UK Marketplaces Compared
Not all refurbished camera platforms are equal. This guide compares eBay UK, MPB, Wex Photo Video, Park Cameras, Amazon UK, and CeX across selection, quality, pricing, and buyer protection — so you can choose the right place to buy.
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Six ways to buy refurbished cameras in the UK
eBay UK
Largest marketplace, widest selection
The UK's largest second-hand marketplace with hundreds of thousands of camera listings at any one time. Covers everything from £20 compact cameras to £3,000+ professional bodies. Buyer protection via eBay Money Back Guarantee on all eligible purchases.
Strengths
- Largest selection of any UK platform
- eBay Money Back Guarantee on eligible items
- Auction format can yield bargains
- Solent Camera Exchange and other specialist sellers
- Price filters and condition grading
Watch Out For
- Quality varies significantly between sellers
- No standardised grading system across sellers
- Auction listings require patience
- Returns process depends on individual seller
MPB
Specialist used camera platform
MPB is a dedicated used camera and lens marketplace with a standardised grading system (Like New, Excellent, Good, Well Used). All equipment is inspected, cleaned, and graded by in-house technicians. Strong focus on transparency and consistent quality.
Strengths
- Standardised, independently verified condition grades
- All items inspected and cleaned in-house
- 6-month warranty on all purchases
- Easy part-exchange / trade-in programme
- Transparent pricing with no auction uncertainty
Watch Out For
- Prices typically higher than eBay
- Smaller selection than eBay
- No auction format — fixed price only
- Stock can sell out quickly on popular models
Wex Photo Video
Trusted UK specialist retailer
Wex Photo Video is one of the UK's leading specialist photography retailers, offering both new and used camera equipment. Their used stock is graded and sold with a warranty, and they have a strong reputation for customer service and technical expertise.
Strengths
- Reputable specialist UK retailer since 1979
- Used items graded and sold with warranty
- Expert customer service team
- Price match guarantee on new items
- Click & collect from Norwich store
Watch Out For
- Used stock is smaller than MPB or eBay
- Prices tend to be at the higher end
- Less focus on used vs new compared to MPB
- No trade-in programme as comprehensive as MPB
Park Cameras
Independent UK camera specialist
Park Cameras is a well-established independent UK camera retailer based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. They stock both new and used camera equipment, with used items inspected and graded. Known for competitive pricing and a knowledgeable team.
Strengths
- Independent UK retailer with strong reputation
- Competitive pricing on used equipment
- Used items inspected and graded
- Physical store in Burgess Hill, West Sussex
- Good range of used lenses and accessories
Watch Out For
- Smaller used stock than MPB or eBay
- Website less feature-rich than competitors
- Limited trade-in options
- Delivery times can vary
Amazon UK
Renewed programme and third-party sellers
Amazon UK offers refurbished cameras through two routes: Amazon Renewed (certified refurbished with 1-year guarantee) and third-party marketplace sellers. Amazon Renewed provides strong buyer protection and consistent quality, though selection is narrower than eBay.
Strengths
- Amazon Renewed: 1-year guarantee on certified items
- Fast Prime delivery on many items
- Easy returns via Amazon's standard process
- Trusted platform with strong buyer protection
- Good for accessories and memory cards
Watch Out For
- Narrower camera selection than eBay or MPB
- Third-party seller quality varies widely
- Amazon Renewed stock can be limited
- Often not the cheapest option
CeX
High street tech reseller with online store
CeX (Complete Entertainment Exchange) is a well-known UK high street chain and online store that buys and sells second-hand electronics, including digital cameras. Items are graded using CeX's own A–C system and sold with a 24-month warranty, making it a reliable option for budget buyers.
Strengths
- 24-month warranty on all items (industry-leading)
- Standardised A–C grading system across all stores
- Hundreds of physical stores across the UK
- Click & collect from local store
- Competitive pricing, especially on older models
Watch Out For
- Smaller camera selection than eBay or MPB
- Grading can be inconsistent between stores
- No specialist camera expertise — generalist retailer
- Limited range of lenses and accessories
Feature comparison table
A detailed breakdown of each platform across selection, trust, pricing, and buying experience. Yes Partial No
| Feature | eBay UK | MPB | Wex Photo Video | Park Cameras | Amazon UK | CeX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selection Camera bodies | Thousands | Hundreds | Dozens | Dozens | Dozens | Dozens | |
Lenses | |||||||
Accessories | |||||||
| Trust & Quality Standardised grading | |||||||
In-house inspection | |||||||
Warranty included | 6 months | 3–6 months | 3 months | 1 year (Renewed) | 24 months | ||
Buyer protection | eBay MBG | A-to-Z Guarantee | |||||
| Pricing Typical price vs new | 30–60% off | 20–45% off | 15–35% off | 15–35% off | 10–30% off | 25–55% off | |
Auction / bidding | |||||||
Price negotiation | |||||||
| Buying Experience Trade-in / part exchange | |||||||
Physical store | Norwich | Burgess Hill | 300+ UK stores | ||||
Returns policy | Seller dependent | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 30 days | 14 days | |
Expert advice available | |||||||
| Best For Best for bargains | |||||||
Best for peace of mind | |||||||
Best for accessories |
Which platform should you use?
Best for bargain hunters
eBay UK
The sheer volume of listings means prices are highly competitive, especially at auction. Use seller filters to find trusted specialists like Solent Camera Exchange.
Shop nowBest for guaranteed quality
MPB
Every item is inspected, graded, and sold with a 6-month warranty. You pay a small premium, but the peace of mind is worth it — especially for higher-value bodies.
Shop nowBest for expert advice
Wex Photo Video
Wex's specialist team can advise on which refurbished model suits your needs. Ideal if you're new to photography or switching systems.
Shop nowBest for independent UK retail
Park Cameras
A well-regarded independent retailer with competitive used pricing and a physical store. Good for browsing in person before buying.
Shop nowBest for accessories
Amazon UK
For memory cards, bags, filters, and straps, Amazon's range and Prime delivery are hard to beat. Use Amazon Renewed for certified refurbished bodies.
Shop nowBest overall strategy
Use multiple platforms
Check MPB or Wex for a fair market price, then search eBay to see if you can beat it. Use Amazon for accessories. Comparing across platforms takes minutes and can save hundreds.