D500 - Worth It the used price?

Richard Dutton wrote:

For the OP - personally, if I could find a D500 in exc condition and say low clicks ( under 30k ) with a 1 yr dealer warranty and under £1k I would buy it if I had the cash - even though this is more than I paid for mine new some years ago.

Something like this? 🙂

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon-d500/sku-1816015

Warranty is 6 month and it has just over 31k clicks,  but not bad.

Richard Dutton wrote:

At a somewhat tangent to the OP's questions:

Those of us who have a D500 - do we ( if we have the money ) buy another used just in case ? I am talking to the amateur / casual photographer here.

I have found a few systems that I liked and met specific needs over the years and, when prices were right, built up what I hoped would be a "future proofed" .

My first was and is contax SLRs and Zeiss glass - I have about 3 139 quartz bodies - cheap and functional. None have failed over 8- 40 years. They are solely to use C/Y lenses on film.

My second was buying into the Nikon 1 systems ( used ) - again I have plenty of bodies and ( repaired lenses ) to last me for whatever. Again no failures with the bodies for 6 + years - lenses have been uprated in Taiwan and all good.

Both these were very very cheap.

The third and last system that I want to maintain access to is the wildlife/sports camera> The dilema is about the D500 - this has what I want in an action/sports/wildlife camera and all I need in fact. The issue is that, currently ( as we all know ) supply is extremely limited and prices high. As I suggested in an earlier post, a backup ( for myself ) are the relatively cheap D850's and, at some point, I may decide to sell stuff to fund said D850,

I am wary of being in a position where my recovery position, should my D500 fail and be unrepairable, is to have to to get a Z9 - great though that is - for £4-5K rather than £1 - 1.1 k for a low clicks D500 or £1.6k for a D850.

For the OP - personally, if I could find a D500 in exc condition and say low clicks ( under 30k ) with a 1 yr dealer warranty and under £1k I would buy it if I had the cash - even though this is more than I paid for mine new some years ago.

I would buy it. The problem, as stated, it that people and even sellers, for €1K give you D500s that have 100K or more shoots.

Speaking of dealers that give you warranty, the best I can find right now is: D500, 27K shoots, 2 year warranty (si far so good), at €1.370…. That’s way to much IMO.

I do suggest, again, that you seriously consider a D850 instead bearing in mind current prices,

As already stated, the D850 it is in a completely differente price range. A good condition one from a dealer goes for over €2.000 while private listing still around €1700/800.

Honestly, I was think about spending 1K, ish.

richard

PS - realised that at least some of the duty on my single D500 I can push onto a D300s which I have just bought

CaptainAmerica wrote:

Richard Dutton wrote:

For the OP - personally, if I could find a D500 in exc condition and say low clicks ( under 30k ) with a 1 yr dealer warranty and under £1k I would buy it if I had the cash - even though this is more than I paid for mine new some years ago.

Something like this? 🙂

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon-d500/sku-1816015

Warranty is 6 month and it has just over 31k clicks, but not bad.

That site seems to have really good deals. Is it worth it even if outside of UK?

I mean, for shipping, import taxes and the ability to send back things under warranty.

Given your recent comments, stated budget (€1.000), interest (wildlife), and commitment to Nikon, I'd recommend two options:

• Add a 200-500mm f/5.6E to use with your D7200...OR
• Add a used D500 and 200-500

The lens will improve the results you get with the D7200 more than a new body will improve the results with your current glass. Upgrading both the body and glass will give you years of excellent service, assuming no incidents resulting in damage beyond repair.

Good luck.

LtColDavenport wrote:

CaptainAmerica wrote:

Richard Dutton wrote:

For the OP - personally, if I could find a D500 in exc condition and say low clicks ( under 30k ) with a 1 yr dealer warranty and under £1k I would buy it if I had the cash - even though this is more than I paid for mine new some years ago.

Something like this? 🙂

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon-d500/sku-1816015

Warranty is 6 month and it has just over 31k clicks, but not bad.

