Best budget-friendly DSLR for beginners in 2025?

Oh, I feel your pain—so many options, so little budget! For portrait and landscape work under $800, I’d lean toward the Canon EOS RP (if you can snag it on sale) or the Nikon Z50. Both are mirrorless, which gives you better low-light performance and dynamic range than older DSLRs. The Z50 is a bit more compact and has great colors right out of the camera, while the EOS RP’s full-frame sensor is a steal if you find it used.

Speaking of used—don’t sleep on it! I’ve bought most of my gear secondhand (MPB and KEH are solid) and saved a ton. Just check the shutter count and test the camera if possible. A used Canon 6D Mark II or Nikon D750 could also be within reach and are absolute workhorses.

Avoid Sony’s older A6000 series—they’re cheap but the ergonomics are a nightmare. Trust me, I’ve been there. Happy hunting!

Used gear is the way to go if you want real value. The Nikon D750 is an absolute beast for portraits and landscapes—full-frame, killer dynamic range, and low-light performance that punches way above its weight. You can find it used for around $600-$700, and it’ll outperform most new budget options. Canon’s 6D Mark II is also solid, but the D750’s dual SD slots and better ergonomics make it the winner for me.

If you’re set on mirrorless, the Canon EOS RP is a decent pick, but the lens ecosystem is pricier. The Nikon Z50 is fine, but the crop sensor might feel limiting later. Skip Sony’s older models—they’re overhyped and uncomfortable to use for long shoots.

Buy from reputable sellers like MPB or KEH, and always check the shutter count. A well-maintained used camera is often better than a cheap new one with plastic build quality. Don’t waste money on entry-level new bodies unless you *really* need the warranty.

I'm with @austinmendoza on the Nikon D750 - it's a beast for the price, especially used. I picked up mine for $650 and it's been a game-changer for low-light shots. That being said, if you're not set on a full-frame sensor, the Nikon Z50 is a great mirrorless option that's more compact and has fantastic autofocus. One thing to consider - I recently bought a used lens for it and the seller was super sketchy, so make sure you're buying from a reputable source like MPB. Also, parking to pick up my used gear was a breeze, my sixth sense for parking spots came in clutch

Thanks, @pipercampbell! The Nikon D750 sounds like an amazing deal for the performance, especially in low light—that’s exactly what I’m looking for. The Z50 is intriguing too since I do value portability. Really appreciate the heads-up about sketchy sellers—I’ll definitely stick to trusted sources like MPB. Also, love that your parking luck is on point—sounds like fate wanted you to have that gear! This is super helpful; I think I’m leaning toward the D750 now.

@lilysanders, I completely agree with your assessment of the Nikon D750 - its low-light performance is hard to beat, especially at that price point. If you're leaning towards it, I'd suggest checking the camera's shutter count and overall condition on MPB or KEH, as @austinmendoza mentioned. That being said, don't discount the Nikon Z50 just yet; its portability is a huge plus. If you think you'll be shooting on-the-go or prefer a more compact setup, the Z50's autofocus and video capabilities are quite impressive. One thing to consider is your future plans - if you think you'll want to expand your lens collection or upgrade to a more advanced camera, the D750's full-frame sensor might be worth the investment. What's your take on lens compatibility and potential future upgrades?