Refurbished DSLR vs Mirrorless: Which to Buy?

One of the most common questions from buyers entering the refurbished camera market is whether to purchase a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. Both have genuine merits, and the right choice depends on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. This guide sets out the key differences to help you decide.

The Case for a Refurbished DSLR

DSLRs have been the dominant camera format for professional and enthusiast photographers for over two decades. This longevity means the refurbished DSLR market is mature, well-stocked, and highly competitive on price. A full-frame DSLR that cost £2,500 new five years ago can often be found in excellent condition for under £600 today.

The optical viewfinder is one of the DSLR's most significant advantages. Unlike the electronic viewfinders (EVFs) found in mirrorless cameras, an optical viewfinder shows you the scene directly through the lens, with zero lag and no battery drain. Many photographers — particularly those who shoot in bright outdoor conditions — strongly prefer this experience.

Battery life is another area where DSLRs hold a clear advantage. A typical DSLR will manage 800–1,200 shots per charge; mirrorless cameras, which must power their electronic viewfinders and sensors continuously, typically manage 300–500 shots. For event photographers, wildlife photographers, or anyone shooting in situations where charging is inconvenient, this is a meaningful difference.

The Nikon D750 and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV represent the peak of DSLR development and remain outstanding cameras for stills photography. Refurbished, they offer professional-grade image quality at a fraction of their original cost.

The Case for a Refurbished Mirrorless Camera

Mirrorless cameras represent the current direction of the industry. All major manufacturers have committed their development resources to mirrorless systems, which means DSLR lens ecosystems are no longer receiving new additions. If you are building a system for the long term, mirrorless offers a more future-proof foundation.

The electronic viewfinder in a modern mirrorless camera offers capabilities that an optical viewfinder simply cannot match: real-time exposure preview, focus peaking for manual focus, zebra patterns for video exposure, and the ability to overlay shooting information directly in the viewfinder. For photographers who shoot in challenging or rapidly changing light conditions, these tools are genuinely useful.

Autofocus technology has advanced dramatically in the mirrorless era. Eye-tracking and subject-detection autofocus systems on cameras like the Sony A7 III, Canon EOS R6, and Nikon Z6 II are significantly more capable than the phase-detect systems in equivalent DSLRs, particularly for moving subjects.

The Refurbished Price Advantage

In the refurbished market, DSLRs currently offer better value at the entry and mid-range price points. A full-frame DSLR like the Nikon D750 can be purchased refurbished for under £500, while an equivalent full-frame mirrorless camera — the Nikon Z6 II — typically starts at £850 or more. This price gap narrows as you move up the range, but it remains significant at the budget end.

Our Recommendation

If your primary focus is stills photography and budget is a key consideration, a refurbished full-frame DSLR — particularly a Nikon D750 or Canon EOS 5D Mark IV — offers outstanding value and image quality. If you shoot video, value compact size, or want access to the latest autofocus technology, a refurbished mirrorless camera is the better long-term investment.