Buying a used Nikon camera can be one of the smartest ways to get top-quality gear without the price of a brand-new model. Nikon is well known for making durable, high-performance cameras, so even secondhand models from their DSLR and mirrorless lines can still offer fantastic results.
Whether you’re a professional, an enthusiast, or a beginner, there’s likely a used Nikon camera that meets your needs. With that in mind, in this guide, we’ll look at four of the best options available in the used market, highlighting what each offers, the pros and cons, and the type of photographer each camera best suits.
Table of Contents
- Nikon D850: The High-Resolution Powerhouse
- Nikon Z6: The Mirrorless All-Rounder
- Nikon D750: The Affordable Full-Frame Choice
- Nikon D500: The Action and Wildlife Specialist
- Final Thoughts: Which Used Nikon Camera is For You?
Nikon D850: The High-Resolution Powerhouse
The Nikon D850 is legendary among DSLR cameras. With a 45.7-megapixel sensor, it provides outstanding image quality, particularly in detailed, high-resolution photography. The D850 is designed for serious photographers and is widely considered one of Nikon’s best DSLRs ever.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- High-Resolution Sensor: Ideal for landscape, portrait, and studio photography.
- Dynamic Range: Excellent for capturing highlights and shadows, giving you flexibility in post-production.
- Solid Build: Built to withstand tough environments, perfect for outdoor shoots.
- Good Battery Life: An advantage for all-day shooting sessions.
- Cons:
- Size and Weight: It’s a robust DSLR, which means it can be bulky and heavy to carry around.
- Price: Even used, the D850 can be relatively pricey, though it holds value well over time.
Best Uses
The D850 excels in scenarios where high resolution and detail matter most. It’s ideal for landscapes, architecture, and studio portraits, where you need every fine detail to shine. It’s also great for professional work, given its reliable performance and build. Get more details about this powerhouse camera in my video above.
Who It’s For
If you’re an advanced photographer or professional looking for a durable camera with top-notch image quality, the D850 is an outstanding choice. It’s best for photographers who don’t mind carrying a heavier camera to get the superior image quality it delivers.
Nikon Z6: The Mirrorless All-Rounder
The Nikon Z6 is part of Nikon’s first generation of full-frame mirrorless cameras, bringing an appealing combination of portability and performance. With its 24.5-megapixel sensor, it balances resolution and low-light performance, making it an ideal choice for many styles of photography.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Lightweight and Compact: Great for those switching to a mirrorless setup.
- Excellent Low-Light Performance: Thanks to its lower megapixel count, it handles high ISO settings well.
- IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization): Adds stability for handheld shooting.
- Fast Autofocus: Works well for general use, though newer mirrorless models surpass it in certain areas.
- Cons:
- Limited Screen Movement: The rear screen only tilts; it doesn’t fully articulate.
- Single Card Slot: Only one XQD/CFexpress card slot, which some photographers find limiting.
Best Uses
The Z6 is fantastic for travel and street photography, given its compact body and impressive low-light capabilities. It’s also a solid choice for video work, thanks to its stabilization and reliable autofocus. Check out Taylor Jackson’s long-term review to learn more!
Who It’s For
The Z6 is well-suited for intermediate to advanced photographers who want a high-quality mirrorless camera for a variety of shooting scenarios. It’s a versatile camera that’s perfect for enthusiasts who want to upgrade without going to the newest models.
Keep Reading: Nikon Z5 vs Z6: Which Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera is Right for You?
Nikon D750: The Affordable Full-Frame Choice
The Nikon D750 has long been popular among enthusiasts and pros alike, thanks to its great balance of performance and price. With its 24.3-megapixel sensor, it delivers high-quality images without the hefty price tag of newer full-frame models.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Good Low-Light Performance: Works well in challenging lighting, making it versatile for various settings.
- Affordable: A budget-friendly full-frame option, especially in the used market.
- Tilting Screen: Adds flexibility for different angles and shooting styles.
- Excellent Battery Life: Great for extended shoots.
- Cons:
- Outdated Autofocus for Fast Action: While capable, its autofocus isn’t as quick as newer models.
- Not the Lightest DSLR: Though smaller than the D850, it still has some weight.
Best Uses
With its 24.3-megapixel sensor, the D750 is ideal for portrait, wedding, and event photography, where full-frame quality shines, and low-light capabilities are essential. It’s also a reliable camera for general photography, from landscapes to travel. Learn more about this camera in the video above by Adrian Alford Photography.
Who It’s For
The D750 is ideal for photographers wanting a full-frame camera without spending a fortune. If you’re looking to step up from a crop-sensor DSLR or want an affordable full-frame camera, the D750 is a fantastic choice that’s both versatile and affordable.
Nikon D500: The Action and Wildlife Specialist
The D500 might be an APS-C (crop sensor) DSLR, but it’s often favored by professionals for its outstanding performance in action and wildlife photography. With a 20.9-megapixel sensor, it combines speed and precision, offering some of the best autofocus in Nikon’s DSLR lineup.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- High-Speed Continuous Shooting: Shoots at 10 frames per second, perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Outstanding Autofocus System: Inherited from the D5, it’s accurate and reliable.
- Weather-Sealed and Durable: Great for outdoor and nature photography.
- Long Battery Life: Ideal for long days in the field.
- Cons:
- Crop Sensor: Lacks the shallow depth of field and low-light performance of a full-frame sensor.
- Heavier Than Most APS-C Cameras: It’s sturdy but not as compact as some other APS-C options.
Best Uses
With a quick burst rate and excellent autofocus, the D500 is perfect for sports, wildlife, and action photographers who need fast and accurate performance. Its crop sensor also provides a slight zoom advantage, making it easier to photograph distant subjects. Robert Bishop’s video above explores these and other features of the D500.
Who It’s For
The D500 is ideal for photographers who specialize in fast-action photography. If you’re into wildlife or sports, or if you need a second camera for fast-paced shoots, the D500 is a powerful option.
Final Thoughts: Which Used Nikon Camera is For You?
When it comes to choosing the best used Nikon camera, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in your photography journey. Each of these four models has unique strengths:
- The Nikon D850 is for photographers who need the best resolution and dynamic range, ideal for professional-grade work.
- The Nikon Z6 offers a great balance of size, performance, and versatility, making it a top mirrorless choice.
- The Nikon D750 is a solid, affordable option for those who want full-frame quality without the newest-model price.
- The Nikon D500 is the go-to for wildlife and action photographers who need speed, accuracy, and durability in challenging environments.
Each of these used Nikon cameras can deliver exceptional results, depending on what you’re looking for. By choosing the one that best suits your needs, you can get a high-quality Nikon camera at a fraction of the new price—an excellent choice for photographers who want top performance without paying top dollar.
Get a Used Nikon Camera at a Great Price
A great way to do so is buy a used Nikon camera from an online platform like MPB. I’ve trusted MPB with gear for years, and I have never been disappointed. Whether it was an older DSLR, a newer mirrorless lens, or something in between, each item I’ve bought from MPB has been exactly as described.
This is an important point because buying used gear from other sources like Craigslist is a bit of a crap shoot – you don’t always know what you’re going to get. But since MPB’s technicians inspect each item and provide detailed photos and descriptions on the website, you know precisely what you’re going to get in the mail.
But, hey, sometimes things don’t go as planned, so you’re protected with a seven-day return policy and a six-month warranty on most items. With that peace of mind, you can buy used Nikon cameras with much less stress! So, if you’re in the market for a used Nikon camera, any of these models are available from MPB, and would be a fantastic addition to your camera bag!
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