5 of the Best Used DSLR Cameras Under $100 that are GREAT for Photography
The best camera under $100 is going to be the newest camera you can find that fits the budget. Taking that into account, you’re going to need to check around and potentially need to be patient to get the best value for your money.
There is no guarantee any of the models listed will be available for sale or will be under $100. There also are not any mirrorless cameras currently available under $100. The cameras listed are good models to begin your search with.
Prices can change quickly over time. Check current prices to see how good of a deal a camera is for you. Looking at eBay completed listings can also give you an idea how often deals show up.
Look for cameras with low shutter counts that are in good cosmetic condition. Cheap cameras may not have battery chargers or a lens, which will have to be purchased later. Cameras near the bottom of a price range will also be the quickest to sell, so the more often you check listing, the better deal you’ll be able to get.
If you’re looking for the next step up, check out, the best used cameras under $200.
Be on the lookout for a good deal at garage sales, thrift stores, Etsy, Amazon, Facebook groups, Craigslist, or other online marketplaces.
Affiliate Links
Outside the Shot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. I also participate in affiliate advertising programs with KEH and Adorama. More can be found on the Affiliate Discolsure page.
I have purchased gear from all of these companies and I expect them all to receive repeat business from me.
I’m Rebuilding 🏗️
If the page doesn’t have the answer you’re looking for you can email me at contact AT this domain. That account will be checked on Sundays and Wednesdays.
You can also DM me on Reddit /u/OutsideTheShot or post in /r/OutsideTheShot.
1. Best Used Canon - Canon 40D
Released in August 2007, with an original MSRP of $1,299, the Canon 40D is a prosumer camera with a 10.1 MP sensor. With the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 kit zoom lens, it was $1,499.
Now more than a decade later, this used Canon DSLR can be had for much less. Prices fluctuate over time so you’ll have to check to see current market prices to see if this is still a sub $100 dollar camera.
See current price and more information on:
The camera uses Type I or Type II CompactFlash memory cards with a maximum size of 32GB. BP-511A batteries are used, which can be charged with a Canon CB-5L charger. EF and EF-S camera lenses can be used on the camera.
- 9 Autofocus Points
- 3" LCD
- 6.5 FPS Continuous Shooting
- ISO 100-1600, Expandable to 3200
- Live View
- No video
You can install Magic Lantern on the camera, which will make a used Canon 40D the best choice among the cameras under $100. Magic Lantern is a third-party open-source program that runs from a memory card.
Canon DSLRs are the are the most widely available DSLRs on the used market. The cameras and compatible lenses should be the easiest to find a deal on.
Other Good Canon Cameras
Canon EOS Rebel XSi (12.2MP) (Canon EOS 450D) Canon Digital Rebel XT (8.0MP) (Canon EOS 350D) Canon Digital Rebel Xti (10.1MP) (Canon EOS 400D)
2. Best Used Nikon - Nikon D200 (10.2MP)
Released in December 2005, the Nikon D200 was targeted at professional photographers. The original MSRP was $1,699.
It features a 10.2 MP sensor and was not sold with a kit lens. This camera is the perfect choice for someone that wants to learn about photography.
See current price and more information on:
CompactFlash memory cards are used by the camera, with a max of 32GB. EN-EL3 batteries are used which can be charged by an MH-18a or MH-19 charger. The camera uses Nikon F-mount lenses.
- 11-Point Autofocus System
- 2.5” LCD
- 5 FPS Continuous Shooting
- ISO Range 100-1600, Boost to 3200
- No Video
- No Live View
The camera might be difficult to find under $100 as the current Nikon D200 price used hovers around $100. Most sales are slightly over $100.
However, it is the only professional-level camera that made the list. The Nikon D200’s handling, ergonomics, and build quality are going to be the best of any digital cameras under $100.
Lens Selection
There are 60 years worth of Nikon F-mount lenses to select from. What is nice is the ability to find inexpensive specialty lenses. Ultra wide-angle, macro and telephoto lenses can be found without having to spend large amounts of money.
Similar Nikon Used DSLRs to Look For
Nikon D100 (6.1MP) Nikon D80 (10.2MP) Nikon D70, D70s (6.1MP)
If you need a small digital camera, take a look at Nikon’s Coolpix lineup. With point and shoot cameras, the prices should be low enough that you’ll be able to get video features.
3. Best Used Sony - Sony Alpha A100
Released July 2006, with an original MSRP of $999, with the kit 18-70mm f/3.5 lens. This camera was targeted towards enthusiast and beginner photographers with its 10.2 mp sensor.
See current price and more information on:
The camera uses CompactFlash Type I or Type II cards. Sony Memory Stick Duo cards can be used, but require an adapter.
Battery model is NP-FM55H, which is charged by the Sony BC-VM10 charger. The OEM Sony charger is difficult to find and expensive. Try to find one bundled with the camera.
