Best Camera For Disney Parks Under $500
$500 may seem like a lot, but in photography, it won’t get you far. For 2016, these are the best DSLR and point & shoot camera options for travel. This post is written in direct response to a reader question, which is along the lines of a pretty common question we receive.
Reader Nancy L. asks:
“…I have a point and shoot camera, but it’s several years old and I don’t like the quality and I wasn’t happy with my photos on our last trip…I’m going to WDW this summer and want a better camera before then. I am willing to spend $500 but don’t know what I should buy…”
Note that this question was originally asked last year but has been updated slightly for 2015–the basic advice remains the same, as not a ton has changed at the entry level, besides prices dropping!
For starters, before upgrading equipment, you always want to make sure you’re using your current equipment to its full potential. This means you need to learn how to use your camera (read the manual!) and learn photography. My top recommendation for the latter is reading Understanding Exposure, which is the book I used to teach myself photography. It is absolutely required reading. Beyond that, I have a list of recommended photography books that will help. Your local library should have most of these, so you might not have to spend any money to capture better photos.
With that said, you might already know all there is to know about your camera and a good amount about photography, and may still be unsatisfied with your camera. Or, you may not want to learn about photography, and just want a camera that does better in auto mode. There’s nothing wrong with that, and while every camera will perform better with the photographer choosing the settings, it’s also true that nicer cameras in auto mode will produce better results than in auto mode than lesser cameras.
Since you’re using your camera for travel, size might be a consideration, so I’m going to provide a couple of different options with that in mind. Essentially, you’re going to be making a trade-off of either smaller size or better quality. Regardless, either solution can capture great photos (I shot all of the photos in this post with an entry level DSLR or point & shoot). As far as budget goes, $500 may seem like a lot, but in the world of photography, it won’t get you too far. In fact, for my two main suggestions, you’re going to be just on the cusp of needing to spend a tad more to accomplish what you need.
Let’s take a look…
If size matters more: having a camera that you can put in your pocket might be an absolute necessity, especially if it’s primarily for travel. For this, I only have one recommendation: the Sony RX100. I purchased this on the day it was released almost two years ago, and have absolutely loved it ever since. In my opinion, this is still the gold standard for point and shoot cameras (it’s actually a bit surprising that no other camera manufacturers have caught up…).
While it is expensive for a point and shoot camera, it’s the only point and shoot camera that fits in your pocket and delivers near-DSLR quality. That, alone, is a herculean feat. Unlike most point and shoot cameras, the Sony RX100 has a ton of advanced functionality that really accommodates both experienced photographers or those looking to learn and those who are just looking for high quality photos from a camera in auto mode.
You can read more about the RX100 and see a ton of sample photos in our Sony RX100 Review. Sony updated the camera with the RX100 II, and again last year with the RX100 III, which I reviewed. Skip the updated cameras as they don’t offer enough advancements to justify the extra cost for most beginners.
If quality matters more: you’re going to want to look at an entry level DSLR. The downside to a DSLR is that it’s not going to fit in your pocket, but the upside is that even the most basic entry level DSLR is superior to the most advanced point and shoot in terms of image quality and performance.
Sony has closed the gap with the RX100, but the gap is still there. I shoot with Nikon DSLRs, and have since I got into photography (I used the Nikon D40 entry level camera back in the day and loved it!), so that’s my preference. However, I think both Canon and Nikon are solid options for entry level DSLRs.
Nikon’s current top entry-level model is the Nikon D3300, which is $495. This is an excellent “starter camera.” The image quality it is capable of producing is excellent, and it has a solid slate of features to help you take great photos, including full manual settings and preset modes if you need training wheels, so to speak.
If you still have room in your budget for accessories, I recommend a lens upgrade to the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 (good) or Sigma 30mm f/1.4 (much better…but more expensive–read our review of this lens).
What you might notice I’m not recommending here is a mirrorless camera. It’s another option to consider, and might hit the sweet spot for you between size (smaller than a DSLR, larger than a point & shoot) and quality (lower than a DSLR, higher than a point & shoot), but my firsthand experience with a couple of lower tier mirrorless cameras in the last few months has left me believing they’re still a couple of generations away before really being “there” on the lower end.
Mirrorless is gaining in popularity and has its fans, and I’m impressed with the new (pricey) full frame models, so consider getting a second opinion on this. However, I have been underwhelmed by the lower end mirrorless cameras, and since this question is seeking my opinion, I’m not recommending them at the $500 price point.
