We’re barely into 2016 and there’s already been several camera announcements. It’s great news for anybody looking for the latest technology, but it’s also good news for bargain hunters who can usually pick up older cameras at a knock-down price. In this best second hand cameras round-up, we’re going to take a look at some of the best cameras to buy in 2016 - not because they’re new, but because they’ve been replaced in the past few months or so.
Just because a camera isn’t the latest model, it doesn’t mean that it instantly becomes unworthy overnight. Cameras which were once touted as the best thing since sliced bread can still produce excellent shots, and have the benefit of being cheaper as early adopters seek to offload their gear to get the latest model. It should also push down the prices of unsold cameras that are still in a manufacturers stock.
Take a look at this list of cameras to watch out for this year – all of which have been replaced with newer models in the last year or so.
Best second hand cameras 2016: Nikon
Nikon D4S
Price for latest model (Nikon D5): £5199 – body only
Price for unused older model (Nikon D4S): £4192 – body only
Price for second hand older model (Nikon D4S): £3500 (typical) – body only
The hotly anticipated Nikon D5 was announced at CES 2016, but there’s still plenty to love about the Nikon D4S (and the D4 to go back even further).
With a 51-point AF system (including 15 cross-type sensors), 11fps shooting, and a 16.2 million pixel sensor, the D4S is still a great camera. Although all of these specifications have been improved for the newer model, these features are still more than adequate for the majority of professional photographers – so if you’re looking to make the jump to an ultra high-end model, but don’t quite have the budget for the D5, keep an eye out for the D4S.
The most savings can be made when purchasing a second-hand camera. The price above quoted is for a mint condition D4S, but you can pick them up even cheaper if you’re prepared to accept some damage, or a high shutter count. Bear in mind that if a D4S has been used by a busy professional, the number of shutter actuations may be very high too.
Nikon D7100
Price for latest model (Nikon D7200): £751 – body only
Price for unused older model (Nikon D7100): £619 – body only
Price for second hand older model (Nikon D7100): £579 (typical) – body only
If you’re looking to make a jump to an enthusiast level camera from a beginner, Nikon’s D7XX series makes sense. The latest model is the D7200, but the D7100 still has some great features.
There’s a 24.1 million pixel sensor which has no optical low pass filter for maximum detail, an EXPEED 3 image processor, 6fps shooting, and a native ISO range of ISO 100 – 6400. If you like to shoot a wide variety of subjects, it’s a good all-round work-horse type of camera.
Nikon D300s
Price for latest model (Nikon D500): £2479 – body only
Price for unused older model (Nikon D300s): £1200 – body only
Price for second hand older model (Nikon D300s): £233 (typical) – body only
We’ve been waiting a very long time for the D300s to be replaced, hence why you can get the older model for an absolutely cracking price – especially when you compare it to the RRP of the new D500.
For less than £250 you can pick up a second hand D300S bargain. But is it worth it? Well, it depends on what you’re after. The sensor is 12.3 million pixels – that’s low compared to modern standards, but it’s still more than enough to make A3 size prints. There’s 7fps, again fairly slow by modern standards if you want to shoot sport … but if you only ever shoot landscapes, macros, portraits and so on – it’s less of a problem. With 51 AF points across the frame, you’ve got a good degree of flexibility, and while the native ISO tops out at 3200, again, if you’re not really a low-light shooter, it shouldn’t bother you too much.
A great camera to learn on, think about what you expect from your camera, and, with them being pretty old now, always make sure to check the shutter actuations of any second-hand D300S cameras.
Best second hand cameras 2016: Canon
Canon EOS 700D
Price for new models (Canon EOS 750D and 760D): £524 (with 18-55mm kit lens), £599 (body only) Price for unused older model (Canon EOS 700D): £399 (with 18-55mm kit lens)
Price for second hand older model (Canon EOS 700D): £459 (typical)
You can actually pick up new, unused models of the 700D for cheaper than a second hand version thanks to some fantastic deals available at the moment.
Although the price difference here isn’t as dramatic as between some of the older and newer professional models, it’s still enough of a difference to consider the older model if you’re on a budget.
