When purchasing a refurbished Sony camera on eBay UK, the most important first step is to check the shutter count. Every camera body has a rated shutter life — typically between 100,000 and 500,000 actuations depending on the model — and knowing how many shots have been taken gives you a clear picture of remaining lifespan.

Inspect the seller's photographs carefully for signs of physical wear: scratches on the body, worn rubber grip material, and damage around the lens mount are all indicators of heavy use. Ask the seller directly if they can provide a shutter count reading, and be cautious of listings that lack detailed photographs.

The E-mount is shared across APS-C and full-frame bodies, meaning APS-C lenses can be used on full-frame bodies (with crop mode) and vice versa. This is worth bearing in mind when considering your total investment, as lenses often represent a greater long-term spend than the camera body itself.

Finally, always purchase through eBay's standard listing process rather than being directed off-platform, as this ensures you are covered by eBay's Money Back Guarantee should the item not arrive or not match its description.