That site seems to have really good deals. Is it worth it even if outside of UK?

I mean, for shipping, import taxes and the ability to send back things under warranty.

Where do you live, if I may ask? MPB have operations in US, UK and Germany. Their European website shows this:

https://www.mpb.com/en-eu/product/nikon-d500/sku-1793355

they have another one with around 20,000 clicks and many more within a range of condition and shutter count.

Something I like of MPB vs other used gear sellers is that they have a product page specific to each item. What you see and what they describe is exactly what you would get. You can even see the serial number and therefore extrapolate origin and approximate age (Nikon use different serial number sequences by region)

In the last year I have purchased two Nikon lenses and the Nikon grip for my D500. They were all rated in "like new" conditions and indeed they were. Got the lenses at half price vs new and the grip at 1/3 of the price.

I have no affiliation with MPB, just sharing my so far positive experience with them.

Having said that, I agree with Bill's suggestion that getting a 200-500mm lens to pair with your D7200 is a good option. You can always add the D500 later on. I am afraid we got to the point where the only way to get a new one is on the gray market and it would cost the same or more than the regular imports. On the other hand,  used D500 will continue to be available for a long time.

If I were you, I would stick with mine and trust it will work for the foreseable future.  If and when it becomes completely inoperable and unrepairable, I would take that as an opportunity to explore the used market and/or look at new offerings.  You will probably be able to find a decent replacement in 2038.

LtColDavenport wrote:

bluzman wrote:

CaptainAmerica wrote:

I got my D500 in February 2022, directly from Nikon USA. With sales taxes it came to $1,700.

Was it worth it for a 6-yr old camera? To me yes, as I wanted to upgrade from my D90 and wanted a camera primarily for action photography. Even today, one year later, there isn't one like it.

€1,000 or $1,000 for a used one in "excellent" conditions (as rated for example by MPB) does not seem outrageous if you want or need the kind of performance the D500 gives you.

I got mine from MPB in September 2001.

2001? A Nikon D500?

It had 4,723 shutter actuations. The price was $1,199. I traded my D750 and several full frame lenses to close the deal and ended up getting cash back along with the D500.

I agree that a used D500 in the condition and price range you've posted is absolutely not outrageous.

I mean, €1.1K for 5K shutter count, it would kind of being fine. but I see it with much more even if it is getting older, the prices seems to old up.

Oops, my mistake... September 2021.

Richard Dutton wrote:

Those of us who have a D500 - do we ( if we have the money ) buy another used just in case ? I am talking to the amateur / casual photographer here.

In my case, the answer is, yes. I'm currently waiting for delivery of a refurbished unit that I ordered last Friday directly from NikonUSA. It was offered as part of one of Nikon's periodic 4-day refurbished item sales. Between the reduced price, an additional 10% discount, and free shipping it was a deal I couldn't pass up.

Bill Ferris wrote:

Given your recent comments, stated budget (€1.000), interest (wildlife), and commitment to Nikon, I'd recommend two options:

• Add a 200-500mm f/5.6E to use with your D7200...OR
• Add a used D500 and 200-500

The lens will improve the results you get with the D7200 more than a new body will improve the results with your current glass. Upgrading both the body and glass will give you years of excellent service, assuming no incidents resulting in damage beyond repair.

Good luck.

Thanks for your comment.

I am also starting to think I will just buy that 200-500mm for the time being and see. Maybe I will add a D500 down the road if I feel it will be necessary.

CaptainAmerica wrote:

LtColDavenport wrote:

CaptainAmerica wrote:

Richard Dutton wrote:

For the OP - personally, if I could find a D500 in exc condition and say low clicks ( under 30k ) with a 1 yr dealer warranty and under £1k I would buy it if I had the cash - even though this is more than I paid for mine new some years ago.

Something like this? 🙂

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/nikon-d500/sku-1816015

Warranty is 6 month and it has just over 31k clicks, but not bad.

