Buying used equipment is one of the best tips I have for photographers, no matter where you’re at in your career.
I buy cameras online all the time. There’s just no better way to save money than with used gear!
But, I have also been ripped off a fair number of times because early on, I didn’t know what to check when buying a used camera.
Now that I have a few years of practice under my belt, I have some used camera tips to offer to the rest of you.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- Ask for the Shutter Count on Used Cameras
- Look for External Damage
- Use These Used Camera Inspection Techniques
- Ask About Its History
- Buy Your Used Camera From a Trusted Seller
Ask for the Shutter Count on Used Cameras
photo by Magargee Films via Shutterstock
A shutter count tells you a lot more than how many times a used camera has taken a photo. It tells you whether the camera was used personally or professionally.
Like miles on a car, there’s a good approximation of how many photos a camera should take per year. You can also estimate how many shutter actuations a specific type of camera can be expected to make it to.
A used camera can be expected to have about 10,000 shutter actuations per year for normal use. Again going back to the car analogy, if your camera has a shutter count of more than 100,000, you should probably pass on that camera.
On a life-time scale, an entry-level camera should only be expected to reach a shutter count of around 50,000, while a mid-level camera can reach 150,000, and a professional camera should be able to reach 300,000 or more.
Of course, as with cars, there are no guarantees with these numbers, but they nonetheless provide a good general idea of what to expect.
Look for External Damage
photo by A.j.K via Shutterstock
A used camera can look to be in poor shape when it really isn’t because of the low quality of most rubber grips.
Rubber grips aren’t meant to last the lifetime of a camera, or if they are, nobody has told me. But, rubber grips are cheap and easy to replace.
What you’re really searching for when you’re examining a camera for external damage are any signs that it has been dropped.
If a corner of the camera is dented, if there are deep scratches on the body, or a significant number of scuff marks, you may want to avoid that used camera.
Use These Used Camera Inspection Techniques
photo by Vershinin89 via Shutterstock
A hands-on inspection is the easiest way to check a used camera, if you know what you’re looking for.
First, you’ll want to remove the body cap to inspect the camera’s most important parts, the mirror, the focusing screen and the lens contacts.
If you see any oil or dirt, that’s a bad sign.
In fact, oil on any part of the used camera is a bad sign. It means the camera may have been dropped.
If you don’t want the owner to get mad at you while you’re doing your inspection, make sure you keep the camera facing down to prevent any dust getting into it.
Finally, it’s important that you take a test shot. You’ll want to find a white wall, or a bright patch of blue sky, and take the shot.
When you zoom back in on the image you’re looking for any scratches on the image. While dust spots are common and easy to clean, a long line probably means you have a sensor scratch and you can either avoid the camera or bring the price down.
Get more details about what to check when buying a used camera in the video above by RealWorld.
Keep Reading: Best Camera for Landscape Photography: What to Look For and Top Picks for 2024
Ask About Its History
photo by Wirestock Creators via Shutterstock
Buying a used camera is an ordeal, just like buying a used car. You have to ask about its history.
Now, people can lie, which is why I’m walking you through all of these inspection techniques. But, an honest photographer will let you know if they are a professional photographer selling equipment because their old camera isn’t working like it once did, or if they are just buying a newer model they are excited to use.
You also need to know:
- When the seller bought the camera and whether they have any paperwork to prove it (insurance or receipts)
- The environments in which the camera was used
- If the camera was rented out to other photographers
- If the camera was damaged or serviced
- If it was serviced, how much it cost
- If the specific camera model is known for having any particular issues
You can watch the rest of Armando Ferreira’s video above for extra tips and tricks.
Buy Your Used Camera From a Trusted Seller
If you don’t want to deal with all of this, you can always turn to a trusted used camera seller. After all, there are many out there!
I use MPB because it takes all of the guesswork out of the equation. Their representatives do all of the leg work for you!
MPB rates each camera on a concrete scale. This means you know what its condition will be when you get the camera in the mail. But most importantly, MPB also offers a 6-month warranty. That’s something you’re never going to get when buying from an individual seller!
MPB has a tremendous selection of cameras, too. From compacts to full frame DSLRs and the latest mirrorless cameras, you’ll find what you need. Any brand you might want as well!
Shipping is fast, the customer experience is great, and you can sell or trade in your current camera to help offset the cost of the new-to-you one. When it comes to where to buy a used camera, MPB is at the top of my list, and it should be at the top of your list too!
Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!
Learn More:
- The Nikon D700 is a Timeless Full-Frame Camera for 2024
- The Canon EOS 7D is a Sub-$200 Classic DSLR That’s Still Worth Your Money
Hero photo by maicasaa via Shutterstock
