Used DSLR

ap178

Just wondering what peeps think about buying a used DSLR as a first DSLR? Have been deliberating for weeks about which camera etc, following adds on adverts.ie, getting a feel for what kind of prices things are....After far too much reading I decided that the camera I want is a Nikon D90 but my finances are telling me that what I need is a Nikon D5100 , so I'm thinking used D90....just a bit nervous as a first time buyer, buying used when I don't really know what to look out for....any opinions please? Thanks.

pullandbang

Go for it. But first search the "sold" section and see what your particular camera is making. Things to look out for when buying used is the shutter count, general condition and if the seller still has all the original bits n pieces - receipts, box, manual, strap, charger etc. If so, then you'll not got too far wrong.

bullpost

You might want to consider buying from a retail outlet. That way ,even though the gear is used, you will get a warranty to give you peace of mind.

Theres a few camera shops in Dublin selling used gear , not sure about the rest of the country.

ap178 wrote: »

Just wondering what peeps think about buying a used DSLR as a first DSLR? Have been deliberating for weeks about which camera etc, following adds on adverts.ie, getting a feel for what kind of prices things are....After far too much reading I decided that the camera I want is a Nikon D90 but my finances are telling me that what I need is a Nikon D5100 , so I'm thinking used D90....just a bit nervous as a first time buyer, buying used when I don't really know what to look out for....any opinions please? Thanks.

ap178

Thanks for the replies, bullpost I certainly considered that option but it seems that when buying from stores the difference in price between used and new is so negligible that it hardly seems worth it. My local store is offering the d90 with 18-105 kit lense for 799, they have a used d90 body in stock for 560, by the time I'd buy the lense I don't think it would be worth it.....
The deal I have been offered is d90 body+18-55+spare battery+lowepro bag, original box, cables etc and shop receipt available. Shutter count apparently below 3k. All for 500 euro, it's a good deal but just very nervous of getting stung.

darragh o meara

I've bought most of my cameras second hand and to date have had not one single problem. In most cases the type of camera your looking at ate going to have been used by amateurs and won't have the same usage as a camera that has been used by a pro or a semi pro, however the opposite side to the argument is that the pro and semi pro photographer will more likely have had the camera professionally serviced.

When viewing have a good nose around the camera and take your time, I usually spend about half an hour checking it out and take loads of pics to make sure it's good, I'll often throw them up on the laptop and have a good look at them too. Any problems should become evident after a few shots.