I'm thinking about switching from my old Canon DSLR to a mirrorless camera, but I don't want to spend a fortune. I've seen several used Sony A6400s on Subito at interesting prices (around 600-700 euros). Is it worth buying them used or should I wait for sales and get a new one instead? Does anyone have experience with secondhand mirrorless cameras?
The doubt "used vs new" isn't really the issue here. The A6400 is still a solid camera in 2026, but at 600-700 euros used you're already almost at the price of a new entry-level mirrorless (maybe a fresher model). First of all, check the actual condition: how many shots has it taken? What's the sensor and shutter like? A used mirrorless can last years without problems, but if the battery is already shot or the sensor has dirt crusted inside, it's not a great deal.
The real advantage of used is that the technology in mirrorless cameras from a few years ago is already good - you don't necessarily need the latest model to take decent photos. But sales on DSLRs and mirrorless are rare and chaotic, so don't count on it too much. If you find an A6400 with few shots (less than 10-15k, let's say), well maintained, no mold in the shutter, then 600 euros is a decent deal. But if the seller can't tell you how many shots it has, run. And remember that on used mirrorless you don't have official warranty - if things go wrong, you're on your own.
The A6400 at €600-700 used is a good deal if the camera is in good condition, but before buying check the shutter count on the battery (every DSLR/mirrorless has a counter). An A6400 with 50,000 shots is not the same as one with 5,000. Always ask the seller for this, maybe with a screenshot of the camera menu to confirm it.
That said, at those prices you're really close to the cost of a new entry-level camera. The advantage of used is that you already get the A6400's better autofocus and decent video, which still holds up well. The risk is that maybe in a year the battery gives you problems, or the sensor has dead pixels you don't notice right away. If you go for it, pay through Subito with buyer protection and get them to give you a written guarantee of at least 30 days, even if it's informal.
One thing nobody mentions: before closing the deal, have the seller shoot a video where they turn on the camera shirtless, shoot in live view with different lighting and zoom on what they see in the viewfinder. That way you can see if the sensor has dark spots or if the stabilizer makes weird noises. Even better if you can see it in person and take some photos yourself. At this price, the risk is minimal compared to the advantages, but go into it with your eyes open.
If the Sony is in decent condition, 600-700 euros is still a good price and saves you from waiting for sales that might not drop much anyway. Whoever says you're almost at the price of a new one probably didn't look hard enough: new entry-level models easily go for 900-1000 euros, and for that money you won't find an A6400 used in good condition anywhere else. What matters is that you check the shutter count (ask the seller), the sensor, the shutter mechanism - basically, see if it was used normally or beaten up. Switching from a DSLR to mirrorless will change your life in terms of autofocus and video smoothness, but the form factor is also noticeably more manageable.
The A6400 is still capable of taking beautiful photos in 2026, so the camera itself isn't the problem. What really matters is the physical condition and shutter count - check the shutter counter before you commit, because a used mirrorless with 50,000 shots is a totally different thing from one with 150,000. At 600-700 euros, if it's in good shape you're getting it at a fair price, but also see if you can find something more recent for similar money just so you don't regret it after six months.
One thing nobody mentioned: when you check the shutter count, also ask for the camera's history (receipts, any remaining warranty if it exists, whether it's ever been repaired). I've seen people buy used mirrorless cameras thinking they're getting a deal, then discover they'd been sent in for serious issues or had water damage. At 600-700 euros, the A6400 is actually a fair price, but it's really worth it only if you can properly inspect the unit before taking it home.
Don't make the mistake of just looking at price and model. The A6400 is still a very solid camera in 2026, but buying used means you really need to check the camera's condition before handing over the money. Other people have rightfully told you to check the shutter count - that's essential - but there's one thing nobody's mentioned: ask the seller to send you some photos or videos shot directly from the camera, ideally in RAW if possible. Not to be invasive, but that way you can see if the sensors are clean, if there are autofocus issues or weird aberrations. On Subito it's easy to get nasty surprises with used gear.
