Camera and Photography Auctions

What you’ll find in our camera and photography auctions

Our live camera auctions feature an evolving inventory of digital cameras, video kits, and photographic accessories. Stock is sourced directly through trade channels, including retail overstock, customer returns, and ex-display clearance from major UK retailers. Each lot description shows the make, model and condition as supplied.

Equipment featured in our catalogues:

• Digital and action cameras: Mirrorless bodies, DSLRs, compact point-and-shoots, 4K camcorders, and GoPro action cams.
• Lenses and optics: Prime, zoom, macro, and telephoto lenses for major mounts, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic Lumix.
• Accessories and studio gear: Tripods, speedlights, studio flash kits, memory cards, camera bags, and batteries.

DSLR and mirrorless camera auctions

Our live camera auctions regularly feature an extensive selection of digital SLRs and modern mirrorless camera bodies from major manufacturers.

Catalogues regularly include professional full-frame and crop-sensor (APS-C) models, ranging from flagship Canon EOS DSLRs and EOS R mirrorless systems to Nikon D-series and Z-series setups. We also frequently list Sony Alpha full-frame mirrorless bodies, Fujifilm X-series cameras, Panasonic Lumix G/S models, and Micro Four Thirds bodies from Olympus.

Lots cater to all setup preferences, offering body-only listings as well as complete camera and lens kits. Every camera auction listing details body, lens (where included), shutter count or condition notes, and any accessories supplied.

Compact and point-and-shoot digital camera auctions

Our live camera auctions feature a varied selection of compact digital cameras, pocket point-and-shoots, and high-zoom bridge cameras. Our listings range from budget everyday cameras to premium enthusiast compacts. You'll frequently find popular lines including Sony Cyber-shot, Canon PowerShot (including SX and enthusiast G-series models), Panasonic Lumix TZ/FZ ranges, and Nikon Coolpix models.

These sales cater to a wide audience, from travellers looking for lightweight pocket cameras to creators seeking trending early-2000s retro digicams and CCD-sensor compacts. Every camera auction listing includes detailed photographs showing physical condition, alongside lot notes specifying included batteries, chargers, or original boxes where supplied.

GoPro and action camera auctions

Action cameras and GoPro cameras are a regular, high-volume feature in our live camera auctions online. Catalogues routinely include recent and legacy GoPro models - such as the HERO 8, HERO 9, HERO 10, HERO 11 Black and Mini, HERO 12, HERO 13 Black, and 360-degree GoPro MAX cameras. Beyond GoPro, our sales frequently feature action cams from other top brands including DJI (Osmo Action) and Insta360.

Listings cover a full range of setup configurations, from brand-new boxed units complete with media mods, dual batteries, and waterproof housings, through to body-only lots supplied with standard mounting clips. Every camera auction listing includes clear photos and description notes detailing the exact model, included mounting kit, and physical condition, with fast UK postal delivery available.

HD and 4K camcorder auctions

HD and 4K Camcorder auctions regularly include consumer, prosumer, and broadcast video cameras. Featuring compact Full HD and 4K camcorders from industry-leading manufacturers, including Sony (Handycam series), Canon (Legria range), Panasonic (HC and AG series), and JVC (Everio).

Sourced from UK retail clearance, ex-display stock, and customer returns, our video camera lots cater to vloggers, event videographers, and home archivists alike. Listings cover everything from modern flash memory card camcorders with high optical zoom to classic tape and hard-drive models. Each camera auction listing includes detailed photos showing physical condition, alongside lot notes specifying supplied power adapters, cables, batteries, and carrying cases, with fast UK postal delivery available.

Camera lens, tripod and photography accessory auctions

Camera lenses and photography accessories feature heavily in our live camera auctions. Our glass inventory covers prime lenses, telephoto zooms, wide-angle, and macro glass for all major mounts - including Canon EF/RF, Nikon F/Z, and Sony E-mount - alongside third-party optics from Sigma, Tamron, and Samyang.

