Best Used Cameras Under $200: 5 Picks From Every Major Brand
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The quick answer
These five used cameras are worth comparing if you want to learn manual photography and try interchangeable lenses on a small budget. I would start with the Nikon D7000 for DSLR controls, the Canon T4i for its screen and microphone input, or the Sony A5000 and Olympus E-PL5 for a smaller bag.
The under $200 target comes from the original guide. Used prices change, and a body price may not include a lens, battery, charger or card. Compare the complete working kit.
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Compare the five camera systems
| Camera | Sensor and lens mount | Why I would consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Sony A5000 | 20MP APS-C, Sony E | A small body with a flip up screen. |
| Nikon D7000 | 16MP APS-C, Nikon F | Physical controls, comfortable grip and dual card slots. |
| Pentax K-r | 12.4MP APS-C CMOS, Pentax K | A simple photo camera with body stabilization. |
| Canon Rebel T4i / EOS 650D | 18MP APS-C, Canon EF and EF-S | An articulating touchscreen and microphone input. |
| Olympus E-PL5 | 16MP Micro Four Thirds | A small kit with compact lens choices. |
1. Sony A5000: a small mirrorless starting point
The A5000 is the one I would look at when size is the priority. Its roughly 20MP APS-C sensor and Sony E mount give me a small camera with interchangeable lenses.
The screen flips up, but there is no viewfinder, hot shoe or microphone input. I would choose it mainly for photos and simple clips rather than dependable video autofocus.
Its E mount also makes it useful for experimenting with older manual lenses through the right adapter. Check compatibility and expect to focus manually with those lenses.
Compare used Sony A5000 options at MPB. Check the condition, included accessories and current availability.
2. Nikon D7000: more direct controls
The D7000 has the most traditional DSLR handling of this group. I like the grip, physical controls, top display and dual SD card slots when photography is the main job.
Its 16MP APS-C sensor and Nikon F mount offer a broad range of lens choices. The body is larger than the small mirrorless options, and video autofocus is a limitation.
It can record Full HD and has a microphone input, but I would plan on manual focus for a controlled video setup. Check the exact lens compatibility instead of assuming every Nikon F lens provides the same functions.
Compare used Nikon D7000 options at MPB. Check the condition, included accessories and current availability.
3. Pentax K-r: stabilization for a low cost photo kit
The K-r is a simple option for learning photography with Pentax lenses. It has a 12.4MP APS-C CMOS sensor and sensor shift stabilization, which helps with camera movement in still photos.
Video is its weakest feature here, with 720p recording and limited controls. I would buy it for photos, rather than choose it as a general video camera.
Older Pentax lenses are part of the appeal, but mounting a lens does not guarantee every automatic function. Check the lens version and supported controls.
Ricoh’s K-r specifications list its CMOS sensor and still image stabilization.
Compare used Pentax K-r options at MPB. Check the condition, included accessories and current availability.
4. Canon Rebel T4i: a flexible screen and microphone input
The T4i, also sold as the EOS 650D, is the option I would compare for a mix of photos and basic video. Its 18MP APS-C sensor, articulating touchscreen and microphone input make it useful for learning both.
It records Full HD rather than 4K. The screen is convenient for filming yourself, but I would still test focus before relying on it for a long take.
Canon EF and EF-S lenses give it plenty of affordable choices. Check the screen hinge, touch controls and microphone socket when inspecting a used body.
Compare used Canon T4i options at MPB. Check the condition, included accessories and current availability.
5. Olympus E-PL5: a compact kit with small lenses
The E-PL5 combines a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with a small body and a broad choice of compact lenses. I would consider it when I want the whole bag to stay light.
Its tilting touchscreen and body stabilization are useful for photography. There is no built in viewfinder or standard microphone input, and I would keep expectations modest for continuous video autofocus.
It has a hot shoe and can record Full HD clips. As with the A5000, lens size matters: a small camera becomes much less pocketable when paired with a large lens.
Compare used Olympus E-PL5 options at MPB. Check the condition, included accessories and current availability.
Check the full kit before buying
The original examples were around $190 for the A5000, $200 for the D7000, $150 for the K-r, $160 for the T4i and $180 for the E-PL5. Those were guide prices, rather than a promise of current stock below $200.
- Add the lens, battery, charger and a compatible card to the total.
- Inspect the sensor, lens mount, battery door, screen and buttons.
- Ask for a saved test photo and video clip where possible.
- Check lens compatibility, condition details and return terms.
- Choose the lens system you want to use, rather than the cheapest body by itself.
Which would I choose?
For photos and direct controls, I would compare the Nikon D7000 first. For a beginner who also wants a flexible screen and microphone input, I would look at the Canon T4i.
The A5000 and E-PL5 suit a smaller setup. The K-r is worth a look when still photos and affordable Pentax lenses matter more than video.
None of these is an automatic upgrade over a modern phone for every kind of clip. Their main value is giving you a camera to practice with, choose lenses for and control yourself.