Photography is a nice hobby, but it can be costly. So if you’re looking to start with it, you’ve got to be savvy with your purchase. Apart from being certain about this endeavor as something you’d like to try, you have to be more practical. This could mean starting by buying a pre-owned camera or gear.
Considerations Before Purchasing
If you take the time to search thoroughly, you’ll find many used camera accessories and other equipment up for sale. In most instances, this isn’t because of any defect. Rather, it’s because photographers and enthusiasts consistently upgrade their gear, letting go of their older ones.
This works to be an advantage because you’re sure to find a pre-owned camera and gear fitting your budget. You’ve just got to ensure you’re making the right choice by following these tips:
- Look For Signs Of Damage On The Lens
The camera lens is one of the most important features. So when you’re buying used gear, start with the lens and check for any signs of damage.
Even if you’re a beginner, there are telling signs to help you determine whether or not the lens is damaged. Here’s how:
- Any scratches on the outer casing shouldn’t be meant to put you off because this would only mean the camera was well-used. The lens is made to be of good quality and is built to last long. Just because there are dents and scratches doesn’t mean the lens is broken.
- Rather than focusing on the exterior, look through the lens’s contacts. There, you should look for excessive wear and tear or rough handling when mounting.
- Take off the lens filter to check for any uneven edges. Take test shots as a dropped lens will often result in shots being out of focus.
- Do A Camera Check
A camera check is a quick process you should do to give you an overall impression of the camera in its entirety. This can help you determine whether or not the digital camera is a good buy.
Here’s a list of things you should perform:
- Test the hot shoe since this can easily malfunction through time;
- Use your memory card and make sure it works well in the camera you’re looking to buy;
- Check the infrared and pop-up flash of the camera;
- Look for bent pins or any junk stuck in the camera’s terminals;
- If you’re going to use your lens, try attaching it to see if the camera recognizes it or is compatible with it;
- Test all the buttons and dials to see if they work properly.
- Keep Track Of The Shutter Count
A camera’s shutter count refers to the number of times the shutter was used by the previous owner. Generally, this number would give you an insight into the usage the camera has gone through, somewhat similar to a car’s mileage. Cameras are graded based on their shutter durability.
It’s best to stay away from a camera with a shutter count of beyond 100,000. This means it has gone through heavy, professional usage. Hence, it could also be a telling sign the camera could be nearing its end-of-life. If you’re buying from an honest camera owner, they’ll give you the real deal on what the shutter count is.
- Check The Focus
The focus is another thing you have to check thoroughly when you’re buying a secondhand camera because you wouldn’t want to end up purchasing a device not focusing quite well.
Here are some tips on how you can check the focus:
- Switch the lens to autofocus and look for any strange noises coming from the camera’s motor. When on autofocus mode, the lens shouldn’t struggle to focus.
- Switch the lens to manual focus and twist the focus ring back and forth, so you can look for grinding noises. If this ring has a problem moving freely, the camera may be unable to focus correctly.
Conclusion
If you’re shopping on a budget, follow the tips above to buy a good quality, pre-owned camera and search for the ones seeming to look like it’s brand new. Many cameras are consistently updated regularly, so you can be sure these devices up for sale are relatively modern. If there are defects, they could be minimal or only limited to their physical aesthetics.
Given that cameras are quite expensive, it’s always handy to have ways on how you can save a few bucks. When you’re thorough enough with your purchase, you’ll realize buying a used one can just be as good as brand new.