Budget used Full Frame DSLR (Page 2): Thanks Gene. I'm struggling between the D700 and 5DII as those will probably be the only 2 close to my budget. I would just look at the D700 since...

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Gene51 wrote:

Another vote for a D700. Without getting into a heated discussion about the merits of a D700 over a 5D Mk II, I'd say you can't really go wrong with either. The Nikon has faster frame rate and possibly better low light/high ISO performance, but it is a 12 mp camera, while the Canon is 21 mp. I think the autofocus on the Nikon is more responsive and accurate, and it shoots 7 fps compared to under 4 fps with the Canon.

Thanks Gene. I'm struggling between the D700 and 5DII as those will probably be the only 2 close to my budget. I would just look at the D700 since I have Nikon gear but the 21mp sensor on the 5DII has got me thinking. Fortunately I am patient and can spend time searching for that elusive deal on a D3S although I doubt I'll find one in my budget.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I have the Kodak DSC Pro 14N. On the plus side it is a 14MP FF camera. It has a built in focus motor so can use older AF lenses without a focus motor in the lens. On the minus side anything above 200 iso will have noticeable noise. It is great at 100 iso or less in full daylight or with flash. On time exposures you can shoot at 50, 25 12 and 6 iso. Also you need several batteries, as they only hold a charge for about 20 minutes. Mine came with a charger and AC adapter which I use if I am near an outlet. I recently bought two additional new batteries (new old stock) for $30 each.There is an lcd screen to review pics but no live view, and naturally no video. In your shoes I would stretch the budget a couple of hundred dollars and get a D600.

blackest wrote:

EOS 5D should be about the cheapest full frame canon (400 euro buy it now) , Kodak DSC Pro 14n (nikon f mount very little iso €210 ) Nikon D3 lowest I found was around $800 canadian (roberts camera). Canon 1 DS €450 the mark II is coming in around €700. D600 around €650 D700 €400

Think that's about it around your budget in ebay.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Bobspez wrote:

I have the Kodak DSC Pro 14N. On the plus side it ... (show quote)

Thanks. I am now considering the D600, D700, D3 and 5D mkII. I won't be able to get what I really want but any of these will be better than my current cameras plus be full frame. I really value magnesium alloy bodies for ruggedness (like my D200) and would like something that shoots faster than my current cameras. I shoot indy cars, formula 1 motorcycle races, wildlife, landscapes. Trying to branch into other areas too.

JPL

kcooke wrote:

Thanks. I am now considering the D600, D700, D3 and 5D mkII. I won't be able to get what I really want but any of these will be better than my current cameras plus be full frame. I really value magnesium alloy bodies for ruggedness (like my D200) and would like something that shoots faster than my current cameras. I shoot indy cars, formula 1 motorcycle races, wildlife, landscapes. Trying to branch into other areas too.

If you continue in Nikon world you are probably better off with a D700 than D600 for shooting races and action stuff.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Get the D700, best of the best at that price!!!!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

kcooke wrote:

I'm looking for a full frame DSLR for $600 or less. I'm on a strict budget. Obviously I am looking at used. I Currently own a Nikon D3100, D80 and D200. While I would prefer Nikon due to lenses I am open to any brand. 3 of my 4 current lenses are fx sized. As a side note I have found a Canon 5D MK II for $595 bare body battery and charger. It's in good shape but I do not know the shutter count yet. Please offer suggestions on suitable cameras to look for. Thanks in advance

That could be tough. Here are recent sales of the D610 on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=nikon%20d610&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

D700 recent sales -
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nikon+d610&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1311.R10.TR12.TRC2.A0.H1.Xnikon+d700.TRS0&_nkw=nikon+d700+body+only&_sacat=0

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

And I am looking for a new Mercedes for $15,000 or less!

Generally the best FF camera for the best price is the Canon 6D - the original version refurbished costs about $1100. It is a fantastic camera.

Woodworm65 Loc: Lombard, IL

You will never find a full frame camera for 600 even one that's sold for parts, good luck.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

You are on a difficult quest. Any FX camera, regardless of brand, for $600 will probably not have much life left in it. I'm not one to spend other's money. But, this may be a mission impossible or a mission fraught with disappointment if accomplished.
--Bob

kcooke wrote:

I'm looking for a full frame DSLR for $600 or less. I'm on a strict budget. Obviously I am looking at used. I Currently own a Nikon D3100, D80 and D200. While I would prefer Nikon due to lenses I am open to any brand. 3 of my 4 current lenses are fx sized. As a side note I have found a Canon 5D MK II for $595 bare body battery and charger. It's in good shape but I do not know the shutter count yet. Please offer suggestions on suitable cameras to look for. Thanks in advance

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

Mac wrote:

Of course if you switch brands the cost will rise substantially when you buy new lenses.
I'm not going to look it up for you---you can do that yourself, but a used D600 or D610 can probably be found at a reasonable price.

+1! If the O.P. has a substantial investment in Nikon lenses, a "bargain" by buying a used FF camera by another brand will be lost in replacing them with new glass for that system. Personally, I'd hold out for a new (or used) Nikon if I were in that position.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Thomas902 wrote:

Here's a likely candidate for your quest... $599 ... (show quote)

I have used the D700 this year in Africa and it is an excellent camera. Go for the D700 at KEH

(Download)

ELNikkor

Don't obsess about "only 12 mp". Large pixels have some advantages over small ones. Check out the quality of D3 & D700 images.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

mborn wrote:

I have used the D700 this year in Africa and it is an excellent camera. Go for the D700 at KEH

Yes!
One thing I find important, especially if you're shooting faster action or low light: while the menu/button layout of the D200 and D700 are not exactly the same, they are very similar.
It's easy to shift from one to the other.
I rarely use my D7000 because it's quite a bit different than my other cameras.
Hard to shift from one camera to the other.
(would be even worse if you went to Canon. Nothing wrong with Canon, it's just very different)

RolandDieter

If you are on that tight a budget you need to buy something that will use your present lens inventory. For you that means Nikon.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

For Nikon FF you may look for a used D610. I do not know if this Nikon model can be purchased for $600 but if you find this Nikon it would be a great camera.