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Several very low-end bodies, with low-end kit lenses. Nothing here that's exceptional. Personally, I'd avoid these.
I have serious reservations against a camera in 2026 that doesn't at least have an articulated touchscreen. It's like not having power steering or a spare tire in a car. Sure, maybe at one point in time, those were luxury features -- but not today. Especially when these might be someone's "first real camera" after using a mobile phone.
The lenses are below-average. The EF 75-300 lens is considered to be one of Canon's worst lenses ever made.
I would argue you'd be better off hitting the used market for something Micro 4/3rd (Olympus EM-1 Mk II) or an older Canon DSLR (full frame or aps-c -- 5D mk II or anything up to the 60D). They're older than these, but they're a far better experience.
For example, you can get a Canon 1ds Mark II for around $400. That's a top-tier pro body from 2007...with full frame 21MP. It's like driving a slightly older luxury car. I'd use that over this plasTIK flim-flam any day.
I've been out of this hobby for a long time, but ain't no way you can justify buying a 20-year old body with no lens vs. a modern body with two lenses for the same price. Even if your 20-year-old 1Ds is in a great shape, realistically it won't give you an advanttage except - maybe - in some low light or fast action condition.
Suggesting a used 1Ds is just crazy talk, but I don't have a skin in the game. You do you.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank LavenderPickle7682
Several very low-end bodies, with low-end kit lenses. Nothing here that's exceptional. Personally, I'd avoid these.
I have serious reservations against a camera in 2026 that doesn't at least have an articulated touchscreen. It's like not having power steering or a spare tire in a car. Sure, maybe at one point in time, those were luxury features -- but not today. Especially when these might be someone's "first real camera" after using a mobile phone.
The lenses are below-average. The EF 75-300 lens is considered to be one of Canon's worst lenses ever made.
I would argue you'd be better off hitting the used market for something Micro 4/3rd (Olympus EM-1 Mk II) or an older Canon DSLR (full frame or aps-c -- 5D mk II or anything up to the 60D). They're older than these, but they're a far better experience.
For example, you can get a Canon 1ds Mark II for around $400. That's a top-tier pro body from 2007...with full frame 21MP. It's like driving a slightly older luxury car. I'd use that over this plasTIK flim-flam any day.
Last edited by LavenderPickle7682 March 25, 2026 at 11:17 PM.
Several very low-end bodies, with low-end kit lenses. Nothing here that's exceptional. Personally, I'd avoid these.
I have serious reservations against a camera in 2026 that doesn't at least have an articulated touchscreen. It's like not having power steering or a spare tire in a car. Sure, maybe at one point in time, those were luxury features -- but not today. Especially when these might be someone's "first real camera" after using a mobile phone.
The lenses are below-average. The EF 75-300 lens is considered to be one of Canon's worst lenses ever made.
I would argue you'd be better off hitting the used market for something Micro 4/3rd (Olympus EM-1 Mk II) or an older Canon DSLR (full frame or aps-c -- 5D mk II or anything up to the 60D). They're older than these, but they're a far better experience.
For example, you can get a Canon 1ds Mark II for around $400. That's a top-tier pro body from 2007...with full frame 24MP. It's like driving a slightly older luxury car. I'd use that over this plasTIK flim-flam any day.
I would much rather control the camera with buttons than use a touch screen. In fact, I would pay more to not need a touch screen.
For example, you can get a Canon 1ds Mark II for around $400. That's a top-tier pro body from 2007...with full frame 24MP. It's like driving a slightly older luxury car. I'd use that over this plasTIK flim-flam any day.
I've been out of this hobby for a long time, but ain't no way you can justify buying a 20-year old body with no lens vs. a modern body with two lenses for the same price. Even if your 20-year-old 1Ds is in a great shape, realistically it won't give you an advanttage except - maybe - in some low light or fast action condition.
Suggesting a used 1Ds is just crazy talk, but I don't have a skin in the game. You do you.
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Mar 26, 2026 6:15 AM
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Mar 26, 2026 6:53 AM
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They aren't great, but get the job done.
For beginners, it's a low risk investment. There is more to photography than AF, bokeh, image quality, etc. Composition, lighting and storytelling are more important. Obviously depends on your goals.
Manufacturer's refurbished units at less than half of the street price of new (and sold direct by the manufacturer!) looks to me like a pretty good deal for anyone looking at those models. Nice find OP.
