2025 Used Digital Camera Buying Guide

I think I will stay with my 1DS mk 2 and D2H for now, good vid.

I sold my Canon 5D mark 2 back in 2017, which I had owned for 8 years at that point. I regretted it because I went back to film recently and I had to buy back a used 5D mark 2 to digitize my negatives. For my day to day use, my iPhone 13 is my exclusive digital camera. I didn’t use the 5D mark 2 at all. I miss my 70-200mm long lens though when it comes to digital but I’m afraid that won’t come to my phone anytime soon.

there are some classics like D700 which i would say it totally worth to buy - they are cheap anyways - and keep

it is big though - small is better indeed - i love my XT1

Almost all full frame DSLRs which can use lenses from the pre-digital era, are worth looking at. There are millions of used AF and non-AF lenses available, which are affordable and deliver a good picture quality.
I once got a used Nikon D3 in good quality (high shutter count, but working properly) for about 300€. It was a fun to use and the best value for money.
Instead of buying an expensive body, I can only recommend to invest into good lenses. - They may last for a lifetime.
Furthermore, ask yourself what the maximum output format will be. If it‘s for social networks or at max 13x18 cm prints, even 16 megapixels are more than enough.
A much higher resolution means that you can easily print 2x3 meters, but the storage cards will become pretty expensive (you‘ll need fast cards with lots of storage space), and printing plus frames as well. Take a close look at a 512 GB high-speed CF-Card or a 80x100 cm print and a frame of the same size. If you can barely afford one memory card or one framed print, you don‘t need 45 megapixels or more.

When buying online I prefer cameras with boxes. Most likely they were somewhat taken care of with one owner. And mostly likely not stolen

Contemplating a Pentax kf with all the da apsc lenses or the k1 mii with all full frame vintage film lenses available.

In addition to memory cards, investigate the availability of reasonably priced replacement batteries. There was a time where every new model from some companies used a different battery that isn't made anymore.

Buying used Pentax K3's—always a good idea.

One thing I ran into recently with DSLR vs Mirrorless recently was with my old DSLR, I noticed focus just seemed to be a little off. I'd put the focus point on a lizard's face, and its body would be the precise focus point, and the face would be slightly out of focus. I learned that sometimes what the OVF deems as in focus is not actually in focus. And this particular DSLR doesn't allow adjustments to the autofocus. So, if buying a DSLR, get one that has AF fine tune, otherwise you could run into some frustration with focus. Obviously mirrorless doesn't have this issue, which is nice, but EVF's aren't as pretty as OVF's.

did you mean to leave “title” in the thumbnail

Another peril of CF cards: the cards themselves are getting harder to find if you're trying to find quality ones (I just resurrected an old EOS 1D Mk II). Amazon has tons of listings for CF cards, but they're of dubious origin (and have hilarious Chingrirsh spelling errors).

Another thought: when you're in the camera shop, really pay attention to the ergonomics of the camera. Make sure your fingers and thumb can access the controls well enough. Ask to mount a decent sized lens on it to see how it balances in the hand. If it feels too small or too large, ask if there are reasonably priced grips or cases to improve the hold. And remember, your friends or teacher or sales guy may love one brand's feel and controls, but you may find it uncomfortable (for instance, I love Nikon and Sony ergonomics, but no Canon has ever felt right in my hand, while friends of mine love Canon and find their hands cramp with Sony). Viewfinder comfort is important too, especially if you're either a lefty, or cross-eye dominant (one of my kids is such, and finds rangefinder styles very uncomfortable to use). A camera that's uncomfortable to wield is one you won't want to use.

An old Nikon D700 is hard to beat. Full frame, 12mp, and CF card, but a beginner can use it or rather learn photography and grow in skills and confidence and is built well. It's not that expensive for even a good condition one and open to plenty of inexpensive great glass and accessories letting you grow a quality system.

Thinking about buying a Canon 5D classic. But saw the description which warns against some CF cards. Should I be worried? I'm just looking to start using full-frame on a budget that uses my EF lenses. (Typically I shoot 50mm on film but that's why I find the crop factor on my Canon 80D annoying). Just looking for a cheap full-frame to carry around. Again, should I be worried? What is it that I don't know??? Thanks! ❤

David
Long time Pentax photographer I cannot recommend the Pentax K30, K50 or the K70 do to aperture block problems I've had two Pentax K50 cameras and one K70 fail on me . Although the Pentax PLM lenses will work on the cameras as they have electronic aperture control .

Bridgecameras are super cheap to get. Every brand has a few gem models in their portfolio. Almost no buyers for these cameras.