![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Opener-1-533x400.jpg\")
\t\t\tWe\u2019ve chosen a great camera from each brand for \u00a3500 or so, and four lenses to go with it<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n
Thankfully, though, it\u2019s possible to save a significant amount of money by buying used kit. In this article, we set out to answer a simple question. Instead of spending that \u00a3500 on an entry-level camera, what could you get by buying second-hand? The aim was to choose an older model from each of the major camera brands that would once have been close to the top of the range, with a correspondingly high build quality, feature set and performance.<\/p>\n
If you go back a generation or two, to cameras introduced four or more years ago, it turns out that you can indeed get enthusiast-level features and build for the price of a new entry-level camera. So we\u2019ve picked out a set of high-quality cameras that you can now buy used in excellent condition for around \u00a3500 (and a couple are considerably less). We\u2019ve then recommended a set of four lenses that should complement each camera nicely.<\/p>\n
You could, in fact, probably buy these cameras rather cheaper, if you\u2019re prepared to take a risk on peer-to-peer sites such as eBay. But a risk it certainly is, and you\u2019ll get peace of mind from buying from a reputable, specialist retailer. You can then be confident that the kit has been properly inspected and tested, and crucially is backed up by a proper returns policy if it turns out not to work as you\u2019d like. Just be sure to check everything over as soon as you receive it.<\/p>\n
What, no Pentax?<\/strong> * \u00a3459 excellent condition * \u00a3489 like new<\/strong> So what do you get for your money? The X-T2\u2019s 24.3-million-pixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor partners with Fujifilm\u2019s X-Processor Pro to deliver an ISO range of 200-12,800 (expandable to ISO 100-51,200). Attach the VPB-XT2 grip (\u00a379 in used condition) and it\u2019s possible to increase the burst speed from 8fps to 11fps using the mechanical shutter, or 14fps by employing the electronic shutter, which also lets you increase the fastest shutter speed from 1\/8000sec to 1\/32,000sec. You don\u2019t get touchscreen control, but what you do get is a lovely joystick at the rear to precisely shift the AF point and navigate the menu. This is in addition to well laid out buttons across the body and knurled metal dials on the top plate that offer direct control of ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation.<\/p>\n Advanced features include a clever tilt screen mechanism that lets you shoot from low and high angles in both landscape and portrait orientations, dual card slots and a hybrid autofocus system that can keep apace with speedy subjects when tracking and provides wide coverage across the frame. Users even get the option to fine tune how the camera reacts to the way a subject moves, how fast a subject moves and where in the frame the camera prioritises focus from the X-T2\u2019s AF-C custom settings. Although no longer the latest model, the X-T2 is still considered a premium camera and is one that boasts a robust, hardwearing build quality and weather sealing.<\/p>\n It fits the average-sized hand well and it\u2019s partly the feel, size and excellent ergonomics that has led to it being so well received by amateurs, enthusiasts as well as professionals. With regard to output, it produces stunning colour rendition straight out the camera and the quality of its JPEGs are sublime. You get Fujifilm\u2019s fabulous film simulation modes too, albeit without the latest Eterna and Classic Negative additions. The X-T2\u2019s exposure metering system rarely misjudges scenes and the detail the sensor resolves at high sensitivity settings remains impressive by today\u2019s standards.<\/p>\n\t\t The X-T2 focuses well on subjects approaching head-on at high speed Fujifilm X-T2, XF 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, 1\/2700sec at f\/5.6, ISO 400<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Users will find they can confidently push to ISO 3200 and ISO 6400 in low light without fear of noise severely degrading image quality. Though the video specification, burst speed, battery life, buffer capacity and autofocus algorithms have improved on the X-T3 and X-T4, the X-T2 shouldn\u2019t be overlooked. We\u2019d highly recommend it to amateurs and enthusiasts working to a \u00a3500 budget who\u2019d like to strike a fine balance between appealing aesthetics and practical performance. At the time of its release the X-T2 changed people\u2019s perception of speed associated with mirrorless cameras. Today, it continues to encourage people to buy it for the amazing value it offers in excellent secondhand condition.