8 Best 4k Cameras Under $500 Reviews In 2022 (GREAT Value!)

The demand for high-quality cameras has risen in tandem with the growth of the photography industry. Professional photographers are no longer the only ones trying to purchase a high-quality camera. Instead, everyone wants the best camera possible to capture their most memorable experiences and share them with their loved ones.

4k cameras are the most popular among all cameras as they provide the most realistic yet high-quality results. While pros can benefit from the multiple capabilities of 4k cameras, they are also an excellent choice for amateurs. This is because they ensure adequate image quality even if you have little experience with photography in general.

But isn’t professional photography equipment costly? Well, yes, but that does not mean you cannot find a good quality camera within a reasonable price range. You will be surprised to know that many 4k camera models are available on the market for under 500 dollars.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera

9.7
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera
  • Name: PANASONIC LUMIX FZ300
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Form Factor: SLR-like-compact
  • Special Feature: Image-stabilization
  • Color: Black

Sony DSC-HX99 Compact Digital

9.5
Sony DSC-HX99 Compact Digital
  • Model Name: HX
  • Brand: Sony
  • Form Factor: Compact
  • Skill Level: Professional
  • Color: Black

Action Camera” data-aff-link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082DRJKJP/?tag=nesop-20″ data-post-type=”top” data-post-id=”101176″>GoPro HERO8 Black Digital Action Camera

9.1
GoPro HERO8 Black Digital Action Camera
  • Brand: GoPro
  • Model Name: Hero 8 Black
  • Special Feature: Waterproof, Time Lapse
  • Connectivity Technology: USB
  • Is Waterproof: True

Comparison Chart:

Best 4k Cameras Under $500Brand Model Color
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital CameraPANASONICLUMIX FZ300Black
Sony DSC-HX99 Compact DigitalSonyHXBlack
GoPro HERO8 Black Digital Action CameraGoProHero 8 BlackBlack
Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Mirrorless CameraPanasonicLUMIX GH5Black
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital CameraPanasonicLumix FZ80Black
VETEK 4K digital CameraVETEKVETEK 4K Gray
DJI Osmo ActionDJI DJI Osmo ActionBlack
Sony DSC-HX99SonyDSC-HX99Black

Best 4k Cameras Under $500 – The Review in 2022

Even if you have decided what type of camera you want to buy, the choices available on the market can be confusing. Every brand claims to have the best products, making it challenging for anyone with a strict budget to choose the right camera to fulfill all their needs.

Best 4k Cameras Under $500

If you are in the same boat, do not worry. In this article, we will review some of the best 4k cameras under $500, so you can decide which camera suits you best.

1. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera

Panasonic is a household name in the digital business and needs no introduction. It is one of the first brands to spring to mind when you think about cameras. Panasonic manufactures high-quality and excellent performance cameras, among other equipment. But for the time being, we’ll be discussing their LUMIX FZ300 digital camera. The FZ300 is equipped with 4K technology and can shoot HD video at 30 frames per second.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ300

There is no end to the moments you want to revisit over and over. Capturing memories with the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300’s Long Zoom camera technology will be a fantastic experience for you, as it produces crystal-clear results. In addition, you can use various features to capture images from a 4k video made by using this camera.

The 4k burst lets you take 8-megapixel pictures from a 4k video with a single shutter button press. The 4k burst S/S option helps you start the video from anywhere and then stop it at the vital point to capture a picture. In addition, the pre burst feature captures the image just one second before you press the shutter button, allowing excellent results.

This is the ideal tourist camera as it is splash-proof and dustproof. As a result, you can use it to capture thrills during the rain or dune bashing through the desert. Having gone through its unique features, this is surely one of the best 4k cameras with an unbelievable rate of under 500 USD. Overall, any beginner or pro-level photographer will surely love this camera.

Pros
  • Waterproof and dust-resistant frame making it more durable
  • A Five-axis correction system making photos straight according to the horizon, even if you have tilted the camera
  • Easy hand grip and suitable button positions
Cons
  • More expensive than the other cameras of the FZ series
  • You cannot charge the battery with a USB cable

2. Sony DSC-HX99 Compact Digital

There is no need for an introduction to the “Sony” brand. It is well known across the globe due to its electronic products. From Television and LEDs to cameras, all Sony products have achieved great success in the market. Released under the model’s name of HX, Sony DSC-HX99 is one of the finest cameras in the world. This camera is made up of compact materials and is available in typical black color.

