Ive been shooting with the EOS system for over a decade now so I usually know where to look but the market feels totally different lately. My logic was that since everyone is moving to mirrorless I could snag a deal on a used 5D or even a 6D Mark II for cheap but prices on KEH and MPB are actually creeping up? Its weird. I need a solid backup body for a wedding gig in Chicago next month and my budget is strictly around $700. I looked at Adorama's used section but their grading is sometimes hit or miss for me. So I was thinking maybe there are smaller reputable shops I'm missing? Where are you guys finding the best price to condition ratio these days...
Like someone mentioned, the market is totally upside down. Just catching up on this thread... honestly, im the type who is terrified of a gear failure during a ceremony, so I always prioritize a solid return policy over saving fifty bucks. Over the years, many sources have let me down, but B&H is usually consistent.
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II 26.2MP Digital SLR Body: Probably the smartest pick for $700. Pros: better ISO and that articulating screen helps for weird angles. Cons: the AF points are all clustered in the center.
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3MP DSLR Camera: Cheaper, usually around $550. Pros: Dual card slots are a lifesaver for weddings if a card corrupts. Cons: Its heavy and the tech feels slow. Check out Hunt's Photo and Video. They're a smaller chain but their used department is legit and they actually test the gear thoroughly which is a huge relief for professional gigs.
Re: "Like someone mentioned, the market is totally upside..." - yeah it really is. I've been a bit of a gear hoarder myself because I don't fully trust the early mirrorless stuff for long wedding days yet. A few years back, I bought a bargain body for a backup and it arrived with a sensor scratch that the seller didn't mention. Total nightmare. Since then, I've become super conservative with where I put my money. I've actually had a lot of luck with Canon EOS 6D Mark II 26.2MP DSLR Body listings on B&H lately. Their 9 rating is usually better than most people's mint condition. If you're trying to stay under $700, here's what I usually do:
- Monitor the B&H used department every morning at 9 AM EST
- Check LensRentals to see if they are retiring any of their Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3MP DSLR Body inventory
- Look for a Canon EOS 80D 24.2MP DSLR Body if you don't mind the crop factor as a fail-safe backup The 6D Mark II is probably your best bet for the wedding vibe since the autofocus is decent enough and it handles low light okay. Just don't skimp on the return policy. Saving $50 isn't worth the stress if the mirror assembly decides to quit during the first dance. I've been there and it is not fun... just go with someone who offers a real warranty.
Honestly, the market is a mess right now because people are hoarding the last of the solid DSLRs for backup rigs. You arent crazy, MPB and KEH have definitely hiked prices lately. If you're looking for that $700 sweet spot, Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3MP DSLR Body is still the king for weddings. You can usually find a clean one with a decent shutter count for around $550 to $650 if you look in the right spots. Forget the big retailers for a second and check out the Fred Miranda Buy/Sell boards. It is a bit old school but the community there takes way better care of their gear than most trade-in shops. I've grabbed a Canon EOS 6D Mark II 26.2MP Full Frame DSLR Body there for under $700 last year and it looked brand new. You get to see actual photos of the item rather than a stock image which helps a ton with peace of mind. Plus, no sales tax in most cases if you're buying from a private seller. Another sleeper site is UsedPhotoPro which is the used arm of Roberts Camera. They are based out of Indianapolis and their grading is way more consistent than Adorama imo. I find their Excellent rating actually means excellent, not beat up but functional. Also, keep an eye on the Canon Refurbished site. Sometimes they dump old stock of the 6D series for dirt cheap with a full warranty, though thats getting rarer as they push the mirrorless stuff so hard lately.