<\/p>\n At a glance:<\/strong> Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS (\u00a3249)<\/strong> Fujifilm XC 35mm F2 (\u00a3139)<\/strong> Fujifilm XF 50mm F2 R WR (\u00a3309)<\/strong> Fujifilm XF 16mm F2.8 R WR (\u00a3289)<\/strong> * \u00a3479 It was succeeded by the D7500 in 2017 and with many photographers choosing to upgrade or switch to mirrorless around this time, large numbers of D7200\u2019s started to find their way onto the secondhand market. Today, used examples in good condition with a low shutter count of 15,000 frames can be snapped up from \u00a3465. This is less than half of what it cost to buy from new and represents good value for anyone who\u2019d like to own a versatile DSLR. The D7200 is built around a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor.<\/p>\n This combination provides a sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600. It can be expanded to ISO 51,200 and ISO 102,000, however these settings record in black and white only. Whereas the D7100 had a measly buffer performance, the D7200\u2019s is much improved, capable of recording 18 14-bit lossless compressed raw files and over 100 JPEGs at its maximum 6fps burst rate. Enter the D7200\u2019s 1.3x crop mode and continuous shooting at 7fps is also possible. Elsewhere, the D7200 is equipped with a Multi-Cam 3500DX II autofocus system that provides 51 available AF points, 15 of which are the more sensitive cross-type.<\/p>\n All 51 points can focus down to -3EV and the AF array covers a large portion of the frame. The autofocus response is fairly hasty when shooting via the viewfinder, but ttthe same can\u2019t be said in Live View, which it\u2019s noticeably slower. Other features include a 1\/8000sec maximum shutter speed, fixed 3.2in, 1.23m-dot rear screen, 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor that\u2019s used for subject tracking in AF-C mode, and Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC. Like other D7000 series cameras, the D7200 has an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% frame coverage.<\/p>\n\t\t A sample image of Chiddingstone Castle taken in the D7200\u2019s standard picture style Nikon D7200, Nikkor AF-S 18-105mm f\/3.5-5.6G ED VR, 1\/800sec at f\/5.6, ISO 100<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n In a few areas the D7200 has advantages over the newer D7500. As well as offering dual card slots for backup purposes (the D7500 only has one) it supports older manual focus NIIKKOR AI (non-CPU) lenses and can be used with Nikon\u2019s MB-D15 battery grip that\u2019ll set you back an extra \u00a360 in used condition. A benefit of the D7200\u2019s body size compared to smaller mirrorless cameras is its large battery that\u2019s rated at 1,110 shots \u2013 more than enough to last a day of casual shooting. Its shell is made from magnesium alloy with a polycarbonate front, and the camera is dust and weather-sealed throughout to enable photographers to shoot in adverse conditions.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a good number of physical controls spread across the body too, making it feel like a much more serious camera in the hand than Nikon\u2019s entry-level DSLRs. Despite being five years old, the D7200 still produces lovely images and users will find they\u2019re able to shoot up to ISO 6400 for less-critical purposes. If you happen to own an ageing entry-level DSLR and a selection of DX-format lenses, it makes a sensible upgrade. Equally, if you\u2019re after a camera that\u2019s enjoyable to use, reliable and easy to learn with, you\u2019re likely to get great service out of a second-hand D7200.<\/p>\n At a glance:<\/strong> Nikon AF-S 18-105mm f\/3.5-5.6G ED VR (\u00a3129) Nikon AF-S 40mm f\/2.8 G (\u00a3179) Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f\/2.8 PRO (\u00a3349)<\/strong>
\nSadly, we\u2019ve had to make the difficult decision not to feature Pentax in depth. While it still has its dedicated followers, the brand\u2019s popularity has dwindled and the supply of decent used digital kit is drying up. However for Pentax users looking to upgrade, we\u2019d recommend the K-3; it\u2019s a really fine DSLR with excellent image quality and an impressive feature set, and costs about \u00a3450 body-only. We\u2019d pair it with the versatile, weather-sealed DA 18-135mm f\/3.5-5.6 WR zoom (\u00a3230), and look to add a set of the firm\u2019s lovely Limited-series primes; perhaps the 15mm f\/4 wideangle, 35mm f\/2.8 Macro, and 70mm f\/2.4 telephoto, for about \u00a3300 each. For those on a budget, the lightweight DA 50mm F1.8 and 35mm F2.4 both cost well under \u00a3100.
