The moment where you step up to a full-frame camera, for many photographers, is the moment when things get serious. Full-frame sensors, larger than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds (they’re about the same size as a frame of 35mm film, hence the name), offer superior image quality but are also more expensive. As such, photographers are often on the hunt for the best budget full-frame camera.
If you’ve looked into full-frame cameras before but have been put off by the price, that’s totally understandable – but there is a solution you may not have considered. On the used market, you can find fantastic full-frame cameras, delivering sublime image quality at a fraction of the price of new models.
I’ll show you an example. Say you’re on the hunt for a Canon full-frame camera for under £1,000. Canon’s affordable full-frame mirrorless model is the EOS R8, and even in a combination with Canon’s most affordable lens, the RF 50mm f/1.8, the total cost is going to be around £1,400. The EOS R8 is a great camera, but that may simply not be in your budget.
So, let’s look at the used market. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is one of Canon’s most popular full-frame DSLRs. With a full-frame 26.2MP sensor, it offers a level of image quality comparable to the much newer EOS R8, and its Dual Pixel CMOS AF is fast and accurate, even with moving subjects. It costs around £533–£650 on the used market, depending on condition. Pair it with a used Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, which can be bought for as little as £78, and you’ve got a terrific full-frame setup for as little as £611.
Looking at the EOS 6D Mark II vs the EOS R8, the DSLR may not be the right choice for everyone. The newer mirrorless camera is far superior for video, with 4K rather than Full HD, and its AF system benefits from AI-powered subject recognition. However, the DSLR still delivers superb image quality, and for budget-conscious photographers, it’s a great choice.
Should I buy a used full-frame camera?
Many people are nervous about buying used cameras, and these nerves can be amplified by the cost of full-frame – what if I get something that doesn’t work? However, there are ways you can reassure yourself that the camera you’ve bought is indeed in good working condition, and with DSLRs, one method is to check the shutter count.
This is something we always do at Wex when processing used cameras for resale, and it’s a good habit to get into for yourself if you’re frequently buying used gear. The shutter count refers to literally how many times a camera’s shutter has been fired. A high count won’t impact the quality of your photos in any way, but it will give you a sense of how long a camera has been used. It’s a lot like the mileage on a car – a rough guide to where a camera is in its life cycle.
Doing a shutter count check on the EOS 6D Mark II (or any DSLR) is easy. Simply snap a photo, and upload the unedited file to one of the many free shutter count checkers online, such as camerashuttercount.com.
This will give you peace of mind as to how well-used your camera is, so you can be sure that you really are getting a great bargain on a budget full-frame camera.
Take a look at our extensive range of second-hand products here!
About the Author
Jon Stapley is a London-based freelance writer and journalist who covers photography, art and technology. When not writing about cameras, Jon is a keen photographer who captures the world using his Olympus XA2. His creativity extends to works of fiction and other creative writing, all of which can be found on his website www.jonstapley.com
The Wex Blog
Sign up for our newsletter today!
- Subscribe for exclusive discounts and special offers
- Receive our monthly content roundups
- Get the latest news and know-how from our experts
