Seeking Advice. First Camera Purchase in Years. TY

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

08/20/2026 09:16:52 AM · #1

Originally, my plan was to spend around $800 total on an older full-frame DSLR + lens. My main considerations were the Nikon D800E, Canon 5D Mark II, and going back to an Olympus OM-D E-M1.

I was leaning heavily toward the D800E because I’m really a Nikon user at heart, and its 36 MP sensor would give me plenty of freedom to crop. The problem is that the more I thought about how I actually shoot, the more I realized that a large DSLR + telephoto lens might end up staying at home most of the time. And I will just continue using my iPhone 17 Pro Max/ the upcoming 18 Pro Max.

A friend also made me realize that, based on my shyness/fear and the kind of street photography I want to do, I would probably benefit much more from a smaller body, a small lens, and a completely silent touchscreen shutter. Those were actually some of the things I loved about my old Olympus OM-D E-M1.

So… my original $800 budget has somehow become around ~$1,300.

That brought me to the Nikon Z7.

Its body is relatively compact for a full-frame camera and is actually not that far off in size from the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, which I was also seriously considering. So I could get closer to the compactness I liked about Olympus while staying with Nikon and getting a 45.7 MP full-frame sensor.

Then there’s the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, Nikon’s smallest full-frame Z-mount prime (~$190). A Z7 + 26mm f/2.8 seems like a very discreet combination for street photography, especially since I can use the rear touchscreen and electronic shutter to shoot completely silently (non-negotiable). The 45.7 MP resolution also gives me a lot of cropping freedom when 26mm is wider than I need.

Also yeah I’m thinking this might make more sense than spending $800 on a setup that I’ll eventually want to replace anyway.

Now my other question: would you trust this eBay listing?

I found a Nikon Z7 45.7 MP body for $995 + tax + $27 shipping.

It also includes:
* 2 extra batteries
* 128 GB memory card
* OP/TECH USA strap
* Original box and papers

Shutter count is around 21k actuations.

Listing:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/227483022365

I was a little suspicious of the price, so I messaged the seller:

Hi, good day! Would you mind writing your eBay username on a piece of paper and placing it on top of the camera, then sending me a photo? I’m seriously interested in purchasing it and would just like to verify that the camera is currently in your possession before I proceed. I hope you don’t mind. Thank you very much.

Less than 12 hours later, the seller actually sent me exactly what I requested: a photo of the camera with their eBay username written on a piece of paper.

That made me much more inclined to buy it. It also has a “Make Offer” option, so I might even be able to get it for a lil bit less.

I’ve also been told that MPB.com is a great place to buy used cameras, and their cheapest Z7 is around $919 before shipping. However, I’m leaning toward the eBay one because of the extra batteries, 128 GB card, OP/TECH strap, and the fact that it comes with the complete box and papers.

What do you think? Does this package seem reasonably priced, or is there anything about it that still feels too good to be true?

I’m a longtime eBayer myself with 100% feedback, but purchases above $1000 is very serious to me. If anyone has a chance to look at the seller’s profile/listing, I’d really appreciate another set of eyes. Is there anything that stands out as a potential red flag? And is there anything else you would ask the seller or verify before making an offer?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, advice, and for taking the time to read through my post

Message edited by author 2026-08-20 09:17:50.

glad2badad

Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro M.Zuiko Digital ED

08/20/2026 09:41:06 AM · #2

The extra batteries and memory card do increase the value vs going with MPB (which I've used and trust overall).

If you want this camera from eBay you better act quick I think. It's getting a lot of views.

Only concern could be a dirty sensor but that's happened to me from MPB, even though they inspect, etc.

I'd go for it.

ETA - I wouldn't waste time making an "offer". Just "Buy it now".

Message edited by author 2026-08-20 09:41:57.

08/20/2026 10:30:57 AM · #3

Originally posted by glad2badad:

Thank you,

glad2badad! I super agree.... that 128 GB express card is ~$99. But really... is this too good to be true or just a good deal? What’s the deal with the “no returns accepted” part? How much of a concern should that be?

Also, I’m not from or currently in the USA but I have non-photography friends who travel there every so often and kindly bring things back for me. Right now, I have a friend there from August 19 to September 3, so she will receive the camera around August 28 and I'll get to receive it here on Sept 3. I also have another friend going there from October 20–30.

