Best 4K camera under 500$
A few years ago, it was too difficult to find a camera under 500$ that shots 4k resolution photo or video. People had to spend more to get a high-resolution 4k camera. But nowadays technology is being futuristic and cheaper. Now it is possible to get a high-resolution camera for under 500$. Luckily we are living in the age of booming technology and considering the market, 4k cameras are now widely available at an affordable price.
Before entering this topic, let’s know about the term “4K”. 4K is referred to as the resolution of a photo or video. This is 3840 X 2160 pixels with a total number of 8.3 million pixels that shows four tomes sharper image quality than that of 1080p and nine times than that of 720p offers. That means you will get far better image quality than a 1080p or 720p camera produces. You can expand or zoom your photo without losing the details and play it on a big HD screen.
Things to consider before you make a purchase
There are lots of 4K cameras available in the market for under 500 bucks. Before purchasing one, you need to know some essential feature that a 4K camera should have.
FPS (Frame per second): While shooting in 4K you need to think about cameras FPS. Usually, the budget camera produces 24/30 FPS. Here the higher the FPS the smoother the video will be.
Image Stabilization: Optical image stabilization helps to reduce the noise and blurring by shaking the camera while recording video. It also helps to get a clear still shot.
File Storage: 4K contents consumes more space. So your camera must have micro-SD card slots to upgrade storage.
Weather Protection: Try to get a water/dust/shockproof device if possible. It will give you more confidence to shot in any weather condition.
RAW Mode: Cameras with interchangeable lens allows you to shot in the RAW mode that keeps the full information of the lens and device. It helps an editor in post-production editing.
If you are thinking to upgrade your photography device and want to shot clear and detailed, you shouldn’t look for anything less than a 4K camera. Well, there are so many options you find under 500$ in the market. So what should you need according to your demand? There are different types of device fall in a different category. After spending so much time and doing proper research, I”m here to help you out. Here I made different category according to use and application.
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Categories:
- Best 4K camcorder under 500$,
- Best 4K mirrorless camera under 500$,
- Best 4K digital SLR camera under 500$,
- Best 4K compact camera under 500$,
- Best 4K action camera under 500$,
- Best 4K vlogging camera under 500$.
Let’s jump into the details.
1. Best 4K camcorder: Seree 4K Camcorder Video Camera
If you are interested in recording video and looking for a handy device that shot 4k resolution contents, this camcorder should be a perfect choice. Featured with 48MP image resolution and 4K-30 fps video resolution, this camcorder will give you excellent output. It has an 18X zooming capacity that will get you closer details. This device is packed with some excellent features including an easy control system, long time battery life, amazing low light image quality, easy flexibility that makes it worthy. It comes with a rotating 3-inch touch screen IPS display that is rotatable almost 270 degree. It helps you to shoot from anywhere, from any angle. The video becomes smooth and the photo becomes noise-free as it has built-in stabilization. The face detection works too good and quite fast that traces faces easily and keep a continuous focus on the subject. The most interesting part of this device is it has an infrared night vision light to shoots at night. So you can shoot in low-light in the evening or at night. You can observe animal at night where flashlight might create a problem for the wild animals. The microphone is quite good to provide a clear sound of the recorded video. You can remotely control the device also with a 2.4G remote control within a 20-meter range. Under 500 bucks, it can be a good package for decent shooting with the features discussed above.
Features:
- 4K 30fps video resolution.
- 48MP image resolution.
- Remote controlled.
- Low-frequency noise reduction.
- Built-in-stabilization.
Pros:
- Supports slow-motion recording.
- Two batteries included.
- Charging during recording.
Cons:
- No sd card included.
- No autofocus.
