New vs. Used Cameras: Do Big Savings Compensate for Fewer Features?

Everyone loves a great deal, and there’s no need to wait until the January sales, Black Friday or Prime Day to get a great deal. For example, if you’re looking to save big on a digital camera, we’re big fans of buying a used model.

To show you how much money you can save by buying used older models compared to the newest equivalents fresh out of the box, and how little you’re giving away in terms of features or image quality, we’ve put together three comparisons comparing the current generation of camera models by compared to the models they replaced in their manufacturers’ product lines. We’ll point out the main differences between the models and then tell you how much you can expect to pay for each.

Canon EOS R5 vs Canon EOS R5 Mark II

The EOS R5 has been a groundbreaking camera since its release in 2020 and is arguably Canon’s most powerful mirrorless multi-function camera to date. Four years later, Canon has released an updated, redesigned version of the Mark II camera, which retains the same high megapixel count (both models have a 45MP full-frame sensor) but introduces a number of changes.

The Mark II upgrades the sensor with a multi-layer back-illuminated design that improves sensitivity (so there’s less noise in photos, especially in low light) and has a faster readout speed (which reduces rolling shutter and therefore improves the appearance of videos). in certain situations). Processing power has also been increased, allowing for continuous shooting at 30fps (20fps on the R5) and 4x in-camera zoom (up to 179MP). It also offers blackout-free continuous shooting, slightly improved autofocus, a new 21-pin multi-function connector (the R5 has the old 5-pin connector), full-size HDMI output, and slightly improved battery life.

So these are some significant improvements, but nothing potentially revolutionary. If you rarely shoot at night, don’t need the fastest possible continuous shooting speeds, or spend a lot of time creating video content, the R5 is still an impressive CSC.

Price comparison: Depending on its condition, you can buy a used Canon EOS R5 for as little as £2,000, and a new Canon EOS R5 Mark II for as little as £4,500.

Panasonic Lumix S5 vs Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Panasonic’s beloved full-frame mirrorless camera Lumix S5 (released in 2020) and its successor (released in 2023) are still in the company’s lineup at the time of writing. Both models are very similar in appearance, but there are some differences worth mentioning.

The most important thing for us is the autofocus setting. The S5 II uses a hybrid phase detection system, while the original S5 uses a slower and less accurate contrast detection setup. This is a major upgrade that seriously impacts AF performance to the point that if you plan to shoot moving subjects or move the camera frequently, we advise choosing the newer model over the original.

The S5 II also shoots video at a slightly higher bitrate and, in some cases, resolution, so discerning videographers may want to scrutinize the spec comparison. However, most of the S5 II’s other improvements are relatively minor, such as a sharper electronic viewfinder, full-size HDMI over the S5’s micro HDMI, and 9fps continuous shooting at 7fps.

Both models feature a 24.2MP full-frame sensor, an expanded ISO range of 50 to 204800, 6.5-stops of in-body stabilization (though the S5 II has a new Active IS mode specifically for handheld video shooting), and two memory card slots.

The older S5 actually has slightly better battery life, which can make a difference when shooting all day long when you don’t have spare batteries on hand. If you don’t mind being a little more patient with the AF system – perhaps you shoot more still lifes, landscapes or architecture than wildlife or sports scenes – then there are real savings to be made here.

Price comparison: The Panasonic Lumix S5 can be bought on the second-hand market for as little as £600, while a new, unused Panasonic Lumix S5 II costs just around £1,650.

Sony RX100 IV vs Sony RX100 VII

Sony’s long-running line of premium pocket-sized compact cameras is currently being updated to its seventh model, but we think some of the older members of the line still get the job done despite being significantly cheaper than the current flagship. .

The RX100 VII may be three iterations older than the RX100 IV, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the two cameras side by side; they are almost identical in size and weight. If you delve deeper into the specifications, the situation does not change much. Both cameras feature a 20.1MP Exmor RS-type 1.0 sensor, both are capable of shooting 4K video at up to 30fps, and both can shoot photos at ISO 25600.

There are some slight differences here, however: the RX100 IV has a continuous shooting speed of 16 fps, while the RX100 VII has a continuous shooting speed of 20 fps. The biggest difference is the zoom range of the lenses: the RX100 VII has 8x optical zoom and a maximum aperture of F/2.8 to F/4.5, while the older RX100 IV can only provide 2.9x optical zoom, but with a higher maximum value. aperture from F/1.8 to F/2.8. The older model also lacks a 3.5mm microphone port, so if you’re into vlogging or the like, you might want to stay away.

In many other respects, the two models are very close in features and performance. Some photographers find that a more limited zoom range (or even a fixed lens) helps them see their subject and frame better than using a zoom, and an older camera’s wider aperture should give it a dreamier depth of blur.

Price comparison: The Sony RX100 IV can be purchased for under £400, while the new Sony RX100 VII will set you back £1,049 from most retailers.