As a beginner in photography, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task. With the rise of mirrorless cameras, there are now more options than ever before. In this article, I will discuss some of the best used mirrorless cameras that are perfect for beginners looking to step up their photography game.
Sony Alpha a6000: The Sony Alpha a6000 is a popular choice among beginners due to its compact size, excellent image quality, and fast autofocus system. It offers a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and can shoot up to 11 frames per second. The a6000 is also budget-friendly, making it a great option for those just starting out in photography.
Fujifilm X-T20: Another great option for beginners is the Fujifilm X-T20. This camera features a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, a tilting touchscreen, and a wide range of film simulation modes. The X-T20 is known for its retro design and intuitive controls, making it a favorite among photographers who prefer a more tactile shooting experience.
Benefits of Opting for a Pre-Owned Mirrorless Camera
When considering your first mirrorless camera purchase, choosing a used model can offer several advantages. First and foremost, cost savings are a major benefit. By opting for a pre-owned camera, you can often acquire a higher-end model with advanced features at a more affordable price point, allowing you to invest in additional lenses or accessories.
Another advantage of purchasing a used mirrorless camera is the opportunity to familiarize yourself with different brands and models without committing to a brand-new purchase. This hands-on experience can help you identify your preferences and shooting style, guiding your future camera choices.
- Quality and Performance: Many used mirrorless cameras are well-maintained and offer excellent image quality and performance, making them an attractive option for beginners looking to explore photography.
- Upgradability: Investing in a pre-owned mirrorless camera allows you to save money for future upgrades or enhancements, such as new lenses or accessories, to further develop your photography skills.
- Environmental Impact: Opting for a pre-owned camera promotes sustainability by extending the lifespan of electronic devices and reducing electronic waste, contributing to a more eco-friendly approach to photography equipment.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Mirrorless Camera
When purchasing a pre-owned mirrorless camera, there are several key factors to take into consideration to ensure you get the best value for your money. One important aspect to evaluate is the camera’s sensor size and resolution. A larger sensor typically provides better image quality and low-light performance, so look for a model with a sensor size that meets your photography needs.
Another crucial factor to assess is the camera’s autofocus system. A fast and accurate autofocus system is essential for capturing sharp and clear images, especially in fast-paced situations. Check the camera’s autofocus capabilities and test them out before making a purchase to ensure they meet your requirements.
- Condition: Thoroughly inspect the camera for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or malfunctions. Ensure all buttons, dials, and features are working properly.
- Lens Compatibility: Consider the availability and compatibility of lenses for the camera model you are interested in. A wide selection of lenses can expand your creative possibilities.
- Price: Research the market value of the camera model you are considering to determine if the price of the used camera is fair and reasonable.
- Shutter Count: Check the camera’s shutter count to assess how extensively it has been used. A lower shutter count indicates less wear and tear on the camera.
- Warranty: If possible, purchase a used camera with a warranty to protect yourself in case of any unforeseen issues.
Top brands to consider when buying a used mirrorless camera
When looking for a used mirrorless camera, there are several top brands that are worth considering due to their reputation for quality and performance. These brands have a strong presence in the mirrorless camera market and offer a wide range of models to suit different needs and budgets.
One of the top brands to look out for in the used market is Sony. Sony has been a leader in the mirrorless camera industry, known for their innovative technology and high-quality image sensors. Models like the Sony Alpha series offer excellent image quality and advanced features that make them popular among photographers of all levels.
- Sony: Known for innovative technology and high-quality image sensors.
- Fujifilm: Renowned for its film simulation modes and retro design.
- Panasonic: Offers a wide range of models with excellent video capabilities.
- Olympus: Known for their compact and lightweight designs, perfect for travel photography.
Comparison of popular used mirrorless cameras for beginners
As a beginner looking for a used mirrorless camera, it’s essential to compare the key features and specifications of different models to find the best option. Here, I will discuss the comparison of popular used mirrorless cameras suitable for beginners.
1. Canon EOS M50:
- Resolution: The Canon EOS M50 offers a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor for high-quality images.
- Autofocus: It features Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate focusing, ideal for beginners.
- Flip-out Screen: The M50 has a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, making it easy to shoot from different angles.
2. Sony Alpha a6000:
- Resolution: With a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, the Sony Alpha a6000 delivers sharp and detailed images.
- Autofocus: It boasts fast hybrid autofocus with 179 phase-detection points for quick and precise focusing.
