Looking for a beginner mirrorless camera priced under $500?

Question

so i finally decided to pull the trigger on a real setup because my iphone is just killing me with the lack of depth of field and i’ve been playing around with an old canon ae-1 for a bit so i know the basics of shooting manual and using the exposure triangle but mirrorless is like a whole new world for me. i’m trying to keep it under 500 bucks for everything including a kit lens because im a broke student in seattle and i really want to get into street photography and maybe take some decent shots at my sisters wedding in october but man everything on ebay is way more expensive than it used to be like why is a used a6000 still going for four hundred plus?? i thought about the olympus m43 stuff for the size since i walk a lot but the small sensor makes me nervous for low light stuff at the reception... honestly im just super hyped to stop relying on software bokeh and actually learn glass but i feel totally stuck with these current prices. whats the absolute best bang for buck mirrorless body right now that wont leave me with a brick if i buy it used for under 500?

WispWander · Accepted Answer

In my experience, finding a full kit under 500 bucks is getting harder lately, but it is still doable if you look at older mid-tier bodies. I have tried many systems over the years and for street photography in Seattle, you basically want something compact that handles the gloom. The a6000 is still pricey because it simply outperforms most modern entry level gear.

Sony Alpha a6000 with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens: The autofocus is still remarkably snappy for street work. The APS-C sensor handles a wedding reception better than M43 in my opinion.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II with 14-42mm II R Lens: This one is tiny and has great stabilization. It helps in low light if your subject isnt moving, tho the smaller sensor makes it harder to get that shallow depth of field. I would personally hunt for the Sony. The lens ecosystem is huge and you can grab cheap vintage glass later to get the specific look you want... it is a solid path for a student.

Ella Stern · Answer

If you want that manual feeling from your AE-1, look at the Fuji stuff. Prices are crazy but you can still snag a Fujifilm X-T10 with XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II if you hunt. It has dedicated dials which makes learning the triangle way more tactile than digging through menus.

Fuji X-T10: Great colors and feels like a real camera, but autofocus can hunt in low light at the reception.

Sony Alpha a6000 with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens: Even tho its old, the autofocus is still really snappy. It is kinda boring to use but it gets the job done for street work.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R Lens: Dont let the sensor size scare you. The stabilization is actually insane, so you can shoot slower shutter speeds in the Seattle gloom without everything being a blurry mess. Its a tough market right now... check sites like MPB instead of just eBay so you get a warranty.

tlxtxnnplh · Answer

Just catching up on this thread. Since you're worried about prices, I would suggest looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 with 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens. It's solid for street stuff.

Dual image stabilization helps a ton with shaky hands in the gloom

its super discreet for walking around Seattle Be careful with the battery life tho, it's kinda mid tbh so definitely grab a spare for that wedding.