What’s the best video camera under $500 that shoots 4K resolution? Here is one way to put it. Although there are many other factors in play and it’s not the same for all cameras, video cameras that shoot 4K resolution essentially shoot four times better quality than standard 1080p HD cameras.
It wasn’t too long ago where finding a 4K camera was few and far between. But luckily, we’re living in the age of booming technology.
Considering the explosion in the media market, 4K cameras are not only available in droves, but they have also become even more affordable than ever.
Once again, just because a cameraman shoots 4K doesn’t mean it’s better than every standard HD camera. However, we made sure to narrow our list of the five absolute best 4K cameras under $500.
In Short, Here Are The 5 Best 4K Cameras Under $500
- PANASONIC Lumix FZ300
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- PANASONIC Lumix FZ80
- ORDRO
- Panasonic Lumix G7KS
1. PANASONIC Lumix FZ300
First up, the PANASONIC Lumix FZ300 is a fantastic but affordable 4K camera running under $500. Panasonic recently cut the price by $200. While we’re unsure if the discount is permanent or temporary, it’s either way, a phenomenal choice. It can take 4K resolution in video and pictures, as well.
You’ll also appreciate its ability to shoot 4K at 30fps. The overall video quality dramatically supersedes its low price range. It comes with a Leica DC Vario Elmarit lens, which offers an incredible 24x zoom.
Because of its 12.1 high sensitivity MOS sensor with the Venus Engine, the photo and video quality are crystal clear and crisp. It also helps capture pretty good video in low-light situations.
Another remarkable built-in attribute is its five-axis hybrid optical image stabilizer plus. Basically, it helps smoothen out the video quality and minimize blur from quick movements. This camera also offers pretty good autofocus.
Made out of a robust build quality, it’s both dust and splash-resistant. The rotatable screen comes in handy, as well. Something you may find useful is the various photo shooting modes such as; 12 fps burst shooting, panoramic photos, and 4K burst. Overall, the PANASONIC Lumix FZ300 is a fantastic bang for your buck 4K camera. It’s durable, convenient, shoots excellent videos, takes fantastic photos, and offers many essential features. We highly recommend it!
Users Say: “I thought about upgrading to another DSLR but I would have to buy extra lenses. The 600 zoom is built-in on this camera and does a great job. It also does 4k photos and video which is great. It replaces my Canon HF 500 Video camera and my Nikon D40.
Features & Tech Specs
- 1/2.3-Inch Sensor
- Leica DC Vario Elmarit lens (24x zoom)
- F2.8 aperture (good for low-light)
- 12.1 Megapixel
- Shoots up to 4K/30fps video resolution
- 5 Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer Plus
- Splash Proof
- DustProof
- 25-600mm Zoom
- Autofocus
- 3-inch LCD touchscreen
2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
Here is another wildly popular and highly-reviewed 4K video and photo camera. Not only did it recently get a massive price reduction, but the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is an excellent camera for a plethora of reasons.
You will find a decently sized 3-inch LCD touch-screen monitor on the back. You’ll also appreciate its compact and light design while maintaining a sturdy build. Like the previous camera, it can shoot up to 4K at 30 frames per second.
This camera offers many unique features that you typically don’t find in other cameras in any price range. For one, it has 15 built-in art filters for picture taking. You can also wirelessly connect it to your phone by WiFi for instant photo/video transfers. But one of our favorite features is its “Auto-Mode.” Essentially, it senses the area and automatically finds the best settings depending on your environment. This mode is generally sporadic to see in cameras at this low of a price point.
With a built-in flash and 16MP picture quality, this camera is awesome for photos as well as video. It has incredible stabilization for smooth video and blur-free stills. You’re able to change the lens, as well.
Due to the easily adjustable monitor, it’s effortless to shoot from every angle. Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a reliable 4K camera running below $500. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: “I love this camera. I got to make movies, take many photos, and upload everything to my phone with the software that comes. I have 0 need to purchase another camera. I will get a few more lenses to go with this little beautiful toy.”
Features & Tech Specs
- Shoots up to 4K/30fps video resolution
- 3-inch tilting LCD screen
- TruePic VIII Image Processor
- WiFi capabilities
- 16 Megapixel
- Built-in image stabilizer
- Auto-mode
- Built-in flash
3. PANASONIC Lumix FZ80
The PANASONIC Lumix FZ80 is the absolute cheapest video camera that shoots 4K resolution on the market. But aside from its affordable price running well under $500, it’s a tremendous bang for the buck.
This camera can shoot up to 4K/30fps. You’ll also appreciate its 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor. Coming with the purchase is a DC Vario lens with an impressive 60x zoom capabilities. The lens can also capture a fair amount of scenery with its 20mm wide angle.
In terms of its build quality, Panasonic never fails me. The PANASONIC Lumix FZ80 has a robust body that outperforms its price range. With its “low light capture mode,” you’re able to take relatively clear photos at night.
It provides a stationary 3-inch LCD screen to view playback or pictures. For taking pictures, one of the most intriguing features is its “post focus” abilities. It enables you to customize where on your image, you want the primary focus point placed.
