Best Used Cameras For Beginners in 2023: $100 to $500 Budget

UPDATED for 2024:
Great Canon DSLR for $200: ebay.us/4cvXF2
Great Nikon DSLR under $350: ebay.us/eAqRF9
Great value Canon mirrorless: ebay.us/6zKOIV
Looking for the best used digital camera for the money? I've come up with suggestions for every budget from $100 USD to $500 USD.
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!

[@darkdayzdawn4984]

I own the Panasonic Lumix G7. It does have a mic jack. Amazing camera. I was able to pick it up for 350 with the kit lens. This is a great list.

[@lensvana]

Thanks, and the G7 continues to be amazing value! Great hybrid camera for both stills and video.

[@hrpickinstuff]

This is two broad a range $100-$500: We're talking about two tiers of quality and value. I'm a Nikon guy so I'll use Nikon. These are my favorites. $100-$200 D50 CCD D90 CMOS D100 CCD D200 CCD D300 CMOS D3100 CMOS Canon 5D classic < gotta give this one some love. This Camera is the definition of "Canon Colors" $200-$500 D5300 CMOS D700 CMOS D7000 CMOS D7100 CMOS D3300 CMOS D600 (Full Frame) CMOS Overall bang for the Buck. I like these cameras: 1. D50

[@lensvana]

Thanks for breaking down your favorites! Some great choices in here. I like the D70 as a budget pick myself, available for $35 all day long locally. Some of the prices have changed, I think it may be time to release an update to this video...

[@davidcuellar7414]

For strictly photos, an original Canon 5D is an unbelievable value for image quality in the sub-$300 category, sometimes you can find it just under $200

[@lensvana]

Absolutely. 5D Classic + 50mm F1.8 STM and you've got a killer combo on a budget. Lots of great deals on the 5D Mark II as well, just have to be patient on the local used market

[@hafizrehman1992]

​@@lensvana i am currently looking for a 5d Is 5d mark ii a good camera for personal photography? Can you suggest me a camera under 500 5d mark ii or one of the cameras from your video? Thank you in advance

[@lensvana]

@@hafizrehman1992 5d Mark II is great of course, but I would say get a Canon 6D instead, it's newer and still within budget. Great for all types of photography!

[@hafizrehman1992]

@@lensvana so 6D bit which mark Btw thanks a lot for being active in the comments and taking your time to reply to us Really really appreciate it

[@lensvana]

@@hafizrehman1992 No worries, happy to help. Yep the original 6D, not the mark II

[@driverrevird8366]

Brilliant Job!

[@CO8848_2]

I spent $500 just now, one Canon t2i for my older son, one Nikon d50+18-55 for my younger son, then Nikon 50 f1.4D and 55-200mm to go with the Nikon, plus a d80 for my own use. I had Canon cheap lenses 10-18, 55-250 and 50 f1.8 from before.

[@lensvana]

That's a lot of great equipment for $500! Nice :)

[@areitu]

This is EXACTLY the kind of video I am looking for

[@lensvana]

Thanks :)

[@germanpoweractivated]

I normally use the R6 ll .. I bought myself a Nikon d40 and an original 1dx. Because I heard good stuff about the ccd sensors.. and ohhhh boy.. they are so much fun.. d40 + lense 60$ .. 1dx +lense 278$.. money well spent.. i highly recommend buying a cheap ccd sensor camera.. you won't regret it

[@lensvana]

Yes! I keep a couple of CCD cameras around for pure fun too (my favorite is the D200), and I often reach for them first before the expensive camera when going on casual photowalks

[@richardhenson3028]

I purchased a Nikon D200 ($97) and a Nikon D2X ($140). They are both weather sealed, heavy, can use all my current Nikon lenses with the exception of the Z lenses. As of late, my mirrorless cameras have temporarily taken a back seat to the old school Nikons.

