Why buying a used camera could be the smartest move this Black Friday

Black Friday is approaching, and photographers across the US will be hunting for discounts on cameras and lenses. But while retailers prepare their biggest sales of the year, some of the best savings might already be available on the used market. Buying secondhand isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind during Black Friday, but with camera prices remaining high, it’s an option worth considering before spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on new equipment.

Even Black Friday prices can struggle to beat used gear

Take the Sony A7 III, a full-frame mirrorless camera that remains a capable choice despite launching in 2018. At the time of writing, a brand-new A7 III costs $1,398 at both Amazon and B&H Photo, down from its original $1,999.99 price.

But here’s where things get interesting.

According to price-tracking website CamelCamelCamel, Amazon’s lowest recorded price for a new A7 III was $1,298, reached in July 2024. Meanwhile, used photography retailer MPB has an A7 III in excellent condition listed for just $1,029. That’s $369 cheaper than buying new today, a saving of approximately 26%. More impressively, it’s $269 below Amazon’s lowest recorded price.

The particular MPB listing has a shutter count of just 9,131 and includes a six-month warranty. Buyers can also see photographs of the exact camera they’re purchasing, rather than relying on generic product images.

Of course, used prices vary depending on condition and availability, but the comparison demonstrates why even substantial retail discounts aren’t necessarily the best deals.

Why photographers are increasingly looking secondhand

It’s a discussion that regularly surfaces in photography communities. One recurring argument is that discounts on higher-end camera bodies aren’t always dramatic enough to justify waiting, particularly when previous-generation models already offer excellent performance for considerably less.

And there’s another advantage: money saved on a camera body can go toward better lenses, additional batteries, or other equipment that might make a bigger difference to your photography.

Understandably, some photographers hesitate to purchase secondhand equipment, particularly expensive camera bodies. However, established used-camera retailers provide an alternative to buying from private sellers. For example, MPB individually photographs and checks its equipment, provides condition descriptions, and includes a standard six-month warranty. Its US store also offers a 14-day return window, subject to its terms.

That doesn’t eliminate every risk, but it gives buyers more information and protection than an informal marketplace transaction might provide.