Sony DSC-HX99

Having the ability to cover a wide range from 24mm wide-angle to telephoto 720mm, this camera is considered the best for traveling and storing memories. The capacity can be increased 30x more than its starting point. The lens used in this camera is ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T, which is one of the best lenses to capture images with different zoom ranges. It can provide a magnification of 1440mm2, which is 60x greater than the starting point.

The best thing about this camera is that it is the smallest camera in the world which has a zoom range of 24-720mm. It is the perfect example of a small package with more extensive abilities. A back-illuminated sensor of 18.2 megapixels coordinates with the advanced BIONZ X image processing system to produce the best results. This camera also supports the recording of high-quality videos with no pixel binning. Eye-AF feature is present in it, and upon activation, it automatically focuses on the object’s eyes.

A 3.0-inch screen makes it suitable to take selfies with high resolution. All-in-all it is an excellent camera for high-quality pictures and videos. So many outstanding features in this small camera with the unbelievable price make it a superb choice for photographers globally. Indeed an excellent camera within an economic, monetary range.

Pros
  • Easy to handle with a light weight of about 14.4 ounces
  • Rechargeable Lithium ions batteries can serve for a long time
  • Continuous shooting mode is present to capture at high speed
Cons
  • Problematic operating manual making it hard to use

3. GoPro HERO8 Black Digital Action Camera

Photographers and camera lovers globally well know the name “GoPro.” Like its name, this brand is specialized in producing next-level cameras and bringing them to the market. You can indeed feel like a pro photographer using cameras under this brand name. Released under model No. UHDHX-801, GoPro HERO8 Black Digital Action Camera, is one of the best cameras by GoPro. It contains various pro features. Live streaming is one of the best features it has. You can go live anytime and from anywhere, just by using this camera. The broadcast by this camera is of HD quality with a result of 1080p. You can link your SD card to the camera and save your broadcast in it. This way, you can access the pictures you took later.

GoPro HERO8

Hyper smooth 2.0 features give radical enhancement to the users. It also has many new stabilization levels, like boosting, game-changing, and in-app horizon levels. Using this camera, you cannot imagine the results it provides. Manufacturers claim that it gives them a clear result and lets you forget about any kind of blurring during shooting. It also has the most notable feature known as TimeWarp. TimeWarp 2.0 gives users the flexibility of choosing automatic speed or slowing or fastening it manually.

It has a portable battery that you can quickly change due to an updated battery door. A flip-up and Light LED option that gives users a better experience and wide covering angles. An unending series of outstanding features make this camera one of the best 4k cameras under $500.

Pros
  • Waterproof camera – can be used everywhere in the rain
  • Easy to carry due to the presence of various adjustable straps like chest strap and helmet strap
  • It comes with one year of warranty
Cons
  • Downloading and transferring files is a complicated process

4. Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Mirrorless Camera

Panasonic is one of the oldest electronic companies that are producing high-quality products for users. It is a Japanese company that was started in 1918. Until 2008 it was working under the name of Matsushita electric company limited. In 2008 its name was changed to Panasonic, and it became a famous brand of electronics. The company headquarters is present in Kadoma, near Osaka. Released under the model number DC-GH5LK, Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Mirrorless Camera is a first-choice camera for many travelers and photographers across the globe. Due to its weight of about 2.3 pounds, it can be carried anywhere.

Panasonic LUMIX GH5

It is a mirrorless camera, which means it has a single lens suitable for making videos. The 4K video performance and good quality photos features are enclosed in a magnesium alloy frame, making it more durable than the other cameras of this genre. The lens present is 20.3 megapixels, four-thirds Sensor, without any filter thread.

A battery is required for the functioning of this camera, which comes along with it. The battery is rechargeable and has a prolonged battery timing. An option of battery change allows you to take more than one battery and yourself during a long journey. Its mirrorless design makes it faster and more compatible. In addition, 4k and brand new 6k photo modes enable you to pause during the video and capture a high-quality pic that can be printed in the best quality. These wonderful qualities pull this camera into the list of best 4k cameras under $500.