On the new vs used question at 600-700 euros, it's less clear-cut than it seems. Sure, there are entry-level mirrorless at similar prices, but the A6400 still has an autofocus system and video quality that cheaper new models don't always match. If you find it in good shape - low shutter count, no dents, included lens that works well - you take it at that price. If the shutter count is over 30-40k (what an intensive photographer would rack up over years), that's a red flag, at least for what they're asking.
The smart move is to negotiate an inspection at a camera shop before buying, if the seller's in your area. It costs next to nothing and saves you from surprises. About sales, let's say in 2026 I wouldn't expect too much - mirrorless prices don't tank the way they used to and timing's unpredictable. If you find a clean A6400 at 600-700, you get it.
At 600-700 euros for a used A6400, that's actually a fair price if the sensor is clean and the shutter count is low (under 50k shots), but what nobody's mentioned is the battery risk. Sony cameras from that generation start having batteries that lose capacity after a few years, so check that it still charges decently and consider whether you'll need to replace it right away (costs 40-50 euros). Then yeah, check everything else: the used lens zoom, signs of drops, fungus on the lens, but the battery is the real pain with sensors that old.
That's definitely a good deal, but there's one detail the others haven't pointed out: check whether the original Sony battery is still included and what condition it's in. Mirrorless batteries degrade, and replacing one costs around 50-60 euros, so that could affect the actual price. Go ahead and ask the seller to send you a photo of the screen showing the shot count (some Sony menus display it clearly), and if they won't cooperate then that's a red flag. Coming from a DSLR you'll notice the difference in ergonomics and responsiveness right away, so buying used won't hold you back at all - that camera will still have years of useful life ahead of it.
I made the jump from DSLR to mirrorless a few years ago and the A6400 grabbed me right away - it's a serious camera, it still holds up really well even now! At 600-700 euros used, that's a smart price if the sensor and mirror are clean and the shot count is reasonable (you can always ask the seller for the shutter counter). Don't overthink it waiting for sales that probably won't drop much more: at that price right now you're getting a solid deal, and then over time you'll figure out if you need to step up to something more powerful.
First of all, have them send you photos of the total shutter count from the sensor - that's the only thing that really matters to figure out if a used mirrorless is a good deal or a dud. The A6400 at 600-700 euros is still interesting, but it all depends on how many actuations it has behind it. If we're talking 10-15k shots it's basically new, if it has 80k+ then the price really changes.
That said, I wouldn't wait for sales convinced you'll save a bunch. Prices on quality used bodies are pretty stable, and a camera with few shots that you find now might not be there in a month. The important thing is that you ask for guarantees on all the buttons working, the screen, and especially that you check the lens if it's included - scratched internal elements or mold inside are serious hassles.
Going from a DSLR to a mirrorless is still a big jump though, the menus are different, the AF is faster and the electronic viewfinder takes a bit to get used to. At least you'll have a solid body to start with without spending crazy money.
I switched from a DSLR to a used mirrorless and I don't regret it, but people here really underestimate how important it is to check the shutter's condition. The shutter count can be high and that's fine if the camera's been taken care of, but also look for any scratches on the lens, wear on the control rings, whether the battery still holds a decent charge. At 600-700 euros an A6400 is actually a good deal, but not because you're getting something almost new - rather because you also dodge the risk of getting a defective sensor. If you find the right one, you save money and still end up with a tool that takes serious photos.
One thing nobody mentioned: also check the mirror and sensor for any scratches or internal dust, because fixing those costs a lot. If the camera's been well-maintained and the shutter count is reasonable (under 50-60k), at that price it's actually a solid deal - the A6400 still takes beautiful photos today and the jump from your DSLR will be noticeable.
One thing nobody mentioned: also check the sensor condition. On a used mirrorless, especially if it has a lot of shutter clicks behind it, the sensor might have dust trapped inside (it's not a disaster but you'll see little spots in your photos with the aperture stopped down). Ask the seller if they've ever opened the camera or had it professionally cleaned, and if possible look at some photos shot at f16 to see if there are any defects. At €600-700 the A6400 is still a good deal compared to a new one, but these details can save you disappointment down the line.
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