Crazy idea: Would anyone here be willing to receive and test the camera for me? I’d happily pay for the testing service and the additional shipping costs. Or do you think I’m overcomplicating things and should just have my friend bring it back and test it myself when she returns on Sept 3?

What would you do?

tanguera

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/20/2026 10:42:14 AM · #4

Make sure the 128GB card is actually the card the Z7 uses. The original Z7 does not take SD cards — it has one XQD/CFexpress Type B slot. Those cards are substantially more expensive, so if the included card is a genuine 128GB XQD or CFexpress Type B, that adds real value. If it’s CFexpress, make sure the camera firmware has been updated to support it.

Also remember that 45.7MP files are BIG. If you shoot 14-bit RAW, a 128GB card is only roughly 1,500–2,000 images depending on compression, so you’ll probably want another card eventually.

I have a Z7 and it's definitely smaller and lighter than my D750. It does have a couple of quirks, but also some workarounds. You can set the "sleep" time, which by default is 30 seconds. if it goes to sleep, there's a lag before you can shoot. I find it maddening, LOL. But “wake-up lag” can largely be avoided in the settings. Go to Custom Settings > c3 Power off delay > Standby timer and change the default 30 seconds to something much longer — I’d use 5 or 10 minutes while actively shooting. You can even set it to No Limit, although obviously that uses more battery. Also make sure d4 Exposure delay mode is OFF, or you can introduce an actual shutter delay.

I’d also update it to the latest firmware as soon as you get it. That gives you CFexpress support plus a number of autofocus and operational improvements Nikon added after the Z7 was released.

Given the price, I’d still pay through eBay and keep the entire transaction there so you retain buyer protection. But the seller actually producing a current photo of the camera with their username is a very reassuring sign.

08/20/2026 10:57:47 AM · #5

Originally posted by tanguera:

I truly appreciate your input,

tanguera, and thank you for all those tips.. definitely need those settings for street photography, especially the wake-up lag workaround.

This is the photo of the included card:

God forbid 😅, but if the camera turns out to have an issue or doesn’t work as described, would I still be covered by eBay’s buyer protection even though the seller states “no returns”?

My friend will need to open the package before traveling with it. Would that be an issue if I don’t get to videorecord the unboxing and properly test the camera myself until she brings it to me on September 3? Would I still have strong buyer protection in that case, even if I don’t have the unboxing + testing documented in one continuous video? Or eBay isn't particular with actual videos, just photos of proof?

tanguera

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/20/2026 11:50:21 AM · #6

Those are questions for eBay :)

Also, that sandisk doesn't appear to be what the camera uses. This is what they look like, and they can be quite expensive, over $200 each.

Message edited by author 2026-08-20 11:53:17.

08/20/2026 12:05:13 PM · #7

Originally posted by tanguera:

Those are questions for eBay :)

Also, that sandisk doesn't appear to be what the camera uses. This is what they look like, and they can be quite expensive, over $200 each.

Oh… hmm. Thanks for catching that! Even without the card, though, I still think it's a great value (+2 extra batteries). Btw, those Alibaba cards are surprisingly affordable.. I just hope they actually function as they should.

I also sent the seller one last question and am waiting for a reply:

Hi.. One last question.. Just to be sure, this Nikon Z7 camera is in good condition and functions exactly as it should? Thank you..

The reason I asked specifically is that in his other camera listings, he clearly stated: “Condition: Excellent. Lens is clean and camera functions exactly as it should.” I noticed he didn’t include the same wording in the Z7 listing, so I'm just wanting to get that confirmation

Btw, this is another option: Nikon Z7 45MP Mirrorless Camera Body with Z 24-70mm f4 S Zoom 8K Act! Warranty He's a camera seller since 1999

Message edited by author 2026-08-20 12:17:25.

tanguera

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/20/2026 12:28:00 PM · #8

Honestly, I'm not a camera expert, I just happen to have this camera :)

If the price is similar but the other accepts returns, it seems that that would be the better choice. Otherwise, either would work.

