Buying a Used DSLR Camera: What To Look Out For

Not everybody needs, or can afford, to buy all of their camera equipment brand new. If you are a beginner or hobbyist photographer then a used DSLR camera is ideal for you as it will have all the features you need at a fraction of the cost of a brand new model.

However, you should approach with caution when buying used equipment as you don’t want to invest in something which is not going to last and sometimes people may be trying to sell their camera without telling you the full truth about its past. In order to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth when buying a used DSLR camera, here are a few things to check and look out for.

Physical condition

To begin with, we advise carrying out a thorough inspection of the camera’s physical condition. This includes all elements of the camera’s body such as buttons, screens, dials and ports. Make sure none of the buttons are sticky, especially the shutter-release button and that the power button is not worn down.

If you are buying a camera with a touchscreen then ensure that all areas of the touchscreen are responding correctly.

Inspecting the camera’s battery compartment is also very important. Any signs of corrosion in the battery compartment can be a signal for bigger problems with the camera.

Take some photos

Another key test to carry out is to take a round of test photos on varied subjects using different focus settings. By doing this you will also be able to make sure that the camera works with your memory card and lenses. When doing this, listen out for the shutter to make sure it sounds as it should.

Once you have taken some photos upload them to your computer and zoom in to check for irregularities. Any spider-web like marks can be a sign that there is fungus in the sensor and this will only get worse. If spots or lines are showing up then it may just be dirt or a hair and this can usually be fixed with a simple clean.

Stolen Gear

Finally, if you are looking at buying a used DSLR camera from a private seller then look out for signs that it is stolen. Cameras are prone to being stolen as they are small and of high value.

Sometimes it can be easy to spot a stolen camera if the asking price is significantly lower than the camera would usually cost and also if the seller seems eager to part ways with it. If it comes with no charger or cables then that should further strengthen your concerns. If you suspect it is stolen, as a few questions that require some camera knowledge to answer and see how they respond.

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