That site seems to have really good deals. Is it worth it even if outside of UK?

I mean, for shipping, import taxes and the ability to send back things under warranty.

Where do you live, if I may ask? MPB have operations in US, UK and Germany. Their European website shows this:

https://www.mpb.com/en-eu/product/nikon-d500/sku-1793355

Thank you very much. I was only seeing the UK and US version.

they have another one with around 20,000 clicks and many more within a range of condition and shutter count.

Something I like of MPB vs other used gear sellers is that they have a product page specific to each item. What you see and what they describe is exactly what you would get. You can even see the serial number and therefore extrapolate origin and approximate age (Nikon use different serial number sequences by region)

Thanks for the information!

In the last year I have purchased two Nikon lenses and the Nikon grip for my D500. They were all rated in "like new" conditions and indeed they were. Got the lenses at half price vs new and the grip at 1/3 of the price.

I have no affiliation with MPB, just sharing my so far positive experience with them.

Good to know!

Having said that, I agree with Bill's suggestion that getting a 200-500mm lens to pair with your D7200 is a good option. You can always add the D500 later on. I am afraid we got to the point where the only way to get a new one is on the gray market and it would cost the same or more than the regular imports. On the other hand, used D500 will continue to be available for a long time.

Yeah, I am also starting to think the same.

Brev00 wrote:

If I were you, I would stick with mine and trust it will work for the foreseable future. If and when it becomes completely inoperable and unrepairable, I would take that as an opportunity to explore the used market and/or look at new offerings. You will probably be able to find a decent replacement in 2038.

Are you speaking about my D7200?

LtColDavenport wrote:

Brev00 wrote:

If I were you, I would stick with mine and trust it will work for the foreseable future. If and when it becomes completely inoperable and unrepairable, I would take that as an opportunity to explore the used market and/or look at new offerings. You will probably be able to find a decent replacement in 2038.

Are you speaking about my D7200?

I was unclear.  I have a D500 so was walking about that.  I would not say the same about the D7200 as I don't think it has the same awesome build quality as the D500.  I am hoping Nikon makes a Z version of this lens.  It might be the thing that gets me to jump to mirrorless.  I guess I could move to a 'new offering' before the end of my D500's lifespan.

Brev00 wrote:

LtColDavenport wrote:

Brev00 wrote:

If I were you, I would stick with mine and trust it will work for the foreseable future. If and when it becomes completely inoperable and unrepairable, I would take that as an opportunity to explore the used market and/or look at new offerings. You will probably be able to find a decent replacement in 2038.

Are you speaking about my D7200?

I was unclear. I have a D500 so was walking about that. I would not say the same about the D7200 as I don't think it has the same awesome build quality as the D500. I am hoping Nikon makes a Z version of this lens. It might be the thing that gets me to jump to mirrorless. I guess I could move to a 'new offering' before the end of my D500's lifespan.

Thanks for the clarification.

I also was wishing for a mirror less D500 replacement, but no luck so far.

LtColDavenport wrote:

I also was wishing for a mirror less D500 replacement, but no luck so far.

If you wish upon a star, it eventually happens. I got a D200 in March 2006, skipped the D300, waited for a D400 that never came, and finally got a D500 in April 2016. I steadfastly skipped all the distractions Nikon threw at us until Nikon got it right. I am ready to wait until Nikon comes up with a mirrorless D500 replacement, maybe in 2026.

Nikon uses an erratic naming convention, let's call that hypothetical camera a Z400, in honour of the missing D400

JC
Some cameras, some lenses, some computers

Yeah. I realized a Mirrorless D500 it won’t come any time soon, apparently.

That’s one of the reason that’s pushing me toward buying one used now rather than later.

Ti anyone that will read this, just a cold, straight question. I have found two deals both appealing. You would choose a D500:

• for €995 with just under 5.000 clicks, in only “good” conditions and 6 months warranty.
• or €910 with 120K shots, 1XQD, 2 batteries and 2 years warranty?

