Nowadays, everyone seems to be a photographer thanks to smartphones and social networking apps. But a DSLR camera can give you more control over the quality of your shots.
With new models constantly being released, people are often tempted to upgrade their cameras regularly. This has left a lot of used camera gear on the market.
Buy from a reputable source
As long as you know where to look, buying second hand camera equipment can be a great option for hobbyist and professional photographers. However, as with most purchases online it can be difficult to assess the quality of the device or determine its condition.
While cosmetic scuffs and wear are not always a concern, you should be wary of any signs that the device has been subject to harsh conditions, such as oil around the mirror or focusing screen. This may indicate that the internal mechanisms are not functioning correctly. 중고렌즈
Large photography retailers, such as B&H or Adorama often sell used cameras in addition to their new stock and typically have a return policy if you are unhappy with your purchase. Classified ad websites, such as Craigslist can also be a good source of used cameras but it is important to investigate the seller thoroughly before making a purchase. They may be able to offer you peace of mind with a warranty or guarantee, depending on their reputation.
Quality of a Used Camera – Look at the photos
While it’s tempting to buy the newest camera on the market, a used one may still serve you just fine. Besides, a new camera comes with a hefty price tag and could leave little room in your budget for other photography gear.
When shopping for a used camera, look at the photos that come with it. While they may be beautiful, you should also pay attention to how the camera is treated. For example, if the camera has many scratches on its sensor, you should avoid it because they can impact your photos.
A camera’s shutter count can also give you a clue about its condition. As a general rule, a camera that has less than 10,000 shutter actuations is considered to be in good condition. However, you should note that shutter counts aren’t always accurate. It’s best to check them at a store like MPB or KEH where they can provide you with the latest information.
Check the condition of the lens
A little bit of wear and tear on a camera lens is to be expected, but severe scratches or dents can indicate that it has been dropped. Look at the interior of the lens for large clusters of dust, fungus or bugs and ensure that it is free from damage to the aperture blades.
Check that the focus, zoom and aperture rings rotate smoothly and that the image stabilisation works well. If the lens is for a modern camera, examine the contact points on the back of the lens for signs of cross-threading (which can ruin a camera).
Large online retailers typically have a trustworthy grading system that they use to describe the condition of their used cameras. When buying from an individual seller, it is especially important to insist on seeing actual photos of the item for sale. Vague descriptions can be an indication of a bad deal or of something being hidden. Shine a light into the lens to see if there are any dust or mold particles in the inner barrel.
Quality of a Used Camera – Test the camera
If the camera has been used by several people within a short period of time, it could be a sign that it’s seen some rough treatment. Look for signs of wear on the dials and shutter button. If they’re extensive, this could indicate that the camera was dropped a number of times which can damage the internal components.
Make sure that the camera turns on and off, takes photos at a few different shutter speeds and can record images to a memory card. Also, test the lens for any visible marks or vignettes and check for any dead pixels by loading a photo into ImageJ and zooming into 100%. A few dead pixels are normal, but more than a few should be a red flag.
Finally, remove the body cap and inspect the camera’s mirror, focusing screen and lens contacts for any oil or gunk. Make sure you hold the camera face-down to prevent any dust from getting into the internal parts for Quality of a Used Camera. 중고렌즈 판매