Last edited by adnj March 26, 2026 at 08:52 AM.
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Mar 26, 2026 8:39 PM
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Several very low-end bodies, with low-end kit lenses. Nothing here that's exceptional. Personally, I'd avoid these.I have serious reservations against a camera in 2026 that doesn't at least have an articulated touchscreen. It's like not having power steering or a spare tire in a car. Sure, maybe at one point in time, those were luxury features -- but not today. Especially when these might be someone's "first real camera" after using a mobile phone.The lenses are below-average. The EF 75-300 lens is considered to be one of Canon's worst lenses ever made. I would argue you'd be better off hitting the used market for something Micro 4/3rd (Olympus EM-1 Mk II) or an older Canon DSLR (full frame or aps-c -- 5D mk II or anything up to the 60D). They're older than these, but they're a far better experience. For example, you can get a Canon 1ds Mark II for around $400. That's a top-tier pro body from 2007...with full frame 21MP. It's like driving a slightly older luxury car. I'd use that over this plasTIK flim-flam any day.
Just curious why you say "up to a 60D" and not the 70D or 90D?
People are still pumping out great pictures with these 18mp sensors. They will do the job for still photography. I still rock my 40D out when i want to feel nostolgic. T100 for $200 is great to get your feet wet. There are better cameras, but they will cost more. Half the people that do buy these cameras end up not wanting to do photograpy anyway. Better to spend $200 than $1000 and not enjoy it.
Just curious why you say "up to a 60D" and not the 70D or 90D?
"The Canon EOS 70D features a polycarbonate build, which is a change from the magnesium-alloy body used in the EOS 60D." The 70D and up are not made of the same rugged material as their predecessors. So folks feel that the 60D is the last good "prosumer" DSLR camera that Canon made. Otherwise you have to step up to the "professional" cameras that he mentioned: 1DS, 5 mk II, etc., at least for Canon.
I've been out of this hobby for a long time, but ain't no way you can justify buying a 20-year old body with no lens vs. a modern body with two lenses for the same price. Even if your 20-year-old 1Ds is in a great shape, realistically it won't give you an advanttage except - maybe - in some low light or fast action condition.
Suggesting a used 1Ds is just crazy talk, but I don't have a skin in the game. You do you.
Saying "buy it because it's modern" doesn't make for a good argument. In fact, without context, telling someone that modern is (automatically) better than old is pretty silly for any conversation. The "20-year old camera" is professional grade in both functionality and build quality. The cameras listed in this post probably aren't even considered prosumer, and are definitely cheap plastic. And the lenses, as stated, aren't good.
IMHO, an argument can be made to buy the cheap cameras if the buyer NEEDS built-in wifi and NFC; the 1ds will not have that.
"The Canon EOS 70D features a polycarbonate build, which is a change from the magnesium-alloy body used in the EOS 60D." The 70D and up are not made of the same rugged material as their predecessors. So folks feel that the 60D is the last good "prosumer" DSLR camera that Canon made. Otherwise you have to step up to the "professional" cameras that he mentioned: 1DS, 5 mk II, etc., at least for Canon.
No way in hell I'd choose a 60D over the 90D just because of what the body is made of. The 70D/90D's body will last just as long. You're also giving the 90D's 4K video recording. Still camera resolution: 90D=32MP, 60D=18MP.
Last edited by rkg111 March 26, 2026 at 03:23 PM.
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Your phone is better than all of these lenses and camera bodies in terms of video, image quality in general and portability .
I know some of you will jump in and say, "this setup can do this and that," but the truth is if you were really serious about getting into photography as a hobby, you would've already started instead of waiting for a deal like this.
you may think, it's only $200, what do I have to lose? you'll likely get frustrated with this setup, and when you try to resell, you'll find that no one really wants it.
Also, these days it feels a bit awkward using a DSLR or a big lens in public.
If you still want a DSLR, go for something used but solid , Canon 5D Mark III or IV, or a Nikon D810, D850, D780, or D500. There are plenty of lenses available, and both bodies and lenses are relatively cheap now. They're well-built and hold their resale value. Even if you don't use them often, they still feel great to hold. I have 1Ds mk ii , it's like a like a brick and it's so vintage, there's no way you will use it in public or even use it after you used slightly modern camera unless you are collector and have GAS syndrome .
