Photography Tip—The Benefits of Buying Used Photo Equipment

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Digital photographers are no different than the rest of society: Only the latest products will do, and they must feel all shiny and new. You want to know that you were the first person to drive this car or hold this cell phone, computer, tablet or digital camera in your hands. If you’re under that spell, then this PhotographyTalk.com article will help you regain your senses a bit, especially when it comes to the benefits of buying used photo equipment. Don’t turn up your nose! There are many good reasons to consider used equipment seriously, and looking at the evidence objectively just may make you a smart consumer instead of one blinded by the dazzle and sparkle of new.

Save Money

Digital photography is not an inexpensive hobby or business, so saving money is the primary benefit of buying used equipment. You can save 20% to 60% of the cost of a new camera when you choose used. New cameras are much like new cars: They lose significant value as soon as you open the box (drive them from the lot). Many people always buy new because their purchase usually includes a manufacturer’s warranty. That’s true, and may be a smart consumer move, in some cases; however, you can purchase a two-year warranty for a used camera. The added cost still makes it a bargain; and often the warranty covers a greater time period than the manufacturer.

Fewer Defect Issues

It seems reasonable to assume that used cameras would have more defects than new equipment, but assumptions can be dangerous. In fact, according to KEH, the world’s largest used camera dealer, only 1.7% of the returns of all used equipment it sells is because of defects. The industry average for new equipment, including well-known names, such as Nikon, Canon, Sony and Pentax, is 2%.

Deeper Inventory

A camera model or other photographic equipment doesn’t have to be very old before a manufacturer will discontinue it. Reliable used equipment dealers have deeper inventories, in terms of equipment that isn’t being made new or collectible/antique cameras. If you wanted to experiment with a film camera, for example, then the best place to find it is at a used equipment dealer. Many dealers also network with contacts around the globe to obtain classic equipment.

Updated and Ready to Go

By the time you choose a used piece of photography equipment, that model’s track record is well known. There is no doubt that it will produce what you want. In addition, you also know that the specific piece of equipment you’re buying is not a lemon. If it had problems as soon as it was purchased new, then it probably was returned to the manufacturer, and replaced or repaired. You can also be assured that a used camera has been thoroughly modified and has received all firmware updates. If not as the dealer purchased it, then the dealer would do so before offering it for sale.

Low-Cost Learning Tools

Spending the money to buy new photography equipment to learn new techniques or try a different kind of photography would be foolish…unless you have deep pockets! For example, you may be ready for your first DSLR. Before you take the plunge for a new camera, purchase the same model used. You’ll have the opportunity to learn all the controls, quirks and secrets of the camera you want, so you’re absolutely sure it’s the model to buy new. Too much photography equipment that was purchased new is now idle because the owner wasn’t thinking like a smart consumer when he or she bought it. A good, used camera that you’ve experimented with for six months to a year can be resold without losing much in the transaction.

Backup Bonanza

Serious and professional photographers can benefit from purchasing used equipment as backup to their primary gear. Used equipment is also a wise choice if you are planning a vacation or a photo expedition where weather or other conditions could harm your new equipment. Taking used equipment, when traveling internationally, is also a good idea.

Reliable Used Equipment Dealers

Another reason buying used photo equipment is such an intelligent decision is that there are many reliable dealers. The best can provide you with all the benefits in this PhotographyTalk.com article, and many more. KEH is an excellent example, since it has grown from opening in 1979 to become the largest in the world.

 

KEH is careful about the photo equipment it accepts, and then every camera, lens, etc. is rigorously examined and reconditioned. Only then does it become KEH-Certified.

KEH includes a 6-month warranty with every purchase, which is more than twice the industry average.

KEH grades every piece of its certified, used photo equipment with one of the most conservative cosmetic scales in the industry. The KEH grade of EX is comparable to the Like New grade of other dealers.

KEH has an impeccable customer-service record that has resulted in an enormous number of highly satisfied customers, many of whom have become “customers for life.”
 
KEH has a proven system for finding and acquiring used equipment, which enables it to maintain a constantly replenished inventory of more than 65,000 items. Its vast stock includes current models as well as very rare pieces; and all are clean, reconditioned and KEH-Certified.
 
Whenever you’re in the market for photography equipment, take the time to consider seriously used cameras, lenses, lighting, etc. for any or all of the benefits in this PhotographyTalk.com article. Then, find what you want at a great price at KEH.com.

 

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