Due to its flawless 60x zoom, affordable price, 4K resolution, great picture and video quality for the price, ergonomic grip design, sturdy build for the low-price, and ability to shoot in low-light; We highly recommend this camera for traveling. Overall, the PANASONIC Lumix FZ80 is an outstanding choice at a budget-friendly price.
Users Say: “This is an amazing camera with an incredible zoom. I use this daily for interior home photos, as it has an excellent wide-angle lens allowing for most of the room to be captured and is also great for taking sports photos AND video. This is the best camera I’ve ever owned.”
Features & Tech Specs
- Shoots up to 4K/30fps video resolution (3840 x 2160)
- 60X Long Zoom
- 18.1 megapixel
- 3-inch LCD screen (stationary)
- WiFi-enabled
- Micro USB and USB 2.0
- High-resolution 1,170k-dot viewfinder
- Post Focus mode
4. ORDRO
Running under $500, the ORDRO is a decent video camera that shoots 4K resolution. It’s able to shoot up to 30 frames per second at 4K. What we love the most about it is all the added accessories coming with the purchase.
Aside from the camera, you get a stereo microphone, an attachable LED light, a camera holder, a travel storage case, a card reader, a hood for the lens, a camera bag with a strap, a cold shoe bracket, a 64G SD card, an HDMI cable, USB cord, micro USB cord, two lithium batteries, a charger for the batteries, and a remote.
With the ORDRO app, you’re able to use your phone as a remote to control the camera. The lens coming with the purchase is a wide-angle. Sony’s 13MP built-in sensor is used for shooting UHD 4K. Overall, the video quality is excellent but not as good as the other cameras on this list. However, the ORDRO is an excellent value due to all of the added accessories. Most people believe this camera is worth the buy due to its outstanding audio quality with the attachable microphone.
There are a few downsides to this 4K camera. For one, it has a meager battery life of maybe 2 hours. Having low battery life makes it very inconvenient and can cause bad situations. Another downside is it’s little to no zoom capabilities. Aside from the negatives, the ORDRO is a decent choice if you’re on an extremely tight budget and need the added accessories.
Users Say: “This video camera works really great for travel, vlog, and daily life. It can take videos for a long time and the quality is good.”
Features & Tech Specs
- Shoots up to 4K/30fps video resolution (3840×2160)
- 72mm Wide Angle Lens
- Comes with a variety of added accessories
- ORDRO App for remote control as your smartphone
- 13MP Sensor
- Picture format: JPEG
- Video format: MP4
- Time-lapse recording capability
5. Panasonic Lumix G7KS
Last but not least, the Panasonic Lumix G7KS is far too good of a 4K mirrorless video camera for its inexpensive price. This camera, too, just got a hefty 40% discount bringing the price below $500. Coming with a 14-42mm lens kit, it provides stellar picture and video quality.
We believe it shoots the very best 4K video quality on this list. You’ll also appreciate the interchangeable lens in case you want to purchase additional types of lenses in the future. It shoots high-quality 16MP images and provides DSLM quality, as well.
It’s not only us who believe this camera is excellent for an affordable price. Among the large customer base, it has incredible ratings. This camera can pause at a 4K video moment and extract a clip for the exact photo you want. For example, you can take a video of a skateboarder doing a kickflip.
After the video, you can pick the exact clip of the video to turn into a picture. Thus, the skateboarder’s perfect moment in the kickflip is turned into a picture.
One of our favorite features is its intelligent autofocusing, which picks up moving objects efficiently. For picture taking, your ability to manually adjust the focus to the highest degree as it outlines the objects. You’ll also like its ability to shoot and autofocus in low-light reasonably well. In the future, you can add useful accessories such as a light or microphone.
Overall, the Panasonic Lumix G7KS is, in our opinion, the very best 4K camera under $500 on the market. We highly recommend it for almost all applications. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: “I’m in love with this camera! At a sub $500 price point this is an amazing camera! I’m obsessed with the black and white pictures this camera produces as you see here! If you are a small operation or someone who just wants a solid jack it all trades camera I highly recommend this one! Video quality is great as well! I film at 1080p at 60fps because the autofocus is best in that setting but the 4K is very good for a camera this cheap!”
Features & Tech Specs
- Shoots up to 4K/30fps video resolution
- Mirrorless interchangeable lens
- 14-42 mm Lens Kit
- DSLM image quality
- Autofocus
- 16 Megapixel
- Next-generation intelligent image processor
- Focus Peaking (gets the perfect and most precise focus)
- Low light autofocus
Our Winner
Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their video camera. However, we believe the Panasonic Lumix G7KS is the overall best 4K camera running under $500 on the entire market. It has fantastic video quality, picture quality, autofocus, added features, and the best bang for the buck. We highly recommend it!
Quick Recap
Here Are The 5 Best 4K Cameras Under $500
- PANASONIC Lumix FZ300
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- PANASONIC Lumix FZ80
- ORDRO
- Panasonic Lumix G7KS
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