Best Used Cameras for 2021
- 20MP sensor
- DIGIC 5+ processor
- ISO range o 100-25,600
- 4.5fps burst mode
- Full HD video
- 97% viewfinder coverage
- 3.2” LCD screen with 1.04m-dots
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash
Used Cameras
Considering the pandemic, we are seeing a lot of photographers experiencing reduced business. If you need new gear, that creates a problem..
While this is, of course, unfortunate, it also means we could be saving a ton of money this year by simply purchasing used cameras.
Also thanks to the pandemic, a lot of photographers are trying to downsize and get rid of their old gear, which means that you have an even better chance at snagging a great deal.
photo by hiphotos35 via iStock
So far, we have seen a ton of incredibly cheap used cameras this year, but the following four are some of the best used cameras for 2021.
We chose these cameras for a few reasons. Firstly, in order for a camera to make our best used cameras for 2021 article, it has to be inexpensive. This means different things for different people, so we tried to include a wide range of cameras we think are a great deal.
Secondly, we wanted to make sure that every camera on this list has features that make it a realistic option for a professional photographer working in 2021.
It took us quite a while to pick these out and we hope you benefit from it.
NIKON D7100
The first camera on our “best used cameras for 2021” list is the Nikon D7100.
The Nikon D7100 is a workhorse if I’ve ever seen one. It features a 24MP sensor, an impressive 3.2” LCD 1.22m-dot screen, and a 6fps burst mode that can last for up to 100 shots.
In order for me to consider a camera workhorse, though, it has to have a great battery life, which the Nikon D7100 does. Its battery is rated at 950 shots, which means it can last for well over 1,000 in the right conditions.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t feature 4K video, but it can shoot full HD at 60, 50, 30, 25, and 24fps.
As you can see in this video by Jo Jo Productions, this camera can handle itself in video mode.
You can also throw this camera around a bit because of its robust weather-proofed body. If you’ve ever shot with any of the cameras in the Nikon D line before, then you will be able to pick this one up with ease.
You can find a used Nikon D7100 on MPB starting from just $314, making it one of the best used cameras for 2021.
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is the cheapest camera on our best used cameras for 2021 list because it’s getting old. It came out in 2013 and has since been replaced with two newer versions.
But, I think the Olympus OM-D E-M1 specs have aged exceptionally well. For instance, this camera features a 16MP sensor and an ISO range up to 25,600. Its EVF has 2.36m-dots and 100% coverage.
Its 3.0” touchscreen comes with 1.03m-dots and tilts so that you can capture the best images from any angle.
It also features some impressive specs for its age. For example, it comes with built-in Wi-Fi and a 10fps burst mode with autofocus.
While its battery life is definitely not as impressive as the Nikon D7100, it is workable at 440 shots.
The one thing I wouldn’t recommend this camera for in 2021 is its video quality. But, you can check out the video test by Blizzardfoto above to judge for yourself.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 tops our list of the best used cameras for 2021 because you can find it on MPB for only $209.
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CANON EOS 6D
The Canon EOS 6D is one of the more expensive best used cameras for 2021 on our list at $680, but we promise it's worth it.
The Canon EOS 6D specs include:
My favorite quality of the Canon EOS 6D is its vari-angle screen, which makes taking selfies or vlogging incredibly easy. For this reason, I’ve used this camera while traveling to various countries.
But, it's one of the best used cameras for 2021 because it's rugged.
SONY A7R
The Sony a7R is probably the most popular camera on our best used cameras for 2021 list, and for good reason, because the Sony a7R specs are nothing short of impressive.
The Sony a7R dropped in 2013 and immediately solidified itself as a favorite everyday shooter for professional photographers. If you remember, the Sony a7R dropped alongside two other cameras in the same line: the Sony a7S and the Sony a7, though these cameras really had more in common than Sony made it seem at first.
The sony a7R is a first-generation E mount, compact camera. It came with a high resolution 36MP full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor. It also came with Sony’s best processor to date, the BIONZ-X Image Processor.
Its electronic viewfinder features 2.36m-dots and its 3.0” LCD tilts.
Again, this camera is nearly a decade old at this point, so it doesn’t feature 4K video, but it can shoot full HD video at 24 or 60p.
Its ISO rating is the same as every other camera on this list: 100-25,600.
If you’re wondering what the difference is between the Sony a7R, the Sony a7, and the Sony a7S you aren’t alone.
The major difference between these three cameras is the sensor. For example, the Sony a7 comes with a 24MP sensor, while the Sony a7S comes with a 12MP sensor.
There’s also a large difference in the low light capabilities of these three models, since the Sony a7S was specifically built for low-light shooting and comes with an ISO range of 100-102,400.
The battery life on all three cameras is pretty similar, with the Sony a7R reporting a 340-shot battery life, the Sony a7 reporting a 340-shot battery life, and the Sony a7S reporting a 380-shot battery life.
Unfortunately the last of the “best used cameras for 2021” is currently out of stock on MPB, but check back frequently because MPB rotates through hundreds of products every day.