Portraits reward a larger sensor, reliable eye autofocus and a fast short-telephoto prime around 85mm equivalent. Background blur comes mostly from the lens and sensor size, not the body's price. Here are the best complete setups (body plus the right lens) you can buy for £500 or less, using real UK prices.
The best £500 setup for portraits is the Panasonic Lumix G80 with the Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7, about £500 with the body bought used. Why: micro four thirds sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
The best setup we found from each major system, ranked on how well it suits portraits. Bodies priced used where MPB lists them.
Body £300 + lens £200 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 85mm equivalent · 635g
Why: micro four thirds sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £400 + lens £100 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 90mm equivalent · 499g
Why: micro four thirds sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £390 + lens £90 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 75mm equivalent · 692g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field.
Body £190 + lens £200 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 75mm equivalent · 1230g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field.
Not every pick needs the top body. These cost noticeably less and still do the job well.
| Brand | Setup | Total | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic | Lumix G100 + Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 | £450 | Why: micro four thirds sensor for shallow depth of field. |
| OM System | Olympus PEN E-P7 + OM System M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 | £420 | Why: micro four thirds sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation. |
| Canon | EOS 2000D + Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM | £350 | Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field. |
The cheapest full frame in this guide. Short battery life, so carry spares.
Light APS-C vlogging body with a flip screen and good mic. No IBIS or viewfinder.
Nikon's vlogging body: flip screen, no viewfinder, Z DX lenses.
Well-rounded Micro Four Thirds body with IBIS, mic input and a flip screen.
Entry X body with a large flip screen. Uses a conventional sensor, not X-Trans.
Stylish compact with the PEN-F's profile dial. No viewfinder.
Portraits reward a larger sensor, reliable eye autofocus and a fast short-telephoto prime around 85mm equivalent. Background blur comes mostly from the lens and sensor size, not the body's price.
Lens: Around 85mm equivalent with a fast aperture (f/1.8 or brighter) for background blur.
More to spend? Best under £1,000. Or read the full portraits buying guide.
Our top pick is the Panasonic Lumix G80 with the Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7, about £500 buying the body used. If you only need a body, the Canon EOS RP scores highest at this budget.
Panasonic Lumix G80 + Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 (£500); OM System Olympus E-M10 Mark IV + OM System M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 (£500); Canon EOS 800D + Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (£480).
Buying the body used typically saves 30–50% and leaves more of the £500 for a better lens, which usually matters more. New gives a full warranty and the latest firmware.
Around 85mm equivalent with a fast aperture (f/1.8 or brighter) for background blur.
Prices checked 5 November 2026: used prices are the middle of the MPB price range for the body and the lens on that mount; new prices are typical UK prices. Picks are ranked from the specs in our database for this type of photography.