And for those who can still produce great photos with older, cheaper gear , you have my full respect. I have nothing against that at all. You enjoy tinkering, diving deep, and doing post-processing. But let's be honest , 99% of people wondering if they need a camera aren't like that.
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I have serious reservations against a camera in 2026 that doesn't at least have an articulated touchscreen. It's like not having power steering or a spare tire in a car. Sure, maybe at one point in time, those were luxury features -- but not today. Especially when these might be someone's "first real camera" after using a mobile phone.
The lenses are below-average. The EF 75-300 lens is considered to be one of Canon's worst lenses ever made.
I would argue you'd be better off hitting the used market for something Micro 4/3rd (Olympus EM-1 Mk II) or an older Canon DSLR (full frame or aps-c -- 5D mk II or anything up to the 60D). They're older than these, but they're a far better experience.
For example, you can get a Canon 1ds Mark II for around $400. That's a top-tier pro body from 2007...with full frame 21MP. It's like driving a slightly older luxury car. I'd use that over this plasTIK flim-flam any day.
Suggesting a used 1Ds is just crazy talk, but I don't have a skin in the game. You do you.
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28 Comments
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank LavenderPickle7682
I have serious reservations against a camera in 2026 that doesn't at least have an articulated touchscreen. It's like not having power steering or a spare tire in a car. Sure, maybe at one point in time, those were luxury features -- but not today. Especially when these might be someone's "first real camera" after using a mobile phone.
The lenses are below-average. The EF 75-300 lens is considered to be one of Canon's worst lenses ever made.
I would argue you'd be better off hitting the used market for something Micro 4/3rd (Olympus EM-1 Mk II) or an older Canon DSLR (full frame or aps-c -- 5D mk II or anything up to the 60D). They're older than these, but they're a far better experience.
For example, you can get a Canon 1ds Mark II for around $400. That's a top-tier pro body from 2007...with full frame 21MP. It's like driving a slightly older luxury car. I'd use that over this plasTIK flim-flam any day.
I have serious reservations against a camera in 2026 that doesn't at least have an articulated touchscreen. It's like not having power steering or a spare tire in a car. Sure, maybe at one point in time, those were luxury features -- but not today. Especially when these might be someone's "first real camera" after using a mobile phone.
The lenses are below-average. The EF 75-300 lens is considered to be one of Canon's worst lenses ever made.
I would argue you'd be better off hitting the used market for something Micro 4/3rd (Olympus EM-1 Mk II) or an older Canon DSLR (full frame or aps-c -- 5D mk II or anything up to the 60D). They're older than these, but they're a far better experience.
For example, you can get a Canon 1ds Mark II for around $400. That's a top-tier pro body from 2007...with full frame 24MP. It's like driving a slightly older luxury car. I'd use that over this plasTIK flim-flam any day.
Suggesting a used 1Ds is just crazy talk, but I don't have a skin in the game. You do you.
For beginners, it's a low risk investment. There is more to photography than AF, bokeh, image quality, etc. Composition, lighting and storytelling are more important. Obviously depends on your goals.
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Suggesting a used 1Ds is just crazy talk, but I don't have a skin in the game. You do you.
IMHO, an argument can be made to buy the cheap cameras if the buyer NEEDS built-in wifi and NFC; the 1ds will not have that.
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I know some of you will jump in and say, "this setup can do this and that," but the truth is if you were really serious about getting into photography as a hobby, you would've already started instead of waiting for a deal like this.
you may think, it's only $200, what do I have to lose? you'll likely get frustrated with this setup, and when you try to resell, you'll find that no one really wants it.
Also, these days it feels a bit awkward using a DSLR or a big lens in public.
If you still want a DSLR, go for something used but solid , Canon 5D Mark III or IV, or a Nikon D810, D850, D780, or D500. There are plenty of lenses available, and both bodies and lenses are relatively cheap now. They're well-built and hold their resale value. Even if you don't use them often, they still feel great to hold. I have 1Ds mk ii , it's like a like a brick and it's so vintage, there's no way you will use it in public or even use it after you used slightly modern camera unless you are collector and have GAS syndrome .
And for those who can still produce great photos with older, cheaper gear , you have my full respect. I have nothing against that at all. You enjoy tinkering, diving deep, and doing post-processing. But let's be honest , 99% of people wondering if they need a camera aren't like that.
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Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!