buying a used DSLR

rainbow_carnage

I would very much like to buy a decent Canon DSLR, but don't have the funds for the one I want. While prices have come down dramatically for the entry-level models, one step up from that remains expensive.

I'm considering buying one second-hand. There are plenty for sale on eBay and Gumtree.

My question is, how do people buy cameras (or any other electronics) second-hand? How can you tell if they're any good? I've bought second-hand lenses before, where at least you can check for scratches and mold. But with a DSLR, it's almost impossible to tell just by looking at it, or taking a few photos.

Before I hand over a pile of cash to a stranger, does anyone have any suggestions as to how to buy second-hand electronics?

Cheers.

isofa

If you are dealing with eBay, buy from a reputable seller with a lot of feedback, preferably all positive!

I've sold older DSLRs on eBay before, and I'm highly specific in the spec, with lots of photos etc.

You could also look at buying from the Canon refurb shop (they have one on eBay), and these come with warranties.

Finally, what about a good local camera shop, many trade in old equipment and then sell on, so you can try before you buy and also get a guarantee.

Alternatively, check the latest brand new prices at https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk

rainbow_carnage

Thank you for the quick reply.

I've looked at a couple London shops that sell used cameras. The prices aren't much lower than what Amazon charges for brand new models with warranties. In one case, a shop was selling a used Canon EOS 40D (body only) for £900! It's £580 brand new on Amazon.

I'd very much like a 40D, but don't have £580. I guess I'll keep looking on Ebay. I'm just worried that it will work fine out of the box, then stop working a month later. Digital cameras can be glitchy like that. And by then it will be too late.

sweetnskint

[SIZE=-1]Sony DSLRA200 10.2 Megapixel Digital Camera[/SIZE] FREE DELIVERY its from play.com


28% off
[SIZE=-1]RRP £399.99[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]now £289.99[/SIZE][IMG]http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/images/info_icon.gif[/IMG] More info
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dont know much about cameras but seems a good deal

fwor

As Isofa said, the refurbed units from the Canon Outlet on Ebay would be a good way to go if you're worried about it going wrong, as they usually come with a 1 year warranty.

For example, they have a EOS 30D with lens kit which is at just over £200 at the moment - though I would guess it will go for a bit more than that...

rainbow_carnage

sweetnskint wrote: »

[SIZE=-1]Sony DSLRA200 10.2 Megapixel Digital Camera[/SIZE] FREE DELIVERY its from play.com


28% off
[SIZE=-1]RRP £399.99[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]now £289.99[/SIZE][IMG]http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/images/info_icon.gif[/IMG] More info
[IMG]http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/images/plus_icon.gif[/IMG] Add to watch listin stock
[IMG]http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/images/play.gif[/IMG]
dont know much about cameras but seems a good deal

Thanks for taking the time to post this. That camera is actually cheaper on Amazon. It's a very basic model.

I'm specifically looking for a Canon. A 40D would be nice. I've checked the Canon outlet shop on eBay. They don't have any at the moment, but they've sold some in the past for around £450, which isn't terrible. It's £100 less than in the shops, but I don't think I could use the Canon rebate with that, huh? Also, they have many unhappy eBay customers. Their feedback isn't great.

unrich

Also check the sensor is clean. I think you get a long lens, tiny aperture and shoot the clear sky. Have a look at the resulting image and the dust shows up. Have a google for how to and there are loads of descriptions.

rainbow_carnage

unrich wrote: »

Also check the sensor is clean. I think you get a long lens, tiny aperture and shoot the clear sky. Have a look at the resulting image and the dust shows up. Have a google for how to and there are loads of descriptions.

That's not a problem. I can check that it works ok then and there. The problem is that it may not work once I get it home.

It's like my mobile phone. It seems to work fine, but over the last few months, I've had to send it away to get it repaired 4 times (Samsung refuses to simply give me a new one). Fortunately, it's under warranty.

I think the eBay store may be the way to go. But it's not a huge saving. I can get the 40D at Calumet for £520 (with the £60 rebate from Canon). It's not a bad price. I'm just too poor to afford it at the moment. I was hoping to find it used for under £400. That seems reasonable, no? £520 new, £400 used? But people seem to be happy to pay £450 for refurbished models, so I doubt I'll get one as cheap as I'd like.

rainbow_carnage

I've just read in another threat that Calumet do a student discount. I can't find anything on their site. Am I just blind? A 10% student discount would move me slightly closer to the pretty-pretty 40D...

unrich

I think things are overpriced second hand. Considering there is no warranty you are in a bit of a pickle if things go wrong. I have a year old Samsug GX10. I waited and waited until it had a cashback and free postage and got it for £360. They are going for £260 on ebay. Considering the things are a year old and have no warranty I'd say its a risk.

For a large payment I would be worried. with even a 30 day warranty I'd probably be happier. Use it every day for 30 days.

Having said all that, OH bought a £1000 pro video camera on ebay and its all going fine. Also we had an expensive Nikon die and they fixed it even though out of warranty.

moonrakerz

Buy a NEW Nikon D40, a superb camera. You can get one for less than £250 - even from Jessops !

If someone tells you to get something with more than 6mp, they don't know what they are talking about. It's a big con !

Here's one to start on:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/technology/08pogue.html

If you Google: "more megapixels" - you'll find plenty more.