Pros
  • Bluetooth helps connect and transfer files quickly
  • Lightning-fast DFD focusing feature is present that can automatically focus during the capturing, even if you are capturing at a rapid rate
  • S 2.0 stabilization and exposure technologies are present

Cons
  • Low Light performance is not up to the mark
  • Autofocus does not give effective results

5. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera

You can never neglect the Panasonic brand while making a list of any electrical products. This is because Panasonic has been serving for more than 100 years, as it was first established in 1918. It has been maintaining its good record for this extended period. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4k digital camera is one of the high-quality cameras with a compact frame and traditional black color. It is a long zoom camera, which can zoom from a long distance without affecting the quality of the image. This feature makes it perfect for travelers.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ80

Its range starts from 20mm wide-angle and can be increased 60 times. So, this wide range enables you to capture everything from breathtaking landscapes to far-away scenarios with perfection. All this is possible due to the presence of the FZ80 LUMIX DC VARIO lens. Moreover, 4k photo action video technology enables you to record ultra-HD videos and capture photos from the video. 4k video technology helps you to capture at a rapid rate of 30 frames per second. So, you can choose the frame of your own choice from them to take a steady 4k photo.

It is the best choice during nighttime, as it has impressive low-light functionality. The post focus option is amazing because it allows you to focus on certain points of the image even after capturing it. So, it gives you the freedom to focus.

Pros
  • It has several low-light features
  • Rare 3-inch touch-enabled LED display
  • USB charging and Wi-Fi connectivity options
Cons
  • Fixed screen instead of a rotatable one
  • Complex operating system

6. VETEK 4K digital Camera

Released under the brand name of VETEK, this camera is the latest 4k camera on this list. This was first released in June 2021. It has earned a great reputation in this short period. This camera is one of the best cameras for bloggers and YouTubers. Due to its amazing features, it has become a popular camera soon after its release. It has a 4k video and 48 MP picture resolution feature. This camera is specialized for vlogging, so it is commonly known as a vlogging camera. Moreover, it can support a digital zoom of up to 16X.

VETEK 4K

The video pause option is used to stop recording and capture images at any point during the recording. It can record videos even when it is charging. It also has a loop recording feature that enables recording continuously and feeding it to a computer or external source. You can also achieve continuous shooting at a quicker speed and silent recording by using this camera. It also has a self-timer and an upgraded version of chips to ensure the rate of continuous shooting.

This latest camera has a resolution power of 4 times greater than the usual 1080 P cameras. It has a detachable 52mm wide-angle lens along with a macro lens. It makes the capturing of horizons and tiny world diversity quite impressive. The camera has two rechargeable batteries. You can connect it with a PC using a USB cable, transfer data, and use it as a webcam.

Pros
Cons
  • Battery timing is not impressive; it takes more time to charge and serve for a shorter duration

7. DJI Osmo Action

DJI is a famous brand of cameras and drones. The Osmo action camera by DJI is a great addition to the 4k cameras. It is an action camera with a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor, wide-angle 145 degrees, and 12 megapixels that support the shooting of 4k videos.

DJI Osmo Action

The camera features a dual-screen, and you can control it with a button. The front and back screens display a great quality image. It is built with advanced technology, due to which it is easy to use and provides shake-free footage.

Even if the action is too spontaneous, this camera still captures them perfectly. The camera delivers much more detailed and enhanced picture quality than many high-end cameras available in the market. If you want to capture some stunts, you should use the 8x slow-motion feature because it provides excellent quality.

The Osmo action camera by DJI allows custom settings of the camera so that you can have a smooth and user-friendly experience. You can choose various shooting modes and exposure settings according to the type of action you will capture. There is a voice control feature in the camera with five voice commands that ensure easy filming and capturing experience. The camera lens has three layers that reduce the glare and distortion, resulting in crystal-clear images even if your hands are shaking too much.

Pros
  • Produces excellent image results
  • It has a dual-screen
  • It comes at an affordable price
Cons
  • The camera is not waterproof
  • There is no external mic capability

8. Sony DSC-HX99

As discussed earlier, Sony is indeed one of the topmost camera brands. And this product by Sony is liked by professional photographers worldwide due to its many stunning features, which will be discussed here.

Built with outstanding quality, this camera is super compact. It provides high-quality images with great performance. It has a fixed lens with two angle views and a clear image zoom feature.

Sony DSC-HX99 Compact Digital

The HX99 has 18.2 megapixels and a range of ISO 80-6400 to capture extraordinary moments while preserving their fantastic quality. Moreover, this camera produces natural-looking pictures and videos with 4k technology. So, if you are looking for a compact-sized and fantastic camera, you should opt for this one.