[@lensvana]

I picked up a D200 a few weeks ago as well :) It's a bit beat up but man I love the ergonomics. It's my new "go anywhere" camera

[@valueforvalue76]

Get a D7000, cost a little more, but you won't be disappointed!

[@artfrontgalleries1818]

I know that this is a long time from the original positing date but....I have a $500 budget for a mirrorless digital. I need two to replace my Canon 80ds which I am relegating to studio and teaching. They are too heavy for me to carry on extended travel. My problem is that there are so many choices. This was a great help. Thanks

[@lensvana]

Glad it helped and thanks for watching!

[@kentdemesa9468]

Best comprehensive budget camera video out there. Thank you for this.

[@lensvana]

Thanks for watching! When I do an update to this (perhaps next year) I'll make sure the audio is better

[@TheRealJohnHooper]

@@lensvana Patience is key.. In my country there are not many buyers, the hype is more online in KZbin world..

[@mrlaw711]

I watch many tech and camera videos. This is one of the best.

[@lensvana]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@carloscelis6625]

I really enjoyed this video man.

[@lensvana]

Glad to hear it Carlos!

[@tomphanvpd6718]

Best Value Wildlife/All Weather- $200 D7000 with 700-300 AFS Compact Travel- $100-200 V1, D3300, D5300, A5100, NEX6, Video - $400 M50, SL2, GH2 Cinema- $200 EOS M, 5D3 Value Lense under $200 17-50 2.8 VC Tamron 80-200 2.8 Nikon 18-140 VR Nikon 70-300 VR VC 4.5-5.6 400 5.6 Sigma 35 1.8 DX Nikon

[@raulacevedo-esteves9493]

Great review. Just a word of advice for newbies looking to record video, check the time limit on video recording before buying.

[@HISTW3008]

Brought a t2i after watching your videos for ~USD200. Thanks for the recommendation for various price range. The image is surprisingly good. Now I just need to learn more about how to take better photos.

[@lensvana]

Thanks for watching! That's a great camera, and there are many great affordable lenses available for it, too

[@user-rn5hi5cv9x]

Me gusta su contenido, es directo y honesto. Podría hacer algún día un video sobre las canon 5D i y ii? Gracias

[@lensvana]

Gracias! I remember using the 5D I a long time ago, still a great camera. And of course 5D II was legendary, I remember when people first demonstrated the video from that camera, it really changed everything. Even today you can make money shooting portraits with a 5D II + a good lens. Check out other KZbin reviews for those cameras, they are still very popular. Thanks for watching!

[@MR-rp3xr]

I bought a Sony A 7 mk 1 with a 28-70 FE boxed mint so and a 55-210 e lense which I use crop mode a Minolta 5600 HS D speedlite of which an adapter. All the later A7 models would not be any different as mentioned 24mp f/f is good enough for anything

[@majaisakszon1475]

I would look at the Pentax q series as a mirrorless camera you can get one for under 300dollars with a lens. Great little camera easy to use and not to pricey.

[@barrymayes6712]

A very interesting and comprehensive video. I have the Canon compact s120. It has 2.8 lens and the image quality is superb-especially macro of flowers. I can print A3 from this camera! APCS used bargain is the Fuji X-M1. It has flippy screen too makes it great for street photography -I have several X-M1 bodies and convert them to infrared. Buy it with used xc 15-45mm and it’s a bargain. Thanks again for great video.

[@lensvana]

Thanks, Barry! I don't think the 15-45mm gets enough praise, especially for the price on the used market and the fact that you get 15mm on the wide end. I think people will find your X-M1 recommendation helpful -- many are intimidated by the high price when buying Fuji's latest cameras brand new

[@honeylensmedia]

How much

[@honeylensmedia]

Am in Uganda..africa i really need a good camera

[@michaelgalanos981]

You forgot the 5 d marks 123 and 6d

[@certs743]

Just my suggestion. I have a Pentax K 5 IIS. It is an amazing camera. A great older flagship camera with no low pass/AA filter like the Nikon D800E. The pictures I have gotten out of it are just amazing and it allows you to use lenses going all the way back to the 70s with the K mount.