Hope that helps you…and possibly some other readers! 🙂
If you want other photography advice and equipment recommendations, I suggest checking out my Comprehensive Photography Guide. Here are a few of my other top photography blog posts:
What’s In My Camera Bag
Best Books for Improving Your Photography
5 Indispensable Tips for Better Vacation Photos
Choosing the Best Travel Tripod
Choosing the Best Camera Bag for Travel
Your Thoughts…
Do you have any other <$500 camera recommendations? If you’re in the same boat and looking for a new entry-level camera, do you have any additional questions? Please leave any thoughts or questions in the comments below!
First time here on your blog and it’s amazing! Really had a great time! Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the insightful article, hopefully, this would help me get my dream camera under 500
WHICH ONE OF THE CANNON G SERIES IS CLOSEST TO THE SONY YOU SAY IS THE BEST ..
RICHARD
First time here on your blog and it’s amazing! Really had a great time! Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the insightful article!
How do you compare the sony rx100 to sony a6000 mirrorless?
Hi Tom!
I just re-read this post as I’m looking into getting a camera before my family’s Disney trip next summer. Something just like what you were talking about: either a really good point-and-shoot, or an entry level DSLR. (Just something that’s better than my cell phone photos.) I’m wondering if you have any personal update to this part of this post: “…my firsthand experience with a couple of lower tier mirrorless cameras in the last few months has left me believing they’re still a couple of generations away before really being “there” …”. This post was a couple years ago. Have they caught up? Any new thoughts on mirrorless? Thanks!
I’m sure this is a very basic question, but I have about 10 lenses for my old “film” Nikon. I’d like to get a Nikon digital. Will my old lenses work on the new camera. I’m such a novice at this.
Couple of questions about this article
1. What camera and lens were you using during the haunted mansion ride? I am hoping that was the 3200 and the kit lens
2. what is the Nikon 35mm lacking that the sigma has for the extra 125 dollars?
Also I wanted to let everyone know that I purchased the 3200 from the review that Tom did on this site. It really made the decision on the Nikon model versus the Canon model. The two lens kit can be found on sale in most stores for under 500. I have a friend who owns the 3300 and the big difference that I noticed with the two is the interface on the newer model was not as user friendly. That is just my two cents.
Hi Tom, I know it’s not under $500 but have you had the chance to try the Sony rx100 iv? I’m trying to decide whether to go for the cheaper mark 1 version of the camera or “future proofing” by getting the most up to date.
I have not used the RX100 IV yet, but the price is so high that I can envision very few scenarios where it would be worth the money. Basically, you’d have to be *really* serious about photography or have a ton of money, and be totally against carrying a larger camera.
I just purchased the Olympus TG-4 for $379. I normally shoot Canon 5D Mark III, but I was looking for a rugged point and shoot. So far I am really pleased with the quality. It’s waterproof, drop proof, dust proof, and freeze resistant. It lacks the manual controls that my Canon S100 had, but still shoots in aperture priority and RAW. It’s larger than my old Canon point and shoot, but since I can take it virtually anywhere and beat the day lights out of it, I’m good with that. It also has built-in wi-if for transferring my images to my mobile device on the go. I’m looking forward to using it during my adventures.
Thanks for this post. I have recently been looking at a D3200 bundle at a local warehouse store. The kit includes an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55MM F/3.5-5.6GE and a 55-200F4-5.6G ED. This seems like a deal at $550.
This seller on eBay has the RX100 for $400 right now: http://bit.ly/1nJGfr2
Totally agree on the RX100. I have one that I bought specifically to be my “Disney camera”. My criteria were:
* shoots raw
* manual aperture and shutter settings
* fit in my pocket.
This was the one and only choice.
I also have a D7000 that I use for “serious photography”. I take it to travel and shoot landscapes, but I rarely take it in the parks.
How sturdy/durable is the RX100? To me, it just looks more flimsy than, say, the Canon G series (specifically, the G12, which I have). I have no need to change cameras anytime soon, as my G12 is only a year or so old, but I’m always keeping my eyes and ears open to the future. I’m also one of those really, REALLY rough and clumsy people who has to balance quality with how durable a camera is. (I’m the idiot that bought Cory’s 50mm 1.4 in January, and dropped it – and my 3-month old 7D – on the ground at DHS as I ran to Lights, Motors, Action in February. My camera repair guy loves me right now.)
In getting ready for our WDW trip this August I’ve been quite frankly obsessed with your blog and have taken camera advice to heart when looking for a new DSLR camera. I opted for the Canon T3i as while the helpful guy at the camera store explained the SL1 to be between a T3i and a T5i, I wasn’t so impressed with the differences to justify the $150 price difference. The T3i is a steal in my opinion for $500 including the 18-55mm factory lens. I’m much more interested in upgrading the parts; I ordered a sigma 70-300mm lens, tripod, external flash, wireless remote, etc. and I couldn’t be happier with how much I can do with my camera! I bought Understanding Exposure as well as the field guide for my camera, MUST READS if you aren’t the most tech savvy person in the world!
