Where Can You Buy a Second Hand DSLR Camera?
You've had a camera for as long as you can remember.
It may only be a point and shoot or compact camera but it's done its job up to now.
It takes great pictures but they are only happy snaps.
You dream of being a great photo journalist or a wildlife photographer one day, but you know you are going to need to upgrade to something much better than your present camera.
While browsing through the birdforum online, someone uploads a spectacular picture of an eagle soaring over the desert.
He mentions that it was taken with his telephoto lens on a digital SLR camera, Impressed, you start to wonder how you can buy one.
Googling online, you soon realise that new DSLR cameras cost anything between $500 and $5,000.
As you're only a student earning very little money, your nest option is to look for a cheap second hand DSLR.
The following information shows how to go about finding one and the pitfalls associated with buying a second hand digital SLR camera.
The first place most people look is the Internet and the various auction sites, such as eBay.
You put in the search criteria for "second hand DSLR camera" and you are asked to amend your search criteria to something like "hand dslr camera".
This produces a few results associated with wrist straps and battery grips for DSLR cameras.
A new criteria of "dslr camera" produces about 4000 items.
Browsing through the first 20 or 30 items makes you realise that you don't really have a clue whether these are bargains or over priced.
The photographs of the cameras for sale all look great but the prices differ markedly.
The side menu gives you a lot more choices of manufacturer such as Nikon or Canon, megapixels, and optical zoom.
It looks like you need to find reviews of cameras that you like.
The best method is to use your favourite browser again and put in the make and model of the camera and add review to it.
Up will pop a whole list of reviews that you can browse through and compare functions, features and recommended prices.
When you have the information clear in your head, you can go back to eBay and find a bargain, or at least a second hand DSLR that you can afford.
If you buy a used SLR camera there is no way of knowing how long it will last.
Each camera has a life when it comes to how many times the shutter operates.
While this is usually in the order of a 100,000 shutter count, you have no way of knowing how much it has been used and thus when it will fail.
Often with used cameras, you will notice marks on your photographs produced from dust particles on the internal sensor when the previous owner has changed a lens.
Unfortunately, you can only check these things once you've bought the camera and it's delivered to your door.
It pays, therefore, to check the descriptions carefully to make sure it appears to be OK.
It's just as important to check what the description missed out as it is for what's in the description.
For example, if it doesn't mention a lens, then in all likelihood it doesn't come with a lens.
If it says that it is good for spare parts, then beware! Something else to check is the seller information.
This is displayed to the right of the item title on its page.
You will see the seller's user name, a number and a colored star.
Click on the number and it will provide all the seller feedback he has received, good or bad.
Take time to read them all and see what his customers have said about him.
Stay away from sellers with lots of negative feedback.
In fact only buy from those who all positive feedback.
You can also buy from classified ads in the local newspapers.
The added advantage you have here is that you can go and see the item in person before you buy.
Occasionally, there will be used camera markets or even a used camera shop in your area.
Take the time to browse the tables of goods and ask as many questions about the camera as you can think of.
The seller should let you try it before buying.
Finally, having bought your second hand DSLR camera you must now learn to use it.
If your camera didn't come with a manual, then I suggest you browse the Net for a copy.
Often the manufacturer's site will allow you to download one for free if they are still available.
Practice using your camera in different situations, until you are familiar with the controls.
Attend workshops or join a club to learn new photographic skills.
Upload your photos on forums to gain useful feedback on the quality of your work.
It may only be a point and shoot or compact camera but it's done its job up to now.
It takes great pictures but they are only happy snaps.
You dream of being a great photo journalist or a wildlife photographer one day, but you know you are going to need to upgrade to something much better than your present camera.
While browsing through the birdforum online, someone uploads a spectacular picture of an eagle soaring over the desert.
He mentions that it was taken with his telephoto lens on a digital SLR camera, Impressed, you start to wonder how you can buy one.
Googling online, you soon realise that new DSLR cameras cost anything between $500 and $5,000.
As you're only a student earning very little money, your nest option is to look for a cheap second hand DSLR.
The following information shows how to go about finding one and the pitfalls associated with buying a second hand digital SLR camera.
The first place most people look is the Internet and the various auction sites, such as eBay.
You put in the search criteria for "second hand DSLR camera" and you are asked to amend your search criteria to something like "hand dslr camera".
This produces a few results associated with wrist straps and battery grips for DSLR cameras.
A new criteria of "dslr camera" produces about 4000 items.
Browsing through the first 20 or 30 items makes you realise that you don't really have a clue whether these are bargains or over priced.
The photographs of the cameras for sale all look great but the prices differ markedly.
The side menu gives you a lot more choices of manufacturer such as Nikon or Canon, megapixels, and optical zoom.
It looks like you need to find reviews of cameras that you like.
The best method is to use your favourite browser again and put in the make and model of the camera and add review to it.
Up will pop a whole list of reviews that you can browse through and compare functions, features and recommended prices.
When you have the information clear in your head, you can go back to eBay and find a bargain, or at least a second hand DSLR that you can afford.
If you buy a used SLR camera there is no way of knowing how long it will last.
Each camera has a life when it comes to how many times the shutter operates.
While this is usually in the order of a 100,000 shutter count, you have no way of knowing how much it has been used and thus when it will fail.
Often with used cameras, you will notice marks on your photographs produced from dust particles on the internal sensor when the previous owner has changed a lens.
Unfortunately, you can only check these things once you've bought the camera and it's delivered to your door.
It pays, therefore, to check the descriptions carefully to make sure it appears to be OK.
It's just as important to check what the description missed out as it is for what's in the description.
For example, if it doesn't mention a lens, then in all likelihood it doesn't come with a lens.
If it says that it is good for spare parts, then beware! Something else to check is the seller information.
This is displayed to the right of the item title on its page.
You will see the seller's user name, a number and a colored star.
Click on the number and it will provide all the seller feedback he has received, good or bad.
Take time to read them all and see what his customers have said about him.
Stay away from sellers with lots of negative feedback.
In fact only buy from those who all positive feedback.
You can also buy from classified ads in the local newspapers.
The added advantage you have here is that you can go and see the item in person before you buy.
Occasionally, there will be used camera markets or even a used camera shop in your area.
Take the time to browse the tables of goods and ask as many questions about the camera as you can think of.
The seller should let you try it before buying.
Finally, having bought your second hand DSLR camera you must now learn to use it.
If your camera didn't come with a manual, then I suggest you browse the Net for a copy.
Often the manufacturer's site will allow you to download one for free if they are still available.
Practice using your camera in different situations, until you are familiar with the controls.
Attend workshops or join a club to learn new photographic skills.
Upload your photos on forums to gain useful feedback on the quality of your work.