The £300 budget is a genuine sweet spot in the UK used camera market. At this price, the options expand significantly beyond entry-level DSLRs to include mid-range APS-C bodies, capable mirrorless cameras, and — for patient buyers — occasional full-frame bargains. The cameras available at this price point are capable of producing professional-quality images in the right hands.
This guide covers the best options available on the UK used market in early 2026. All prices are typical eBay UK sold prices for Good or Excellent condition examples.
What Opens Up at £300
Moving from £200 to £300 unlocks a meaningfully different tier of camera. You can now access mid-range DSLRs with better autofocus systems, weather sealing, and dual card slots; APS-C mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinders and faster processors; and the lower end of the full-frame market in the form of very high-shutter-count examples of cameras like the Nikon D610 or Canon 6D.
The full-frame options at this price carry more risk and are not recommended for first-time buyers. The APS-C mid-range is where the real value lies at £300.
Our Top Picks Under £300
| Camera | Type | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D7500 | APS-C DSLR | £250–£300 | Enthusiasts, wildlife |
| Canon EOS 80D | APS-C DSLR | £220–£280 | Video, portraits |
| Fujifilm X-T20 | APS-C Mirrorless | £200–£270 | Travel, street |
| Sony A6300 | APS-C Mirrorless | £220–£290 | Video, speed |
| Olympus E-M10 Mark III | MFT Mirrorless | £180–£250 | Compact, travel |
1. Nikon D7500 — Best DSLR Under £300
Editor's Pick — Best DSLR
Typical used price: £250–£300 on eBay UK
The Nikon D7500 is a mid-range APS-C DSLR that punches well above its weight at this price point. It features a 20.9MP sensor with Nikon's EXPEED 5 processor, 51-point autofocus system, 8fps continuous shooting, and 4K video — a specification sheet that would have cost over £1,000 new just a few years ago. It also has weather sealing, making it suitable for outdoor and travel photography in challenging conditions.
The D7500 sits at the top of the under-£300 bracket, but it offers a genuine step up in capability from entry-level DSLRs. The autofocus system is significantly more capable for tracking moving subjects, the dynamic range is excellent, and the tilting touchscreen makes it versatile for both stills and video. Battery life is strong at around 950 shots per charge.
The one notable limitation is the single SD card slot — the D7200 it replaced had dual slots, and some photographers miss this for backup redundancy. For most users, this is not a practical concern.
2. Canon EOS 80D — Best for Video Under £300
Best for Video
Typical used price: £220–£280 on eBay UK
The Canon EOS 80D is the camera that YouTubers and content creators made famous, and for good reason. Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system provides smooth, accurate continuous autofocus during video recording — a feature that was genuinely class-leading at launch and remains excellent today. Combined with a fully articulating touchscreen and Canon's reliable colour science, the 80D is the best camera under £300 for anyone who shoots video regularly.
The 24.2MP sensor produces excellent stills as well, with strong dynamic range and good high-ISO performance up to ISO 3200. The 45-point all-cross-type AF system is fast and accurate for stills shooting. Weather sealing provides protection against light rain and dust.
The main limitation is the absence of 4K video — the 80D shoots 1080p at up to 60fps, which is entirely adequate for most content creation but falls short of the 4K capabilities found in the Nikon D7500 and Sony A6300 at similar prices.
3. Fujifilm X-T20 — Best Mirrorless Under £300
Best Mirrorless Pick
Typical used price: £200–£270 on eBay UK
The Fujifilm X-T20 is a compact, retro-styled mirrorless camera that delivers image quality well beyond its price. It features Fujifilm's 24.3MP X-Trans III sensor and EXPEED 4 processor — the same sensor used in the much more expensive X-T2 — combined with Fujifilm's celebrated Film Simulation modes, which produce distinctive, film-like JPEG colours straight out of camera.
For travel and street photography, the X-T20 is hard to beat at this price. It is compact, well-built, and produces beautiful images with minimal post-processing. The X-mount lens ecosystem offers excellent used options, and Fujifilm's lens quality is consistently high.
The main limitations are the absence of weather sealing (the X-T2 has it; the X-T20 does not), a smaller battery than the X-T2, and a less capable autofocus system for tracking fast-moving subjects. For landscape, portrait, and travel photography, these limitations rarely matter.
Stretching the Budget: Tips for Getting More at £300
At £300, timing matters more than at higher price points. Camera prices on eBay UK fluctuate with seasonal demand — prices tend to be higher in November and December (Christmas) and lower in January and February. If you can wait, buying in late winter typically yields better deals.
Also consider buying from specialist dealers like Wex Photo Video or Clifton Cameras rather than private sellers. Dealer prices are typically 10–20% higher than private eBay listings, but they include a warranty, have been inspected by professionals, and come with a returns policy. At the £300 price point, the peace of mind is often worth the premium.
Browse cameras under £300
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