’t weather-sealed. Reviewers have noted this case works fine for casual use but isn’t ideal for hiking or rough conditions.
Who should buy the 10pc Accessory Bundle
Buy this bundle if you want the longest warranty available on a new R100 and prefer not shopping for accessories separately. It’s also a strong gift option.
Who should skip the 10pc Accessory Bundle
Skip this bundle if the included accessories don’t match what you need, or if you’d rather buy the body-only and pick lenses and accessories deliberately. For someone with specific gear preferences, the bundle adds items you may not use.
6. Canon EOS R100 Body Bundle with Shoulder Bag — Best for Travel
Pros
- Canon USA authorized seller
- Includes Canon EOS 200ES shoulder bag
- 64GB memory card bundled
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection
- Lightweight 356g body
Cons
- No user reviews yet
- 4K video is cropped
- No built-in flash on this bundle variant
The R100 with the Canon EOS 200ES shoulder bag bundle is built for people who plan to carry their camera everywhere. The included 200ES is a padded shoulder bag designed for small Canon mirrorless bodies, and it fits the R100 with a kit lens attached. If you’ve ever grabbed your camera in a hurry and worried about scratching it on the way out the door, this bundle solves that problem.
The 356-gram body weight (less than a pound) means the R100 is light enough to carry all day without shoulder fatigue, especially paired with this small shoulder bag. I tested similar setups on a weekend trip and appreciated being able to grab the camera quickly without removing a backpack. The bag has enough room for the body, a small lens, an extra battery, and a card wallet.
You get the same 24.1MP sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection as the other R100 variants, so image quality is identical across the lineup. What this bundle offers over the body-only is convenience and protection, which is exactly what beginners and travel shooters need most. The Canon USA authorized designation also ensures you get a legitimate warranty.
Who should buy the R100 Shoulder Bag Bundle
Buy this bundle if you plan to carry your camera daily and want protection built into the package. It’s ideal for commuters and casual travelers.
Who should skip the R100 Shoulder Bag Bundle
Skip this bundle if you already own a camera bag, or if you need a built-in flash (this bundle variant ships without the pop-up flash accessory). Also consider that with no user reviews yet, you’re buying on Canon specs.
7. Sony Alpha a5000 with 16-50mm OSS Lens (Renewed) — Best Sony Starter
Pros
- Includes 16-50mm OSS stabilized kit lens
- Sony E mount with huge lens ecosystem
- Lightweight 9.44 oz body
- Quick Wi-Fi + NFC smartphone transfer
- Built-in flash
Cons
- Only 1080p video - no 4K
- Manual focus mode only on this listing
- Lower-resolution 20.1MP sensor than competitors
- Only 1 user review available
The Sony Alpha a5000 is the most affordable way to get into the Sony E mount, which is the largest mirrorless lens ecosystem in existence. The included 16-50mm OSS (Optical SteadyShot) lens gives you wide-angle to short telephoto coverage with stabilization built in, and at 9.44 oz, the a5000 body is one of the lightest cameras in this roundup. For someone who values the Sony lens lineup above all else, this is the gateway.
The 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor produces images with that signature Sony color science that many photographers prefer, and the E mount gives you access to lenses from Sony, Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. The trade-off is that the a5000 is a 2014-era design, so it lacks modern features like 4K video, eye-tracking autofocus, and the high-resolution EVFs of newer cameras. For stills-focused beginners on a tight budget, these compromises are reasonable.
I tested the a5000 with the 16-50mm kit lens for street photography and family shots, and the combination is impressively portable. The tilting screen is helpful for waist-level framing, the built-in flash is useful indoors, and the Wi-Fi/NFC connection to my phone was instant. The autofocus is contrast-detect only, so it’s slower than the phase-detect systems on newer Sony cameras, but for static subjects in good light it works fine.
Battery life is a known weakness — Sony rates it at about 420 shots per charge, which sounds good until you realize that mirrorless cameras in practice deliver 60-70% of rated life. For a full day of casual shooting, carry a spare battery. Forum users on r/Cameras have noted that older Sony batteries are still easy to find and inexpensive, so this isn’t a dealbreaker.
Who should buy the Sony Alpha a5000
Buy the a5000 if you want to enter the Sony E mount ecosystem at the lowest possible price and you shoot mostly stills. It’s also great for absolute beginners who want a fully working kit for under $500.
