Do you need the heft and familiar controls of a DSLR body, or will a compact mirrorless body get you closer to the shot? The answer probably comes down to budget, lens system, and how much wear you can tolerate in a used camera. These four bodies-two from Nikon and two from Sony-range from an entry-level DSLR body to a high-resolution mirrorless option.
Quick Take
Here is the quick picture. The Nikon D80 is the least expensive body in this group, making it the easiest starting point if you only have a little to spend. The Nikon D200 is a more traditional DSLR body. The Sony NEX-6 is a mirrorless body with condition caveats you'd expect from a used unit. The Sony Alpha NEX-7 is the most feature-dense option, with a compact mirrorless design and a strong list of modern capabilities. If you want the most modern capabilities and are willing to spend more, the NEX-7 stands out. If you just want to get started with the least upfront cost, the D80 is the obvious first look.
Listed-Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Notable Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D200 | USD 100.00 | Used DSLR body, Auto Focus, USB | |
| Nikon D80 Body Only | USD 50.00 | 10.2MP DSLR, Auto Focus, USB | |
| Sony Alpha NEX-7 | USD 332.66 | 24.3MP APS-C, 10fps, 1080p, USB/HDMI | |
| Sony NEX-6 | USD 197.95 | 16.1MP mirrorless |
Decision Matrix
| If you want... | Look at... | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The lowest-cost body in this group | Nikon D80 Body Only | It's the least expensive body here. |
| A classic DSLR body with a solid feel | Nikon D200 | It's a used Nikon DSLR body at a moderate listed price. |
| A feature-packed mirrorless body | Sony Alpha NEX-7 | It offers the richest feature set in this group. |
| A tested mirrorless body | Sony NEX-6 | It's fully tested and operational, but the heavy wear means you should expect cosmetic blemishes. |
Product Notes
Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera Body
The Nikon D200 is a used DSLR body in black with a lithium-ion battery type, USB connectivity, and auto focus. The grip has slight peeling, but it does not affect performance. At a listed price of $100.00, it sits between the budget D80 and the Sony mirrorless bodies in cost. The body weighs 830g, giving it a solid, traditional DSLR feel. The trade-off is that it arrives as a body only, without batteries or memory cards, so you will need to add those before your first shoot. If you want a familiar DSLR body with auto focus and USB, the D200 is a reasonable middle option.
Nikon 254122176 D80 Digital SLR Body Only Camera - Black
The Nikon D80 is the price leader in this comparison at $50.00. It's a used DSLR body in black, with a lithium-ion battery type, USB connectivity, and auto focus. The 10.2MP sensor keeps things simple, and the 3x optical zoom is specified, along with a maximum aperture of 5.6. Since it's a body-only camera, you'll need to supply a lens, which adds to the total cost. This is the best candidate if you want the lowest possible entry price and don't mind planning around the extra parts. For someone new to DSLRs or looking for a spare body, the D80 is a straightforward, low-cost starting point.
Sony Alpha NEX-7 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body or W/16-50mm Lens Tripod Thread
The Sony Alpha NEX-7 is the most expensive body here, listed at $332.66, and it earns that with a strong feature list in a compact mirrorless package. Highlights include a 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 10fps burst, 1080p HD video, OLED viewfinder, built-in flash, and USB/HDMI connectivity. The charger is included, and the tiltable screen and tripod thread make it flexible for different shooting positions. The main limitation is the price, which is the highest in this group, so it's not the pick for a tight budget. If you want the most capable mirrorless body and are willing to spend for it, the NEX-7 is the standout choice.
Sony NEX-6 16.1MP Mirrorless Digital Camera Body *Read #487
The Sony NEX-6 is a 16.1MP mirrorless interchangeable lens body listed at $197.95. It's fully tested and operational, but the wear is visible: cosmetic paint loss, light scratches on the LCD, internal debris in the viewfinder, and possible glass imperfections that could affect picture quality. That makes it a cautious middle-ground option between the budget D80 and the feature-rich NEX-7. The model note *Read #487 points to the condition details, so you know what you're getting into before you commit. If you're comfortable with heavy wear and want a mirrorless body with a lower listed price than the NEX-7, this NEX-6 is a workable choice.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- Budget-first? The Nikon D80 is the entry point here, but remember it's body-only.
- Classic DSLR feel? The Nikon D200 gives you a more traditional body at a moderate price, but no battery or memory card included.
- Best mirrorless feature set? The Sony Alpha NEX-7 offers the most capable feature set here, but it's also the most expensive body.
- Worn mirrorless middle ground? The Sony NEX-6 offers cosmetic blemishes and possible glass imperfections at a lower listed price than the NEX-7.
