Buying advice
For beginners: a realistic choice
How to choose your first kit on a budget of around 20,000 CZK, what to watch out for with used gear and when it's worth raising your budget.
Buying your first camera kit is a real challenge these days. Even on a limited budget, though, you can get solid gear that won't hold you back any time soon. The key isn't chasing a brand, but understanding what you actually need from a camera.
How to choose a body on this budget
In this price range we're looking at better APS-C bodies and older used full-frame cameras, which call for caution. For most beginners, a quality APS-C system is the most sensible choice – it offers great value for money and is compact.
If you have your heart set on full frame, expect a second- or third-hand body. Full frame has less noise at higher ISO and allows shallower depth of field, meaning stronger background blur.
With used gear, always check:
- the shutter count
- the sensor condition
- that autofocus works
With APS-C, avoid technically outdated models with weak autofocus.
What to watch out for with lenses
If there's something left over for a lens, choose carefully. Remember that the lens is often more important than the body.
I don't have a full-frame body in stock for up to 20,000 CZK right now. From my pricier stock I have, for example, the versatile Sigma 24–70 mm f/2.8 Art zoom, the full-frame Canon EOS R6 and Nikon Z6 II bodies, and for Sony the legendary Sony FE 85 mm f/1.4 GM.
The Canon EOS R6 is above this budget. To start with, though, older or APS-C Canon models may be enough.
Checking and deciding
Before buying a used camera, always do a basic test:
- Does the body heat up too quickly?
- Do all the controls work?
- Is the screen free of dead pixels?
- Are the connectors or optics undamaged?
If you can't try the body in person, ask for detailed photos and a video of it in operation. Patience pays off – better to wait for the right copy than to buy a mistake you'll regret.
My advice
Better one good body and one lens than three compromises. Tell me what you shoot and how soon you need it – I'll find an option that's realistically within reach.