Compatible lenses for the camera use the Sony/Minolta A-mount. Minolta developed the lens mount in the 1980s. In 2005 Sony acquired Minolta’s camera division.
The Sony A100 is a successor to the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D.
- 9 Autofocus Points
- 2.5" LCD
- 3 FPS Continuous Shooting
- ISO Range 100-1600
- No Video
- No Live View
Sony has been marketing its mirrorless E-mount cameras and ignoring their DSLRs. A-mount lenses are likely the least expensive lenses of the cameras on this list.
The performance of the camera is going to lag behind the Nikon and Canon. Additionally, I was not a fan of how the camera handled when I briefly owned one.
I would recommend trying to hold one before making a purchase.
More Sony DSLRs
There aren’t any more $100 DSLR cameras from Sony. The model that proceeded the Sony A100, Sony A200, is more than $100.
Minolta had to recall almost every Maxxum 5D, and every Maxxum 7D. The expense is why Sony ended up with their camera division. Avoid those two cameras as they can prone to problems.
4. Best Used Pentax - Pentax K-x
Released October 2009, with an original MSRP of $649, including an 18-55mm kit lens. The camera body and lens could be purchased in black or white colors. Red and navy blue were limited edition colors.
See current price and more information on:
This camera was targeted towards entry-level consumers. It has a 12.4 MP sensor.
The camera uses SD and SDHC memory cards. Unlike the other cameras listed, the camera uses four AA batteries. Lenses for the camera use the Pentax KA mount.
- 11 Autofocus Points
- 2.7” LCD
- 4.6 FPS Continuous Shooting
- ISO Range 100 - 12800
- Live View
- Can Shoot 720p Video at 24fps
Color matched lenses make this an easy camera to find with a lens. That also means you might need to be okay with a bright red camera.
Using AA batteries also means there is no expense involved in tracking down replacement batteries and a charger.
The body is plastic and does not have a magnesium alloy chassis like the other cameras on this list. It is going to feel cheap in comparison to any of the other cameras listed, including the similar Pentax models bellow.
Make sure to include the dash in your search. The Pentax KX is a 35mm film camera. The K-x is a digital camera.
More Second Hand Pentax Options
These three cameras all have a higher build quality than the K-x. They are going to be more difficult to find under $100.
Pentax K10D (10.2MP) Pentax K200D (10.2MP) Pentax K-7 (14.6MP)
5. Best Used Olympus - Olympus EVOLT E-510
Released June 2007, with an original MSRP of $799, or $899 with the kit 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Another kit was available that included a second lens, the 50-150mm f4.0-5.6.
See current price and more information on:
This camera was targeted at photography enthusiasts with its 10 MP sensor.
CompactFlash or xD memory cards can be used. xD memory cards have been discontinued and are no longer used. High capacity xD cards are expensive to find used.
Batteries used in the camera are PS-BLM1 changed with the BCM-2. The camera uses Four Thirds mount lenses, which have been discontinued. The Four Thirds mount was replaced by the Micro Four Thirds mount, which can lead to confusion.
- 4 Autofocus Points
- 2.5" LCD
- 3 FPS Continuous Shooting
- ISO Range 100 - 1600
- Live View
- No Video
The downside to the EVOLT cameras are going to be their poor low light performance and slow autofocus speed. Nikon and Canon cameras are going to have better performance.
Another issue is going to be finding lenses for the cameras. It is nearly impossible to find a Four Thirds mount lens that isn’t one of the two kit lenses that came with the cameras.
In terms of build quality and usability, the E-510 uses a pentamirror for the optical viewfinder. Pentaprisms are superior and used on the Nikons and Canons listed above.
More Olympus Cameras
Olympus EVOLT E-500 (8.0MP) Olympus EVOLT E-450 (10.0MP) Olympus EVOLT E-420 (10.0MP)
Look for Complete Kits
A camera body on its own is not going to be very useful. If you don’t already have any of the following, factor in the cost to get what you need before you buy a camera.
Lens – The cheapest lens you’ll be able to find for any of the cameras listed below will be $15-$20. Look for cameras that come with the 18-55mm zoom lens that they were sold with. You’ll get a better deal than by buying a camera body and lens separately.
Memory Card – Used memory cards can cost $5-$10, and new name brand cards are more than $10. Be careful of generic memory cards as they are either slow, have problems, or do not have their labeled capacity. Also, make sure to check on what kind of memory card the camera uses.
Battery Charger – Replacement battery chargers are widely available, but they cost around $10. They also are not as nice as the original OEM chargers.
Batteries – Batteries are likely going to need to be replaced. All of the cameras on the list are more than 10 years old and lithium-ion batteries do not last that long.
Neck Strap – If you see yourself wanting to use a neck strap, make sure the camera comes with one. You also might be able to find included cases, filters, or possibly a tripod.