Pros
  • Very high quality with zero blurring
  • Very small and compact pocket size
  • Equipped with excellent zoom features
Cons
  • It takes more time to start after pressing the on/off button
  • The mode resets on restarting the camera, and you have to set it again

Best 4k Cameras Under $500 Buying Guide

There is a wide and unique variety of 4k cameras in the market, and when you go to buy a new camera, you will surely get confused. Selecting any single product out of many is a tricky and challenging task. So, we have shortlisted a few highly essential factors which you must bear in mind before finalizing your purchase. Must go through the following buying guide to make your buying decision easier.

Best 4k Cameras Under $500

Durable Material

Durability means something that can withstand harsh conditions or damage. So, the build quality of the cameras should be very durable. The camera should not be made up of light plastic or any other cheap material. A camera’s body should be polycarbonate compounds that make it durable and dependable. It should not be affected much by water and should be water-resistant to some extent. The camera should be sturdy enough that it does not break with normal jerks or falls.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

The camera that you select should have Wi-Fi connectivity. It saves a lot of hassle for the photographer because it becomes easy to transfer the data from the camera to the computer. Moreover, if you need to share your pictures with a fellow camera holder, this Wi-Fi connectivity will help. In the long run, having a camera with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity will work in your favor. The camera should also have Bluetooth for a better experience for the photographer.

Frames per Second

Always consider this factor before buying a camera. A higher or lower fps of a camera can affect the overall quality of an image a lot. Normally a good camera comes with 24/30 frames per second, but an excellent camera should record 4k at 60 frames per second. And above all, this factor entirely depends on your preferences; whether you want to record higher fps or a lower fps video with your 4k camera.

Image Stabilization

It is a significant feature on a 4k camera as it helps you to give clear and sharp results. It provides excellent image quality even if your hands shake. A good 4k camera will stabilize the image itself and provide a crystal-clear result. This will also save you a lot of time afterward while doing post-capture editing.

Interchangeable Lens

If you want to shoot in RAW, then you should get a camera with an interchangeable lens. This is because RAW helps to keep the perfect detailing of the pictures and videos. So, always try to get a great 4k camera that has an interchangeable lens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

People often have a lot of questions before buying a camera. However, when these ambiguities are not cleared, then there’s a chance that you might make some mistakes. In another case, you might regret buying the camera model if it does not suit your needs.

Some frequently asked questions about 4k cameras are answered below for your ease.

What Is the Meaning of 4k Resolution?

4k resolution means a resolution having a pixel count of 4 thousand (approximately). It gives almost four times better results than a 1080p video/photo. In addition, a huge pixel count can make it easier for you to watch the video or photo on as much larger screen as you want without viewing gridlines.

Are There Any Disadvantages Of 4k Videos Recorded by a 4k Camera?

Yes, there are few disadvantages of 4k videos recorded by a 4k camera. You need to have very high-speed internet (25 Mbps) to transfer the file. Moreover, the file size is very heavy, due to which you cannot store more videos on a smaller memory card. Furthermore, to watch a 4k video, you need a 4k TV which is quite expensive, and every house does not have a 4k TV.

What Is the Major Difference Between an Expensive 4k Camera and a Cheaper 4k Camera?

The difference between an expensive and a cheaper 4k camera is their build quality. An expensive camera is of very durable material. They have features like waterproof, shock resistant, scratch resistant, etc. On the other hand, cheaper cameras do not guarantee any resistance against water, shock, dust, etc. And this is a huge difference.

Can I Get a Good Quality Camera Under $500?

In short, yes! Contrary to popular opinion, photography equipment does not have to be super expensive to be good. With a bit of research, you can get a great camera within your budget. You can take help from our article and get one of our recommended cameras while staying within your limit.

Is the Quality of the Pictures and Videos Equally Great With a 4k Camera?

Yes, 4k cameras are great for both pictures and videos. The quality is equally suitable for both media, and the additional 4k features allow you to benefit from excellent colors, stable footage, and quality contrast.

Conclusion

These days everyone wants that his photo may get a considerable number of likes on social media. Some people edit their pictures to add to their beauty, while some opt for lucrative backgrounds for that purpose. But only those photos get maximum attention that is of the highest quality. Most photogenic people use 4k cameras for high-quality pictures and videos, but many cannot afford them. So, today we shared a list of the best 4k cameras under $500. These cameras will indeed prove to be your best friend, being pocket-friendly and highly efficient.

After going through the list of best 4k cameras under $500, you must be wondering which one to buy. The answer is simple, just note down your requirements and select a camera that meets your needs. We hope that any budget-friendly camera you choose out of our list serves the best for you and increases your fan following. So have a good time shopping and snapping.

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