[@lensvana]

Great suggestion! A no-brainer if one already has access to K-mount glass

[@alwynsmit3546]

My choice Canon 5d classic 5dii 6d Nikon D90 D7000 D700 D600 Obviously glass will be the deciding factor as to which way & also the type of photography.

[@crsantin]

Canon 5D Classic or 5D II. Olympus EM-1, Sony A6000, Sony RX100 or RX100 II. All terrific cameras for under or near $500.

[@topg2820]

Loving my legendary D700 (with 50 1.8D) that I bought for INR 25000 (300 bucks) 4 years back!

[@lensvana]

That's a great combo - those two were practically meant for each other. Not a bad deal either :D

[@bobbylibertini]

Thanks for this! For around $100, I think I'll pick up a Nikon D40 to supplement my B500 for wide-angle work!

[@lensvana]

Thanks for watching - and great choice :) D40 is a classic

[@Think-again]

Thank you for sharing, greetings from Germany/Taiwan

[@lensvana]

多danke!

[@emperor4677]

Great video. Nikon D700 is a legend and with the 50mm is definitely something amazing. Perhaps everybody must shoot FX with 50mm for a long period of time. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 on the other hand is trash... I have a friend flipping a ton of lenses with years of experience in camera store and in his words this Tamron is maybe the worst lens they ever sold. All of the samples came with some dust or particles from the factory and the image quality was not great especially for the price. Now on the second market if it's very cheap it's OK, but Sigma 17-50 f2.8 is a much better lens and there is a version with image stabilization :)

[@fightsportsworldwide9776]

Nice video, I am surprised not seeing any Sony Nex5 or C3 or A3000? Can often be found under 100 bucks and are still reasonable performers - especially for the price? Olympus EPL1 /EPM1 is just 12mp, but the image quality still holds up - especialy compared to the panasonic gf1 and gf2 who are completely useless

[@lensvana]

Thanks, glad to see people chiming in with suggestions. I have 0 experience with the NEX series so that's why I overlooked it. When I re-do this video next year I'll review the choices, depending on prices and availability

[@TheBlooBlober]

Got a Canon M6 Mk II with 2 lenses (EF 50mm 1.8 STM and EF-S f/4-5.6 55-250mm IS STM) the m mount adapter and a tripod for $450 USD a couple weeks ago. Ive been playing around with it and am loving it so far, though Im very much still getting used to it, I just wish the weather would get better.

[@lensvana]

You got all that for 450 bucks?! That's wild, maybe they didn't know the value of what they were selling. A great setup that can do it all! Throw in a wide zoom and that's everything you need for years.

[@TheBlooBlober]

@@lensvana Haha yeah, I didnt realize how good of a deal it was until a couple people on other comments and reddit told me. The guy who sold it to me knew the value, but he rarely used it and needed money because he's getting married next month, and figured someone else could give it a good home.

[@lensvana]

@@TheBlooBlober Nice! What a great guy.

[@AlphaDango]

I've got myself a Sony A99 for 380€ and I think that was a good deal.

[@lensvana]

Original MSRP on that one was $2800, definitely a deal !

[@reneclarijs4554]

i bought a canon 6d for 300 Euro's what a great camera for the money.

[@lensvana]

Yes! Original 6D is incredible value today. I also got one for around the same amount :)

[@dct124]

The current camera steal is the Nikon D200, under $100. Camera of the Year at release. It's a D2x in a small lightweight body with a better sensor and built-in flash w/commander mode. Weather sealing is so good they were used in the Arctic for time lapse and left out in the freezing temps for days. CCD, 5fps enough for sports. This is one of those cameras you could literally leave in full auto P mode including WB. You don't have to change any settings out of the box. The jpg images nearly function like current CMOS raw files. My settings, Jpg. Large, Optimal Quality, Basic, -2 exp comp, auto ISO 1600. The shutter in the D200 is very durable, and should last beyond 500k clicks. Still to this day, I think it has the best Matrix Metering Nikon has ever created. I owned the D3s, DF, D300, Z50 and some other bodies I never used for work. The best camera to own is the one that gets out of your way. The D200 allows you to shoot and sell almost instantly.