How much weight should I give to the shutter count? The €910 deal looks quite good honestly.

LtColDavenport wrote:

Yeah. I realized a Mirrorless D500 it won’t come any time soon, apparently.

That’s one of the reason that’s pushing me toward buying one used now rather than later.

Ti anyone that will read this, just a cold, straight question. I have found two deals both appealing. You would choose a D500:

• for €995 with just under 5.000 clicks, in only “good” conditions and 6 months warranty.
• or €910 with 120K shots, 1XQD, 2 batteries and 2 years warranty?

How much weight should I give to the shutter count? The €910 deal looks quite good honestly.

Those two deals, are they from the same vendor? Do you have any idea about the reputation of the vendor(s)? I would tend to go with the 5000 click one, but another variable is how heavily will you use it? 2 years warranty sounds good.

JC
Some cameras, some lenses, some computers

LtColDavenport wrote:

Yeah. I realized a Mirrorless D500 it won’t come any time soon, apparently.

That’s one of the reason that’s pushing me toward buying one used now rather than later.

Ti anyone that will read this, just a cold, straight question. I have found two deals both appealing. You would choose a D500:

• for €995 with just under 5.000 clicks, in only “good” conditions and 6 months warranty.
• or €910 with 120K shots, 1XQD, 2 batteries and 2 years warranty?

How much weight should I give to the shutter count? The €910 deal looks quite good honestly.

The D500 shutter "life expectancy" is 200,000 clicks according to Nikon. It does not mean it will surely fail past that, but it tells you that with 120k clicks the previous owner(s) used up 60% of the nominal shutter lifespan.

I would also take into account what the two warranties cover: replacement, repair (parts and/or labor, shipment cost?), refund? With warranties, especially on used equipment, the devil is in the details.

Furthermore, the overall conditions of the camera count too. For example, the 5k clicks one could have a low count because it was used mostly for video, but it could be old and either the body of some of the controls could be a bit worn out (potential reason for the "good" overall rating).

On the other hand, the 120k click camera may have been used by an action or nature photographer with a "spray and pray" attitude, always firing at 10fps for several seconds to make sure to get that "perfect" shot (or perhaps it was simply a pro photographer taking hundreds or even thousands of shots per day). So, it could be even newer than the other and in better general conditions.

The ideal situation would be that you buy both and return the "worse" one. If you use a credit card with a billing cycle longer than the return period the charge and refund amount would cancel each other. That might not be realistic, though. In Europe return policies are oftentimes more restrictive than in US.

LtColDavenport wrote:

Yeah. I realized a Mirrorless D500 it won’t come any time soon, apparently.

That’s one of the reason that’s pushing me toward buying one used now rather than later.

Ti anyone that will read this, just a cold, straight question. I have found two deals both appealing. You would choose a D500:

• for €995 with just under 5.000 clicks, in only “good” conditions and 6 months warranty.
• or €910 with 120K shots, 1XQD, 2 batteries and 2 years warranty?

How much weight should I give to the shutter count? The €910 deal looks quite good honestly.

You first may want to equalize the prices.  To do that, one must know the exact xqd card being offered.  A name brand?  How many gb of storage.  For kick's sake, let's say that is 100 euros.  Then, we have the batteries.  Are they both Nikon?  Or just one?  How much charge is left?  Let's say 50 euros for the extra battery.  Add 100 for the peace of mind of the longer warranty.  1245.  Subtract 200 for the low shutter count.  So, 1045 instead of 910. I would not worry so much about the camera needing a shutter replacement any time soon.  Especially if the photos show relatively little wear.  Much better condition may compensate for the greater shutter count.

Practically, I would get the cheaper one. However, we haven't factored in the emotional value.  If the good condition 5000 click camera is actually in very nice condition, includes the box and all accessories, it will feel like a new camera to you.  You will be the owner of the great majority of its eventual lifespan. That has a huge $500 benefit!  Budget v heart in that situation.