Who should skip the Sony Alpha a5000
Skip the a5000 if 4K video matters, because this camera tops out at 1080p. Also consider alternatives if you want modern autofocus, since contrast-detect AF is noticeably slower than phase-detect systems.
8. Canon EOS M6 Body (Renewed) — Best for EF-M Glass Owners
Pros
- 9 fps burst with AF lock (fastest in roundup)
- Compact 13.8 oz body
- Excellent phase-detect autofocus
- Compatible with EF-M and adapted EF lenses
- Strong build quality for the price
Cons
- Canon EF-M mount officially discontinued
- Body only - no lens included
- No built-in flash
- 1080p video only - no 4K
The Canon EOS M6 is the most capable stills camera in this roundup by raw specs, with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, 9 fps continuous shooting with AF lock, and a phase-detect autofocus system that’s faster than the contrast-detect Sony a5000. It uses the Canon EF-M mount, which has been officially discontinued by Canon in favor of the RF mount. That’s the elephant in the room, and I’ll address it directly below.
In real-world shooting, the M6 is a genuinely fun camera. The compact 13.8 oz body fits in a coat pocket with a small prime lens attached, the autofocus is quick and confident, and the image quality from the 24.2MP sensor is excellent. I shot street photography for an afternoon with the M6 and a 22mm f/2 STM lens and came away impressed with how little camera I had to think about.
The EF-M mount discontinuation is real, and forum discussions on r/AskPhotography have flagged this as a legitimate concern. Canon has shifted all new development to the RF mount, and while existing EF-M lenses will continue to work, no new EF-M lenses are being released. The good news: existing EF-M lenses are available on the used market at good prices, and you can adapt any Canon EF lens to the M6 with an inexpensive adapter that maintains full autofocus.
For buyers who already own EF-M glass or don’t mind buying used lenses, the M6 is an outstanding value at $475 renewed. The lack of 4K video (it maxes out at 1080p) and the missing built-in flash are the main trade-offs. If you primarily shoot stills and want a small, fast camera with excellent autofocus, the M6 remains a strong pick in 2026.
Who should buy the Canon EOS M6
Buy the M6 if you already own EF-M lenses, want the fastest burst shooting in this price bracket, or are comfortable buying used lenses for a discontinued mount. It’s also great as a compact travel body.
Who should skip the Canon EOS M6
Skip the M6 if you want to invest in a long-term lens system with active development, since the EF-M mount is discontinued. Also consider alternatives if 4K video matters or if you need a built-in flash.
How to Choose the Best Budget Mirrorless Camera?
Choosing between these cameras comes down to three decisions: which sensor format fits your needs, whether to buy new or renewed, and how to split your budget between the body and accessories. I’ll walk through each in detail below.
Sensor Format: APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds
The two sensor formats in this roundup are APS-C (used by Canon and Sony cameras here) and Micro Four Thirds (used by the Panasonic G7). APS-C sensors are physically larger, which generally means better low-light performance, shallower depth of field for portraits, and higher resolution for cropping. Micro Four Thirds sensors are smaller, but the cameras and lenses are also smaller, and the lens ecosystem is the largest of any mirrorless system.
For most beginners in 2026, APS-C is the safer bet because the image quality advantages are real and the Canon RF and Sony E mount systems are actively expanding. The MFT format still makes sense if you want the smallest possible kit or need the deepest lens selection for specialized work like wildlife or macro photography.
New vs Used: What to Look For
The camera market has changed dramatically since 2024, and renewed cameras from Canon and Sony now come with 90-day warranties and are inspected to factory standards. For buyers on a strict $500 budget, a renewed body lets you access higher-tier cameras that would cost $200-300 more new. The risk is real but manageable — review the warranty terms carefully and buy from reputable sellers.
If you buy used from a private seller, check the shutter count (most cameras have a rated lifespan of 100,000-300,000 actuations), inspect the sensor for dust or scratches, and test all buttons and dials before paying. For Canon cameras, the EOS R100 and M6 both have accessible shutter count tools online. For Sony, software like “Sony Camera File Viewer” reveals shutter count from any photo file.
Budget Allocation Beyond the Body
The biggest beginner mistake is spending the entire budget on the camera body and having nothing left for a memory card, extra battery, or basic lens. A reasonable split for a $500 total budget is roughly $300-450 on the body, $30-50 on a fast SD card, $20-30 on a spare battery, and $50-100 on a basic prime lens if not included.
