Second-hand system cameras

Why buy a second-hand system camera?

The price of a system camera drops rapidly in the first few years, even though the camera itself is still perfectly up to date. On the second-hand market, you can often get a body that’s a step up for the same budget – for example, for the price of an APS-C camera – and you can use the money you save to buy a high-quality lens, which often has a greater impact on image quality than the body itself.

Mirrorless or DSLR?

There are two main types of system cameras:

• Mirrorless cameras (e.g. Canon EOS R, Sony Alpha, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X) are modern, lighter cameras featuring an electronic viewfinder and advanced autofocus. All manufacturers have moved in this direction.
• SLR cameras, or DSLRs (e.g. the Canon EOS 850D, Nikon D750 and Nikon D7500) are very affordable and durable when bought second-hand. There is a huge selection of affordable second-hand lenses available for them, and the optical viewfinder appeals to many photographers.

For a beginner, a second-hand DSLR is an affordable way to get started. If you’re buying a camera for the long term or shoot a lot of video, a mirrorless body is a safer choice for the future.

Second-hand system cameras by brand

• Second-hand Canon cameras – Mirrorless cameras in the EOS R series (e.g. the EOS R6 Mark II) and EOS SLR cameras. EF lenses can also be used on R-series bodies with an adapter.
• Second-hand Sony cameras – Mirrorless cameras from the Alpha range, such as the popular A7 III, A7 IV and A6000 series.
• Second-hand Nikon cameras – Z-series mirrorless cameras (e.g. Z7 II, Z fc) and D-series DSLR cameras.
• Second-hand Fujifilm cameras – X-series cameras, known for their classic design and colours.

Are you wondering, for example, about the differences between Sony’s full-frame models? Read our comparison Sony A7R V vs A7 IV.

This is how we inspect second-hand cameras

Every camera is inspected and tested before sale. Among other things, we check the condition of the sensor, the shutter count, the buttons, the screen, the viewfinder, the focus and the connections. After this, the camera is given fitness categories K1–K5. The shutter count indicates how much the camera has been used – read on, how to check the valve reading, and have a look at our checklist to buy a second-hand camera.

Do you need a lens?

See also our range second-hand lenses for all the most common fastenings. You’ll find all the products used in the section second-hand cameras and lenses.

Replace your old camera

You can use the value of your old camera as a credit towards the purchase of a new or second-hand body, or sell it to us for cash. Calculate the price estimate or read, how bartering works.

Frequently asked questions

Do second-hand system cameras come with a warranty?

Yes. All our second-hand cameras come with a minimum 90-day warranty and a 30-day right of return. If the camera is still covered by a valid manufacturer’s warranty, this will be transferred to you.

What comes with the camera?

The accessories included with the second-hand camera, such as the battery, charger and strap, are listed on the product page. The product images always show the specific item for sale.

Which second-hand system camera is suitable for a beginner?

For a beginner, a second-hand Canon EOS DSLR or an affordable mirrorless APS-C camera, such as the Sony A6000 series or the Nikon Z fc, would be a good choice. Let us know your budget and what you’ll be using the camera for, and we’ll help you choose the right body and lens.