Home/Buying Guides/best cameras under 300

Best Refurbished Cameras Under £300

Updated for 2026

The Best Value Sweet Spot

At £300, refurbished opens up serious cameras. You get enthusiast-level features without the full-frame price tag — perfect if you know what to look for.

On a tighter budget? → Best under £200 Want a bigger upgrade? → Best under £500

Which price bracket is right for you?

£100

Entry-level

£200

First camera

£300

Best Value

£500

Enthusiast

£1000

Serious

What You Can and Can't Get Under £300

✓ What You Get

• Mid-range DSLRs and mirrorless (2015–2021)
• 20–26MP APS-C sensors
• 4K video on many models
• Excellent autofocus systems
• Professional-level build quality

✗ What You Don't Get

• Full-frame sensors (mostly)
• 4K 60fps video
• Top-tier autofocus
• Weather sealing on all models
• Latest generation technology

Perfect For

📷

Enthusiast

🏆

Best Value

🎥

Video

🌍

Travel

Nikon D7500

The best enthusiast DSLR at this price point

✓Fast autofocus with 51 focus points
✓Weather-sealed body for durability
✓Excellent for sports and wildlife

Buy on eBay

Why we picked it:

The D7500 is a serious camera that punches well above its price. Fast autofocus, weather sealing, and robust build make it ideal for photographers ready to move beyond basics. At £280–£380 refurbished, it's exceptional value.

Quick Picks

Best for Wildlife

Nikon D5600

Fast autofocus, good buffer, and excellent battery life for long shoots. £200–£300 refurbished.

eBay

Best for Video

Panasonic G85

4K video, in-body stabilization, and excellent autofocus for video work. £250–£350 refurbished.

eBay

Best for Travel

Sony A6000

Compact mirrorless with fast autofocus and excellent image quality

eBay

Best Value

Canon EOS 80D

Touchscreen, fast autofocus, and excellent all-round performance

eBay

Full Breakdown

Nikon D7500 – Full Review

Pros

• 51-point autofocus system (fast and reliable)
• Weather-sealed body
• 8 fps continuous shooting
• 4K video capability
• Excellent battery life (950 shots)

Cons

• No touchscreen
• Bulkier than mirrorless alternatives
• 4K limited to 30fps

Who it's for:

Enthusiast photographers, sports shooters, and wildlife photographers. The fast autofocus and weather sealing make it ideal for demanding work. Great for photographers upgrading from entry-level cameras.

Who should avoid it:

If you prioritise compact size or video, look at mirrorless alternatives. Not ideal if you're a beginner — the D7500 is better suited to photographers with some experience.

Better alternative if…

• You want mirrorless: Sony A6000
• You want 4K video: Panasonic G85
• You want a touchscreen: Canon EOS 80D

Check eBay See full breakdown

Camera Comparison

Camera Model	Sensor	Megapixels	AF Points	Battery	Video	Price	Buy Now
Nikon D7500 ⭐	APS-C	20.9MP	51	950 shots	4K 30fps	£200–£300	Wex eBay
Canon EOS 80D	APS-C	24.2MP	45	960 shots	1080p	£180–£280	Wex eBay
Panasonic G85	M4/3	16MP	49	330 shots	4K 30fps	£220–£320	Wex eBay
Sony A6000	APS-C	24.3MP	25	360 shots	1080p	£150–£250	Wex eBay
Fujifilm X-T20	APS-C	24.3MP	325	390 shots	4K 30fps	£200–£300	Wex eBay
Olympus E-M5 Mark II	M4/3	16MP	81	310 shots	1080p	£180–£280	Wex eBay

⭐ = Editor's Pick | Prices are typical refurbished market rates as of 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions related to this topic.

Didn't find your answer? Browse our complete FAQ for more information.

View Full FAQ →

Not sure where to start?

Explore our comprehensive buying guides to find the perfect camera for your needs:

Best Cameras for Beginners

Easy-to-use cameras for learning photography

Best Cameras for Video

Hybrid shooting and content creation

Best Cameras for Wildlife

Professional wildlife and sports photography

Best Travel Cameras

Compact and portable options

What to Avoid Under £300

✗Entry-level DSLRs at this price — You can get enthusiast cameras instead. Don't settle for basic models.
✗Cameras with poor autofocus — At this price, you should get fast, reliable AF. Test before buying.
✗Unbranded or grey-market cameras — Stick to reputable sellers. Warranty and support matter.