08/20/2026 12:48:30 PM · #9

Originally posted by tanguera:

He just replied: "Yes. This camera is in excellent condition and works exactly as it should"

08/20/2026 01:56:51 PM · #10

Originally posted by lovemelvin:

Originally posted by tanguera:
Honestly, I'm not a camera expert, I just happen to have this camera :)

If the price is similar but the other accepts returns, it seems that that would be the better choice. Otherwise, either would work.

He just replied: "Yes. This camera is in excellent condition and works exactly as it should".

Btw, regarding the card, it might just be the photo that made it difficult to identify, but it does appear to be the correct type for the Z7. I checked with ChatGPT, and this is what it said:

“That is a SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB CFexpress Type B memory card. And yes, this is exactly the type of card that the Nikon Z7 can use, provided the Z7 has CFexpress-compatible firmware installed.

From the label:
Capacity: 128GB
Type: CFexpress Type B
Read speed: up to 1700 MB/s
Write speed: up to 1200 MB/s

So the seller is actually including the correct high-speed card for the Z7. This is substantially more valuable than a regular 128GB SD card and adds to the overall value of the package.”

So that’s another little plus for this listing 😅

Should I buy it now? whew

Message edited by author 2026-08-20 13:58:21.

Ja-9

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

08/20/2026 03:36:48 PM · #11

Ask Chat which model (Z7/Z7II) you should get - it will search internet for best prices and look at the seller on eBay

08/20/2026 03:52:01 PM · #12

Originally posted by Ja-9:

Ask Chat which model (Z7/Z7II) you should get - it will search internet for best prices and look at the seller on eBay

’ll try that. Thank you! I just used the “newly added” filter.

Can someone please message the seller and ask if the camera has ever been opened up/unscrewed for any kind of repair/servicing? I don’t want to keep bugging him with questions lol.

Once he confirms it hasn’t, I’m buying it right now. Thank you!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/227483022365

Ja-9

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

08/20/2026 04:45:02 PM · #13

Originally posted by lovemelvin:

Originally posted by Ja-9:
Ask Chat which model (Z7/Z7II) you should get - it will search internet for best prices and look at the seller on eBay

’ll try that. Thank you! I just used the “newly added” filter.

Can someone please message the seller and ask if the camera has ever been opened up/unscrewed for any kind of repair/servicing? I don’t want to keep bugging him with questions lol.

Once he confirms it hasn’t, I’m buying it right now. Thank you!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/227483022365

I just ordered my Nikon Z7II directly from NikonUSA - their pricing/sales was only a few $$$ more to buy new vs used - so I went that route - it arrives tomorrow (happy dance) but I asked chat all kinds of questions - what kind of batteries it used - would my current batteries from my D750 work in it, which lens should I think about replacing (target) first, which one do I keep and use the adapter with - it was really good solid advice a quick as can be in the searches.

Olympus 17mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko

08/20/2026 05:09:53 PM · #14

Originally posted by Ja-9:

Originally posted by lovemelvin:

Originally posted by Ja-9:
Ask Chat which model (Z7/Z7II) you should get - it will search internet for best prices and look at the seller on eBay

’ll try that. Thank you! I just used the “newly added” filter.

Can someone please message the seller and ask if the camera has ever been opened up/unscrewed for any kind of repair/servicing? I don’t want to keep bugging him with questions lol.

Once he confirms it hasn’t, I’m buying it right now. Thank you!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/227483022365

I just ordered my Nikon Z7II directly from NikonUSA - their pricing/sales was only a few $$$ more to buy new vs used - so I went that route - it arrives tomorrow (happy dance) but I asked chat all kinds of questions - what kind of batteries it used - would my current batteries from my D750 work in it, which lens should I think about replacing (target) first, which one do I keep and use the adapter with - it was really good solid advice a quick as can be in the searches.

Wow... I'm so excited for you.... 🎉

PennyStreet

OM System OM-5

08/20/2026 09:02:04 PM · #15

Melvin, I see one active offer. Sent you a PM.

08/20/2026 09:33:57 PM · #16

Originally posted by PennyStreet:

Melvin, I see one active offer. Sent you a PM.

Thank you soooo much,

PennyStreet. That was so helpful and sealed the deal. I immediately purchased it after reading your message. Thank you all,

glad2badad,

kanaj,

tanguera,

Ja-9