We’ve never had easier access to photography, yet getting a good camera at an affordable price can still be difficult. Why buy a used semi-professional digital camera when these refurbished cameras provide professional quality at less than half the cost? Refurbished Digital Cameras: 5 Great Options for 2025 Whether you’re an amateur photographer or professional in need of a backup camera, these five refurbished digital cameras are the best bang for your buck in 2025.
Why Choose Refurbished Digital Cameras?
A refurbished camera is a used camera, returned by the original purchaser, that has been professionally restored to like-new working condition. Unlike used cameras sold by private companies, refurbished cameras undergo thorough inspection and testing before you can purchase it. Many have manufacturer warranties and have had any defective parts replaced with new in-box parts.
The case for buying refurbished is clear: it is your opportunity to save 20-40% off prices in the store while enjoying a camera that performs as well as one that is brand-new. With camera technology moving forward quickly, many photographers often make frequent upgrades, which means there’s an ample supply of quality refurbished choices available.
Our 5 Favorite Inexpensive Refurbished Digital Cameras for 2025
Canon EOS RP – Best Value Full-Frame
If you are looking for the very cheapest possible way to get a full-frame imaging sensor into your hands, the Canon EOS RP could be the answer.
Typical Refurbished Price Range: $800-$950
The Canon EOS RP is among the cheapest ways to get into full-frame mirrorless. This little compact offers some impressive features, on a par with much more expensive models.
Key Features:
- 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 8 image processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus with 4,779 selectable AF points
- 4K video recording capability
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Lightweight body at just 485g
With its massive full-frame sensor, the EOS RP is a low-light all-star and capable of solid portrait photos, landscapes and indoor shooting. The camera is small and light enough to make it a good travel photography companion, and the RF mount’s extensive – and growing – lens range (as well as support for EF lenses via an adapter) means you’ll never be short of creative options.
What Makes It Special: With the EOS RP, you get depth of field and low-light capabilities that you can only get from a full-frame sensor. If you have a stack of EF lenses, you can still use them with the EOS RP using an adapter, so it’s a great upgrade path for Canon shooters.
Who’s It For: Portrait photographers, travel shooters, and Canon owners who want their first full-frame camera.
Nikon D5100 – Great Camera for Beginners (First DSLR)
Typical Refurbished Price Range: $200-$300
Don’t be fooled by its age – the Nikon D5100 is still a fantastic camera for beginners and photographers on a budget. The D5100 is a nice little camera with some good specs, even if it’s a little long in the tooth. It is an inexpensive way to start when you are beginner to the scene and don’t want to shell out too much.
Key Features:
- 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- EXPEED 2 image processor
- ISO sensitivity range: 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600)
- 1080p video recording at 30fps
- 11-point autofocus system
- Articulating LCD screen
The D5100 delivers image quality that competes with that of most current DSLRs. With easy to use controls and an easy to understand guide mode, it’s ideal for beginners who want to dive into photography. For creative angles and video work, the articulating screen especially comes in handy.
What Makes It Special: It’s a great value, gets you professional-quality results for thousands less than some newer models. And there are a slew of compatible Nikon F-mount lenses to expand your photography capabilities without your account balance taking a hit.
Good for: Photography beginners, students, or anyone who needs solid DSLR performance on a budget.
Canon 6D – Full-Frame Excellence Both in Quality and Price If You Are on a Budget
Typical Refurbished Price Range: $400-$600
The Canon EOS 6D is now the cheapest full frame camera available for purchase. Initially positioned as an affordable alternative to the 5D series, it continues to offer higher resolution than the more expensive camera, helping your shots stay sharp when seen on a big screen.
Key Features:
- 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 5+ image processor
- Eleven-point autofocus with pentamirror viewfinder and center cross-type focus point
- ISO sensitivity: 100-25,600 (expandable to 102,400)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
- Weather sealing for durability
The 6D performs very well in low light, and is capable of producing clean images at high ISOs. Its full-frame sensor delivers lovely background blur for portraits and excellent dynamic range for landscapes.
What Makes It Great: This camera provides pro-grade full-frame performance at an entry-level price. The built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities were also ahead of their time, and continue to be useful now for instant sharing and location tagging.
Best For: Portrait photographers, event shooters, and others demanding ultra-high resolution for pro work.
Fujifilm X-S10 – Powerful and Compact Mirrorless Alternative
Typical Refurbished Price Range: $600-$750
For those who demand the standard PASM dial rather than Fujifilm’s more retro control dials, the Fujifilm X-S10 is a very good-value alternative with plenty of features. This is a camera that offers image quality that is superior with Fujifilm’s ease of use.