- Burst Shooting: The a6000 can shoot at up to 11 frames per second, perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Tips for maintaining a used mirrorless camera
Owning a used mirrorless camera can be a great way to get started in photography without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to take care of your camera to ensure it continues to perform at its best. Here are some tips for maintaining a used mirrorless camera.
Clean the sensor regularly
One of the most important tasks in maintaining a mirrorless camera is keeping the sensor clean. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate on the sensor, affecting image quality. Invest in a sensor cleaning kit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely clean the sensor.
- Use a blower to remove loose particles
- Avoid touching the sensor directly
- Consider professional cleaning if needed
Regular sensor cleaning will help prevent spots in your photos and ensure your images remain sharp and clear.
Where to buy a quality used mirrorless camera
If you are looking to purchase a quality used mirrorless camera, there are several options available to you. Here are some of the best places to consider:
- Online marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Amazon, and KEH Camera are great options for finding used mirrorless cameras. You can browse through a wide selection of cameras, compare prices, and read reviews from other buyers.
- Camera stores: Many camera stores offer used gear in addition to new equipment. Visiting a local camera store can give you the opportunity to inspect the camera in person and ask questions to knowledgeable staff.
- Photography forums: Online photography forums like DPReview, Fred Miranda, and Photography-on-the.net have dedicated sections for buying and selling camera gear. You can often find great deals from fellow photographers who are upgrading their equipment.
- Camera rental companies: Some camera rental companies also sell their used equipment. These cameras are typically well-maintained and may come with a warranty or guarantee.
When buying a used mirrorless camera, make sure to thoroughly inspect the camera for any signs of wear or damage. Check the sensor, lenses, and buttons to ensure everything is in working order. Additionally, ask the seller about the camera’s history, including how often it was used and any repairs or maintenance it has undergone.
Best used mirrorless camera for beginners
Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Small, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation
1 used from $399.00
Features
- Compact, lightweight EOS R series camera with an affordable price
- Smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series1 built for excellent mobility
- High image quality with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering a wide area2 up to 143 zones with auto subject detection and Eye Detection AF available with Servo AF.
- Continuous capture of up to 6.5 shots per second when set to One-Shot AF
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Canon EOS R8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), RF Mount, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Lightweight, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator
$1,199.00
Features
- Step up to full-frame with Canon’s lightest full-frame RF Mount mirrorless camera featuring a 24.2 million pixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor.
- An affordable and compact camera with built-in 0.39” 2.36 million dots OLED EVF up to 120 fps refresh rate and 3.0” 1.62 million dots vari-angle LCD touchscreen.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering up to 100% x 100% area with 1,053 AF zones with automatic subject detection of people, animals, and vehicles using deep learning technology, now including aircraft (jet planes and helicopters), trains, and horses.
- Uncropped 4K movie at up to 60 fps that is oversampled from 6K, Full HD High-frame rate movie recording at up to 180 fps2, and Canon Log 3 or HDR PQ. Max movie record time of 2 hours3 and UVC / UAC for webcam and streaming4
- Achieves high image quality such as improved resolution at low ISO speeds and low noise at high ISO speeds, wide dynamic range of still pictures, and significant improvement in rolling shutter compared to previous Canon cameras when shooting fast-moving subjects and quick panning.