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Pentax-K3-18-135mm-533x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\nBest buy cameras and lenses: <\/strong>brand-by-brand guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Fujfilm X-T2<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nIt has been superseded twice in four years, yet the X-T2 remains a tempting secondhand buy for anyone who\u2019d like a highly-capable mirrorless camera that blends classic styling with an admirable performance. What\u2019s more, it\u2019s become an affordable gateway to Fujifilm\u2019s fine selection of X-mount lenses. The arrival of the newer X-T3 and X-T4 has seen the price of the X-T2 plummet to the point where it can now be snapped up for under \u00a3500 in excellent condition with only the lightest signs of use and all its original packaging. That\u2019s quite a bargain for a camera that cost \u00a31,399 when it was launched in 2016.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Fujifilm-X-T2_Front-2-440x400.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Fujifilm-X-T2_Sample-ImageMT-600x400.jpg\")
\t\t\t
\nSensor 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III, 23.6 x 15.6mm
\nSensitivity ISO 200-12,800; ISO 100-51,200 (extended)
\nAutofocus 325-point or 91-point hybrid AF
\nContinuous shooting Up to 14fps with VPB-XT2 booster
\nVideo 4K up to 30p, Full HD up to 60p
\nRear display 3in, 1.04m-dot tilting
\nViewfinder 2.36m-dot electronic, 0.77x equivalent magnification<\/p>\nFour great lenses to consider<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nIf your budget can\u2019t stretch to the excellent Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f4 R OIS WR (\u00a3769) and you fancy a smaller standard zoom that covers a practical 35mm equivalent range of 27-84mm, this lens makes an excellent choice. It has picked up a reputation as one of the best examples of a kit zoom and unlike some kit lenses that are let down by poor build quality and mediocre sharpness, this example is quite the opposite. As well as delivering impressive sharpness, it focuses silently, is well constructed and features effective optical image stabilisation (OIS). Filters can be attached via a 58mm thread; it weighs 310g and has a 30cm minimum focus distance. You\u2019ll find there is a healthy saving to be made choosing a secondhand example in excellent condition than buying it from new.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Fujifilm-XF-18-55mm-f2.8-4-R-LM-OIS-400x400.jpg\")
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\nThe XC 35mm f\/2 is currently the cheapest lens you can buy for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. It inherits the same optics and nine diaphragm blades from its more expensive XF35mm F2 R WR cousin, with the key differences being it doesn\u2019t feature weather resistance and lacks an aperture ring. Despite its plastic lens mount being more susceptible to wear and tear and it not being supplied with a hood, it\u2019s a likeable prime that\u2019ll fit the smallest of spaces in your bag. When we reviewed it earlier this year we said it\u2019s a lens that allows images with an attractive shallow depth of field to be captured at low cost and produces optically identical results as the XF35mm F2 R WR. With it still being fairly new, used examples can be quite hard to find.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Fujifilm-XC-35mm-f2-533x400.jpg\")
\n\n
\nFujifilm offers a good selection of dinky f\/2 primes for its X-series cameras and this one is up there as one of our favourites. Not only is it smaller than the stellar XF 56mm f1.2 R lens, it\u2019s around half the weight and can save you around \u00a3400. It\u2019s a lens that benefits from weather sealing, an internal stepping motor that improves autofocus lock-on speed while keeping operation near silent. The aperture ring offers lovely feedback when it\u2019s rotated and it\u2019s possible to attach screw-in filters and adapters via its 46mm thread. If you choose to buy an excellent secondhand example with clean and clear optics and no marks or scratches it\u2019s possible to save yourself around \u00a3110 buying it from new. It was awarded AP\u2019s recommended award when we reviewed it in 2017.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Fujifilm-XF-50mm-f2-R-WR-400x400.jpg\")
\n\n
\nFujifilm users who\u2019d like a wide-angle prime for their camera have a couple of options \u2013 there\u2019s the sublime XF16mm F1.4 R WR and this more affordable and compact alternative. Equivalent to 24mm in 35mm terms, there\u2019s a \u00a3420 saving to be made buying a used example of this lens over a similar used condition XF16mm F1.4 R WR. It left us thoroughly impressed when we reviewed it last year and in our verdict we said \u2018those who\u2019d like to keep their setup as light and compact as possible when travelling or heading out with a camera and single lens will love its petite size\u2019.<\/p>\nDesign-wise it\u2019s alike to Fujifilm\u2019s other small primes. Its aperture ring clicks through its range in 1\/3-stop increments and the WR abbreviation in its name denotes it is a weather-sealed optic.
