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The Joy Blog

Getting RID of my Canon Camera and Lenses!

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sell DSLR gear

Who This Post Is For

This post is for photographers ready to upgrade their gear, switch to mirrorless, or declutter their camera bags without losing money in the process.

 

Introduction

Vanessa Joy is a wedding photographer and educator helping photographers grow profitable businesses.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a few lenses or camera bodies collecting dust on your shelf. Between camera upgrades and the move from DSLR to mirrorless, many photographers find themselves with gear they no longer use—but don’t know how to sell.

Recently, I sat down with Bill from Gear Focus, a platform that helps photographers buy, sell, and trade used gear safely and easily. We talked about how to get the most money for your old equipment, avoid scams, and keep your photography business running smoothly during the transition. 

✅ get them here: http://gearfocus.com/lp/wedding-photography-gear-marketplace

 

Why Photographers Are Selling DSLR Gear Right Now

The photography industry has been shifting fast toward mirrorless technology. Canon’s R system, Sony’s Alpha series, and Nikon’s Z lineup are now leading the market, offering faster autofocus, lighter bodies, and better image previews.

But that doesn’t mean your DSLR gear has lost its value. According to Bill, DSLR lenses and camera bodies still hold strong resale prices, especially if they’ve been well cared for. “We’re seeing photographers who’ve upgraded to mirrorless sell their entire DSLR kits and still make a great return,” he explained.

 

How to Sell Your Gear Without Getting Scammed

If you’ve ever tried selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, you know how sketchy it can feel. That’s where Gear Focus comes in.

Bill shared how their platform is built specifically for creatives:

  • Every listing is manually reviewed.
  • Payments are processed securely.
  • They offer fraud protection for both buyers and sellers.

“You can think of it like eBay for photographers,” he said, “but with better community support and no random spam.”

As someone who’s been in the industry for years, I love that Gear Focus puts creators first. The peace of mind alone makes it worth listing there.

✅ get them here: http://gearfocus.com/lp/wedding-photography-gear-marketplace

 

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Price on Your Used Gear

Here are a few takeaways from our chat:

  1. Clean and test everything before listing. Dust-free gear photographs better and sells faster.
  2. Include real photos of your equipment. Avoid stock images — show the actual condition.
  3. Be honest about wear and tear. Transparency builds trust.
  4. List accessories too. Chargers, batteries, and lens caps can sweeten the deal.
  5. Price fairly. Search current listings for similar models to find a competitive price point. 

Bonus tip from me: shoot a quick behind-the-scenes video of your gear setup before listing it. Buyers love seeing that the camera’s been used by a pro!

 

Making the Switch to Mirrorless — the Smart Way

Switching systems can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve invested years (and thousands of dollars) into your DSLR setup. But Gear Focus also offers trade-in options, letting you apply the value of your old gear toward newer mirrorless models.

That means less financial strain, less clutter, and more focus on creating.

✅ get them here: http://gearfocus.com/lp/wedding-photography-gear-marketplace

 

Final Thoughts

Selling your old DSLR equipment doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right platform and a little prep, you can turn your unused gear into cash — or credit toward your dream setup.

Whether you’re upgrading to a Canon R5 (my personal favorite!) or just simplifying your kit, take it from me: don’t let that gear collect dust. Let it fund your next creative adventure instead.

✅ get them here: http://gearfocus.com/lp/wedding-photography-gear-marketplace

 

Are you ready to stop guessing and start growing your photography business with proven strategies?

My Mastermind program is designed for photographers who want to scale, find freedom, and build a business they truly love. Inside, you’ll get personalized coaching, step-by-step guidance, and the community support you need to thrive.


See if it’s the right fit for you: https://www.breatheyourpassion.com/photo-insiders-mastermind-optin

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Meet Vanessa

Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

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