what are your thoughts on buying used DSLRs ?

[theregoesjb]

I know this is just one of those personal choices a lot of times but I figured id try to get some input since im looking to buy my first DSLR. There are some things I will always buy used if i can and other things i just dont so im trying to size up the DSLR catagory.

 

[MLeeK]

My 7D was used with less than 2000 actuations on it when I purchased it. I paid $1000 for it. I checked it out, played with it and everything on it... I am happy as a pig in poop with it. I got a hell of great deal.
I purchased my tamron 70-200 used in pristine condition for $400. Again, checked it out, played with it and walked away with a smile.
I purchased my Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS in brand new condition used for $1000. I took a gamble on it the day a guy listed it. I gambled figured for that price I couldn't go wrong even if it was a soft copy. I won. It was still in the box. sealed. Guy needed $ desperately. I won.

 

[COLTSFANATIC1]

I am always sceptical of buying used equipment unless I know where its comming from and the history of the item, If you are interested in buying a dslr for cheap then I suggest looking in to buying a manufactuer referbished item, You can find lots of them for as much as a few hundred dollars less than the retail price, and they are said to be just like new with a manufacture warranty.

 

[KmH]

I've been buying, and selling, used gear for a lot of years. It's a great way to save some money, but it helps if you are aware of all the buying used pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Nikon's refurbished warranty is for only 90 days, though some of the Nikon authorized sellers add 9 more months of their own warranty. Check with the seller.

Used gear has no warranty unless the seller bought a transferable 3rd party extended warranty. Camera makers warranties are only good for the original owner and are not transferable.

 

[MikeLem]

I've also purchased some used gear. My most recent used purchase was a 5D Mark II with <800 actuations. It's perfect, and it saved me a few hundred. For bodies, though, I typically prefer to buy new.

For lenses, on the other hand, I'm a big believer in buying used. You can almost always (if you're not in a hurry and find the right deals), buy lenses used and always get your money back should you decide to sell. I'll also buy lenses that I'm not sure I want to keep in my bag if they're a great deal. Try them out, and if they're not something I want to add to my kit, sell them for a small profit or to break even.

 

[fsquare]

I have zero issues buying used cameras, lenses, flashes etc etc...I never even buy my cars new. I just hate depreciation.

 

[theregoesjb]

My 7D was used with less than 2000 actuations on it when I purchased it.

how do you find out how many actuations it has?
and how many would be low or high for a years worth of use?

 

[KmH]

How do you read Canon camera shutter counts - Bing

Finding Your Camera’s Current Shutter Actuations

and how many would be low or high for a years worth of use?

That doesn't really matter because it can be very variable. A dedicated amateur photographer will take more photos than a casual amateur photographer, and a Pro will likely take more then any amateur does.

What matters is that the higher the total number of actuations, the more likely the possiblility the shutter could fail and need to be replaced, and the lower price you should be willing to pay for a used camera body.

Canon doesn't write the shutter count to the EXIF metadata to make it easily accessable and to ensure it's accuracy, doesn't publish shutter life expectancy, and pretty much demonstrates they could care less about helping their customers with resale.

Other camera makers make the shutter count easily acessible, and publish shutter life expectancy values.

Nikon D5000 - D5000 from Nikon

Durable, high precision shutter
Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life.

Nikon D7000 - D7000 from Nikon

Compact but durable with magnesium-alloy top and rear covers, superior weather and dust seals and a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system providing reliable operation

Nikon D3s - D3S from Nikon

Rugged and Precise Magnesium Alloy Construction
Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles

 

[usayit]

I have yet to buy a new DSLR (among some of the ones that I've purchased used):

Canon D30, 10D, 1DMII, 5D
Samsung GX-1L
Pentax K10D

If you shop patiently and smartly, there are no problems. Buying used from a reputable dealer offers a bit more protection (in general, check first) but may cost a little more.

* Professionally used cameras will see heavier use. NOTE: I said "Professionally used" not "Professional camera".
* Most consumers don't shoot anywhere close to the shutter life. Keeping up with the Joneses makes sure of that. (Film cameras were kept longer)
* I usually will give preference to studio used rather than field use cameras among the professionally used cameras.
* It is not uncommon for a shutter to last well beyond the expected life.

If you are afraid of shutter life, check actuations (most can be checked.. yes including Canon at least the ones I've done). Find out how much for a shutter replacement... I've heard it isn't that expensive.

 

[usayit]

I can't find it... but I recall somewhere a posted life expectancy for Canon cameras. Anyways... here's a link that may be interesting

Camera Shutter Life Database

 

[Josh66]

If it saves you money, I would do it.

I have more used cameras than new cameras - and I've been happy with all of them.


Lenses on the other hand - for some reason I always preferred to buy them new. I think I just liked the idea that nobody else has ever used it. I get to open the box and all that stuff. Sometimes I will buy new stuff even when used stuff just as good is available...

 

[Tony S]

I have not bought any used gear, but I have sold some really nice stuff in the past that I've heard back from the buyers that they are still happy with them (most recently from the person who bought my original 1D). I have bought a couple of used lenses and felt very comfortable doing so since I was able to try them out.

On the other end though, several years ago I bought a refurb camera and it died two days after the warranty it came with ran out, but it was a P&S and I was ready to move up any ways. Holy smokes time flies, now that I think about it that was ten years ago when digital was first making it's way into consumer use.

 

[MLeeK]

My 7D was used with less than 2000 actuations on it when I purchased it.

how do you find out how many actuations it has?
and how many would be low or high for a years worth of use?

With Canon you have to download one of the programs that reads it. They're free and there are several out there.
I believe with Nikon you can tell by their image numbers. Canon just has to be difficult.

 

[KmH]

No, you can't tell the shutter count of Nikon cameras by the image numbers, because Nikon cameras have a menu option that allows for starting the file numbering sequence over: if a different in-the-camera folder is used, the memory card is formatted, or a different memory card is put in the camera.

 

[djacobox372]

No, you can't tell the shutter count of Nikon cameras by the image numbers, because Nikon cameras have a menu option that allows for starting the file numbering sequence over: if a different in-the-camera folder is used, the memory card is formatted, or a different memory card is put in the camera.

But u can tell by looking at the exif data on a recent image. Any reputable seller will tell u the shutter count.

I always buy used, new is a waste of $$.