5 Great Mirrorless Cameras & How to Save Money Buying One

Want to save BIG when purchasing a top-level mirrorless camera? Here’s the rundown on five highly desirable models and five ways MPB can help you save money buying one.

History may confirm that the introduction of mirrorless cameras was the most important event in the world of photography since the arrival of 35mm film. In any case, they’re about the best choice for photographers today. They provide a myriad of advantages vs DSLR and other cameras. Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Leica and Panasonic have separately leveraged all of their image-capture knowhow and condensed it into their mirrorless models for us to enjoy.

Five Ways to Save

1. Buy Used, Not New
Savvy image and video enthusiasts know that buying a recent model secondhand always nets a better deal than buying along the bleeding edge. Buying used doesn’t mean sacrificing on quality or reliability. It means more for your money.

And you can save a bundle. Shoppers who buy from MPB, the largest global platform to buy, sell and trade used equipment for photo and video storytellers, on average save 33% off retail.

2. Go Fishing in a HUGE Pond at MPB
If you want to land a big fish, go to a big pond. MPB has more than 16,000 pieces of used gear in the US and over 47,000 globally. They add more than 2,000 products every week. Visit mpb.com and check out their inventory of cameras, lenses, video gear, drones, bags—the list goes on and on. Plus the inventory turns over fast, so if you don’t immediately find exactly what you’re looking for, check back in a couple of days. You can view recently added gear via this link.

3. Demand Accurate Product Descriptions
Don’t risk losing money on sketchy deals. The photo of the camera or lens you see in an MPB product description depicts the actual item you are buying. No stock photos and no false expectations.

Every camera and lens sold is MPB Approved and undergoes a rigorous 8-to-10-point inspection by a skilled photo specialist. MPB confirms that everything is as it should be and uses a 5-point condition rating system that makes the details clear and understandable.

The condition ratings are: • Like New – unboxed, unused or lightly used • Excellent – minimal signs of wear, otherwise pristine • Good – fair amount of use, but well-kept • Well Used – significant use, signs of normal wear and tear • Heavily Used – clear signs of wear and tear, still works. They even have this YouTube video that further explains the system.

Additionally, MPB lists each and every item that’s included with the product—straps, caps, everything.

4. Deal Only with Reliable Sellers
Forget the anonymous online auction dealers—stick with a company that proves itself to thousands of customers every week. MPB has served 625,000 visual storytellers. MPB recirculates more than 500,000 items a year and enjoys a well-earned 5-Star Rating on Trustpilot based on more than 34,000 reviews.

MPB backs every used camera and lens it sells with a 6-month warranty. Buy with confidence and peace of mind. Buying used doesn’t mean sacrificing on quality or reliability.

5. Trade the Gear You No Longer Love
You save more when you trade your underused equipment toward the purchase of the mirrorless marvel you really want. With MPB the process is free, fast and fair, and it starts with a free instant online quote.

Should you decide not to buy but still want to shake out the camera closet, you receive the same value by selling to MPB instead of trading. MPB uses a sophisticated analysis to assure that you receive the appropriate market value on your trade in. On average, photo and video storytellers earn about $900 when they sell to MPB.

Whether trading or selling to MPB, the process is the same; it’s three easy steps. First, go online for a free instant quote. Second, MPB pays the freight to have the products shipped to them for final inspection. And third, your payment is deposited in your bank account within a couple days.

Five Great Mirrorless Cameras to Buy Used Today
The Mirrorless Camera Section at MPB lists complete information about every camera in stock, including quantity on hand, full description, real-life images of the camera from various angles, product overview and full specifications. If you want to learn when additional used units become available, you can create an alert. Prices, of course, vary by condition. Note that all prices below are for body only, no lens included. And again, all MPB cameras and lenses come with a 6-month warranty.

Sony Alpha A7 III
One of the best values to be found in full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Sony Alpha A7 III shines whether you shoot stills or video. Featuring a 24-megapixel back-illuminated sensor, it weighs in at 23 ounces (650g) and is supported by a wide range of Sony lenses, as well as lenses from independent manufactures. This true bargain is available used from $1,019 – $1,149 depending on condition. 

Nikon Z7 II
Available used from MPB at prices ranging from $1,699 – $2,049, the Nikon Z7 II is part of the highly acclaimed Nikon Z System. Sporting a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, this gem has no optical low-pass filter that can dilute image sharpness. It features dual processors, two memory card slots, a 493-point autofocus system and records 4K Ultra HD video at 60p. Add a used  Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter (priced at from $149 – $154 at MPB) and you have instant access to an extremely wide range of famous Nikon F lenses.

Fujifilm X-T3
Built around a 26.1-megapixel APS-C format sensor, the Fujifilm X-T3 is a very affordable gateway to the legendary “Fuji Colors” all Fujifilm users rave about. It features the back-illuminated X-Trans sensor and therefore does not require an optical low-pass filter. Users love the clean, virtually noise-free images produced by the X-T3, and many brag that because of the superb JPEG images it creates, they no longer need to shoot in Raw format. Experience the mystery of Fuji Colors, available from MPB priced between $674 – $904.

Olympus OM-D E-M1
Perfect as an entry-level mirrorless camera or as a backup model for your main Micro 4/3rds, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a reliable performer and a genuine bargain. Available used from $244 – $329, it’s great if you’re looking for a budget-priced mirrorless body that accepts hundreds of legacy DSLR and Film SLR lenses via readily available adapters (albeit for strictly manual operation). It features a very compact size and light weight of 17.5 ounces (497g) so it’s easy to pack and carry, and it has a 16.1-megapixel sensor.

Canon EOS R6
The Canon EOS R6 features the same base image sensor and image processor as the much higher-priced EOS-1D X Mark II professional model yet is surprisingly affordable (available used from $1,339 – $1,569 at MPB). It features a 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and excels at both high-speed action shots and filming 4K cinematic productions in addition to fine art and everyday photography. It also offers upscale video features including 4K 60P and Full HD 120P with the option of internally recorded 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log or HDR-PQ recording.

∞ Shutterbug Staff