The Only Canon Cameras Worth Buying in 2026
If you're buying a Canon camera in 2026, the best options are no longer new — they're refurbished. You can pick up cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for under £900 that were used professionally for years. But not every Canon is worth buying anymore.
Canon's EF and RF mount systems offer some of the most extensive lens ecosystems in photography. The brand's reputation for colour science and reliability makes refurbished Canon cameras particularly attractive to photographers upgrading from entry-level gear. The transition from EF (DSLR) to RF (mirrorless) is supported via adapters, preserving lens investments.
Lens Ecosystem Note
EF lenses (DSLR) work on RF mirrorless bodies via the EF-EOS R adapter, giving refurbished DSLR lens buyers a future upgrade path.
Key Strengths
- Vast EF & RF lens ecosystem
- Excellent colour science
- Strong resale value
- Wide service network in the UK
Best For
Portraits, weddings, general photography
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the standout choice for Canon enthusiasts. With exceptional build quality, advanced features, and proven reliability, it's the camera we'd recommend first.
Learn more about this modelTop 5 Canon cameras worth buying right now
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Typical Refurb Price
£650 – £950
Shutter Life
150k actuations
Key Features
- 30.4MP full-frame sensor
- 4K video capability
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Weather-sealed body
Watch Out For
- Check shutter count — rated to 150k
- Inspect weather seals for wear
Canon EOS 6D
Typical Refurb Price
£400 – £600
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 20.2MP full-frame sensor
- Compact and lightweight
- GPS and WiFi built-in
- Excellent battery life
Watch Out For
- Check shutter count carefully
- Verify GPS and WiFi functionality
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Typical Refurb Price
£300 – £500
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 22.3MP full-frame sensor
- Robust build quality
- Dual SD card slots
- Excellent battery life
Watch Out For
- Older model from 2012
- Check shutter count carefully
Canon EOS R
Typical Refurb Price
£1,200 – £1,600
Shutter Life
200k actuations
Key Features
- 30.3MP full-frame sensor
- In-body image stabilisation
- Dual card slots
- Excellent autofocus system
Watch Out For
- Check IBIS mechanism
- Verify autofocus accuracy
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II
Typical Refurb Price
£350 – £450
Key Features
- 1-inch CMOS sensor
- Compact form factor
- Flip-out LCD screen
- Excellent autofocus
Watch Out For
- Check LCD screen hinge
- Verify zoom mechanism
Quick specs comparison
| Model | Type | Sensor | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | DSLR | Full-Frame CMOS | £650–£950 | 30.4MP full-frame sensor |
| Canon EOS 6D | DSLR | Full-Frame CMOS | £400–£600 | 20.2MP full-frame sensor |
| Canon EOS 5D Mark III | DSLR | Full-Frame CMOS | £300–£500 | 22.3MP full-frame sensor |
| Canon EOS R | Mirrorless | Full-Frame CMOS | £1,200–£1,600 | 30.3MP full-frame sensor |
| Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II | Compact | 1-inch CMOS | £350–£450 | 1-inch CMOS sensor |
Which Canon is right for you?
What most people get wrong about Canon
Buying the newest model
The latest Canon isn't always the best value. Older flagships often outperform newer entry-level bodies and cost significantly less on the used market.
Ignoring shutter count
A Canon with 80,000 actuations is a better buy than one with 150,000, even if the price is similar. Always ask for shutter count before purchasing.
Overlooking ecosystem costs
Buying a Canon body is just the start. Factor in the cost of lenses and accessories before committing to the system.
