Buying a used Digital Camera (SLR). Good route or buyer beware?

shotgunshooter3

Hey all, I have zeroed in on what looks to be a pretty good deal on a used Nikon D90 with 18-105 VR lens and a battery grip. I'm considering pulling the trigger on it, however since a used digital camera is basically similar to a used computer, should I be leery?

It's local, so I will be able to inspect the product before purchase. I know there are concerns with SLR's such as shutter cycle, but what else is there?

Should I pursue this or just pinch pennies for something new (if I buy new it'll be a Nikon D5100)? I'm a buy once, cry once kind of fellow.

Thanks in advance.

bruchi

How used and by who are the main thing. Back in the day cameras where made to last a lifetime, plenty of good working analog cameras for pennies on ebay this days no body wants anymore! Now the idea from the manufacturer's side is that they offer you more gitzmos every couple of years and you keep upgrading. This means that there will be good deals there if you don't mind not having the latest and shinier toy.

The D90 is a very good camera, ask Wambli about it.

ilove22s

i can bet that the amount of $$ your saving isnt worth the risk. if you buy NIB you have recourse. used, its your door stop.

good luck.

BigDanS

Find out the shutter count of the used camera. If it is really high you may need it tuned up. The battery may be going bad and there will be no warranty. A D90 battery might cost you $70 delivered.

I bought the D5100 for $600 delivered. I thought it was a bargain.

IMHO

D

Make_My_Day

Try to get a factory "Refurb." It's basically the same as NIB with warranty, but it's either a consumer return that they didn't like, or if it was defective it was refurbished at the factory and resold. I bought a refurbed Canon 6 years ago, and it still works perfectly.

Bham Shooter

We bought off of eBay about 3.5 years ago. New but "open box" which I'm guessing it was a floor model or something. It still works like brand new and the wife has taken thousands and thousands of pics with it. We have the 18-55mm standard lens, a "nifty fifty" fixed focus, and I think a ?-200mm telephoto zoom lens. Canon 10D.


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