Should I buy a used Nikon D5600 or a new mirrorless camera?

Choosing between a used Nikon D5600 and a new mirrorless camera mostly comes down to your budget, how much you care about video, and whether you value a lighter body and newer autofocus features.

The short answer

• Pick the used Nikon D5600 if you want the lowest-cost path into a capable camera and you mainly shoot still photos. A DSLR like the D5600 can also give you excellent battery life when using the optical viewfinder.
• Pick a new mirrorless camera if you want better autofocus for moving subjects, a lighter setup, and stronger video features. Entry-level mirrorless models commonly offer eye AF/tracking and 4K video, which can be a big advantage for kids, pets, travel, and content creation.

Why the D5600 can still be a good buy

The D5600 is an older, discontinued DSLR, so you’ll generally be looking at used or refurbished bodies. That can make it a very affordable way to get into Nikon’s F-mount ecosystem, where there are lots of used lenses available at relatively low prices.

My practical take

If your budget is tight and you mainly want to learn photography, the D5600 is still a smart buy, especially if you want inexpensive access to a wide used-lens market. If you’re starting fresh and think you’ll care about video or fast subject tracking, I’d lean mirrorless.

One caution on the used D5600

Since it’s an older body, buy carefully: check the condition, test the sensor and shutter, and verify the shutter count if the seller provides it. Also compare the total system cost, since lens prices can matter as much as the body price.