Where to Sell Camera Equipment: Best Online & Local Options

Most photographers have at least one camera or lens gathering dust in a drawer. If that sounds familiar, there’s good news: used camera gear holds real resale value, and several services exist specifically to help you recover it without the hassle of meeting strangers online.

Largest global platform: MPB · Trade-in option: B&H · User-recommended for Ireland: MPB · Buyback includes lenses: Worldwide Camera Exchange

What’s the easiest way to sell camera gear?

Online trade-in platforms have streamlined the process significantly over the past decade. Rather than photographing your gear, writing listings, and negotiating with buyers, you submit a description and receive a quote within minutes.

Online platforms like MPB

MPB has positioned itself as the largest global platform for buying and selling used camera equipment. The process starts with an online quote form where you describe your gear’s condition, and you receive an offer without any obligation to sell. If you accept, MPB sends a pre-paid shipping label, and payment arrives after inspection.

Trade-in programs

Established retailers like B&H Photo Video and Jessops operate trade-in programs where you send your equipment for inspection. B&H accepts a wide range of used gear through its trade-in portal, while Jessops offers online trade-in for cameras, lenses, and accessories with free insured courier service and cash payment via bank transfer after inspection, according to Jessops (UK-based retailer with EU shipping).

Pre-paid shipping options

Most reputable platforms cover shipping costs, removing a barrier that often discourages sellers. RCE Foto provides free shipping for sellers across Europe, with same-day bank transfer payment after inspection, as noted by RCE Foto (European camera retailer). Kamerastore similarly offers free shipping and pays within 2-3 days after you accept their quote, per Kamerastore (Finnish online buyer with over 10 years in the business).

The implication: trade-ins to established vendors sacrifice 20-40% compared to private sales but eliminate counterparty risks like chargebacks, according to Photography Life (photography industry publication).

Where is best to sell a camera?

The answer depends heavily on your location, desired payout speed, and whether you prefer cash or store credit.

Global sites

MPB, B&H Trade-In, and Kamerastore operate internationally and ship to most countries including Ireland. These platforms offer the convenience of door-to-door service but typically pay 20-40% below private market prices. RCE Foto accepts gear from across Europe with free shipping, making it accessible for Irish sellers who want to reach a broader buyer network.

Europe and Ireland options

For Irish photographers specifically, Conns Cameras in Dublin provides in-person trade-in options as a family-run business in Dublin city centre. According to WEEE Ireland (official Irish recycling body), Conns facilitated repair services alongside trade-ins and equipment rental. In 2021 alone, more than 750 reused EEE units were sold, worth over €350,000.

Harvey Norman Ireland offers the Lovetech trade-in service for tech including cameras, with instant credit after in-store inspection issued as store credit, per Harvey Norman (Irish retailer). However, this trade-in credit is subject to monthly changes and valid only at the time of evaluation.

Local stores like CeX

CeX operates retail locations where you can sell electronics including cameras for cash, though valuation may be lower than dedicated trade-in platforms. Some photographers report success with local camera stores offering consignment arrangements, though offers can vary significantly for identical items.

What this means: if speed matters and you want certainty, online trade-ins work best. If you prefer seeing the buyer and negotiating in person, local options in Dublin or regional cities may suit you better.

Does old camera equipment have any value?

Yes, though the extent varies dramatically by type, condition, and market demand at any given time.

Vintage cameras

Classic film cameras and discontinued digital models occasionally command premium prices among collectors. However, most modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras depreciate predictably, with trade-in values typically falling 20-40% below private sale prices, as documented by Photography Life.

Lenses and accessories

High-quality lenses from major manufacturers often retain value better than bodies. Jessops accepts DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, lenses, GFX/FX equipment, selected compact/bridge cameras, action cameras, and tripods, but not bags, film cameras, Sony A mount lenses, drones, or camcorders, per their trade-in page.

Buyer interest

Platforms like RCE Foto and Kamerastore actively purchase used gear for resale, indicating ongoing demand from both amateur photographers upgrading their kit and professionals seeking affordable equipment.

