starting new used vs new to save $$

[SteveRN]

with starting new and wanting to invest in:

camera
printer
software
computer/lap top

want do you think about buying last years model or a demo or even a used?????

thanks again
steve

[Belmondo]

Since I'm not a pro, I'm a little reluctant to voice an opinion here, but here goes:

If you’re talking about pro-level equipment (1D/1Ds Mk II and L lenses), I’d probably buy new. You can’t save that much buying used, and if you’re buying from another professional, chances are there are reasons he/she is selling the gear that might affect its desirability.

If you’re buying high-end consumer equipment, you might be okay because a lot of it gets very little usage. There are bunches of used 10Ds floating around with fewer than 3,000 shots on them.

Printers are cheap. Buy new.
Computers are relatively cheap, too. You want a lot of processing power and a good graphics card. You're not likely to find that used, so bit the bullet and buy new. Capturing the image is only half the battle. If you skimp on post processing, it will show in your work.

Software is software. Get it as cheaply as you can short of stealing it or buying pirated copies.