Hi Tom! I would love a “photography for dummies” article that doesn’t require us to read several books to get better pictures (is this possible?). I love all of your posts but the ones about photography honestly sound like a foreign language to me.
I also wanted to thank you for this blog that has kept me entertained for several years now. You just “get” it and I appreciate you bringing a daily dose of Disney to all of your readers! 🙂
I think the mirrorless vs. dSLR debate to be less than objective. I am a long time m4/3 user and can firmly attest to its efficacy in daily use. My GH3 and E-M1 easily match and sometimes surpass any apsc dSLR out there (exception Fuji). Where the difference can become clear is against full frame, and then at a significant cost and size disadvantage. Sometimes we rely too much on the great and not the skill. Love the blog Tom, keep up the good work.
Gear not *great*
I think it depends upon your use. I used the Olympus EM-5 (regarded as a fairly good mirrorless system) for 3 months, and I was not impressed. I’ve tested other mirrorless cameras for shorter period. I was expecting mid-tier DSLR quality, and I was not impressed, especially in terms of dynamic range and native lens quality.
Again, that’s just me though. A lot of people absolutely SWEAR by mirrorless. Having used a wide variety of cameras from various manufacturers, I’m just not on the mirrorless bandwagon…yet.
On the mirrorless side, it is what I’m using so I can tell first hand how they are to use.
All in all, they will offer you great picture and everything you are looking for in a camera. All the DSLR settings, quality, etc. is there. So far, none of the mirrorless can beat the top tier DSLR that is true ( think 1500$ + DSLR ).
But, it will do as good as 3300 for sure. I’m using a Samsung one, which have the same sensor use in DSLR, you will also find mirrorless with smaller sensor. I believe those are less interesting. So I would stick with Samsung or Sony for mirrorless.
The Samsung Nx1000 is a good camera and offer great picture quality, good size for around 350$ with a lens. The a5000 from Sony would also be a good option.
If you are a bit more serious, the nx30 or the a7 is the way to go. But in both case, it will cost you much more than 500$.
I decided 4 years ago to get into the mirrorless to get used to them faster and because I believed they are the future in photography. Like Tom said, I think we are still 2-3 years away of them really becoming the replacement for many DSLR users. But, since when you usually buy a camera you buy lenses with it, and you hopefully want to keep those for a while, it would be a good moment to decided if you want to get into mirrorless now, or spend money on DSLR and switch later on ( if needed ).
Hope it help !
Thank you for all of the additional options. I am really looking forward to mirrorless once Sony starts releasing additional full frame lenses. THAT’S when I think mirrorless will really become a great option!
Yeah Sony is onto something with the fullframe. Rumor as it that samsung is gonna come out with one soon to. So we’ll see about that. Fujifilm and the X-T1 is also interesting. The whole mirrorless ecosystem is really starting to mature up.
I bought a canon sx50hs right before I went to WDW in December. I love it, It has its limits, but offers a pretty good Manual mode for learning, alot of auto effects for when I don’t have the energy to try. I have an adapter ring for filters that I have been practicing with in advance of my trip to Utah next month. It shoots in RAW as well. When I got it I was not sure how long i’d be interested in photography so I wanted something that had a lot of different features that would be easy to use if I didn’t like using manual. Maybe in a few years if I am still really into taking pictures I’ll upgrade to dslr but for now this has met my needs and I feel I get to learn techniques before putting out alot of money.
Starting small and upgrading if you’re still into it in a couple years is a great strategy. Many people start with the gear and hope they’ll become more into it, but the interest they do have just fizzles out.
On the Canon side – last summer, I found a deal and got the Canon 60D for ~$400. A quick scan of recent deals puts it just over $500. Older tech than the SL1, but I think the advantages (particularly the larger pentaprism viewfinder) make it a better camera.
On the Nikon side, that deal on the 3200 is hard to beat. My brother picked one up last year and has been quite pleased. I found a used 30mm f/1.8 for him for Christmas and the pair puts out some nice pictures.
Thank you for this post. We are cruising on the Magic this June in the Mediterranean (My 60th birthday) and I have been wondering about a new camera. We have a Panasonic point and shoot and since this is a once in a lifetime trip we have wondered about a new camera that we can handle. Your post is very helpful and I will be sure to read your other articles.
Also I have enjoyed your post about cruising. Good advice. Thanks.