An open secret for photographers in 2025 is the robustness of the used market. With manufacturers pivoting to different production and distribution strategies in response to various geopolitical upheavals, finding popular, coveted, unique, competent, and flagship equipment second-hand has moved from viable to (sometimes) necessary. Flagship models turn over and older high-end gear depreciates, creating deals for savvy buyers. Earlier generation mirrorless bodies become more accessible, and once-elite DSLR systems can become out-and-out workhorses for budget-minded photographers just as much as students and newcomers. That's not to mention the resurgence of film photography increasing demand (and prices) of used analog cameras, along with an emergent nostalgia for the early days of digital.
B&H offers a vast inventory of used cameras and lenses, and to help navigate the volume we've identified five different ways to sift through offerings and find what you're looking for.
1. The Latest at a Slight Discount
One way to sidestep cost and availability concerns with the latest equipment is to buy them (slightly) used. These cameras and lenses are essentially the latest generation in their lineup, so finding them in B&H’s Used department means grabbing near-new performance at a modest discount. In most cases, these flagship mirrorless bodies and pro lenses belonged to early adopters who bought them new and quickly resold. Buyers can enjoy the latest tech (high megapixel sensors, cutting-edge autofocus, 8K video, etc.) from the industry's top manufacturers. It’s an appealing option if you want state-of-the-art equipment but don’t mind it being gently used.
2. Earlier Mirrorless Generations
Mirrorless cameras from a generation or two prior to the latest models retain their utility even if they've relinquished their standard-bearer status. This group also includes the lenses that were introduced alongside those earlier mirrorless systems. These are still excellent, modern cameras and lenses, but since they’ve been superseded by newer models, they have depreciated in value and are widely available used. This can translate into a great bang for your buck: you get advanced mirrorless features (high image quality, IBIS, decent autofocus, 4K video) for a much lower cost. In many cases, an earlier-gen full-frame or APS-C mirrorless used can cost less than a new mid-tier camera, making them smart second-hand picks. The same goes for lenses, as first-generation mirrorless lenses can be found used more cheaply once newer versions or systems have come out.
3. DSLRs & Other Discontinueds
Here we have the recently discontinued cameras, notably (but not exclusively) DSLRs, which have largely been phased out by manufacturers in favor of mirrorless. This is also the segment where you're most likely to get the best value in terms of price for image quality. These bodies and lenses are no longer sold new, but B&H’s used department has plenty of them. For those who don’t mind the older tech and dead-end pipelines there's an opportunity to get real professional-level tools at a fraction of the original cost. It's also an excellent way for beginners and students to get their feet wet with hyper-competent imaging tools.
4. Analog/Film
B&H's used department is a treasure trove for film enthusiasts and the analog-curious. The whole gamut of film camera body is available here, whether it be a student stalwart like the Pentax K1000, a vintage Leica Rangefinder, a compact point-and-shoot, or other bodies and lenses for both medium and large format. Lenses here are the classic manual focus lenses or early autofocuses lenses that accompanied these bodies. Yes, film has gotten so popular that manufacturers have begun to produce new bodies again, but the used market remains the best and cheapest way to get a film camera.
5. Retro-Digital
Cameras from the early days of digital have themselves become collectible or novelty items. We’re talking about early point-and-shoots with low megapixel counts, quirky designs, or unique outputs that have charmed younger photographers and found popularity on social media for their distinct aesthetic. This group can also extend to early DSLRs, one-off curios, and cameras with outdated media formats. Essentially, these cameras are no longer practical by modern standards but are fun to experiment with or collect and can be found relatively cheap in B&H’s used section. But not always—nostalgia is a price gouger!
Used markets have high turnover, and B&H's is no different. If you know you're buying used, be sure to keep up with our latest inventory, do your research at the B&H Explora blog, and see the used equipment you're buying in person at our New York SuperStore.
