What does "body only" mean?

No lens. A body-only listing undercutting a kit by a wide margin is not a bargain — you cannot take a photograph until you buy glass separately.

Are grey import cameras worth it?

They are cheaper and may carry a warranty you cannot claim in the UK, and they usually disqualify you from manufacturer cashback — which is common in this category and can wipe out the saving.

Is a refurbished camera safe to buy?

From a reputable dealer, yes — this is one of the more mature refurbished markets, with consistent grading and real warranties.

Cheapest place to buy a camera in the UK

Half the listings do not include a lens.

Updated 25 September 2026 · 1 min read

Body only versus kit

Cameras are sold as a body alone or bundled with one or two kit lenses, under names differing by a suffix. A body-only listing undercutting a kit by a wide margin is not a bargain — it is a camera you cannot take a photograph with until you buy glass.

UK stock, grey imports and warranty

Imported bodies are frequently cheaper and may carry a warranty that cannot be claimed in the UK. Manufacturer cashback promotions — common in this category — also usually require a UK-authorised seller, so a grey import can cost more once a promotion is missed.

What actually drives the price

Lens included or not. The dominant factor.
Cashback promotions, frequent in this category and requiring an authorised seller.
Generation. Bodies update on long cycles and the outgoing model discounts heavily.
Refurbished and used, a mature market here with reliable grading from the larger dealers.

Before you buy

Confirm whether a lens is included, and which.
Check for a live manufacturer cashback and its seller conditions.
Confirm the seller is UK-authorised if a promotion or warranty matters.
Price body plus the lens you actually want against the kit.
Check the previous generation body — usually the value buy.