The pattern: lenses hold value best, modern bodies depreciate predictably, and vintage or discontinued models occasionally surprise sellers with higher-than-expected offers.

How to get rid of old camera equipment?

Three main paths exist: selling for money, donating or recycling responsibly, or proper disposal through certified programs.

Selling options

The practical path most photographers choose follows a straightforward sequence: get quotes from at least two platforms, compare payout amounts and timelines, select the best offer, ship your gear using the provided pre-paid label, and receive payment after inspection. Kamerastore handles single items or collections of hundreds, making the process scalable regardless of how much gear you need to liquidate.

Donation or recycling

Organizations accepting camera equipment donations exist, though they may not offer monetary compensation. WEEE Ireland’s partnership with Conns Cameras demonstrates a model where reusable equipment gets a second life rather than entering waste streams.

Responsible disposal

For equipment too damaged to resell, certified e-waste recyclers ensure harmful components don’t enter landfills. Jessops specifically notes which items they do not accept, helping you identify gear that requires alternative disposal routes.

The catch: selling beats recycling financially when equipment has any resale value, which applies to most cameras and lenses in working condition.

What is the most responsible way to dispose of old cameras and lenses?

Responsible disposal goes beyond simply not throwing gear in the bin, though that matters too.

Recycling programs

Certified e-waste handlers separate materials like circuit boards, batteries, and plastics for proper processing. WEEE Ireland maintains a network of collection points for electrical equipment including cameras, per their official documentation.

Sell or trade

Circular economy principles favor resale over recycling whenever possible. A camera that gets a second owner extends its useful life, delaying the recycling need. RCE Foto and Kamerastore both operate on this principle, giving used gear extended lifespans through redistribution.

Avoid landfill

Landfill disposal releases hazardous materials including heavy metals and plastics that don’t break down safely. The environmental case for selling or recycling is straightforward: every working camera resold is one less manufactured.

Why this matters: selling your gear to RCE Foto or Kamerastore funds someone else’s photography while keeping the camera in circulation, a clear win compared to disposal routes.

Platform comparison

Five options cover the main trade-in scenarios Irish sellers encounter, with distinct trade-offs on payout speed, value, and convenience.

The pattern: RCE Foto leads on payout speed while Harvey Norman offers only store credit, making it the least flexible option for Irish sellers needing cash.

Steps to sell your camera gear

Follow these steps in order for the smoothest experience when selling camera equipment online or locally.

1. Gather your gear: List every camera, lens, and accessory you want to sell. Check condition honestly—scratches, fungus, and mechanical issues affect quotes.
2. Get multiple quotes: Submit descriptions to at least two platforms (MPB, RCE Foto, Kamerastore, or Jessops) before committing to any one buyer.
3. Compare terms: Note payout speed, payment method, and whether shipping is covered. Factor in whether you need cash specifically or accept store credit.
4. Accept the best offer: Once satisfied with the comparison, accept your chosen platform’s quote and prepare your gear for shipping.
5. Ship with tracking: Use the pre-paid label provided, keep tracking information, and document your shipment with photos.
6. Receive payment: After inspection (typically 1-5 business days after arrival), payment processes according to the platform’s timeline.

Confirmed facts and rumors

“Trading in to a vendor can be a great option if you want the easiest experience possible.”

— Photography Life (photography industry guide)

“We accept and trade-in hundreds of Cameras, Lenses & Accessories weekly, so not to worry as your equipment is in experienced hands.”

— Jessops (UK-based trade-in retailer)

The implication: for Irish sellers prioritizing convenience over maximizing payout, RCE Foto’s same-day transfer and free EU shipping make it the strongest option for those without local access to Conns Cameras.

Related reading: Shipping Container for Sale Ireland · JanSport Big Student Backpack

Frequently asked questions

For Irish photographers, the choice is clear: get quotes from MPB and RCE Foto first, check Conns Cameras if you’re in Dublin, and accept the best payout. Skip Harvey Norman unless you’re already planning a new purchase there—store credit only limits your options.