| Price history for Canon EOS R8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), RF Mount, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Lightweight, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm OSS Lens (Black)
20 used from $359.93
Features
- 20.1 MP Exmor APS-C sensor for great images
- Mirror less DSLR - Compact Interchangeable Lens camera system
- Quick Wi-Fi connectivity to smartphones via NFC
- Model: ILCE5000L/B
| Price history for Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm OSS Lens (Black) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) w/16-50mm Power Zoom Lens
30 used from $478.89
Features
- Advanced 24.2MP back Illuminated 35 millimeter full frame image sensor
- ISO 100 25600 (expandable to 51200). Lens compatibility: Sony E mount lenses
- Hybrid AF with 179 point focal plane phase detection and 25 contrast detect points
- Up to 11 FPS continuous shooting. Battery Life (Still Images): Up to 360 shots. Metering type:1200-zone evaluative metering
- 3 inch tilting LCD with 921,000 dots. Viewfinder Type: 0.39 in type electronic viewfinder (color)
| Price history for Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) w/16-50mm Power Zoom Lens | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof Camera Body, LEICA DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens - DMC-FZ300K - (Black) USA
1 used from $493.01
Features
- 4K video and 4K photo: Panasonic’s exclusive 4K photo technology uses 30 frames per second in high resolution 4K ultra HD video to extract them as photos; You’ll never miss that moment again
- Leica DC Vario Elmarit lens: 24x zoom (25 600 millimeter with Full zoom range F2; 8 aperture for enhanced low light shooting meeting the stringent quality standards established by Leica
- High image Quality: The 12.1 Megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor with the venus engine excels in diffraction compensation, yielding images that are crisp and Free from artifacts associated with small aperture settings
- Rugged Camera Design: Splash Proof/dustproof rugged camera design with tight seals on every Joint, dial and button, so it stands up to harsh weather conditions and challenging
- 5 Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer Plus: Reduces blur from 1 handed video shooting by compensating for 5 types of movement; Level shot function detects horizon line and maintains it, even if the camera is tilted
| Price history for Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof Camera Body, LEICA DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens - DMC-FZ300K - (Black) USA | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400L/B (Renewed)
Features
- Next Gen speed: experience the world's fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real time AF and object tracking / Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
- Fast & accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
- Multiple movie functions: make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
- Tiltable LCD screen: customizable for vlogging, still photography or recording a professional film
- In the box: rechargeable battery (NP-FW50) AC adaptor (ac-uud12), shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, micro USB cable.Metering Type:1200 zone evaluative metering
| Price history for Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400L/B (Renewed) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Features
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, accurate autofocus that helps you get the photo you want right as the moment happens
- 241 Megapixel APS C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor delivers incredible color, clear details, and stunning range
- Vari angle touchscreen LCD has a flexible tilt range ideal for high angle and low angle shooting, and reviewing your photos
- Built in high resolution electronic viewfinder features approximately 2,360,000 dots to see high amounts of detail when capturing
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam
| Price history for Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Black | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens, Black (ILCE6100L/B)
13 used from $619.93
Features
- World’s fastest AF at 0 02 sec W/ real-time AF & Object tracking
- Wide 425-phase/425-contrast detection AF points over 84% of sensor
- 24 2MP APS-C Exmor sensor w/ front end LSI and ISO up to 51 200
- Up to 11fps continuous shooting at 24 2MP RAW w/ AF/AE tracking
- Real-time AF Tracking Real-time Eye AF for human and animal
| Price history for Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens, Black (ILCE6100L/B) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Panasonic LUMIX G85 4K Digital Camera, 12-60mm Power O.I.S. Lens, 16 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 5 Axis In-Body Dual Image Stabilization, 3-Inch Tilt and Touch LCD, DMC-G85MK (Black)
$697.99
11 used from $578.84
Features
- Fine Detail Performance: 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensor with no low pass filter resulting in a near 10 percent boost in fine detail resolving power over existing 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensors; Color temperature setting 2500 to 10000K in 100K
- Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera: With 12 60 millimeter lens, Shoot lighter and faster with the modern hybrid photography performance of a mirrorless camera and nearly half the bulk of most DSLRs
- Class Leading Dual Image Stabilization: In body 5 axis dual image stabilization works in both photo and motion picture recording including 4K video to produce clear handheld shots even in low light conditions. Diopter adjustment: minus-4.0 to plus-4.0 (dpt)
- Live Viewfinder and Flip LCD Display: Integrated eye level OLED live viewfinder (2360K dots) and rear touch Enabled 3 inch LCD Display (1040K dots) adjusts for optimal viewing angles to maximize viewing
- 4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive Lumix 4K photo and 4K Post Focus allows you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the photo has been Taken
| Price history for Panasonic LUMIX G85 4K Digital Camera, 12-60mm Power O.I.S. Lens, 16 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 5 Axis In-Body Dual Image Stabilization, 3-Inch Tilt and Touch LCD, DMC-G85MK (Black) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera
10 used from $519.00
Features
- World’s fastest AF at 0.02 sec. W/ real-time AF & Object tracking
- Wide 425-phase/425-contrast detection AF points over 84% of sensor
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor sensor w/ front end LSI and ISO up to 51,200
- Up to 11fps continuous shooting5 at 24.2MP RAW w/ AF/AE tracking
- Real-time AF Tracking, Real-time Eye AF for human and animal
| Price history for Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Q&A:
What is the best used mirrorless camera for beginners?
One of the best used mirrorless cameras for beginners is the Sony Alpha a6000. It offers a great balance of image quality, performance, and affordability, making it a popular choice among entry-level photographers.
Are there any other recommended used mirrorless cameras for beginners?
Yes, another good option for beginners is the Fujifilm X-T20. It has a stylish retro design, excellent image quality, and user-friendly features that make it a great choice for those new to mirrorless photography.