Key Features:
- 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
- X-Processor 4 image processor
- In-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- 4K video recording at 30fps
- Creative looks with film simulation modes
- Compact, lightweight design
What makes the X-S10 special is its impressive image stabilization system, which enables tack sharp, handheld shots in conditions that other models can only deliver with a tripod. Fujifilm is known for its amazing color science and their in-camera files are gorgeous and often barely need any color grading.
What It Stands Out: Superb image quality, strong stabilization options and unique-to-Fuji film simulations make this camera very versatile. It’s great for photographers who want professional looking images straight out of camera.
Who It’s For: Content creators, travel photographers, and anyone who loves Fujifilm’s signature color rendering.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III – One Superzoom to Rule Them All
Typical Refurbished Price Range: $700-$900
With a 1-inch sensor and a range from 24 to 600mm equivalent, this bridge camera is ideal for travelers and videographers alike. It also shoots 4K video and high-frame-rate slow motion.
Key Features:
- 20.1MP 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor
- 24-600mm equivalent F2.4-4.0 zoom lens
- 4K video recording
- Record 960fps high quality/high frame rate slow motion capture
- Fast hybrid autofocus system
- Built-in image stabilization
The 1.0-inch sensor produces better photos than standard point-and-shoot cameras while the system is much more portable than a DSLR camera.
What Makes It Special: It is almost a photography system in a box. The huge zoom range allows you to shoot everything from broad landscapes to faraway wildlife, so it’s ideal for travel and outdoor photography.
Who It’s For: Travel photographers, wildlife photographers, or anyone who wants extreme versatility but doesn’t want to carry around multiple lenses.
Comparison Table: Key Specifications
| Camera | Sensor Size | Megapixels | Video | Weight | Typical Refurb Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS RP | Full Frame | 26.2MP | 4K | 485g | $800-$950 |
| Nikon D5100 | APS-C | 16.2MP | 1080p | 560g | $200-$300 |
| Canon EOS 6D | Full Frame | 20.2MP | 1080p | 770g | $400-$600 |
| Fujifilm X-S10 | APS-C | 26.1MP | 4K | 465g | $600-$750 |
| Sony RX10 III | 1-inch | 20.1MP | 4K | 1095g | $700-$900 |
Where to Buy Refurbished Cameras, Without Regrets
Manufacturer Direct Programs
The safest thing to do is buy directly from manufacturers. Canon’s refurbished camera deals themselves can even save you up to $660 off a brand new EOS camera. These programs offer:
- Manufacturer warranties (between 90 days and 1 year)
- Professional refurbishment process
- Genuine replacement parts
- Similar to new products with return policies
Authorized Retailers
Bigger camera retailers, such as B&H Photo, Adorama, KEH Camera, have large stocks of refurbished gear with condition ratings and return policies to match the inventory. These stores usually offer extended warranties and are staffed with knowledgeable customer service representatives.
What to Look For
When purchasing a refurbished camera, these are some things to keep in mind:
- Condition Rating: Many sites have condition gradings such as “Excellent,” “Very Good,” or sometimes numerical scales
- Warranty: You want at least 90-days of warranty coverage
- Return Policy: Make certain that you can return the camera if it fails to meet expectations
- Included Accessories: Look at what all comes with (battery, charger, strap etc.)
- Shutter Count: On a DSLR, low shutter counts mean less use
How to Buy the Right Refurbished Digital Camera
Research Market Prices
Research the market value of your intended camera, both new and used, before buying. This helps you spot true bargains and steer clear of overpriced listings.
Check for Firmware Updates
Firmware updates are software that may be installed on older cameras to address bugs or add new options. Check that the camera can be updated to the most recent firmware version.
Consider Total System Cost
Just keep in mind the cost of other accessories out of the box, such as memory cards, extra batteries, and lenses when tallying up your budget.
Test Everything Upon Arrival
As soon as your camera is delivered take a test run of all its features:
- Photograph at multiple different ISOs
- Test autofocus accuracy
- Check all buttons and dials
- Verify video recording works properly
- Test Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections
Protect Your Investment
Optional extended warranty and camera insurance protection plans available. Several credit cards additionally provide purchase protection for electronics.
How to Use Your Refurbished Camera to Its Fullest
Learn the Basics
The heaviest, most weather-sealed camera isn’t going to do you much good if you don’t understand its physical controls and menu system inside and out. The majority of manufacturers provide extensive online tutorials and user groups.
