If you have the money, I recommend buying a new camera and lens. However, I do believe that used offers the best bang for the buck. When I first got into photography, I purchased four film cameras used. Unfortunately, half of the cameras had problems. The problem was that I bought these cameras from ebay, and the cameras were sold as-is.
I then started buying used equipment from places with a return policy and a warranty, and I was much more satisfied. Here are some sellers I recommend to buy used equipment from:
Since I am a Nikon guy, I will give some recommendations for cameras. The cameras are prosumer cameras. They will work with all Nikon lenses made since 1977.
- Nikon D7200 – released in 2017
- Nikon D7100 – released in 2015
- Nikon D7000 – released in 2010
Here is a list of Nikon consumer cameras. These cameras do not have a focus motor built-in, so they only autofocus with Nikon G lens. D lens will not autofocus with these cameras, so I do not recommend them. Also, bear in mind the controls will not be as good. You will have controls you have to access by the menu.
- Nikon D5300 – released in 2015
- Nikon D5200 – released in 2012
I recommend prosumer cameras over consumer cameras. The prosumer cameras have more options and make photography easier with superior controls. However, if money is a concern, buy a consumer camera. The images will be the same for each camera.
There are a ton of lenses that you can buy for your camera. Fixed focal length lens or Prime lens are best optically, but they are not as much fun since you cannot zoom. Also, they are cheaper and faster than a zoom. Zoom lens are more expensive, but they are more practical and fun. Here are my recommendations below:
Finally, I do recommend trying to buy the newest used camera you can afford. But then again, if money is tight, buy an older camera. As I said, it is not as much of a gamble if you buy from a place that offers a warranty and has a return policy.