All Canon cameras
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Typical Refurb Price
£650 – £950
Shutter Life
150k actuations
Key Features
- 30.4MP full-frame sensor
- 4K video capability
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Weather-sealed body
Watch Out For
- Check shutter count — rated to 150k
- Inspect weather seals for wear
Canon EOS 6D
Typical Refurb Price
£400 – £600
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 20.2MP full-frame sensor
- Compact and lightweight
- GPS and WiFi built-in
- Excellent battery life
Watch Out For
- Check shutter count carefully
- Verify GPS and WiFi functionality
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Typical Refurb Price
£300 – £500
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 22.3MP full-frame sensor
- Robust build quality
- Dual SD card slots
- Excellent battery life
Watch Out For
- Older model from 2012
- Check shutter count carefully
Canon EOS R
Typical Refurb Price
£1,200 – £1,600
Shutter Life
200k actuations
Key Features
- 30.3MP full-frame sensor
- In-body image stabilisation
- Dual card slots
- Excellent autofocus system
Watch Out For
- Check IBIS mechanism
- Verify autofocus accuracy
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II
Typical Refurb Price
£350 – £450
Key Features
- 1-inch CMOS sensor
- Compact form factor
- Flip-out LCD screen
- Excellent autofocus
Watch Out For
- Check LCD screen hinge
- Verify zoom mechanism
Canon EOS 80D
Typical Refurb Price
£300 – £500
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- Touchscreen with articulation
- Fast autofocus system
- 4K video capability
- Weather-sealed body
Watch Out For
- Check LCD hinge for wear
- Verify autofocus accuracy
Canon EOS 90D
Typical Refurb Price
£450 – £700
Shutter Life
120k actuations
Key Features
- 32.5MP APS-C sensor
- 45-point all cross-type AF
- 4K uncropped video
- Dual Pixel AF in live view
Watch Out For
- Check shutter count carefully
- Inspect viewfinder eyepiece for wear
Canon EOS M50
Typical Refurb Price
£250 – £400
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- Compact mirrorless body
- Flip-out touchscreen
- Eye-tracking AF
- Good video for content creators
Watch Out For
- Limited EF-M lens ecosystem
- 4K video has crop
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Typical Refurb Price
£280 – £450
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- Compact mirrorless body
- Flip-out touchscreen
- Eye-tracking AF
- Good video for content creators
Watch Out For
- Limited EF-M lens ecosystem
- 4K video has crop
Canon PowerShot G9
Typical Refurb Price
£150 – £250
Shutter Life
50k actuations
Key Features
- 6x optical zoom
- Manual mode support
- RAW shooting capability
- Compact pocket size
Watch Out For
- Check zoom motor for smooth operation
- Inspect LCD screen for dead pixels
Canon PowerShot S95
Typical Refurb Price
£120 – £220
Shutter Life
50k actuations
Key Features
- 3.8x optical zoom
- Compact premium build
- Manual controls
- Excellent for travel
Watch Out For
- Smaller sensor than G9
- Check lens extension mechanism
Canon IXUS L
Typical Refurb Price
£40 – £120
Shutter Life
30k actuations
Key Features
- Ultra-compact form factor
- Pocket-friendly size
- Simple point-and-shoot operation
- Affordable entry to digital
Watch Out For
- Very low megapixel count
- Limited zoom capability
Canon EOS R5
Typical Refurb Price
£2,000 – £2,600
Shutter Life
300k actuations
Key Features
- 45MP full-frame sensor
- 8K video capability
- In-body image stabilisation
- Dual card slots
Watch Out For
- Premium price even refurbished
- Check 8K video functions correctly
Canon EOS R
Typical Refurb Price
£800 – £1,200
Shutter Life
200k actuations
Key Features
- 30.3MP full-frame sensor
- 4K video capability
- Compact mirrorless body
- Dual SD card slots
Watch Out For
- No in-body image stabilisation
- Check autofocus responsiveness
Canon EOS 650D
Typical Refurb Price
£200 – £350
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 18MP APS-C sensor
- Articulating touchscreen
- Hybrid AF system
- Full HD video
Watch Out For
- Check LCD hinge for wear
- Verify autofocus accuracy
Canon EOS 700D
Typical Refurb Price
£250 – £400
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 18MP APS-C sensor
- Articulating touchscreen
- Improved AF system
- Full HD video
Watch Out For
- Check LCD hinge for wear
- Verify Wi-Fi functionality
Canon EOS 750D
Typical Refurb Price
£300 – £480
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 24.2MP APS-C sensor
- Articulating touchscreen
- 19-point AF system
- 4K video
Watch Out For
- Check LCD hinge for wear
- Verify 4K video functions
Canon EOS 250D
Typical Refurb Price
£280 – £420
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 24.1MP APS-C sensor
- Compact and lightweight
- 9-point AF system
- 4K video
Watch Out For
- Entry-level model — check shutter count
- Verify autofocus responsiveness
Canon EOS 1300D
Typical Refurb Price
£150 – £280
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 18MP APS-C sensor
- Compact body
- 9-point AF system
- Full HD video
Watch Out For
- Entry-level model — check shutter count
- Fixed LCD screen
Canon EOS 2000D
Typical Refurb Price
£200 – £350
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- 24.1MP APS-C sensor
- Compact and lightweight
- 9-point AF system
- 4K video
Watch Out For
- Entry-level model — check shutter count
- Fixed LCD screen
Canon AE-1
Typical Refurb Price
£80 – £180
Key Features
- Iconic film SLR
- Pioneering AE system
- Excellent build quality
- FD-mount lens compatibility
Watch Out For
- Film camera - requires film and development
- Requires FD-mount lenses