Canon’s mid-range model, the 700D, was replaced with two models – the 760D and 750D both share the same sensor, but the 760D’s body design is aimed at slightly more experienced users. The 700D meanwhile features an 18 million pixel sensor, a Hybrid AF system and a native ISO of 100-12800.
The biggest differences between the 700D and the newer models is an increase in resolution and an improved autofocus system – neither of these may bother you so much if you mainly shoot something like landscapes, and keep print sizes to below A3.
Read our Canon EOS 700D Review
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Price for new model (Canon EOS 5DS): £2699 – body only
Price for unused older model (Canon EOS 5D Mark III): £2178 – body only
Price for second hand model (Canon EOS 5D Mark III): £1529 (typical) – body only
Canon has taken a lead in the megapixel race after trailing behind Nikon for a couple of years. The new 5DS features a 50.6 million pixel sensor.
But who needs that many pixels? The average photographer who sticks to printing at A3 or below certainly doesn’t, unless they often want to heavily crop. Then there’s the issue of super large files.
Instead, you can pick up the still fantastic 5D Mark III (which is still a current model in Canon’s line-up) for a much cheaper price, especially if you go second-hand.
Read our Canon EOS 5D Mark III review
Best second hand cameras 2016: Fuji
Fuji X Pro1
Price for new model (Fuji X Pro2): £1,349 – body only
Price for unused older model (Fuji X Pro1): £310 – body only
Price for second hand model (Fuji X Pro1): £299 (typical) – body only
The newest replacement on this list is the Fuji X Pro1. The newer model, the X Pro2, is available for over £1000 more than the one which it replaces, so there’s never been a better time to get hold of one of these much lusted after cameras.
The X Pro1 has a 16 million pixel sensor, a hybrid viewfinder, full manual controls and an X mount which supports a great range of lenses.
Best second hand cameras 2016: Olympus
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Price for new model (Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II): £769 – body only
Price for unused older model (Olympus OM-D E-M5): £444 – body only
Price for second hand model (Olympus OM-D E-M5): £285 (typical) – body only
The original OM-D caused quite a stir when it was first announced, and although it has since been replaced, there’s still plenty of great features on the older camera.
It’s got a super-fast autofocusing, 5-axis image stabilisation, a dust and splash proof design and a 16 million pixel sensor. If you’re thinking about getting your first compact system camera, or are looking to upgrade from an entry-level model, you can save a lot of cash by plumping for the original version of the Mark II.
Read our Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review
Best second hand cameras 2016: Sony
Sony A7S
Price for new model (Sony A7S Mark II): £2499 – body only
Price for unused older model (Sony A7S): £1599 – body only
Price for second hand model (Sony A7S): £1200 (typical) – body only
Sony’s full-frame compact system cameras have won much praise and admiration from critics and users alike, and they continue to be the only manufacturer using a full-frame sensor in a CSC.
They’ve been on the market for a few years and as such, we’re now starting to see second generation models coming out from Sony. The A7S now has a Mark II, making the original A7S a great bargain if you don’t mind having the latest tech from Sony.
The first generation of the camera has a 12.2 million pixel sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, and an ISO range which reaches an incredible native 102, 400. The biggest enhancement to the new camera comes in the form of 4K video shooting – if you don’t need that, then you can save almost £1000 by plumping for the older model.
Best second hand cameras 2016: Panasonic
Panasonic Lumix GX7
Price for new model (Panasonic GX8): £779 – body only
Price for unused older model (Panasonic GX7): £499 – with 20mm pancake lens
Price for second hand model (Panasonic GX7): £430 (typical) – with 20mm pancake lens
Panasonic is another electronics giant which is keen to shout about the merits of 4K video shooting. In the GX8, the camera uses the video technology to help traditional stills photography – which is handy, but comes at a cost premium.
Some people also prefer the smaller body size of the GX7, which is a lot more small bag (or even jacket pocket friendly). You still get a high enough resolution sensor for most every uses – the GX7 has a 16 million pixel device, compared with the GX8’s 20 million).
You can pick up the older model of the camera, along with a lens, for close to half the price of the latest model, so it’s definitely worth considering.
Let us know if you spot any fantastic second hand or older camera deals!
NB. eBay links are provided for your convenience. We do not specifically endource any particular offer on eBay, and always advise that users be wary of grey imports. Please use your own judgement when buying from any third party.