Best way to determine current value of photography gear?

10 years 9 months ago #288038 by Amanda Davis
Hello, I'm new here.

I was wondering how is the best way to determine the worth of used camera gear? Is there some fancy math equation that is used to calculate used value of cameras and lenses? I currently have a Canon 5D Mark II and was possibly thinking about moving to Sony A99. I'm not 100% yet, just looking into the idea. I was at a Sony store over the weekend and was looking at the cameras they have. I really like these.

Just not sure what is the value of the existing gear I have and would like to look it up. Thank you for the help.

Amanda


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10 years 9 months ago #288046 by garyrhook
Value is defined as the price a willing seller accepts from a willing buyer. There is no formula for computing that.

If you want a sense of what used equipment is going for, troll completed listings on eBay, see what is being asked for on craigslist and sites like KEH, Adorama, BorrowLenses, etc. Wherever used equipment is offered for sale. Keep in mind that, just like with automobiles, the price through a dealer will be a bit higher than via a private seller.


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10 years 9 months ago #288057 by rmeyer7
I was recently in the same situation when I decided to sell my 5D and other Canon gear and switch to Nikon. The most important thing I would suggest you consider, before I even answer your question, is this: What is it that the Sony camera gives you that your Canon can't? Is there legitimate needed functionality that's causing you to switch?

For me, I needed better AF and low light performance and Nikon had exactly the right combination for half the price of a 5Diii, so I went through with the switch.

Ok, sorry...back to your question! I looked at KEH since you can compare what they're selling in the same condition as your gear. Then I asked for a reasonable percentage less. That percentage varies a bit from one piece of gear to another, but should be less than they're asking while still being a price you're comfortable accepting.

Or I guess the short form of the same answer would be: what Gary said.


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10 years 9 months ago #288068 by Roy Wilson
:agree: best place to look is the used markets

Canon 5D Mark II, 30D, 40D, 50 1.2L, 16-35 2.8L Mark II, 24-105 4L IS, 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8L IS, 85 1.8, 4 x 580 EX(II)
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10 years 9 months ago #288069 by Baydream
I used the trade-in calculator at B&H to get a ballpark figure and multiplied that by 1.5. It seemed to be about what the items were going for. Not perfect but a simple guide.

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

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10 years 9 months ago #288102 by Melissa Zui
Buy it now prices on eBay


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10 years 9 months ago #288108 by Screamin Scott
Completed listings on eBay are much more accurate than the "Buy it Now" as they show what an item sold for, not how much the seller wanted...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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10 years 9 months ago #288152 by Luca

Baydream wrote: I used the trade-in calculator at B&H to get a ballpark figure and multiplied that by 1.5. It seemed to be about what the items were going for. Not perfect but a simple guide.



Where are you finding that calculator? I looked and must be blind. Thank you


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10 years 9 months ago #288238 by Jeanne Merlo
Have you tried selling gear to KEH? How fair are their offers?


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10 years 9 months ago #288242 by Screamin Scott
They are in business to make a profit & thus would not offer a great sum. I would think you could do much better selling them privately...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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10 years 9 months ago #288302 by ThatNikonGuy

Screamin Scott wrote: They are in business to make a profit & thus would not offer a great sum. I would think you could do much better selling them privately...



:agree: exactly. Just like if you bring you car to dealer for trade in, they will give you only a small amount vs selling direct.


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10 years 9 months ago #288405 by Carol K
That's why you never bring your car to dealer. :rofl:


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10 years 9 months ago #288611 by Amanda Davis
Oh, I never, ever trade in a car at dealer


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