[@lensvana]

Donovan, consider me convinced! Back in the day I couldn't afford a D200, and when I was buying old cameras recently I went straight for the D300. Looks like I need to get my hands on one...

[@dct124]

@@lensvana The D300 honestly isn't a better camera. The D300s is better for low light. But for everything else the D200 you can't go wrong. I'd say the best use of a CCD sensor in APS-C is the D200 and Fuji S5 Pro. I owned the D300 thinking it would be better and this was years later after I'd taken a long break. The color seperation the D200 has is better than any CMOS sensor you use except for the Nikon Z9. I'm not exaggerating. The only issue the D200 has is high iso, it only goes to 1600, but pulling 5 stops is possible. You need fast glass. I'm saving for the two Sigmas f/1.8 zooms. If you do buy one, grab the KStar batteries or Nikon only. The KStar gives it the same battery life as the D300s. The D200 was my first official camera back in 2006, me and my friends saved up to buy it. We were still in college.

[@dct124]

@@lensvana Also, you gotta turn off NR. The D200 automatically does NR and with it on it's just a NR boost. You're better off using Topaz. Also the NX software has a feature to remove the hot spots at high iso. Most people only go up to iso 800. Professionals would push to iso 2500. The AF assist gives you pitch black autofocus to a certain distance. On camera flash rear curtain sync or -1 Flash comp for fill 👌🏾 People sleep on the D200, I put my 10mp basic jpg on optimal vs the Z50 and Z6, both of those files broke before the D200, not jpgs but there Raw files. Check out 2 cameras 1 month, she pulls out a bunch of CCD and Foveon cameras.

[@lensvana]

@@dct124 Thanks for the intel Don! This is my favorite part about starting a photo channel, getting knowledge from experienced folks. Great point about the NR, as I mentioned in another video it's like all the old cameras are getting a second wind now that we can run the files through modern NR algorithms

[@dct124]

@@lensvana absolutely and don't be afraid to shoot jpg over raw at night. Too much inaccurate info about raw files out there, thinking it's the end all be all. People think they can edit better than the Nikon engineer's who designs this technology 🤦🏾‍♂️Jpg fine for important stuff with optimal, no NR, then run through Topaz Gigapixel. Not Denoise, very important. Gigapixel NR is actually better than the Denoise Ai especially for low light and shooting people. Obviously the big advantage is I make my files 50mp if I wanted to. I shrink them to 2mp 😅

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

I have been buying cameras to test shooting paintings. I have learned that a camera that takes good photos, gets into trouble when you use it for paintings. The colors in paintings seams to mess up the cameras mind. The Samsung nx mini is fantastic. Colors are exactly right. Shooting jpegs. If you want the resolution on your print to be the same as the painting, looking at it close, you cannot shoot bigger paintings than 50 cm. That is the problem. So I guess I just have to start saving for the GFX 100s

[@cevxj]

what other cameras have you tried?

[@dedclownsRfunny]

Try cameras with CCD sensors

[@dct124]

CCD and Foveon sensors are what you want especially something like an Sigma SD Quattro. CMOS sensors are a downgrade in image quality for features like speed, low light iso, and energy consumption. CMOS for reproduction look at a D850 otherwise go for CCD or Foveon in the future.

[@dailystupidandinterestingv7794]

I bought my D200 and 50mm plastic f1.8 for less than $100. far better than D40

[@bastian.michel]

You recommended the Pan G7 for video. I bought it for video back in the days. Sold it due to lack of IS. Dont walk a step with this camera. The audience gets nauseated. I upgraded to the G85. Way better for video.

