Help: Buying a second hand body

Hi guys,

Just he a bit of advice when it comes to buying second hand bodies. What would be a decent shutter count, or better question, what shutter count would be too high. I currently have a 450d, so what would be a good upgrade, I mainly photograph Motorsport. I was thinking a 7d?

7d would be a great upgrade. Shutter count is not as important as overall function and condition of the body. Obviously the lower the better in theory but I wouldnt get too hung up on a higher shutter count especially with the 7d's 8FPS that can rack up pretty quick. FWIW the 7d has an "average" shutter life of 150,000. But it can fail at 3,000 to 300,000

Find out what the shutter is rated on the model you are interested in getting. That gives you an idea of how many exposure you have left. But also keep in mind that those ratings are based on a projected average. shutters are mechanical, they can fail at any point within a camera lifespan. Keep in mind that shutter boxes can be replaced so if the price is right dont shy away a high shutter count if other things are good.

CaterhamF1 wrote in post #14838235
Hi guys,

Just he a bit of advice when it comes to buying second hand bodies. What would be a decent shutter count, or better question, what shutter count would be too high. I currently have a 450d, so what would be a good upgrade, I mainly photograph Motorsport. I was thinking a 7d?

7D is a good choice, if buying used you can check the shutter with www.EOScount.com

When I decided to make the move from point-n-shoot to DSLR, I watched ebay for a good, clean, minimally used 30D. The one I bought had about 8-10 pictures of the body, and not a scuff or ding to be seen. It also had the optional battery holder/grip and 4 batteries, all in good condition, as well. In comparing the buy-it-now with prices of other 30D bodies at the time, it was a super bargain so I grabbed it. It was a great camera, and I sold it to a friend after 6 months when I upgraded to a 60D.

In short, there's no rush to go out and buy the first one you see. Take your time, do your homework, check out what seems to be a 'good price' for what you want, and then take the plunge.

Also, be sure to check out used camera deals at B&H and Adorama. They check them over very thoroughly and put a very attractive price on them. Refurbs direct from Canon are another option, too.

The 7D is great for anything moving and remember the new firmware just came out, so it's almost like it's a new camera

Maverique wrote in post #14839407
The 7D is great for anything moving and remember the new firmware just came out, so it's almost like it's a new camera

What's this firmware, is it an updated version?

i don't worry about shutter count, i've seen them break at less than 1k - and seen them work great well past 400k. overall condition is important, you want all the buttons/etc to work as they're supposed to.
Firmware is the software in the camera, version 2.0 has just been released.

rick_reno wrote in post #14841968
i don't worry about shutter count, i've seen them break at less than 1k - and seen them work great well past 400k. overall condition is important, you want all the buttons/etc to work as they're supposed to.
Firmware is the software in the camera, version 2.0 has just been released.

+1 on not worrying about the shutter count. Shutter count is analogous to mileage on a used car, mostly irrelevant. Would you rather have a camera/car with 100,000 clicks/miles on it that has been meticulously taken care of and maintained? Or would you prefer a camera/car with only 25,000 clicks/miles that was beat to hell?

I purchase used cars exclusively. My last two had over 100,000 miles on them when I bought them, cheaply, I might add. My previous car died at 243,000 miles when I hit a deer; strangely, the deer died, too. My current car was purchased with 117,000 miles on it, again, cheaply. It currently has 264,000 miles and is going strong. Maintenance is much more important than mileage. Oh, and I've never been left by the side of the road with a broken car. Ever.

Come to think of it, the same applies to the human body. I'd rather be a well-maintained and vigorous 90 year old, than a worn out, rocking chair bound 60 year old.

Don't pay the shutter count any mind.

For a 7D there are plenty of sub $1000 deals with < 30K on the shutter. Just watch the B&S forum, look for a reputable buyer and be prepared to buy quickly and you can find great deals.