Which cameras we consider
We review every donation case by case. Tell us what you have on the form, add a photo or two, and our team will let you know.
Memory card
Remove it or format it.
Battery and charger
Include them if you have them.
Lens caps
Cap both ends of every lens.
Camera brands we see often
Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic Lumix, OM System, Olympus, Leica, Pentax, Ricoh, GoPro, DJI, Insta360, Blackmagic Design, Sigma and Tamron, and many more.
Not on the list? It is here to help you find your camera, not to limit what we consider. We review every make and model, listed or not, including small builders and brands that are no longer around. What matters is condition, never the name on the body, so enter yours on the form even if you don't see it here.
Have a vintage or collectible camera? Our sister program, Collectibles with Causes, handles older film cameras and lenses with collector value. Donate a vintage camera
What to know about donating a camera
Where cameras end up
Cameras and lenses help photography classes, student media programs and nonprofits that document their work.
Mirrorless bodies, DSLRs, lenses, action cameras and camcorders are all reviewed.
What we look at during review
Tell us the brand and model, the lenses included and the condition of the sensor and glass. A shutter count, if you know it, helps.
Batteries, chargers, straps and bags are welcome too.
Memory cards
Remove memory cards or format them in the camera. Turn off any Wi-Fi pairing with your phone.
Value and your tax receipt
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your camera, which is what the same model in similar condition sells for used today. You determine the value; we can't appraise it. Giving Center sends a written acknowledgment describing what you donated.
Starting with the 2026 tax year, itemizers can deduct only giving above 0.5% of adjusted gross income, and items you deduct at more than $500 need Form 8283. Our tax guide covers the details. Ask your tax preparer what applies to you.
Condition: what we can use
Every donation is reviewed case by case. We can't promise acceptance before review.
Before you ship: clear, reset, cap
Cameras can keep photos and Wi-Fi details. Clearing them protects your privacy.
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1
Back up photos
Copy any photos you want to keep.
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2
Format the card
Format the memory card in the camera, or remove it.
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3
Reset settings
Use the menu to reset all settings and forget Wi-Fi networks.
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4
Cap the lenses
Put caps on the body and both ends of each lens.
Done? Check before you box it
- Photos backed up
- Memory card formatted or removed
- Settings reset
- Lenses capped
Packing and shipping your camera
Please send the form first and wait for our reply. We'll send the shipping address and instructions once we've reviewed it. We can only take items we've approved, so please don't ship anything before you hear from us.
Wait for our OK. We send the address and instructions after we review your form.
Pack it well. Wrap the body and each lens separately and pad a sturdy box.
Label what's inside with a note listing each item, so we can match it to your form.
Ship with tracking. Donors ship at their own cost. Shipping is sometimes reimbursed; ask when we review your donation.
Where your camera goes
Donated cameras go to school media classes, youth programs and nonprofits that document their work.
Where your computer goesA note on taxes
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your camera: what a willing buyer would pay for it as it is today. You decide the value, and your tax preparer can tell you what applies to you. We don't appraise items and can't promise a deduction.
Camera donation questions
Possibly. Mention it on the form.
Yes, if you have them.
Tell us about it. We review each item case by case. For vintage and collectible film cameras, see our sister program, Collectibles with Causes.
Yes.
Yes, if you have it. Pack it separately.
Tell us about your camera
Fill out the form and our team will review it. Every donation is considered case by case.