Explore the Major Brands

Detailed guides to Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and Samsung — with recommended models and eBay UK links.

Canon
Canon

Trusted by professionals, loved by enthusiasts

Best for: Portraits, weddings, general photography

Canon has been one of the most popular camera brands in the UK for decades. Their EOS system — spanning both DSLR and mirrorless — offers one of the widest lens ecosystems available, making refurbished Canon bodies an excellent entry point into a long-term system. Canon cameras are renowned for their colour science, particularly for portraiture, and their autofocus systems are consistently praised.

Vast EF & RF lens ecosystemExcellent colour scienceStrong resale valueWide service network in the UK

Featured Models

EOS 5D Mark IV

£650+

Pick

EOS R6

£900+

Pro Choice

EOS 90D

£450+

Value

EOS M50 Mark II

£280+

Value
Nikon
Nikon

Optical precision, built to last

Best for: Landscapes, wildlife, sports, studio

Nikon's reputation for optical excellence and build quality makes their refurbished cameras particularly attractive. The F-mount DSLR system, used for decades, means a huge supply of quality used lenses is available. Nikon's Z-series mirrorless cameras, while newer, are increasingly available refurbished at compelling prices. Nikon bodies are often praised for their ergonomics and the quality of their optical viewfinders.

Outstanding optical viewfindersExcellent build qualityHuge F-mount lens ecosystemStrong dynamic range in RAW files

Featured Models

D850

£900+

Pro Choice

D750

£400+

Value

Z6 II

£850+

Pick

D7500

£350+

Hidden Gem
SONY
SONY

Cutting-edge sensor technology

Best for: Video, wildlife, low-light, street photography

Sony pioneered the full-frame mirrorless market with the Alpha series, and their sensors are widely regarded as class-leading for dynamic range and low-light performance. The E-mount system is mature and well-supported, with an extensive range of native lenses from Sony and third parties. Refurbished Sony Alpha cameras offer access to some of the most technically capable imaging systems available, often at significantly reduced prices.

Industry-leading sensor technologyMature E-mount ecosystemExcellent video capabilitiesBest-in-class autofocus (eye-tracking)

Featured Models

A7 III

£850+

Pick

A6400

£450+

Value

A7R IV

£1600+

Pro Choice

RX100 VII

£500+

Hidden Gem
FUJIFILM
FUJIFILM

Film simulation meets modern engineering

Best for: Street photography, travel, portraiture, film enthusiasts

Fujifilm occupies a unique position in the camera market, combining retro-inspired design with cutting-edge technology. Their X-series APS-C mirrorless cameras are beloved for their physical controls, film simulation modes, and exceptional JPEG output. The GFX medium format system also offers extraordinary image quality. Refurbished Fujifilm cameras are particularly popular with street photographers and those who value the shooting experience as much as the output.

Iconic film simulation modesPhysical dials and controlsExcellent JPEG outputCompact X-series bodies with large sensors

Featured Models

X-T4

£700+

Pick

X100V

£900+

Hidden Gem

X-S10

£450+

Value

X-T30 II

£500+

Value
OLYMPUS
OLYMPUS

Compact bodies, exceptional stabilisation

Best for: Travel, macro, outdoor/adventure photography

Olympus pioneered the Micro Four Thirds system alongside Panasonic, producing some of the most compact yet capable camera systems available. Their IBIS technology is class-leading, and the smaller sensor size means the entire system — bodies and lenses — is significantly more compact than APS-C or full-frame alternatives. Refurbished Olympus cameras offer outstanding value, particularly for travel and outdoor photographers. The brand's legacy continues under the OM System name, but the Olympus-branded bodies remain widely available and fully supported.

World-class in-body image stabilisationCompact, weather-sealed bodiesExtensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystemExcellent macro capabilities

Featured Models

OM-D E-M1 Mark III

£600+

Pro Choice

OM-D E-M5 Mark III

£450+

Value
Panasonic
Panasonic

Video-first engineering for stills and cinema

Best for: Video production, hybrid shooting, documentary

Panasonic's Lumix cameras are renowned for their video capabilities, and the brand has a strong following among videographers and hybrid shooters. The GH series (Micro Four Thirds) and S series (full-frame L-mount) both offer exceptional video features at competitive prices when bought refurbished. Panasonic's Depth from Defocus autofocus system has improved significantly in recent generations.

Outstanding video specificationsExcellent value for moneyMicro Four Thirds and L-mount optionsStrong build quality

Featured Models

Lumix GH6

£700+

Pro Choice

Lumix S5

£750+

Pick
SAMSUNG
SAMSUNG

Innovative sensors and smart camera technology

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, travel, everyday photography

Samsung produced cameras under the NX system — a compact mirrorless range with APS-C sensors — until 2015, when the company exited the camera market. However, refurbished Samsung NX cameras remain popular on eBay UK due to their excellent image quality, competitive pricing, and the fact that Samsung manufactured their own sensors. The NX1 in particular is considered a hidden gem, offering 4K video and 28MP resolution at very affordable refurbished prices.

Excellent sensor qualityVery affordable refurbished pricesNX1 offers outstanding 4K videoCompact mirrorless system

Featured Models

NX1

£150+

Hidden Gem

NX500

£80+

Value

NX30

£60+

Value