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08/24/2011 11:46:00 AM · #1 |
Hey guys! Been a while since I was last on here. I used to be on here quite a bit a few years ago, things have changed!
Anyhow, I'm looking to finally buy a DSLR (I've been shooting either film or point-and-shoot cameras) and I'm trying to figure out whether I should buy it brand new or used. Now, I'm sure the obvious question is the condition of the camera I'm buying and price, etc. I've shot Canon point and shoots and Nikon film cameras (FG, older than me just about) and to be honest, I don't have a preference. I've always enjoyed Canon as I think they are very easy to use but I've also used Nikon DSLR's, so really neither preferred.
I guess my best interest is in price. I originally started looking at the Canon T2i a couple of months ago and now am noticing the Nikon D3100 (which I guess doesn't allow bracketing, not a huge make or break, but nonetheless).
I could always go the eBay route from a trusted seller, or browse Amazon.com, is there any other web sites I should look? Is there a benefit to buying new as opposed to (slightly) used that I should consider? Thanks for the help! |
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08/24/2011 11:59:04 AM · #2 |
with thanks to  hahn23, i'd check the actuation expectancy and count for any used canon model first
Canon shutter life expectancies |
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08/24/2011 12:41:11 PM · #3 |
I'm not sure there is a reliable way to determine Canon actuations, but Nikon you certainly can. It's recorded in the file info, which you can view in PS. I can tell you how to find it in CS4, which is what I use.
For Windows,
Press Alt+Shift+CTRL+I
Alternately, go to file, then File Info.
Then, once that pops up, go to the Advanced Tab.
From here, you will want to select the dropdown for Schema EXIF 1.0 AUX
If I remember correctly, it is then your Image Number.
So far as I knew, there wasn't a reliable way for Canon, but I could be wrong.
Buying used isn't a bad idea, a lot of bodies go for dead crazy prices. Check out Adorama, B&H, and KEH for reputable used dealers if you are worried about quality. You can also find some great deals on the forums here, but only if you are a registered user. I've personally dealt with Adorama and KEH and had good experiences (KEH especially), as well as buying off of other members on here, but B&H is super reputable too.
I've bought lenses off of Craigslist, but never bodies. I always thoroughly check things out, bring my body and check all functions with lenses. I would do the reverse, if possible, for a body (bring lens, test accordingly).
Be careful, but honestly, it's a great used market. Fred Miranda has TONS of user-user sales, but I've never bought there (tons of folks do, though). |
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08/24/2011 01:49:57 PM · #4 |
An older body that has been babied is often the best deal. Wear and tear is often a better guide than acctuations. Look for dings, brassing on the shoe or mounting ring, or wear on the corners.
While the expected life of the shutter is a nice guide, your mileage may vary. My Rebel listed as being good for 50,000 shots packed it in at 460,000. Plenty of gently handled bodies go way past their due date, and conversely many roughly handled press pool tools pack it in early. |
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08/24/2011 02:47:53 PM · #5 |
I did a search on that and opinions vary on what it means. It looks a bit like an encouragement to buy a more expensive model.
Message edited by author 2011-08-24 18:48:11. |
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08/25/2011 01:51:57 PM · #6 |
Although I don't feel like I'd buy one myself, what are anyone's thoughts on refurbished cameras? I feel like I may be leaning most toward a Nikon D5000. I found like "like new-" on KEH for $499 w/ an 18-55 to start off, although a D3100 can be had for only $30 more. I'm assuming this should hold me over for some time, as I'm looking to further my hobby unless something changes!
Message edited by author 2011-08-25 17:54:15. |
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08/25/2011 02:39:18 PM · #7 |
I got my 550D as a refurbished US import... saved about £120 getting an import and around an extra £20 on it being refurbished (indistinguishable from new, sans-packaging). I don't know how refurbished prices differ from new in the US, and I imagine imports won't save you money, but refurbished by canon is definitely worth it - your camera will be in the same state as a refurbished one after the first few uses anyway.
In terms of Nikon vs Canon from what I can tell you'd get more for your money with a Nikon body... but then the consumer Nikon lenses don't have a focus motor in them, so from what I gather many lenses at the lower price end won't auto focus; so you'd save money on the body, then spend more on the lenses. Perhaps someone could clarify this though as I may be mistaken. |
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08/25/2011 06:23:26 PM · #8 |
I have a couple refurbed products, though not cameras, and they've all been great. One of my friends is highly abusive to his phones and gets refurbed iphones under warranty and has never had an issue.
The worst issue I ever saw with a refurb was when my ex got a Zune and one of the buttons wasn't functional. We called the distributor (Tiger Direct) and they answered at 11PM on a weeknight and had a replacement (which still works great several years later) in the mail in the morning before anything else had even been returned. From what I understood, most refurbs are just open boxes and such anyway.
Also, my experience is KEH's ratings are very accurate. I got my 80-200 there, and the thing might as well have been new for the condition it, the case, and the booklet was in. |
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