Buying a used dslr

Drollic · 18 Jun 2013 at 22:51

Anything in particular to be aware of when buying a used dslr? They seem like they generally hold their value fairly well relative to an item that's new, yet are fairly complex in design/operation (plenty to go faulty) which surprises me?

For instance, I'm considering a Nikon D3000 as a starter camera which is available for around £210.00 used delivered, yet can be had brand new delivered for £250.00. The fact a D3100 can be had for £300.00 new delivered further complicates things :rolleyes:

D.P. · 19 Jun 2013 at 00:14

It is always a good idea to get the shutter count, depending on which camera there are different ways of doing this and different thresholds to be wear of. One low end camera the rated shutter life can be as low as 50K. Somewhere there is a good website that shows the mean number of actuations before shutter failure based on user data.

Otherwise there a number if things to watch out for, loose or broken battery/SD card doors, dust in the viewfinder. Check the camera focuses correctly and is not majorly miscalibrated. Check the sensor doesn't have excessive dirt (shoot the sky at f/22) - dirt can be cleaned but some stuff is almost impossible to get off so the seller should really have the sensor cleaned so you know what is what.

TBH, it is a bit like checking any other electronic item, just need to make sure it all works as intended.

Lens need a little more care for calibration, mould or fungus on the inside which is hard to see, AF motors failing.

Drollic · 19 Jun 2013 at 00:31

Decided to take the plunge:

Nikon D3000
Nikon 18-55mm vr lens kit.
Nikon 'Golla' shoulder bag - New with tags.
Nikon D3000 For Dummies book.
A 4GB memory card.
A UV filter to protect the lens - New in box.
Charger, battery, lens caps, box, manuals, cd etc

It's supposedly in 'mint' condition and looks new having only been used on two holidays and to take a handful of photo's of her cats so she says. £190.00 with delivery seemed pretty good to me...hopefully.

Phantom Shadow · 19 Jun 2013 at 00:34

I'd suggest checking its shutter count when you get it just so you can be sure it hasn't taken loads of photos if you didn't find this out before buying.

Drollic · 19 Jun 2013 at 00:40

Phantom Shadow said:
I'd suggest checking its shutter count when you get it just so you can be sure it hasn't taken loads of photos if you didn't find this out before buying.

Yer, I will do. She's suggesting it's barely been used so under 1k would be a bonus