So, you’d like to move up to a DSLR, but don’t want to drop a whole lot of cash on a new camera?

I’ve got good news for you – they’re making some inexpensive DSLRs nowadays that will out-shoot your little compact camera by miles.  Here’s five of them that are under $500.

1. Nikon D3000

Shown above, this DSLR comes with an 18-55mm zoom lens that has built-in vibration reduction.  It’s currently under $450 at B&H Photo and under $460 at Amazon (after you add them to the cart).  Check out our Nikon D3000 Review for more details on this solid camera.

2. Canon Rebel XS

The Rebel XS is Canon’s base-level DSLR, featuring a 10.1-megapixel sensor and an 18-55mm stabilized zoom lens, which matches up well against the Nikon D3000 mentioned above.  It’s currently under $475 at Amazon and at B&H Photo.  Want to know more about it?  See the Canon Rebel XS Reviews and Resources.

3. Sony A230

The Sony A230 also comes with an 18-55mm lens and a 10.2-megapixel sensor.  The difference with the Sony DSLR, however, is that the image stabilization is built-in to the sensor and not the lens.  As a result, every lens you attach to the camera gets the benefit of image stabilization.  The A230 is under $430 at B&H Photo and just under $450 at Amazon.  Get more info in the Sony A230 Reviews and Resources.

4. Olympus E-520

The Olympus E-520 has a 10-megapixel sensor, sensor-based image stabilization and a Live View rear LCD panel, which means you can compose your shot on the LCD instead of looking through the viewfinder.  The E-520 comes with a 14-42mm lens (due to the physical size of the sensor, this works out to roughly the same zoom range as the other cameras with 18-55mm lenses).  It’s currently available for less than $430 at B&H Photo and just under $445 at Amazon.  Read more in the Olympus E-520 Reviews and Resources.

5. Pentax K2000

Like the Sony and Olympus, the Pentax K2000 has a sensor-based image stabilization, so every lens is stabilized. It has a 10.2-megapixel sensor and comes with an 18-55mm kit lens.  The K2000 is available just under $445 at B&H Photo and under $450 at Amazon.  More info at the Pentax K2000 Reviews and Resources.