Cameras and Lenses Under $500

You don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on reliable photography equipment. From entry level gear to more advanced gear, you can find just what you need at affordable prices. Purchasing pre-owned camera gear from KEH.com can also be a way to alleviate costs. We’ve put together a list of our pre-owned film and digital gear all under $500 to help you affordably build a unique camera collection.

Digital Cameras Under $500

Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera Body

This is the pro DSLR that really kicked Full Frame digital photography into overdrive.  It’s noticeably lighter than Canon’s big 1D style cameras yet still reasonably well built.  The 5D’s big sensor produces great images for all sorts of picture taking missions.

AVERAGE COST: $409.20

Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera Body

The D7000 is another great DSLR with awesome features.This semi-professional camera is a perfect for capturing all the action thanks to it’s advanced customizable autofocus system, relatively high 6fps continuous shooting rate and it’s DX format sensor crop doesn’t hurt when your using teles. 

AVERAGE COST: $359.91

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera Body, Black

If you’re ready to join the mirrorless club, the OM-D E-M1 is a great choice. It’s weatherproof body allows you to capture scenic memories in many conditions. It’s compact, sharp and a great tool for all types of photography. You’ll be able to use all the great Micro Four Thirds system lenses and adapters.

AVERAGE COST: $488.53

Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body, Black

Another great choice for a mirrorless camera is the popular Sony A6000. If you’re looking for that DSLR quality, but in smaller package,the A6000 is your camera. With its compact size it’s easy for travel, and perhaps best of all iit use Sony E and FE interchangeable lenses.

AVERAGE COST: $433.58

35mm Film Cameras Under $500

Canon F-1 35mm Camera Body

A 1970s classic, the Canon F-1. Originally designed to be the top camera for professionals, the F-1 is now coveted by photographers and collectors alike.  Since it’s compatible with the vast variety of Canon FD lenses you’ll find it a supremely versatile temple to house your film in.. With a relatively quiet shutter,and a sturdy body designed for heavy use  it is a quality piece of hardware.

AVERAGE COST: $157.75


Nikon F3 35mm Camera Body

The Nikon F3 is still popular among photography lovers as Nikon’s most pro manual focus body. It’s a camera built to last! The durable and reliability F3 features an electronically timed shutter with mechanical back-up settings just in case.  Other high-end features include mirror-lock up for crisper long exposures, and interchangeable finders. If you were glasses, also take a look at the more commonly found F3HP finder version.

AVERAGE COST: $314.09

Pentax ME Super 35mm Camera Body, Chrome

This metal bodied beauty from the late 70’s is lighter than the F-1 and F3 and still takes amazing images with famed Asahi glass.  . This is a classic camera for film lovers and an easy camera for shooting due to its compact body and auto exposure capabilities.

AVERAGE COST:$48.00

Minolta X-700 35mm Camera Body, Black

If you’re interested in simple photography, grab the X-700.  This camera is offers aperture priority and program exposure modes. The X-700 is  compatible with Minolta MD lenses which are very high quality optics and provide an exceptional value.

AVERAGE COST: $95.49

Compatible Lenses Under $500

A camera body isn’t complete without the perfect lenses. 50mm and other normal lenses are usually the brightest options around and often one of the most affordable ways to experience prime sharpness and super shallow depth of field. These lenses can be a great addition to one or more of the camera bodies mentioned. The following are also amongst the popular products at KEH under $500:

AVERAGE COST: $274.42

AVERAGE COST: $103.50

AVERAGE COST: $437.50

AVERAGE COST:

AVERAGE COST: $59.42

AVERAGE COST: $95.17

AVERAGE COST: $47.29

AVERAGE COST: $44.19

Check out more of our selection of popular normal lenses .

Telephoto Lenses Under $500

Sure fifties are nifty, but some telephoto zooms are just as popular; they’re really versatile especially outside.  Here are some of the best selling teles at KEH under $500 in popular mounts:

AVERAGE COST: $81.20

AVERAGE COST: $337.25

AVERAGE COST: $370.00

AVERAGE COST: $202.57

AVERAGE COST: $97.60

AVERAGE COST: $35.00

AVERAGE COST: 60.67

AVERAGE COST: $35.75

KEH.com has a great selection of other telephoto zooms to pick from, too!

Wide Angle Lenses Under $500

Since they cover a lot ground wide-angles are another staple lens for photographers of all skill levels.  Here are some of the most widely sought after at KEH that are under $500:

AVERAGE COST: $162.33

AVERAGE COST: $308.33

AVERAGE COST: $212.00

AVERAGE COST: 131.37

AVERAGE COST: $46.20

AVERAGE COST: $140.00

AVERAGE COST: $118.50

AVERAGE COST: $69.00

Check out our broad assortment of other wide angle lenses.

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