I've purchased my share of photography equipment over the last twenty or so years. (Maybe more than my share?) I've always loved my purchases, but I've learned some things along the way.
Tips for purchasing used equipment are below the photos!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase through the links.
I bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D80, brand new. (I think that was 2008. I had been using point and shoot digital cameras before then. And before that, a Canon film SLR.) I loved the D80, (and my daughter still uses it-- a lot.) Great camera.
After I'd had that camera a while, and was looking to move up just a little to a larger, semi-pro camera, my brother-in-law, (also an avid photographer), gave me some of the best advice. He said, "No need to buy new cameras. People are always trading in great used equipment, and you can save a bundle."
So, not long after that, I bought my first used camera, a Nikon D200, from a local camera store. Not one single problem with it, and I still use it today, although it's not great in low light without a flash, and the screen on the back is really small! Still a great camera!
These were taken with the D200.
The D5300 is the slightly newer version of my 5100. Like the 5100, it is considered an "upper-level entry camera," but the image quality is on par with my Nikon D7000, which, (you guessed it), I also bought used. I have used the D7000 for some newborn shoots and a wedding, as well as everyday photography.
Most of the pictures at my blog have been taken with either the Nikon D5100 or the D200 (or sometimes my phone!)
The shots below were taken with the D5100.
Here are my tips for purchasing used photo equipment:
- Buy from a reputable place! I've found wonderful online deals at both Adorama and B & H Photography, both of whom have a 30 day return policy. Amazon also has both new and used equipment, and you can choose to buy from sellers with good ratings. Love them!
- Pay attention to the grade that the piece of equipment has been given. For instance, Adorama uses letters -- So a D rated camera has no signs of wear, an E+ has slight signs of wear, etc. The price will vary with this grade. I usually only buy equipment that is rated D, E+, or E, but that isn't to say a lower rating won't be good too. All of the equipment is tested.
- Give the company a call when you find something you like, before you purchase it online. Sometimes they'll give you a little additional discount.
- When buying a camera, make sure you are buying it the way you want it. For instance, are you looking for a DSLR body only, or do you want a kit lens with it? They are sold both ways,
- When it comes to lenses, make sure you are purchasing the exact model of the lens you are looking for. Sometimes there are updated models, so you want to be sure you are getting the one you want.
If this info has helped you, I'd love for you to share it! Thanks for reading!
Linking to:
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Inspire Me Monday at Mostly Blogging
Oh yay, you linked to Sharefest! I'm happy because I wrote that post.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's about photography! If I remember, I'll feature this awesome piece.
I usually don't buy used but that's not because I'm against it. I just find great deals a lot through my business. I love Amazon, B&H, and Adorama!
Thanks Tamara! I would be thrilled to have it featured!!!
DeleteGorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jill!
Deletegreat photos - hard to make a crowded store look good. cheers
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThanks for sharing your post at the Inspiration Spotlight party @DearCreatives Pinned & sharing. Lovely photography btw. Hope to see you at this weeks party too. See you again soon. Theresa
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind words! And thanks for hosting the party!
DeleteGood tips. I just purchased a used Cannon 60D and it cost a lot more than your Nikkon. Wish I had read this article first. Can you suggest good lighting for an inexpensive price.
ReplyDeleteThanks Clearissa! I use an external flash when I need more light (called a Speedlite in Canon, and Speedlight in Nikon.) It attaches to the hotshoe of the camera, and I bounce it off a ceiling or wall (best if the ceiling or wall is white, which is why I usually use the ceiling!) There is a Craftsy class all about how to do it, but the basic technique is really simple. I wrote a post about it, in the Photography section here, called Bouncing the Flash. I think they can be found used fairly often. I think it's easier to use the speedlight brand of your camera, rather than a generic one. For small objects or products, my daughter uses a shop light as constant light and a small photo light box. Those can be made or purchased pretty cheaply. I have some studio strobes, but rarely find them necessary.
DeleteI've checked for cameras on eBay but hadn't thought about local stores. Now I want to go shopping. My first DSL is the Nikon 3100, and I liked it at first, but now would like to be able to afford better lens and some filters, etc. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePeabea from Peabea Scribbles
Thanks for the comment, Peabea! The 3100 is such a nice DSLR to start with. My daughter used the 3400 which is an only slightly newer version of it in college and liked it a lot. Have fun shopping!
DeleteThanks for sharing your stunning photos with us - congrats for being one of our Featured Bloggers at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! So happy to be featured!!
DeleteThanks for the tips, Pam. I've been looking to upgrade my camera for some time now, and used just might be the way to go!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Jean! Buying used has worked out so well for me!
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