Secondhand Camera and Lens Market - By Type, By End Use, By Distribution Channel Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Secondhand Camera and Lens Market Size

The global secondhand camera and lens market size was estimated at USD 8.6 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 8.9 billion in 2025 to USD 13.3 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 4.6%. The global market for second-hand cameras and lenses is growing significantly and driven by surging demand for affordable cameras and lenses, rising awareness about environment and sustainability, increase in popularity of photography and videography.
 

Affordability and cost savings along with the rising interest in photography across the globe fueling the market growth during the forecasted period. Photography equipment, particularly professional-grade cameras and high-end lenses can cost a lot to buy new. Second-hand items provide a budget-friendly option for first-time buyers and those who want to add to their collection.  The transition from DSLR to mirrorless system remains in progress, influencing the average retail price of cameras and lenses.

 

According to the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA), it is discovered that the total number of lenses and camera bodies shipped in 2024 was 8% above year on year, and this is indicative of growing demand for high end photographic equipment. Moreover, the average retail price of lenses and cameras has increased by 3%, which shows the premium trend of the market. 
 

Sustainability and environmental consciousness are the factors propelling the secondhand camera and lens market growth. Most photographers desire to have sustainable options in this age due to global warming. Since the need for second-hand cameras is increasing, users can limit electronic waste and contribute to a circular buying method. According to the most recent MPB impact report, MPB generated 35% of electricity from renewable sources, achieved 100% plastic-free packaging throughout the year and delivered zero waste to landfill.
 

MPB's approach to sustainability is founded on three themes across which the business invests and monitors its performance such as circular and renewable, inclusive and diverse, and trusted and ethical. Throughout its Circular and Renewable objectives, MPB announced that it is recycling 570,000 cameras, lenses and accessories annually. MPB remains a zero-waste-to-landfill company. Through its strong recycling and reuse initiatives throughout its four locations, MPB recycled an average of 69% of office and warehouse waste.
 

Secondhand Camera and Lens Market Trends

• Millennials are particularly drawn to sustainable consumption and like to purchase second-hand products to minimize waste and create a circular economy. Therefore, they are a significant force propelling the second-hand camera industry.
   
• According to the MPB and Retail Economics statistics, nearly three-quarters of buyers (71%) purchased or sold second-hand items in 2023, with 63% of these consumers making a purchase once a month or more. Millennials are leading the trend for second hand, with 84% engaging in the market for used goods, as are richer households, countering the view that second-hand is only for those on tight budgets. Over a third (35%) of consumers have upped the number of used purchases this year, including 9.4 million adults in the UK. More than half (52%) affirmed that cost savings were the main driving force, with sustainability issues being second.
   
• Almost three-quarters (71%) of consumers in the UK, US, France and Germany have both bought and sold second-hand products over the course of the previous year, with this implying the market for used goods so-called 'recommerce' is thriving increasingly, with consumers opting to shop more environmentally friendly and act in response to increasing living prices.
   

Secondhand Camera and Lens Market Analysis

The market by type is segmented into camera and lens. In 2024, the camera segment dominates the market generating revenue of USD 5.8 billion and lens segment is expected to grow at CAGR of around 4.9% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.
 

• The surging specialized online marketplaces such as MPB, KEH, and eBay has made second-hand camera buying and selling easier. Online marketplaces provide secure transactions, and clear listings enhance the experience of buying and increase the growth in the market. The used lens market gain profits from the increased demand for vintage lenses, where photographers and videographers seek unusual features like bokeh effects, soft focus, or special coatings that provide a more retro look to their photos and videos.
   
• Premium lenses of companies such as Canon, Nikon, and Sony are made to last and will be able to maintain their performance over the long term. With these products being durable and still functional, they continue to have value in the second-hand market, and customers are becoming more ready to buy used lenses because of the perceived value.
   
• The increased need for cost-effective photography tools is one of the strongest promoters for second-hand lenses and cameras. Professional tools may be quite expensive, hence the ability for amateurs and experts to find high-quality equipment for a small percentage of the actual cost through second-hand items.   
   

According to the end user, the secondhand camera and lens market is segmented into amateur photographers, professional photographers, content creators/vloggers, travel enthusiasts and others. Amateur photographers made up 39% of the market in 2024.
 

• The secondhand market for cameras and lenses is dominated by amateur photographers. These users tend to look for inexpensive equipment that offers high performance without the high price of brand-new equipment.
   
• These amateur photographers tend to seek high quality, entry-level lenses and cameras at an affordable price. Amateur photographer segment expected to adopt high end brands that are advanced and known for reliability and picture quality, such as Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
   
• Professionals usually look for high end DSLR or mirror cameras, and lenses with superior performance, build quality, and image quality. Some of the leading brands include Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Leica, particularly models applied in commercial work, weddings, sports, or fashion photography.
   
• Content creators expected to prefer cameras with high video capabilities, including 4K recording, great autofocus, and decent low-light capabilities. With the surge in outdoor and travel content, action cameras such as GoPro are more widely used among content creators.  
   

With about 79% of the North American secondhand camera and lens market share and estimated USD 2.7 billion in revenue, the United States led the market in 2024. The expansion of the U.S. market is primarily driven by affordability, advancement in online marketplace and rising circular economy.
 

