Everything You Need to Know
Practical, honest guides to help you buy refurbished cameras and equipment with confidence on eBay UK.
What to Check When Buying Refurbished
A practical checklist covering shutter count, sensor condition, body wear, and everything else you need to inspect before purchasing a refurbished camera.
Understanding Condition Grades
eBay and used camera sellers use a range of condition grades from 'Manufacturer Refurbished' to 'For Parts'. Here's what each grade really means.
Best Value Refurbished Cameras in 2025
Our curated list of the best value refurbished cameras currently available on eBay UK, across all budgets and categories.
Refurbished DSLR vs Mirrorless: Which to Buy?
DSLRs offer more affordable entry points and proven reliability, while mirrorless systems represent the future. We help you decide which is right for you.
The 5-minute refurbished camera checklist
Check the shutter count
Ask the seller for the shutter count and compare it against the camera's rated shutter life. A camera at 50% of its rated life is generally a safe purchase.
Inspect the sensor
Request a test shot against a plain white or grey background at f/8–f/11 to check for dust spots or dead pixels. Most dust can be cleaned, but dead pixels cannot.
Examine the lens mount
Look for scratches, dents, or signs of impact around the lens mount. A damaged mount can affect lens communication and image quality.
Test all controls
Ensure all dials, buttons, and the mode dial function correctly. Sticky or unresponsive controls can be expensive to repair.
Verify the condition grade
Understand what the seller's condition grade actually means. 'Good' on eBay can cover a wide range of conditions — always read the full description.