Top Pre-Owned Nikon Cameras for Every Budget
- 36.3-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
- 51-point autofocus system
- ISO range of 64-12,800, expandable to 32-51,200
- 5 fps continuous shooting
- 1080p HD video capture at 60p, 30p, & 24p
- Fixed 3.2-inch LCD monitor with 1.227 million dots
- Used prices start at $1,259.00
- 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- 39-point autofocus system
- ISO range of 100-25600
- 5 fps continuous shooting1080p HD video capture at 60p, 30p, 25p, 24p, 60i & 50i
- 3.2-inch flip-out tilting touchscreen LCD monitor with 1.0368 million dots
- Used prices start at $432.00
- 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- 11-point autofocus system
- ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 25600
- 4 fps continuous shooting
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- 080p HD video capture at 30p, 25p & 24p
- 3-inch flip-out LCD monitor with 921,000 dots
- Used prices start at $149.00
Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash
Nikon Camera
It’s no secret that buying used gear rather than brand-new gear can easily save you hundreds of dollars.
That’s true whether you’re looking for a professional level full frame Nikon camera, an entry-level rig, or something in between.
And the best part? Today, there is more selection of quality used cameras than ever before. Learn more about Nikon D3300, one of the best Nikon camera, on our website PhotographyTalk.com.
The toughest part is simply deciding what used camera is best for you and your budget. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite pre-owned Nikon DSLR cameras.
Ready to up your photography game? Shop for a new-to-you Nikon camera now.
Top Pre-Owned Nikon Cameras: Nikon D810
Key Specs:
If you’ve been at this photography thing for a while now and you’ve outgrown your crop sensor camera, an upgrade to a full frame body might be in order.
The Nikon D810 should be at the top of your list as a potential addition to your camera bag.
I know the $1,259 starting price for a used camera might seem steep, but bear in mind this is a professional camera that sold for upwards of $3,000 when it was new.
Besides, you can offset the cost of a new-to-you-camera like this by selling your current rig.
For example, there’s a strong market for Nikon D7200s right now, so chances are you can get a good price for it and apply that money towards a D810 upgrade.
And believe me, a Nikon D810 is an upgrade from a D7200!
I have a D810, and though I’ve since replaced it with a Nikon D850, it still gets a lot of use.
The D810 has a fantastic 36.3-megapixel sensor that has won wide acclaim for its image quality.
There is a level of sharpness and detail in images taken with a D810 that is truly impressive, especially from a tonality and dynamic range standpoint. It helps that there’s no low-pass filter, which helps improve the detail and definition of the images you take even further.
The 51-point autofocus system is quick and responsive, and paired with the 5 fps continuous shooting speed (which extends to 7 fps with an optional battery grip), this camera is more than capable of being your go-to for action, sports, and wildlife photography.
The D810 might be five years old, but it can still perform with the best Nikon DSLR cameras on the market today. If you’ve been lusting after a D850, the D810 is a very close second and much cheaper to boot.
Get a detailed hands-on review of the Nikon D810 in the video above by TheSnapChick.
Learn more about the Nikon D810
Top Pre-Owned Nikon Cameras: Nikon D5500
Key Specs:
If you’re not quite ready to upgrade your kit to a full frame camera, or if you simply don’t have the budget to spring for something like the Nikon D810, the Nikon D5500 is an excellent option.
Armed with a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the D5500 is capable of recording images that have gorgeous details and vibrant colors.
Like the D810, this camera lacks a low-pass filter, giving it an even greater ability to capture fine details.
The D5500 has a highly capable autofocus system as well.
There are 39 AF points that give you a fast, accurate, and responsive means of capturing images of fast-moving subjects. The camera also has 3D subject tracking and a 2,016-pixel light meter that enables quick lock-on of the subject.
You can see the Nikon D5500 at work in the video above by The Hybrid Shooter.
Also like the D810, the D5500 offers 5 fps shooting, 1080p HD video capture, and a big, bright LCD, though, in this case, the LCD is both tilting and touch-enabled.
Other modern features include GPS, which allows you to tag your photos with location information, and Wi-Fi, which enables you to quickly share images or control the camera using a smartphone.
With used prices starting at just $432.00, this is an ideal Nikon DSLR camera for an intermediate photographer with a moderate budget.
Learn more about the Nikon D5500
Top Pre-Owned Nikon Cameras: Nikon D5100
Key Specs:
This is a good Nikon DSLR camera for learning the ropes of photography as well.
It comes with 16 Scene Modes that help you capture landscapes, portraits, sports, and other specific types of images without having to worry about dialing in the appropriate camera settings yourself.
However, with advanced camera controls, including manual mode, this camera can grow with you as you learn more about photography and acquire more skills. Get more details on the D5100 in the video below by Science Studio.
As a crop sensor camera, the D5100 is compatible with dozens of Nikon lenses, both those specifically designed for APS-C cameras and full frame cameras.
With a wide array of potential lenses for this camera, you can mix and match lenses to fit your specific needs, all the while staying true to a small budget.
That means that if you currently shoot with a Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G and decide you want a longer lens, you can sell the 50mm and put that money towards buying something like a Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D, and be all set!
Learn more about the Nikon D5100