How I Save Money on Photography Equipment (Buy Used!)

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.

For a newer, lighter, simpler DSLR with much better low light capabilities (and a much bigger screen!) , the Nikon D5100 can be picked up at Adorama right now for $194.00.  (That's the body only, no lens.)  That's with an Excellent (E) rating. Unbelievable. Even without the lens, that is a great deal.  Given that the newest model in this line, the D5600, is close to $600.00, new, without a lens, I think the used D5100 is a steal. It is considered an "upper-level entry camera," but the image quality is on par with my Nikon D7000, which I also bought used.

The D7000 is more of a semi-pro camera.  It has the same sensor as the D5100, but has a bigger, more solid build, and more features.  Still not as heavy as my D200!  I've used it for some newborn shoots and a wedding, as well as family shots, etc.  I take the D5100 with me a little more often, though,  because it's small and light.

The used inventory is always changing at Adorama, as people grab the best deals, but just search within the used category to find your deal.

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.

(I'm partial to this one, because it's my baby girl as a bridesmaid in my niece's wedding.)

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.  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!

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