Advice on buying 2nd hand DSLR


Exhaust

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Dec 11, 2010
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Hi i am really interested in buying a 2nd DSLR but what are the things that i should look out for when viewing the camera? Please advice me, as i do not want to throw my hard earned/saved money into a camera that has problems.

Also.. i am targeting a 2nd hand Canon 500D. Just curious.. is it more value for money to invest in a new first hand Nikon D3100 or a 2nd hand Canon 500D assuming both are selling for the same price and comes with the same accessories and lens. It appears to me that the Nikon D3100 has 2 more AF points and their new EXPEED2 processor, so i was wondering is it better to go for the D3100 instead. And if that is the case i would go for a brand new D3100 instead.
 

buying a 2nd DSLR , must come with LUCK . Look OK, but after bring back and use it then discover problem. my 2cts
 

buying a 2nd DSLR , must come with LUCK . Look OK, but after bring back and use it then discover problem. my 2cts

wa... *glups*... i guess i will think twice before buying 2nd hand cameras.. Luck don't sound very safe lolx
 

If this is your very first dslr and you are looking at something of an entry-level camera, it is in my opinion that a brand new set will get you on a happier journey and enjoying photography. Paying more is unavoidable but it comes with warranty and you can be sure that it is a brand new piece of hardware. ;)
 

my suggestion is to save up further for a 500D kit new since its just maybe $100 more or so. unless you really need it urgently

other then that buying 2nd hand kit like everyone has said depends on luck, see if the shutter count for the body is low, if its still under warranty, any cosmectic damages etc etc

as for camera brands it really depends on you. specs wise these 2 camera's are great you just have to go down to any camera shop to grab a feel of which camera suits you best
 

but if budget constraint.. get 2nd hand that still have warranty left..
or get a fren dat can check for u the cam's condition..
 

I vote new, unless you are sure you can check everything about the camera or the person selling it to you is your best friend ;).
 

First compare the price difference between a 2nd hand unit, and a brand new grey set (limited warranty with dealer).

If the savings are not much, why not get a brand new grey set than a 2nd hand set which you have little confidence over? Pay slightly more (or sometimes even less) and get a peace of mind.
 

Except for 2 lenses, nothing else in my cabinet is bought new;)

Really depends on your comfort level, which also comes with experience. For newbie, I would highly suggest buy new first; you need to know what to check, need to know the market prices, etc. Much easier to just buy new for your first camera and start shooting rather than worry about potential faults etc.
 

It would REALLY help if you tried a search. I mean really, your question is not a new/groundbreaking one.

What to look out for/ to chk when buying a 2nd hand DSLR?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=774810&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

any advice to what to look out for when i buy second hand camera?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=737901&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

What should I look out for when buying a 2nd hand DSLR?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=662685&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

New to DSLR - Should get new or first hand ones?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=612372&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

What to look out for when buying 2nd hand DSLR?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=597067&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr
 

Thanks everyone for your advice/tips. After going through them all..i've decided to go for a brand new Nikon D3100 =) I figured that the specs of the D3100 is value for money and it is all i really need (for now). Probably going to go to check it out later! can't wait =)
 

It would REALLY help if you tried a search. I mean really, your question is not a new/groundbreaking one.

What to look out for/ to chk when buying a 2nd hand DSLR?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=774810&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

any advice to what to look out for when i buy second hand camera?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=737901&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

What should I look out for when buying a 2nd hand DSLR?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=662685&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

New to DSLR - Should get new or first hand ones?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=612372&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

What to look out for when buying 2nd hand DSLR?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=597067&highlight=2nd+hand+dslr

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 

Im also a new freebie & getting D3100 too. Getting in march during the IT show 2011 due to the freebies giveaway. Budget below $1200 should be ok rite?;p
 

Im also a new freebie & getting D3100 too. Getting in march during the IT show 2011 due to the freebies giveaway. Budget below $1200 should be ok rite?;p

Yup. But be aware of the limitations of the D3100. For 1200 you can get quite a few models, best to do some research.
 

i buy most of my body and gears 2nd hand so far no problem with them, having said that i'll urge anyone to get it new if u can(if ur budget allows) cos like everyone has mention it's a matter of luck cos u dun know the seller and he might be selling a near to break down camera, the important thing is for u to feel comfortable with the purchase whether new or 2nd hand, having seen this thread i think buying new suits u better :bsmilie:
 

I also feel it's better to get a brand new set, as there are less chances of it having problems. Even if there are, it's still under warranty and it can be fixed free of charge.
Get a 2nd hand only if you really really want a particular model but does not have the budget to get brand new.
One way is to look at the shutter count, to estimate how much the camera has been used. Other things like exterior condition, button looseness, etc will also help.
 

Best is to get a new one from a reputable shop.

This is to avoid getting a lemon (bad camera) or worst losing your money to a crook like one of the member reported recently.

:think:
 

Other than checking the exterior and the functions, one thing that is not so easy to check on the spot is the sensor. Dead or hot pixels. Dirty sensor is different from dead or hot pixels. Replacement or sensor is expensive. Remapping of sensor can cost hundreds.

So if you really have to get 2nd hand, make sure it comes with valid local warranty that is not expired yet.