Best cheap Nikon DSLR

  • Thread starter Thread starter mpe
  • Start date Start date

What would you get?

  • D40

    Votes: 2 9.1%

  • D50

    Votes: 2 9.1%

  • D40x, D60, D3000 usually mint

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • D3100

    Votes: 2 9.1%

  • D200

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • D5000

    Votes: 5 22.7%

  • D80

    Votes: 3 13.6%

  • D200

    Votes: 3 13.6%

  • well-used D300

    Votes: 5 22.7%

  • super high mileage D2x

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    22
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mpe

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Mirek
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I am happy with my D800, but sometimes I am thinking about getting a well-used second hand backup DSLR body and use it as a slightly better lens cap that can be occasionally used for taking decent pictures. As amateur I don't need a full-blown backup body, consistent controls, etc. I am prime lens shooter and changing lenses is sometimes a hassle in field.

Let's set the limit at about £120 used. Older DSLRs are usually reasonably priced and I can actually get a nice range of models.

D40, D50, D70, D70s, D100 D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000, D80, D200
occasionally a super high mileage D90, D300 or even D2x gets within the reach

Low-end bodies are usually minty, low-mileage and higher-end models are worse for that kind of money.

What would you get?
 
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I'm biased.

The D200 can use your lenses, you would be reduced to manual focus with the D3000, D5000 series and a few of the others.
The D300 and so on would be very well used, if not battered, and so would probably be a waste of money.
 
I'd probably go for the D300, it's quite a step up from the D200. The D90 and D5000 have better sensor performance, but the D300 can shoot in 14 bit NEF (Not sure the others can), is weather sealed and built almost like a pro body, and has the 51 point AF system using the Multicam 3500dx. It's also got the ability to program the OK button to 1:1 zoom on playback I believe. It's just a case of whether you can 'cope' with 'only' 12.3mp and the relatively poor noise handling.

Harrison's have one in that's described as "good" condition for £175 which I take as NOT being completely battered, plus you get 12months warranty from them

http://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/pd...D-8009806.htm?ne=AQAAABIAAAAEClVzZWQgTmlrb24=
 
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50 or 70. You should be able to get a couple for use as lens caps! Both have the in body AF motor.
 
One thing that I don't like about the D50 is that there is no wired shutter release. I would like to use it also for timelapse.

D200 looks good apart from terrible battery life according to reviews.
 
I think you could opt for a D7000 or D7100 without compromising too much on your budget
 
5300 is decent, and the 500 is very nice. I'd wait and save up to buy the 500.
 
D90, always slightly regretted selling mine, it was/is a great camera
 
I also had a D5000 which underexposed consistently when compared with my D90. You could always dial in some exposure comp if needed (unless it was just mine that had that problem)
 
GT von said:
5300 is decent, and the 500 is very nice. I'd wait and save up to buy the 500.
Click to expand...

The D500 costs £1700, the OP is looking for a camera nearer to £100!
 
Do you want a not so heavily used D3 - owned from new, just fully serviced (not just sensor clean - proper going through by Nikon) I sent all my kit back for annual service. I know it won't be worth a lot - but still a damn good camera. I'll keep the old nail one that has been sea washed many times - it is still perfect.
 
BTW, you don't have a choice for the D90... it won't get a lot of votes.

I use a D5200 as a back up to the D200 :rolleyes:
 
Not mentioned in your list but recommend a D90 - splendid camera!(-:
 
I have to go along with recommendations for the D90. I still have mine, and will always be a special camera. It has very good ergonomics, is not too large or small, and when paired with a good lens it is still capable of taking excellent pics. It was about £600 when I bought it but can be had ridiculously cheap now.
 
I rock a D3100 and a Sigma 30mm f/1.4
In well used condition... These things are built like bricks really, very few hobbyist togs ever use these things until they wear out.... Most of them just become old tech but still work!

Anyway, the lens and camera cost £160 all in, and it punches way way above its value!
 
Personally I tell people to go out and get a Nikon D50! - yep the 6MP camera that was Nikon's first (ish) dslr! whilst its got to bells and ends, it does offer a photo-only - through the viewfinder camera!@ plus it shoots RAW and has an inbuilt motor, unlike the new D3100 etc series, best of all you can get them used from £60.

Hope this helps.
 
Out of all those options, and at your price, I would go with a high mileage D300/s as chances are there will be plenty of life left in the shutter and certainly loads of life left in the rock solid build!
 
My first Nikon was a D90 and it's an excellent camera. The only feature that I lusted for which it didn't have over the D7000 I replaced it with was AF Finetune. I would absolutely recommend this camera.

For the record, I voted D80 as there is no D90 option.
 
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