• Affordability and cost savings along with the rising interest in photography across the U.S. fueling the market growth during the forecasted period.
   
• Consumers across the country have become increasingly financially aware over the past few years. They would rather use second-hand goods than new ones. Most top-of-the-range camera models remain functional for years without much reduction in performance, which is an excellent selling point for new consumers. Furthermore, most customers are more interested in the functionality of the equipment rather than whether it is the most recent model. Such more practical consumerism fosters the development of a U.S. secondhand camera market.
   
• Most professional photographers also regularly replace their equipment in order to remain competitive in the industry. When professional photographers purchase new cameras, they dispose of the older ones in perfect condition. Therefore, there is a high quantity of professionally used cameras entering the second-hand market. People who want to become photographers and use professional gear but are not able to purchase the newest models become buyers in this market, where they buy used equipment from reputable brands.  
    

Europe: The Europe secondhand camera and lens industry with a market share of around 32% in 2024 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 3.7% during the 2025 – 2034. Across Europe, a growing appreciation for vintage photography and distinct lens characteristics is fueling demand for specialized older lenses, sourced from the second-hand market.  
 

Secondhand Camera and Lens Market Share

• The top five companies in Adorama, B&H Photo, MPB, KEH, National Camera Exchange and they collectively hold a share of 5%-8% in the market.
   
• These companies continue to acquire and merge with others, expand facilities, and make various collaborations to increase their product offerings, access customer bases, and secure their market positions.
   
• Adorama has opened a specialized Used Equipment Department where customers can purchase second-hand cameras and exchange their old equipment. This move enforces sustainability within the photography market and encourages access to quality equipment at different prices.
   
• Campkins Cameras, in partnership with OM Digital Solutions, became sponsors of Wildlife Trust Photograph Competitions. This is a clear indication of Campkins dedication to community involvement and supporting local photographers. Participants are encouraged to photograph in the nature all around theme and the winners receive OM System photography equipment.
   

Secondhand Camera and Lens Market Companies

Major players operating in the secondhand camera and lens industry are:

• Adorama
• B&H Photo
• Campkins Cameras
• Canon 
• eBay
• Fujifilm Corporation
• Harrison Cameras
• KEH
• Kerrisdale Cameras
• Leica      
• MPB
• National Camera Exchange
• Nikon
• SIGMA Corporation of America
• Tokina Lens         
   

To improve the services and market share key players are constantly investing in technological activities and are also entering into partnerships to provide improved and better solutions for the customers. These investments are benefiting both companies and customers as they help develop and offer solutions as per the changing technological trends and thus the customer requirements.
 

In September 2024, MPB announce an exclusive content partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club to promote the club’s highlights. This collaboration will see MPB become the exclusive official highlights partner of the club for the full 2024/2025 season, having joined forces during the 2023/2024 season.
 

In October 2024, SIGMA Corporation of America initiated the campaign “It Just Clicks”. The campaign aimed at reducing the gap between photographers and videographers, as well as showcasing SIGMA's collection of lenses in the Art, Sports, and Contemporary series. It also served to highlight the brand's focus on quality and innovation.
 

Secondhand Camera and Lens Industry News

• In October 2024, MPB has extended its reach to four new countries which are Ireland, Austria, Italy and Belgium. Since 2 October, there is a special version of the MPB platform available to buyers and sellers in Ireland. A second German-language version for Austria became available on 9 October. MPB will move further into two additional markets like Italy, in Italian, and Belgium, in French and Dutch. This growth comes on the heels of MPB's launch in the Netherlands in March 2024 and complements its existing business in the UK, US and Germany, in addition to its French-language platform serving France.
   
• In September 2024, Team group has partnered with B&H Photo, a leading U.S. retailer of photo and video gear. They will jointly strengthen the U.S. professional photography and videography market, offering creators unparalleled solutions and services. With B&H's strong market position and large customer base, it is the ideal partner for Team group’s foray into the U.S. photo and video market. The two will work together closely, with a focus on mutual success and sustainable growth in the American market.
   
• In April 2024, KEH introduced a new advertising campaign to encourage the purchase and sale of used cameras and lenses "Save the Planet, Buy Better Than New." The "Better Than New" tagline is intended to raise awareness and use of used cameras, lenses, and other photography equipment. KEH wants to encourage photographers to think about their shopping practices and understand the advantages of buying used over new gear.
   
• In March 2024, Nikon Corporation concluded an agreement to buy 100% of the outstanding membership interests of RED.com, LLC (RED). This follows a mutual vision by Nikon and RED to satisfy customer demands and create superior user experiences, going beyond expectations through the combination of strengths from the two.
   

This secondhand camera and lens market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Million Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Camera
  • DSLR cameras
  • Mirrorless cameras
  • Point-and-shoot cameras
  • Film cameras
  • Others (medium format camera etc.)
• Lens
  • Standard lens
  • Wide angle lens
  • Telephoto lens
  • Others (fisheye etc.)      

Market, By End Use

• Amateur photographers
• Professional photographers
• Content creators/vloggers
• Travel enthusiasts
• Others (students and learners, casual users etc.)       

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline    

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa