Friday 22 May 2015

Buying Second Hand Camera tips

Paying for a brand new camera is insane, especially if you are paying UK store prices.  Online prices are already 20-35% cheaper than buying in a store in the UK.  However my preffered method of buying DSLR cameras is buying Second Hand.



many reason as to why buy second hand
1) vastly cheaper + sellers may have extra batteries etc
2) camera has been used a while and all things should be working fine
3) buying in person means you get a good play of the gear and know where the person selling it to you lives in case you have to return to chop their heads off for selling you a dud.
4) firmware updates have usually been released and loaded on
5) software like lightroom will already have all the codec for working on the raw files.

But before you go and hand over your cash there is something you need to assess.
Who was using the camera and how were they using it.
a camera used by a war correspondant that shot 200k photos in conditions that would make even tanks crumble... or a new dad who got a camera for xmas and quickly figured out it was far above his level to learn.
Cameras for sale with the later owner are the ones to go for.




Here are some tips when buying a Second Hand Camera

1) Buy in person.
2) Dont by total crap, if something was cheap and crap when it first came out, buying second hand at a cheaper price does not make it any less crap.
3) Double check other online prices for the item you are buying, check amazon, gumtree, ebay etc. so that even if you are getting a good deal you are not going to find a better deal just a week later online somewhere.
4) Dust and oil on the sensor is something you can complain about but very easy to fix yourself and get a better price.
5) check all the functions and dials work as expected, a lot of the time the sensor and shutter can be fine but the command dials and the power connections are the weak links.
6) If it doesnt come with a box, try and get a discount. a box is always a good thing.
7) check the connections with the lenses you have, if you have a brand new af-s vc lens check that the camera is communicating effectively with the lens so that the Vibration conpensation (reduction) is working in lens and also that the focus is working in and out accurately.  a dodgy auto focus system is impossible to see just by looking, you have to test your lens on it.
8) check memory card door and slot (bent connector pins can mean your cards are not getting in)
9) make sure you get the supplied battery charger with the camera otherwise that is something you will need to buy yourself very quickly.



8 comments:

  1. Thanks for this informative post. I think it will be help for my writing.Keep sharing
    law essay writing service

    ReplyDelete
  2. These are some really good tips

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for great info! :) Do you have any tips buying flashes as a startkit for amateur? Initially I want to learn more about high / low key photography and what would you recommend for lightning then? I have seen your youtube clips and I realt like that you work so easily with minimal additional tools / utilities.

    Best regards
    //Lisa Falk (lisa.falk2016@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Endless Online Investment Resources

    viva3388 Online casino sites are a great way to make fun of betting at home. Able to play bets throughout the day. The money is overwhelming. Where ever the bet is always full. Players will find simple gambling bets to play. Wherever you are, gambling is available 24 hours a day. When you come into contact with the bets, you will be able to play well and complete with the top gambling bets. It's easy to play with our number one betting site.

    In addition, our website is also very interesting to gamble to give players a lot of return. There is one easy way to earn more money. Give a lot of time. People who want to gamble and play their bets are more likely to have real money in their pockets every day. It can be played to all to make a lot more money on the site of the player we are interested in the service with us, the player can register to be here, you will not be disappointed of course. viva9988

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This piece of
    writing posted at this site is truly good. 메이저사이트

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very good written information. It will be valuable to anybody who employees it, as well as yours truly :). Keep up the good work ? for sure i will check out more posts. 경마

    ReplyDelete
  7. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
    The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted
    of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  8. This guide to buying second-hand cameras is invaluable, especially for those setting up a "film studio" on a budget. The tips on assessing the camera's usage history and checking all functions ensure a reliable purchase. With these insights, filmmakers can confidently source quality equipment without breaking the bank.

    ReplyDelete