2. Best 4K Mirrorless camera: Panasonic GX85
If you are looking for a mirrorless camera that shoots at 4k resolution but your budget is tight this might be a good solution for you. Panasonic GX85 is a smaller version of the GX8 that comes with the same design and feature but compact in size. Released in 2016, this travel-friendly, the compact mirrorless device features a 16 megapixel MOS micro-four-thirds sensor. The company used a Venus Engine 9 processor that is capable of recording 4k video at a 30 fps rate. This device is outstanding at auto-focusing using a 49 point contrast-detect focusing system and offers fast single-point auto-focusing performance. The optical low pass filter is removed off by the company. Removing the filter makes the camera better at taking a superior quality image and better resolving power. The interchangeable lens feature allows you to fit a suitable lens according to your use. Panasonic GX85 has a dual stabilization system that combined with sensor-shift image stabilization and lens-based optical image stabilization. Combined with all these systems, this camera offers 5-axis on body image stabilization. With this camera, you can get smooth 4k video and clear detailed image. So, if you are about to get a handy, compact mirrorless camera with a low budget, you can go for Panasonic GX85 without any doubt.
Features:
- Type: Mirrorless.
- Pixel size: 16 megapixels.
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600.
- Shutter Speed: 1/4000s.
- Stabilization: 5-Axis sensor-shift IS.
- Built-in wireless.
- Continuous Shot: 8 fps.
- Weight: 426g.
Pros:
- Built quality is excellent.
- 4k video.
- 5-axis image stabilization.
Cons:
- No external mic.
- Battery back-up could be better.
- Viewfinder could be better.
- No headphone jack.
3. Best 4K Digital camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ300
This device is best in its class with a 24x f2.8 25-600mm lens that produces excellent photo and video output. Though the sensor is small and compact, it offers excellent photo and video quality compared to its other opponents. This device is featured with an extensive photo mode and settings option that makes it easy to use and helps to make you a perfect shot. It is very tough to find a 4K digital camera with this level of performance. The fixed lens provides 24x zoom to get you closer to the subject and can shoot 4k video. The recorded video can also be used for taking 8 megapixels still photo as it records at a 30fps rate. The special feature is the body is weather resistant that gives you protection from dust and water splash. So you don’t have to worry about the bad weather while shooting. The latest autofocus system from Panasonic shots at up to 12fps continuously with single autofocus. The built-in wifi system will allow you to connect your smartphone wirelessly.
Features:
● Type: Digital SLR.
● Pixel size: 12 megapixels.
● ISO: Auto, 100-6400.
● Shutter Speed: 1/16000s.
● Stabilization: 5 Axis Hybrid IS.
● Zoom: 24x.
● Focal Length: 25-600mm.
● Continuous Shot: 12fps.
● Weight: 691g.
Pros:
● Weather protection.
● 4k video.
● 24x zoom.
● Fast autofocus.
Cons:
● Small sensor size.
● No headphone jack.
4. Best 4K Compact camera: Sony DSC-HX99
Here comes Sony’s high-end compact travel camera, the Cyber-shot HX99. If you are looking for a compact, handy device that will fit in your pocket and fit your budget, it can be a good choice. This device delivers excellent image quality and has a 30x zoom range. This budget-friendly super zoom lens is housed in an aluminium body and the whole device weighs about only 241 gram. The lens is capable of taking bright and wide-angle shot far better than high-end smartphone like Apple, Samsung or Google pixel. This device is capable of taking 4K shots and recording 4k video at 24 fps as long as you have a good quality high-speed sd card as it takes huge space. Though the stabilization system is not that good but quite satisfactory. If you love taking self-portrait the 180 degrees flipping display will help you a lot to do so. This tiny camera can be fitted taking less space in your backpack or pocket when you go out for a tour or travel somewhere. With an 18 megapixel sensor, enormous 30x zoom range, pop-up electronic viewfinder, decent battery back up, 180 degrees flip-up screen it is can be a good partner for those who travel a lot and want a compact device that takes less space without comparing the quality.
Features:
- Type: Compact camera.
- Pixel size: 18.2 megapixels.
- ISO: Auto, 80-3200.
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000s.
- Zoom: 30x.
- Focal Length: 4.25-118mm.
- Continuous Shot: 10fps.
- Weight: 242g.
Pros:
- 4k video supporting.
- 30x zoom.
- 180 degree flipping display.
Cons:
- No weather protection.
- The viewfinder is tiny.