[@GrainyWorld]

We can find Canon SL1 for under 200$ which is better than Canon T2i n T3i.

[@germanpoweractivated]

Your comment is 1 year old.. but still.. I recommend KEH. They sell used gear. With warranty..

[@anthonydotb]

$190 Nikon d700 on eBay. Best $200 ive spent

[@lensvana]

Now that's a great deal.

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

The Nikon D4 is probably the most professional camera with excellent IQ and AF for 400-500$ (I got a D4s for 650$) For 500-600$ The Nikon D7500 is also a superb DX camera with excellent AF and even better IQ in higher iso and jpeg output The Panasonic GX80 / GX9 are fantastic cameras too for bellow 400$

[@ismaelcarcamo9250]

I spent 420$ on a Nikon D3200 😩 it brought two lenses though a bag and a battery starting to regret not getting a D5000 model

[@lensvana]

It's ok, the D3200 is still a great camera! The lenses are more important anyway. You can use it for a while, and then eventually upgrade to a D7xxx model (unless you need the articulated screen on the 5000 series)

[@Vikrum_]

Got a barely used Nikon D3300 for 170 USD

[@lensvana]

Nice!

[@IndonesiaKamera]

Would you like to review the camera with me in Indonesia

[@mitchellwnorowski6747]

Nikon d200 unbeatable under $100

[@lensvana]

Good point, I picked one up recently too for $50 (in bad shape, but still usable)

[@evo271]

I manage to "steal" an Olympus E-PM1 with kit lens for 50$ no charger at a pawn shop and a Sony Nex-5R with kit lens for 90$ online, so just depends on patience and luck.

[@TheRealJohnHooper]

I want to get a s100 or s110 😊

[@lensvana]

Hope you find one! They have been shooting up in price on the used market

[@andiwilliams9100]

I'm looking for a canon 1d mark for

[@leixo]

What is your opinion on sony nex c3? Its a mirrorless aps-c 16mp under $100 used

[@lensvana]

I have no experience with the NEX line but that seems like a great deal if you get one in good condition (can't go wrong with a modern 16mp sensor). Put on a kit lens and you're good to go! I would also be tempted to adapt some cheap old school lenses to that camera

[@leixo]

@@lensvana the vintage lenses hook me on this camera haha, thank you!!

[@unbloodz1584]

so which one is better? nikon d5200 or sony a6000+lens kit/prime 50mm1.8 ? for 300$

[@lensvana]

What are you planning to shoot?

[@ravebrave8866]

G85 plus new like lens 14 42 for 589

[@oliviatucker1057]

I’ve done a bit of googling but im still confused on the difference between compact, dyslexia and mirror less - could you explain a bit more?

[@lensvana]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onfCkqCjrrZmpMk

[@miguelaguilaresparza5437]

Fuji X100S on 2024 still a good idea?

[@lensvana]

Sure! Still a great camera as long as it's in working condition

[@user2755]

2:04 I have the Samsung NX200 and it only cost me $100 It's mirrorless

[@lensvana]

Was that with a lens? How do you like the camera so far?

[@amermeleitor]

What about an old Sony Nex 5T for 100usd?

[@lensvana]

I haven't seen the 5T below $175 so if you see one for 100 that's a great deal

[@amermeleitor]

@@lensvana thanks!

[@sasskin1]

i got as far as the d700 didn't need to know anything else

[@jvandersteeg]

Should i buy a canon m50 or canon 6d?

[@lensvana]

For what kind of photography?

[@ytsub7]

I'm looking for a camera and lens combination, wide to telephoto with a 50mm prime for under 650 dollars, should I go with a Sony Alpha A77ii with the 18-55 sam ii/17-50 sam, the 55-200 sam, and the 50 1.8 sam?

