Fancy buying a second-hand camera but not sure how to go about it? Our guide is here to show you the way.
Buying pre-owned camera equipment is a great way to save money, but how do you make sure your second-hand DSLR or camera is a bargain rather than a disappointing brick? We’ve put together this handy guide to make sure you get value-for-money on your used camera and also avoid getting scammed. The first step is deciding whether to buy your used camera online or in-person. Getting the camera in your hands is obviously the best way to inspect it, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to boost your odds of getting a good buy when buying online. For example, a camera’s shutter count is similar to a car’s mileage and can give you a good idea of how much use it’s had in its lifetime. You’ll find all of this info in the guide below, plus some tips on how to check over a second-hand camera to ensure it’s working properly and how to look for fakes to ensure you’re getting a genuine model. Plus, we’ll round up our top picks for second-hand DSLRs and mirrorless cameras so you have a good idea of where to start. If you’re still struggling for inspiration, you can also check out our guides to the best beginner DSLR cameras, best camera for photography, or best cheap cameras to help spark ideas for a great second-hand buy. It’s now much easier to buy cameras second-hand online, thanks to the growing list of reputable retailers that’ll we’ll explore below. That said, this does work best if you know what camera or model you’re looking for. If you haven’t managed to get hands-on with any cameras to get a feel for whether a DSLR or mirrorless camera is right for you, then we’d recommend trying out some potential prospects in real life first – for example, meeting up with an eBay seller before hitting the ‚buy it now‘ button. Many photographers pick between camera systems based on solely how it feels in the hand which, in some cases, sends them down a lifelong path of one camera system over another. If you can do this, get into a camera store and try out as many models as possible within your budget and desired class range. Stores like BHPhoto (opens in new tab) and Adorama (opens in new tab) in the US or Jessops (opens in new tab) and London Camera Exchange (opens in new tab) in the UK give photographers the opportunity to try cameras out in person, before making a purchase. Even if you don’t get to try out the specific model you’re thinking about, the consistencies in camera design mean it’ll give you a good guide as to which brand and model is for you. Decided to buy online instead? As we recommended in our best second-hand DSLRs for beginners guide, it’s best to stick to reputable dealerships when buying online to avoid getting stung. Grey imports, faulty goods, and outright scams are rife on the internet. Get caught out and you could not only lose your money but also risk of having personal details exposed or sold on to criminals. Instead, opt for reputable stores that have a good, long-term presence online.
