Best Camera under $500

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

Hi, I am looking to get into the world of photography and videography but am on a tight budget. I've narrowed down 2 options but am open to suggestions. I know that Pentax makes amazing budget cameras but to my eye, their lens quality is meh (and there better lenses are quite expensive). I found a deal on a used Nx500 (1000 or so shutters) with an 18-55mm power zoom kit lens, or I could go with an inferior Nikon d3400 brand new with an 18-55 mm kit lens for $400-450 (which is still a great camera). The advantages of the Samsung are H.265 4k video (much higher quality than the Nikon from what I've seen, the video is even better than the Canon 5d mark 3 in DigitalRevTv's comparison ), perhaps a better lens? sharper imaging with more room for cropping, and an oled display which can flip up. The disadvantages are the lack of an EVF, and a crop factor for video, as well as a higher price tag.

[19_blackie_73]

we can't give you a recommendation if you don't tell us what you plan to do with it.
If your only focus is video, yes the nx500 might be better.
Though if you want to be open to new lenses with a wide variety, you probably need to take a look at the 3400.
BUT you may also be able to get sth like the D5300 used for that price or even new depending on where you live, which would be much more value for the money.

EDIT: D5300 has a flip out and tilting screen
And Canon probably has the best autofocus out there for video with their dual Pixel AF Technology.
What I've found that if you take away the possibility of cropping (if you didn't nail the composition and just crop in post), you learn much more to get it right the first time. And 1080p is more than enough for most things IMO.

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

I plan to mostly shoot photos at the beginning but eventually branch out into the video field once I am fluent with taking photos in different environments. The only benefits of the D5300 over the 3400 are more focus points and wifi as well as an articulating screen, but there is no Af motor in the D5300 (correct me if I'm wrong). I don't plan on using a wide variety of lenses as they are pretty expensive and the kit lenses are decent.

[yaya1]

Did you already consider a used 1200D? You could get it with just a few thousand shutters for a decent price, leaving more money for lenses. This would enable you to buy lenses to and get a better camera later down the road. 4K is a very rare feature on cameras, though, if that's important to you... The 1080p video is quite decent, at least for my likings(I bought a used 1200D in order to do what I suggested :P)...

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

Thank You for your suggestion

I have considered a used 1200d and its video quality is great, but the image quality from the samples seen seems kind of meh. I was considering the NX500 but decided It wouldn't be a wise decision as the system is dead, there are no mic ports, there is a lack of accessories, and the lenses are quite expensive and not widely available. I was thinking of getting a canon or a Nikon D3400 for $400 but saw a listing on eBay for a Nikon D5100 with an 18-55 mm lens for just 200 so I jumped on that. It might not have the best image quality (I would say it is very good and better than the canon), and the video is sub-par but I really can't complain about it for the price. 

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

Update: I have since received the camera and it is great. It came with a kit lens, cloth, lens covers, filters, a nice camera bag, and a strap. The camera's video is maxed out at 1080p 30 which is a bit of a bummer (I love slo-mo with 60fps or 120 even), but I can deal with it. The photo quality is good but I found the ISO management and autofocus in the auto mode were lackluster. I have since gotten 1 more prime lens for around 50 dollars for natural light shooting and fast shooting in low light (It is a Nikkor 50mm f1.8 Ais, it has great colors, and creamy but not harsh bokeh, best of all is its stellar sharpness even in the corners at f1.8 it is better than most 50mm $300 AF lenses. After getting this lens, knowing that the camera could not meter light through the lens I jumped over to manual mode. After some practice on a 6-hour hike outside shooting most of the time I am semi-confident with exposure, but am still having trouble with only 80% of my shots being in sharp focus (some are not in sharp focus on the eye in portraits). Thank you again for your suggestions once again.

[Crayfishian]

Have you thought about Canon t7/1500d 24.2 mp wifi NFC but no touchscreen or articulation 

Or t6/1300d 

18 mp wifi NFC also no touch or articulation