How to get the best deal on used cameras
Although the latest camera models come with great new
technology and impressive specifications, they often have very large price tags
too. However, if a new release is a little out of your reach, don’t despair. As
others upgrade to these latest models, they often put their old gear up for
sale. This gives you a great opportunity to bag a bargain, as you can pay
second-hand prices for kit that is only a few years old.
Smart things to do with your old and useable digital cameras
Buying used photo gear can have its pitfalls though, so you
need to make sure that you really are getting a great deal and not paying for
damaged goods. The first step is to ensure that you are buying from a reliable
source. If you are using websites such as eBay, then you can often check the
seller’s reviews to see if they are trustworthy. Alternatively, you could buy
from specialist used camera websites or your local camera store, which may have
a returns policy for if you are not happy with the product.
There are a few important things to look out for when
buying a camera second-hand to make sure that it is in a suitable condition for
the price you’re paying. Ideally, you should get a hands-on preview with it
before you hand over your hard-earned cash, but if you’re buying online then
you may just have to trust the seller’s description,
but ask them as many questions as you can. If you do get to test out the
camera, make sure that there are no important accessories missing, such as the
lens cap and battery charger, and then complete the following checks…
Check for dead pixels
Take some shots. If any areas look discoloured,
it could be because the pixels are dead. Load them on a computer to find out if
these are just on the LCD screen and therefore not affecting the actual shots,
or if they’re on the sensor.
An example of a production test image with several blemishes and dead
pixels
Look for sensor dust
If you are buying a CSC or DSLR, take a look at the sensor
by removing the lens or body cap. Check to see if it is clean, looking for dust
particles. If you can’t see the sensor, then take a plain photo, ie of the sky, and check for any smudges
Find out the shutter count
Look up the model’s expected number of shutter actuations
and then check it against how many times the camera’s shutter has already been
fi red. You can do this by taking a photo and uploading it to MyShutterCount.
Canon EOS-1D X shutter count
Examine the lens mount
If you are buying an interchangeable lens camera, then make
sure that there is no damage to the lens mount. You may also wish to check that
any lenses you already own are compatible, otherwise you will you have factor
in the cost of new ones.