Start with Kit Lenses
If you have a kit lens with your camera, learn that thing before getting more glass. Current kit lenses are of high quality and versatile enough for most tasks.
Practice Regularly
The best camera is the one you have with you, as they say. Carry your camera often and shoot in various situations to really learn your camera.
Join Photography Communities
Online forums as well as local photo groups give you some good guidance and inspiration from other photographers who do the same type of work with the same type of gear.
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Inexpensive Accessories for Your New Camera
Essential Accessories Under $100
- Spare Batteries: Have extras on hand for the long shoots
- Memory Cards: Buy expensive, trustable cards from well-known companies
- Strap: Having a good strap makes carrying your camera that bit more pleasant
- Lens Cleaning Kit: Keep your lens clean for maximum performance
- Camera Bag: Treat your investment with a bag or carry case that follows the design ethos of the camera inside
Nice-to-Have Accessories
- Tripod: A must-have for landscape photos and long exposures
- External Flash: Great for portrait and close-up shots
- Polarized Filter: Eliminates reflections and increases sky contrast
- UV Filter: Protects your lens from scratches and fingerprints
What’s Next for the Refurbished Camera Market
The market for refurbished cameras and lenses will continue to expand as more photographers see the value proposition. As camera makers release new models all the time, the market is saturated with them.
Major updates to newer cameras are often made around video features or connectivity, so older ones will often produce great image quality. All of this combined makes refurbished cameras even more appealing to photography-first users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Refurbished vs Used Cameras: What You Need to Know
Refurbished cameras are cameras that have been returned to the manufacturer and/or authorized retailer. They are then tested and cleaned to ensure they are in excellent working condition; however they may have some scratches, blemishes, or other cosmetic wear. Used cameras are typically sold by individuals without being professionally serviced.
Are There Warranties on Refurbished Cameras?
For the majority of manufacturer-refurbished cameras, the warranties will typically be for 90 days to one year. Alternatively, third-party refurbishers can provide either a shorter warranty or even no warranty. You should always check the terms of the warranty before you buy.
How Much Can I Save Buying Refurbished?
Discounts are usually 20-40% below new camera prices. Certain older models or those with higher original asking prices might offer even deeper discounts totaling anywhere up to 60% off retail.
Are Refurbished Cameras Reliable?
Yes, cameras properly refurbished from credible sources are very reliable. They tend to get a more rigorous examination than a new camera does, because the technicians actively search and fix everything during the refurbishment process for any kind of sign of issue.
What Are the Things to NOT Look for When Buying Refurbished?
Avoid cameras without warranties, sold by unknown third parties, with abnormally-high shutter counts (for a DSLR), or deals that seem too good to be true. Also, beware of cameras that do not include crucial accessories, such as batteries or a charger.
If I’m Not Happy with a Refurbished Camera, Can I Return It?
The majority of sellers with good reputations provide return policies for refurbished cameras–usually with a shorter window than for new products. We typically find the most generous return policies when we buy directly from a manufacturer.
How Long Are Refurbished Cameras Supposed to Last?
A properly refurbished camera should last as long as new. It has more to do with usage and care than whether the camera was refurbished at the beginning. Most digital cameras should work for 5-10 years or longer.
Is It Worth It to Purchase Extended Coverage for a Refurbished Camera?
Extended warranties offer peace of mind when owning more expensive refurbished cameras. Take into account the age of your camera, how you use it and the cost of repairing it to make the decision.
Final Thoughts
Refurbished digital cameras are one of the photography world’s best kept secrets as the market’s best value for quality gear. All five of these cameras offer some unique benefits, from the full-frame brilliance of the Canon EOS RP and 6D to the beginner-friendly Nikon D5100 and versatile Sony RX10 III.
But the trick to success is purchasing refurbished gear from reliable suppliers and knowing what you’re getting, as well as selecting a camera that fits what you are going to be shooting. If you’re just starting out in photography or are in need of a solid backup camera, these refurbished options provide tons of value that’s hard to pass up.
And remember: the best camera is the one you have with you — which is to say, the one you’re most likely to actually use. Decide based on what you shoot, your budget, and what you’re aiming for down the road. No matter which of these five cameras you decide on, you’re guaranteed to have a workhorse tool that can beautifully capture images for the next few years.
Begin your search today and find out how a refurbished camera can help you accomplish your photography goals without burning a hole in your wallet. The world of inexpensive, professional-looking photography is just a click away.