[@lensvana]

Hi Yuma, unfortunately I know very little about the Sony Axx series of cameras so maybe someone else can jump in here. Just reading about the A77ii it seems to struggle in high ISO situations but today's noise reduction software may help mitigate that. Another option is a Nikon body (e.g. D3300) with 50mm F1.8G, Nikon 70-300mm AF-P VR, Nikon 18-55mm AF-P, should be available for ~$600 used.

[@joecrowe7062]

Anybody know where to buy used cameras for these prices he's talking about

[@douglasmann1908]

It is going vary slightly from depending wear you live. I would try a used camera shop, or look on ebay.

[@AlexanderRay92]

Ebay, trick is to look at historical prices to know what is realistic, then stick around several auctions and bid right at the last second for what is reasonable.

[@airun5362]

nikon 3400 rated better than 7100 and much cheaper used

[@lensvana]

I prefer D7100 :)

[@Tyilasoso]

10:12 💀

[@chrisregister8021]

I got an M6 Mark 2 I'll sell you for 550 😉

[@lensvana]

UPDATED for 2024 (AFFILIATE LINKS): Great Canon DSLR for $200: ebay.us/4cvXF2 Great Nikon DSLR under $350: ebay.us/eAqRF9 Great value Canon mirrorless: ebay.us/6zKOIV (I don't care about brands, only best value!)

[@FightCollective]

Great... could you do something similar with camcorders or cameras for video production. I use Panasonic HC X920's for my fight events, 10 year old 50fps FHD cameras.

[@lensvana]

@@FightCollective Lots of great choices for video too. Is there a particular feature that you're missing with your current camera setup?

[@MasterArmedforces]

@@lensvana Hi, because Im on a budget I want to purchase an older digital camera with maybe 10-16 mega pixels ... but the caveat is that it must have a remote control. Can you suggest a make/model ? Thanks

[@lensvana]

@@MasterArmedforces So just about any Canon or Nikon older DSLR would be great, you'd just have to buy a remote separately (cheap third party options exist). What's the approximate amount you want to spend and what do you want to shoot?

[@MasterArmedforces]

@@lensvana I own a camera which is suitable for my needs(stills & video), but my research for a remote has been fruitless. What I would love to do is sync a remote control to my existing 10 year old Sony NEX C3. If Im forced to shelve it and start from scratch, I couldn't spend more then $200

[@ezurg01]

Im looking for a camara that I can use to learn how to shoot music videos

[@lensvana]

Are you recording the audio (music) separately? What's the budget?

[@ezurg01]

@@lensvana i got a budget off 1000 and yes I would add the audio in post don’t necessary need to record audio directly

[@lensvana]

@@ezurg01 I would get a used Panasonic G7 or G85 with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 ASPH lens. Together it would be under $600 and will leave you with plenty of budget for other video needs as they come up. Here's an example of a music video shot with G7 + 25mm F1.7: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gV7Gg3aneZaDhtU

[@ezurg01]

@@lensvana thank you so much you guys really are great at what you do !

[@lensvana]

@@ezurg01 Happy to help! :)

[@LoFiAxolotl]

Unpopular opinion.... but brand really doesn't matter.... in the last 30 years all camera brands have become so close the only difference is on paper... only reason brand should matter is if you already have lenses for some system which obviously would safe you money (although you can adapt pretty much from any mount to any other mount anyway)

[@lensvana]

Great point. Aside from existing lens access, the way I choose cameras is based on ergonomics. If it's comfortable to hold and manufactured in the last 15 years... it's probably good enough

[@stuff_i_liked1815]

Why would you feel the need for that warning at the start. Good content but not subscribing. U don’t need to apologize for your opinion man. Hell of a soft move. If someone’s offended by your opinion then let ‘em be.

[@daveplem]

Bye.

[@aidancameron7972]

What you say here says a lot about you. Soft move.

[@aidancameron7972]

Let him be.

[@Hshjshshjsj72727]

needs timestamps