A second-hand camera can be the perfect way to score yourself a bargain. However, there are a few points you need to think about before picking one up.
There are many ways to splash out a lot of dollars on the latest camera. The top models can easily get to the range of PS1,000, PS2,000, and PS3,000+ price range. And this is before taking into consideration the accessories every budding photographer is likely to require cameras, lenses, cases for cameras tripods, and camera cases – the list continues on.
There is an extensive and active second-hand market for cameras as well as their accessories. You can find them in specialty shops, online stores as well as online auction sites. A used or refurbished model is the best way to obtain an expensive camera at cheaper, but there are a few points you need to consider before purchasing and shooting away.
Find out which cameras scored top marks in our stringent laboratory tests, refer to our list of the top DSLR or mirror less models or browse through the top cameras for compacts.
It is it an ideal idea to purchase a camera that is second-hand?
There are many reasons to purchase an old digital camera and the primary one is the chance to get getting a bargain. If you’re looking to buy a top camera, but aren’t able to bear the pricey new models, secondhand is the best choice.
This isn’t the only advantage however, as buying used products is a greener option to spend your money. The throwaway culture that’s been developed throughout the last few decades has seen products used for only some time before they are taken to the dump. It is extremely wasteful especially for very intricate and complex items such as digital cameras. There’s no reason to keep chasing the latest models when classics are able to (most often) accomplish the same work.
Second-hand purchases also help small-scale companies and sellers:
However, purchasing second-hand items have a certain amount of risk. Here are some things to keep in mind prior to making a purchase.
Cameras aren’t all the products worth looking for in the second-hand marketplace – check out our guide to buying a used phone and purchasing a laptop that is second-hand.
What to look for when purchasing a second-hand camera:
When buying in person or via the internet be sure to take a look at enough pictures or get in the room with the camera to evaluate the condition of the camera. The majority of used digital cameras have been properly cared for, however, some have endured a tough life and have combat marks to be proof. Check at the lens for any scratch marks on lenses, scratches within the body, and other indications of wear and wear and tear. If you’re able to take a few shots to see how the pictures appear.
One of the most important things to look for is your shutter’s count which is the count of times the shutter been fired over its life which is basically the number of images made on this camera. It’s similar to the miles on automobiles and the more high the number is, the greater the use and it’s (generally) less dependability it is moving forward. The majority of beginning DSLR (or mirrorless) cameras are said to last for at minimum 100,000 shutter actuations. The more expensive models are closer to the 2000-mark. This being said it’s generally recommended to choose a used camera that has the shutter count lower than 50,000.
Finding the shutter count can be an arduous task. The most common method to get it is to upload a picture from your camera to professional websites that pull the number from the image’s metadata. However, if the information isn’t given or the seller isn’t willing to give it then it’s an indicator of fraud.
Also, you should ensure that the seller is trustworthy. Be cautious when purchasing on an online marketplace such as eBay Check for reviews from other customers on the seller you’re buying from.
Make sure that you understand what you’re purchasing. Before purchasing anything, conduct some study on the model of camera you’re looking at. You should ensure that it’s compatible with the latest equipment so you know that you will make the most of it. Also, be sure that the seller has all accessories, including chargers, batteries cables, memory cards and chargers.
Finding the shutter count can be difficult. The most common way to obtain it is to upload a photo from your camera to professional websites that extract the number from the image’s metadata. However, if the information is not provided or the seller is unwilling to provide it, this is an indication of fraud.
You should also make certain that the seller is trustworthy. When making a purchase on an online marketplace such as eBay, exercise caution. Look for feedback from other customers on the seller you’re considering purchasing from.
Make sure you understand what you’re buying. Before you buy anything, do some research on the camera model you’re interested in. You should ensure that it is compatible with the most recent equipment so that you can make the most of it. Also, make certain that the seller has all necessary accessories, such as chargers, batteries, cables, memory cards, and chargers.