5. Best 4K Action Camera: GoPro HRRO8
Action cameras are widely used in riding, hiking, trekking, climbing, paragliding, swimming, surfing and so on where you must keep your hands free. If you want to move freely but also want to record the moments, an action camera is the best solution for you. This tiny camera is smaller than a compact camera and can be mounted anywhere like your helmet, wrist, chest and sets your hands free to move on. Again the water and dust proofing feature assures you to take unimpeded shots during surfing and swimming. Generally, action cameras are designed for recording action while being immersed in it. So basically this device is for extreme sports and outdoor trekking where you need a rugged, water and dust-proof compact device. This camera is incredibly waterproof that can go under 33 meter of water. This camera shoots an incredible 4k photo at 60fps. The Hyper-Smooth 2.0 technology image stabilization offers smooth video without shaking. This 12-megapixel sensor is featured with a wide-angle lens that can cover a wide area. This camera also has slow-motion, time-wrap, live-burst and HDR mode that produce a rich coloured photo. It also has a built-in mic that offers clear sound. The battery backup is decent with a 1220 mAh battery that can record 4k video at 60fps for almost one hour.
Features:
- Type: Action-cam.
- Pixel size: 12 megapixels.
- Sensor: CMOS.
- Stabilization: Digital IS.
- 2-inch display.
- Focal Length: 15.1-24.4mm.
- Voice command.
- Weight: 117g.
Pros:
- Weather protection.
- 4k video.
- Excellent IS.
Cons:
- Average low light performance.
- Voice commands tend to be missed sometimes.
6. Best 4K Vlogging Camera: DJI Osmo pocket
This tiny little beast is made specially to record super-stabilized 4k video and fluidly moving object effortlessly. You don’t have to carry a bulky DSLR and gimbal to shot a moving object. This device is a perfect partner for vlogging or travelling. The camera set up of the DJI Osmo Pocket looks like a professional gimbal. It seems a tiny pocket-size gimbal that has a built-in camera lens, display, battery and control button. This is so tiny that measures 121.9 x 36.9 x 28.6 mm and weighs only 116 gram. This is not only just small but also super handy. With a sweat-proof, non-slip grip you can control it with one hand super-easily. This device can record 4k video at 60 fps with a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor that offers super-stabilized video. You can also shoot time-lapse and slow-motion in 1080p resolution. It has a tiny LCD to see the video but can also be connected with a smartphone with a connector. You can see the recording on your phone screen during the shooting and can change the settings with your phone as well. The face and object tracking modes are surprisingly good with 3-axis motorized gimbal. Once it tracks the object it will keep the object in the frame and the lens will rotate to follow the object. So, you have a mechanical assistant to handle the camera to keep you in the frame even though you change your position in front of it. This cute, tiny gimbal camera could be a perfect device for indoor and outdoor vlogging.
Features:
- Type: Gimbal camera.
- Pixel size: 12 megapixels.
- Sensor:1/2.3″ CMOS.
- Stabilization: Motorized gimbal.
- ISO: 100-3200.
- Built-in display.
- Weight: 116g.
Pros:
- Super handy.
- 4k video.
- Motorized gimbal.
Cons:
- No built-in speaker.
- No headphone jack.
- No built-in wifi.
Every device discussed above is best in its class under the 500$ price segment. It’s very tough to pick only one among them as they belong to a different category based on their use. Some device is best for outdoor tough use and some are best in photography; some are best for being compact and some are best for handy 4k video. Panasonic GX85 is best for photography whereas HERO8 is best for bike riding and trekking. Compare to them, Osmo Pocket is best for vlogging. So you have to choose according to your use and budget.
Imagine you have a big size HD tv in your room and you are watching old tv series made for a normal small size screen, it seems too boring because when your HD tv expands the low-resolution video clip it lost the details and sharpness. So you just need an HD or high definition video clip that is shot by a high-resolution camera like a 4K camera. The shots of the 4K HD camera are more detailed, sharp and eye-catching as well. In addition to the best resolution, 4K gives you better control over images, better stabilization, extra zoom, reduce noise and clear shots. Because this technology is offering you so much advantage and quality, it often costs too much. But in this era of futuristic technology, these high-technology devices are getting cheaper day by day. Now you can easily get a 4k camera for under 500$. So what are you waiting for?
