buying a Canon 20D second hand: What to look out for

Beano

I will be looking at a second hand 20D with the purpose of buying it this week. Does anyone know any common problems I should look out for? Are they're any obvious things I need to check?

nitrogen

I'd never buy any kind of electronics second hand. Think Nikon (D50/D70) or save for longer.

rymus

one thing I'd check straight away is that the sensor isnt knackered. Take a few shots of a blank white surface at something like f22 load up the jpg's on your computer and look for unusual marks. blobs are ok, they're probably just dust. I'd be looking for anything suspicious like streaking or even scratching.

In other words, don't buy a camera with a completely screwed up sensor. Dust can be gotten rid of, bad scratches can't and will effectively ruin all the photos that you take with it. If you're feeling extra paranoid, take nitrogen's advice.

Beano

I've already got a 350D so no real interest in a Nikon. Spent too much on lenses to want to start again.

You're probably right though nitrogen. I might hang for the successor to the D20. Or wait until the price of the D20 drops when the successor is released.

Carrigman

There is talk of a replacement for the D20 before the summer. I'd wait if I were you and get a new one then at a much reduced price, as Beano suggests.

Beano

Carrigman wrote:

There is talk of a replacement for the D20 before the summer. I'd wait if I were you and get a new one then at a much reduced price, as Beano suggests.

I was suggesting it myself.

rymus

there has been speculation on a replacement for the 20D for the longest time. If it does happen before the summer I'll eat my hat

halenger

Will you be available for photos while eating the hat? ... Please?

I've seen talk of this replacement too. I haven't been following it though so I wouldn't know whether its best to wait. If the general consensus is that it will be soon then waiting seems reasonable.

dubtom

There is always talk of upgrades and basically no one knows untill Canon tell them. Have a look at http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/ He usually gets the lowdown on whats coming.I think myself that it's too close to the release of the 5d for Canon to bring out a new model, but what do I know.:rolleyes:

rymus

halenger wrote:

Will you be available for photos while eating the hat? ... Please?

Yes... yes I will! I'll even let the people decide on a hat condiment.

Panda Moanium

nitrogen wrote:

I'd never buy any kind of electronics second hand. Think Nikon (D50/D70) or save for longer.

I don't see why the OP should not buy a second-hand 20D. There are any number of good quality ones on the market that have been little used. Of course you need to check that the sensor isn't damaged, but that is relatively obvious. If you want peace of mind, why not buy second-hand from a reputable camera shop, and get a warranty in case of problems.

TBH, there's far more chance of getting a damaged sensor or other problems on a hard-used professional body such as a 1D or 1DII (compared to a 20D which is more likely to have been owned by an enthusiastic), yet these still retail at a fair price second hand so an awful lot of people must consider the risk of buying used worthwhile. A DSLR should last for years, its just our obsession with having the latest and greatest that sends them to an early grave.

No wonder our pride and joys become worthless so quickly if we warn people off buying second hand.