Buying a used SLR... Is it a good idea?

Hello everyone,

I am thinking of buying an SLR camera. I never had one before, but I really pulled everything out of my point-and-shoot that was there to be pulled out. I have the courage and I am more than willing to learn, spend time reading books on photography and experiment a lot.

That being said, I am looking for something relatively simple to begin with. Currently thinking 350D or 300D. One major problem that I have, though, is that my student budget does not quite allow me to go and get myself a brand new 350D.

The question is: would it be a good idea to buy a used body (and hopefully lenses, too)? I don't think I personally know anyone who could help in this regard, so I will have to shop around in second-hand shops and the like. I believe Canon cameras are well-made, so hopefully buying a used one when you don't even know who owned it before is still all right...

What would you recommend I look at first thing in a used cam before I decide to buy it or not?

Hello Anna;

Welcome to POTN and well-done on your decision to upgrade to a DSLR...

As with buying anything second-hand, there are no big secrets; it's all about finding out as much as you can about the quality of the piece; and of the seller...

The "Market" forum here is a good place to start; there's plenty of kit for sale from registered POTN members; although much of it is USA based... I am guessing you're located somewhere in Europe?

eBay is also a good place to shop. I have bought a great deal through eBay without any problem; you just need to do your homework properly...

Perhaps the most important things to consider when buying a used DSLR are;
- Number of shutter actuations...
- Ask for an unconditional "condition" report...
- Country of Origin, and serial # (So you can verify that it's not a fake, and check-it on the Canon web-site)

Outside of that, just make sure you're comfortable with what you're seeing. If it looks too good to be true; it normally is!

Good luck;

Lee

Thanks lkb-28.

Yes, I am nowhere near USA. And nowhere near Europe, in fact - I live in a weird far-away country called South Africa

I have the 300D which I am happy with, but it does have its limitations. I would try for the 350D as its a later model. Kit lens are OK to start with, and the second hand price for them should be reasonable.
Good Luck and "ENJOY"
Ken.

Rather than second hand shops try the camera shops in your area, they could know people who have just upgraded and have a camera for sale

anna_earwen wrote in post #3772874
Thanks lkb-28.

Yes, I am nowhere near USA. And nowhere near Europe, in fact - I live in a weird far-away country called South Africa

Hi Anna;

Nothing weird about South Africa! We love it! Going again in March next year!

Same stuff applies... ebay works just as well in RSA as it does elsewhere...
http://www.ebay.co.za/
although you will probably wind up with an international purchase; but that shouldn't matter if you follow all the normal "buyer beware" rules...

Cheers;

Lee

Anna;

I just found; http://www.bidorbuy.co​.zathat has a couple of 300/350s on there for sale...

Good luck;

Lee

Hallo Anna
I am in Nelspruit, not too far from Pretoria and has just bought a 1Ds. I have a 10D as well as 30D with some lenses that I am thinking of selling. Contact me if you are interested.
Take care
Etienne

Also maybe consider a second hand 20D. Good camera, and probably just dipped in price with the release of the 40D.

anna_earwen wrote in post #3772818
The question is: would it be a good idea to buy a used body (and hopefully lenses, too)?

Hi Anna!

I know many people who has bought second hand camera (body only), but noone has problem with it. So I think be brave and buy it!
Buying used lens is another question. I think its a little bit risky than buying body only.

you should get a bargain with enough leeway to pay for a repair if and when required - I couldnt even get a buyer for a 20D with 7k actuations at £350.

I always buy low mileage used bodies, preferably with a little warranty left (just in case), and buy from reputable sellers here and Fred Miranda. Touch wood, I have not encounter any problems yet.

I don't think North American warranty would work over there in SA.

lkb-28, thanks for the links. That SA-based bid-or-buy looks promising. I'll be checking it regularly from now on Hmm, I still wonder if it's possible to buy a Canon SLR for under R 3500...