BEST Nikon DSLR Under $500? (Top 3 Picks)

There are so many used bargains now in the Nikon DSLR lineup - in this video we geek out over camera specs to choose the absolute best value for money (around the $500 mark).
Check eBay deals:
Nikon D3400: ebay.us/O3yAt0
Nikon D7100: ebay.us/cAB0Dn
Nikon D610: ebay.us/spplDJ
Cameras featured: Nikon D3400, D7100, and D610
Link to spreadsheet: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
DISCLAIMER:
Some of these links have an affiliate code. If you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

[@lensvana]

Check eBay deals (AFFILIATE LINKS): Nikon D3400: ebay.us/O3yAt0 Nikon D7100: ebay.us/cAB0Dn Nikon D610: ebay.us/spplDJ

[@IdleSummer]

Bless you for simply listing the bodies in the first five seconds

[@lensvana]

Will be my approach for all future videos!

[@jamiececilielange5249]

I really appreciate how you made it so easy to compare the different options :)

[@DrDrGerhard]

I picked up a used d7100 for peanuts before COVID and recently got a D4 for an incredibly cheap price. I'd never liked the 300mm f4 af until I saw your video about it. Got incredible results from it. Thanks!

[@lensvana]

Thanks for watching! I've been using my D7100 more and more, great camera. The D4 is one I'd like to pick up sometime. Glad you're enjoying the 300mm AF, it really starts to shine from f/5

[@izziereal2010]

Earlier this year, I bought the D610. I upgraded from crop sensor camera. It is such an upgrade and image quality is fantastic. I looked at the D750 used prior to making my purchase but it was typically $300 USD or more compared to the D610 used. The D610 is the better value and its AF works great.

[@lensvana]

Nice! You're right - the D610 right now is incredible value, I see lots of great local deals for it. At these prices it gives everyone a chance to try full frame. The benefits are obvious, especially for handheld low light shooting

[@RobinKurtCabildoAquinoYT]

Quite another amazing and helpful video, all the gear is well-organized and I love how you categorized eached one and gave lens recommendations, some videos only make mention of the body and I love how these has appropriate lens recommendations for DX and FX Maybe to add to the list beyond the D610, out of my perception 😂, I'd suggest that if action shooters wants to get into a budget FX camera and still have the bucks get good glass, I suggest the D3 would be the considerable choice for budget sports/journalism. Goes for around 500-700 dollars these days but cheaper than a D4. Its over the 500 mark, but you are getting the 1/8000 shutter, 11 FPS shooting, and most of the things required for sports and journalism! The D810 / D800 is the landscape photographer budget equivalent, also goes for 500-700 dollars Some of the cameras I wanted to mention for those who want to step up a little bit! Overall, Great video! 😊

[@lensvana]

Thanks - and you're right, the D3 is an awesome choice... and I've also seen D4's under 100k clicks at reasonable prices these days :) A chance to own real tanks, probably made to a higher standard than any digital camera that came after. Will definitely include the D810 if I do a follow up to this video - I see them going for $700 all day long in good condition... amazing value.

[@user-wp4rb4jq3n]

Thank you! Very detailed and therefore very valuable analysis. It's a pity that I didn't see it this spring when I was choosing a used camera. On the other hand, I already chose the D7100.

[@lensvana]

Thanks for watching! Well, you and I both own the same camera :) I also picked the D7100 recently, great choice and amazing value.

[@walle1746]

Great classification! Waiting in same manner for Pentax, Canon and Sony Cameras.

[@lensvana]

Thank you! Check out the Canon video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKCuh32hoZeno7s

[@ZephonSoul]

Thanks for the video, well put together and with thorough analysis of all the options in the Nikon DSLR camp. I wonder if after this and Canon's you are going to go through oder "less popular" brands like Pentax. ;) One small note as I went through similar research multiple times through the years: you reported the weight of the D750 being 750g, but according to Nikon's official specs that is the weight body-only (840g with battery), whereas I believe the rest of the cameras in your spreadsheets have been rated for weight of body+battery. This is also an issue on DPreview database, and perhaps on other websites as well. If I'm not mistaken, the only Nikon FX DSLR below 800g including the battery is the Nikon Df.

