The Nikon D3000 turns 17 – but it's still a great budget camera for learning photography (with used bodies from US$65!)

Black Nikon D3000 camera with an 18-55mm lens, set against a vibrant orange background.

The Nikon D3000 was launched back in 2009, which makes this DSLR camera for beginners an astonishing 17 years old. And yet, in 2026, it remains a surprisingly relevant camera for new photographers.

In fact, if your goal is to learn photography properly without breaking the bank, the Nikon D3000 might be one of the smartest and most low-risk second-hand camera purchases you can make. The cheapest offers that I found on second-hand retailer KEH in the US is $65, while in the UK it's just £41 at MPB.com.