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Fujifilm-XF-16mm-f2.8-R-WR-400x400.jpg\")
Nikon D7200<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nWhen the Nikon D7200 was launched in 2015, it was the natural successor to the D7100. It slotted in between Nikon\u2019s upper entry-level DSLR, the D5500 and the company\u2019s full-frame DSLR, the D750. Though it wasn\u2019t a radical upgrade on its predecessor, it became popular with enthusiasts who wanted a reliable workhorse that could compete against other impressive APS-C DSLRs, such as the Canon EOS 7D Mark II.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nikon-D7200_18_140_fronttop-408x400.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nikon-D7200_Sample-Image1-600x400.jpg\")
\t\t\t
\n* Sensor 24.2MP CMOS, 23.5 x 15.6mm
\n* Sensitivity ISO 100-25,600; ISO 100- 102,400 (extended)
\n* Autofocus 51-point phase detection
\n* Continuous shooting 6fps (7fps in 1.3x crop mode)
\n* Video Full HD up to 60p
\n* Rear display 3.2in, 1.23m-dot fixed
\n* Viewfinder Optical, 100% coverage, 0.63x equivalent magnification<\/p>\nFour great lenses to consider<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>If you don\u2019t already own a DX-format lens and you\u2019d like a versatile standard zoom that\u2019ll cover most bases for travelling and times when you only want to carry a single lens, this example that was introduced with the Nikon D90 in 2008 can now be picked up reasonably on the second-hand market. Equivalent to 27-158mm in 35mm terms, it features VR (Vibration Reduction) and SWM (Silent Wave Motor) technologies, extra-low-dispersion and aspherical lens elements, as well as seven rounded diaphragm blades. It doesn\u2019t have a robust metal lens mount and it\u2019s not weather sealed, however it delivers a good optical performance for a kit zoom and it goes about its business of focusing silently. Users of filters and polarisers will be grateful for its internal focusing system, preventing its 67mm filter thread rotating during on focus.
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nikon-18-105mm-f3.5-5.6G-ED-VR-533x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Announced in 2011, this fine example of a consumer-grade lens for enthusiasts is both affordable and delivers a good optical performance for the price. It has a field of view equivalent to 60mm and is a true 1:1 macro lens, meaning that the size of the subject photographed is projected onto the sensor at the exact same size it is in real life. Nikon\u2019s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) keeps focus operation quiet and the optical arrangement is made up of 9 elements in 7 groups with 7 aperture blades. It\u2019s a compact lens that measures 64.5mm long, doesn\u2019t add much weight (235g) to your setup and allows users to create flattering, defocused backgrounds at its maximum aperture, making it a good lens for portraits and other situations where you\u2019d like to isolate your subject.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nikon-40mm-f2.8G-533x400.jpg\")
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIf you would like a wide-angle zoom with a fast maximum aperture at a reasonable price, this example is worth a look. It\u2019s not quite as wide as Nikon\u2019s AF-P 10-20mm f\/4.5-5.6 G, but is robustly made for a lens for one that features a predominantly plastic construction. Tokina has made it a practical size without being too bulky and it benefits from an internal focusing mechanism and one-touch focus clutch mechanism that enables photographers to switch between AF and MF by snapping the focus ring forward for AF and back for manual focusing.\u00a0It does exhibit vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberration, but this can be corrected during post-processing. Tamron\u2019s 10-24mm f\/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD (\u00a3279 in good used condition) is another alternative if you\u2019d like your lens to be weather resistant and offer optical image stabilisation.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Tokina-11-20mm-f2.8-400x400.jpg\")
Nikon AF-S 50mm f\/1.8 G (\u00a3109)<\/strong>
\nPair this prime with an APS-C DSLR camera like the D7200 and you\u2019ve got a fabulous combination that provides a 75mm effective field of view that\u2019s well suited to capturing flattering portraits and attractive reportage-style images. Its maximum aperture lets you dial in faster shutter speeds than a standard kit lens when you\u2019re challenged in low-light situations, plus it creates a lovely shallow depth of field that helps pick out subjects from their surroundings. Nail the focus and you\u2019ll be enthralled by its sharpness, which it backs up with good contrast. It\u2019s not opposed to vignetting at f\/1.8, but corner shading quickly subsides as you stop down. The front element is recessed quite deep inside the lens making it a little harder to clean, so you may also want to buy a protective skylight filter with a 58mm thread.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nikon-50mm-f1.8G-533x400.jpg\")
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