Top 4 Websites to Buy a Secondhand Camera
Where to Buy a Secondhand Camera
So, you’ve finally decided to buy a second hand camera but you don’t know where to start? Here are the top four sites where you can get a good deal for a previously-owned DSLR.
The store has been in business since 1973 and offers a wide variety of photo and video equipment and accessories. At present, B&H runs their own website where you can buy digital cameras, camcorders, darkroom and lighting equipment, and even audio and video components. The site also offers photo books and instructional videos – perfect for those who amateur photographers.
The online store is secure and it offers that best prices at the lowest shipping rates. It has been a recipient of the Bizrate Excellence Award for 4 consecutive years. The site also offers product comparison and an excellent FAQ section. B&H is located in New York but they sell and ship items worldwide,
Whether you are looking for the practical, the collectible or fascinating memorabilia, Collectible Cameras has something to offer you. As their company names imply, they cater to photographers who would like to have equipment which are no longer sold in other shops today. They offer all kinds of cameras, lenses, darkroom equipment and other odds and ends for the photography enthusiast. They have about 10,000 pieces of equipment – modern, vintage, film and digital – and products are cataloged with photos and descriptions. The inventory list is updated three times a week.
Collectible Cameras is run by Sandy Ritz, Ed Panhuise, Scott Korhely, Howard Lieder, Bill Struck and Stephen Enghauser. It is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona, but they offer shipping worldwide.
Considered as the largest buyer and seller of used camera equipment in America for the last 20 years, Keh is now online! Now you can find new and used cameras of different kinds. Looking for collectibles and classics? Well, the site has a wide range of products you can choose from.
Shopping on the site is easy since equipment is categorized by brand. The site is also updated twice daily so you now can see the most recent offers. You can get online quotes or get a quarterly catalog to know the prices of photo equipment. The store also has a repair center which cleans, lubes and completely overhauls your DSLR.
Keh is based in Atlanta, Georgia but they offer shipping worldwide.
Based in Iowa, Porter’s has been in service since 1914. Today, it is one of the most popular source of used cameras, lenses and closeout photo equipment. The online store offers both digital and manual SLRs from different brands such as Canon, Minolta, Leica, Pentax, and others.
Porter’s offers free tabloid catalogs as well as a 15-day trial period for all purchased second hand equipment. Porter’s Camera Store also offers shipping worldwide.
3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a Secondhand Camera
Buying a secondhand camera involves risks. Depending on the asking price of the seller and your evaluation of the condition of the camera, you can determine whether you are willing to take the risk or not. Of course, just like anything you buy online, you should be cautious of purchasing equipment.
- Is the seller a credible person/company? Do you know anyone who has tried purchasing from him/her/them before?
- Ask your seller how many clicks have been used on the camera.You can use the Opanda iExif to get the camera’s shutter count. Just take a shot on the camera and load the image to the software and it should tell you whether the shutter is nearing its end or not. Most brands have published maximum shutter counts. For example, a Nikon D60 is capable of taking up to 200,000 shots and will require a shutter change after that. Other brands, however, may work longer.
- Check the unit and bring your own CF card to test. If possible, you should also bring a notebook to check for dust and dead pixels on the CCD or LCD. There are several programs on the web that will allow you to test for hot or dead pixels.
Even if secondhand cameras are cheaper, they still cost money. It is important that the person/company you are buying from is reputable, this way, you can return the equipments in case you find an unrepairable problem with your purchase. Don’t skimp on these last three steps as it determines how long you will be able to use your DSLR. If you care about getting a good deal, make sure you do your homework and research about the company/person you are planning to buy from, Also, you should have a good idea on the features of the camera you intend to buy so you can test its features before you finally make your purchase.
This post is part of the series: Buying a Used Camera
When you want to buy a DSLR but you don’t want to shoulder the expensive cost, you can always get a used camera! Here are several tips on how you can get a good deal on a second hand camera.