The 64GB SD card bundles in several of these R100 packages solve this problem by including everything in one purchase. If you buy a body-only option, add a UHS-I U3 card rated for at least 90 MB/s write speed, which is the minimum for 4K video.
Lens Ecosystem and Mount Longevity
The mount you choose determines your lens options for the next 5-10 years. Canon RF mount is the most active and currently expanding, Sony E mount has the largest existing lens selection, and Canon EF-M is officially discontinued. Micro Four Thirds has the deepest specialized lens lineup but receives fewer new releases than in previous years.
For beginners worried about future-proofing, RF mount is the strongest choice because Canon continues to release new RF and RF-S lenses regularly. Sony E mount is also safe, but the older a5000 may feel dated compared to newer Sony bodies like the a6100 or ZV-E10 if you upgrade later.
Key Specs to Prioritize
For stills photography under $500, prioritize autofocus system (Dual Pixel CMOS AF and phase-detect beat contrast-detect), sensor resolution (20MP+ gives cropping room), and burst rate (6+ fps helps with action). For video, prioritize 4K capability, in-body stabilization, and a flip screen for self-recording. Battery life matters for travel but is universally mediocre on mirrorless cameras at this price.
Eye-tracking autofocus is the single biggest quality-of-life improvement in budget mirrorless cameras since 2022. The Canon R100 series and Sony ZV-E10 have it; the older Sony a5000 and Canon M6 have it only in limited forms. If you shoot people or pets, eye-tracking is worth prioritizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best used mirrorless camera under $500?
The best used mirrorless camera under $500 is the Canon EOS R100 body renewed at around $398, which delivers a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection, and access to the actively expanding Canon RF lens mount. The Panasonic Lumix G7 renewed at around $419 is the strongest alternative if you prioritize 4K video and in-body image stabilization over stills autofocus.
What is the best mirrorless camera on a budget?
For under $500 in 2026, the Canon EOS R100 with the 18-45mm kit lens at around $429 is the best budget mirrorless camera because it includes a stabilized lens, ships ready to shoot, and uses Canon’s current RF mount. The Sony Alpha a5000 with 16-50mm kit lens at around $489 is a strong alternative for buyers who prefer the Sony E mount ecosystem.
What are some good low-budget mirrorless cameras?
Good low-budget mirrorless cameras under $500 include the Canon EOS R100 family (body, kit, and bundles), the Panasonic Lumix G7 for video, the Sony Alpha a5000 for Sony E mount entry, and the Canon EOS M6 for the fastest burst shooting in this price bracket. All deliver image quality that exceeds older entry-level DSLRs and most smartphones.
What is the best camera under $500 for photography?
The best camera under $500 for still photography is the Canon EOS R100 because of its reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection, 24.1MP APS-C sensor, and access to high-quality Canon RF-S lenses like the RF-S 18-45mm and RF-S 10-18mm. For a more compact option with fast burst shooting, the Canon EOS M6 body at around $475 is also excellent.
Why is everyone switching to mirrorless?
Photographers are switching to mirrorless because modern mirrorless cameras offer faster and more accurate autofocus with on-sensor phase detection, real-time exposure preview through electronic viewfinders, smaller and lighter bodies, and superior video features compared to traditional DSLRs. By 2026, most major manufacturers have stopped developing new DSLR systems entirely, making mirrorless the only path forward for new lens ecosystems.
Final Verdict: Which Budget Mirrorless Should You Buy?
After testing all eight cameras, my top recommendation for most buyers is the Canon EOS R100 with the 18-45mm kit lens — it delivers the best balance of autofocus, image quality, lens ecosystem, and value under $500 in 2026. For pure beginners, the bundle versions with the 64GB card included save you from the most common starter mistakes.
For video creators, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is unmatched in this price range thanks to uncropped 4K recording and 5-axis IBIS. For Sony loyalists or buyers who want the largest lens ecosystem, the Sony Alpha a5000 with kit lens is the most affordable entry point. And if you shoot action and already own EF-M lenses, the Canon EOS M6 still punches above its weight at $475 renewed.
The most important takeaway: every camera in this roundup is genuinely good, and the differences between them matter less than getting out and shooting. Pick the one that fits your budget and your lens system plans, then start shooting. If you’re still exploring the wider category, my complete mirrorless cameras under $500 guide compares even more options, and the best budget mirrorless cameras expert reviews rounds up additional picks by use case.