[@ZephonSoul]

Actually never mind, I missed the Pentax video! Gonna watch it now! :)

[@lensvana]

Thank you Alessandro! You're completely right about the D750 weight (should be 840g with body + battery), I've corrected it in the (linked) spreadsheet. This is what happens when you're making spreadsheets late at night.

[@KeyLargoDude]

This is one of the most valuable videos if you want to get a used Nikon Camera, Keep them coming!

[@lensvana]

Thank you!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

i really enjoy your YT channel. i regularly use for personal AND professional paid work my D700 and D750. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.

[@lensvana]

Thank you for the support! :)

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

I think the greatest Nikon value body has to be the D300. For only $125 in very good condition, you can use the extra budget to get some more great glass. The D300 is a pro level body, built like a tank. The best thing about the D300 is that is shares the image quality of the D700. I have both the D300 and D7100, and I enjoy the output of the D300 much better than the D7100.

[@lensvana]

I agree - it's very difficult to argue with the value proposition of the D300 at today's prices. You're getting a pro body that makes even the D7xxx series feel like toys. I've enjoyed shooting with the D300, especially outdoors in good light.

[@mistergiovanni7183]

I use D700 and D3S, but, i think and feel that the D700 has a unique colors and textures. D3S it solves everything very easily, it is incredible in low light conditions, it has very contrasting tones and warmth. Something that I can achieve with a little editing on the D700 but on the contrary I cannot take it to a D700 image with a RAW from the D3S. I really want to try a D300 and the 17-55 f2.8 DX zoom lens.

[@Ogami_Itto15]

Excellent, concise and very informative video. Much thanks!

[@lensvana]

Thank you!

[@vzshadow1]

THanks so much.

[@Think-again]

I just bought a d5300 (40.000 shutter count) + nikon AF-S 35mm 1.8 for 170€ (for both together). Is it worth "upgrading"/changing to a d700 (20.000 shutter, 280€) and selling the d5300? I've read a lot of good things about the d700, a lot of people claming the picture quality and look being better then the d600 d750 and even comparable to d800, d810 due to the "last real" japanese sensor in the d700. I'm just an amateur, using a 85mm samyang 1.4 for mostly portraits of friends & family

[@lensvana]

Congrats on picking up the D5300 + 35mm for such a good price! While the D700 is great, I think it makes sense to just keep using the D5300 for now until you hit the limits. The D700 is certainly a unique look, it's about personal preference - in low light, I'd definitely want the D750 instead for example. The D5300 plus the two lenses you mentioned is a great kit

[@lensvana]

The full spreadsheet with all the specs: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hgtXTAE7oE4yt1Whe3NrN5VmdD3SAr_eb1o00Z_xB0k/edit#gid=0 (Nikon D750 weight has been corrected in the sheet to 840 grams - including body and battery)

[@amermeleitor]

I have a NikonZ30 and a guy I know propose me to change my Z30 for his D7500. I want something with viewfinder, but I don't know if it worth to go back with mirrorless again

[@minnesnowtan9970]

I liked the D750, but learned that it has a cheap, faulty shutter.

[@lensvana]

Ahhh, sorry to hear about that, I was lucky with mine. Was yours one of the ones affected by the recall? en.nikon.ca/service-and-support/service-advisories/technical-service-advisory-for-users-of-the-nikon-d750.html

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

why we like d610 better than d800, for example?

[@lensvana]

I remember all the reported AF issues with the d800 when it came out - probably only affected a small fraction of them, but it becomes an issue when buying used 10 years later. If you need 36 megapixels, yea, it could be a better choice

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

@@lensvana is circa 17000 actuations a lot on d800 and especially if is currently functioning properly in all respects?

[@lensvana]

@@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568 17,000 is nothing for a used d800 (it's rated to 200k)!