Beyond lenses, catalogues regularly include heavy-duty carbon fibre and aluminium tripods, monopods, and ball heads from brands like Manfrotto, Vanguard, and Benro. You will also find studio flash kits, speedlights, camera backpacks, lens filters, SD and CFexpress memory cards, and genuine battery power packs. Sourced through UK retail clearance, ex-display stock, and customer returns, every camera auction listing includes detailed photos and condition notes, with fast UK postal delivery.

Security, CCTV and IP camera auctions

Protect your home or business for less with smart security cameras and CCTV kit in our live online auctions, with opening bids starting at £1.

• Camera and security types: Smart video doorbells, outdoor battery-powered Wi-Fi cams, floodlight security cameras, indoor plug-in cams, and wired PoE CCTV kits.
• Popular brands: Ring, Blink, Arlo, Eufy, Swann, Reolink, and Hikvision.
• Specs and features: 1080p, 2K, and 4K video resolution, motion detection, colour night vision, and smart home compatibility.

Catalogues outline vendor condition reports (such as retail overstock or customer returns) and detail included mounting brackets, chargers, and hubs prior to bidding with fast UK postal delivery.

Who bids in our online camera and photography auctions?

Our camera and photography auctions attract a broad mix of individual buyers, enthusiasts, and trade professionals across the UK. With opening bids starting from £1, our sales offer an accessible way to source photographic equipment and video kit below retail prices.

Frequent bidders in our camera sales include:

1. Photographers and enthusiasts: Sourcing secondary camera bodies, backup kit, or expanding their lens collection for less.
2. Beginners and students: Finding affordable first DSLRs, mirrorless starter kits, or student photography coursework equipment.
3. Content creators and vloggers: Buying GoPros, compact vlog cams, wireless microphones, and lighting for streaming and video production.
4. Wedding and event pros: Acquiring reliable backup bodies, extra speedlights, tripods, and spare batteries for live shoots.
5. Resellers and trade buyers: Sourcing stock for retail resale across eBay, MPB, Wex, and camera exchange marketplaces.

You do not need a business or trade licence to bid at Simon Charles. Our camera auctions are open to everyone - simply register a free or premium account to view the catalogue, track lots, and place bids.

How our online camera and photography auctions work

Participating in a Simon Charles camera and photography auction is simple, transparent, and 100% online. Following the steps below, you can be on your way to grabbing a bargain:

1. Register and browse: Create your free Simon Charles account in minutes.
2. Place your bid: Bid manually in minimum increments or set a maximum bid so our system can bid on your behalf up to your limit.
3. Win and save: The highest bid when the timer expires wins the lot. (Lots automatically extend by 2 minutes if a bid is placed in the final 60 seconds to ensure fair bidding for everyone).

Buyer’s premium and VAT apply on top of the final hammer price. Current rates are displayed clearly on every lot page so you know your total costs upfront.

Understanding Our Online Camera Lot Descriptions

Before placing a bid in our camera auctions online, we recommend reviewing the full lot description and image gallery. Every listing specifies the make, model, included accessories, and physical condition.

Key terms to look out for in our listings:

1. Boxed / Unboxed: Indicates whether the item retains its original retail box.
2. Body Only: The camera body is sold on its own without a lens attached.
3. Kit / With Lens: Lens is included with the body, with optical specifications stated in the lot title.
4. Power & Accessories: Notes whether batteries, mains chargers, cables, or carrying cases are included.
5. Condition & Faults: Highlights vendor condition notes, shutter counts (where available), and any reported faults or missing accessories.

If any detail on a lot is unclear, our team is available to assist before you place your final offer.

UK Postal Delivery & Auction Fees Explained

Most camera bodies, lenses, GoPros, camcorders, and photography accessories in our camera auctions online are eligible for direct UK postal delivery. All optical equipment and delicate electronics are carefully packed to ensure safe transit to your door. For oversized items - such as heavy studio lighting rigs, trade pallets, or bulky equipment - in-person collection is available from our UK saleroom. The fulfilment option is highlighted on every catalogue listing.

Please note that a Buyer’s Premium and VAT are added on top of the final hammer price of each winning lot. Current fee rates are stated on every individual listing page, ensuring full price transparency before you place your bid in our camera auction.

Browse camera auction sub-categories

• Tripods & Accessories
• Camcorders
• Digital Cameras