Used Camera Buying Guide 2023: Here’s What to Know Before Getting 2nd-Hand Cam Gear

Here's what you need to know before buying 2nd-hand camera equipment.

Buying used camera gear and other photography gadgets can really save you money compared to purchasing new ones.

Used Camera Buying Guide 2023: Here's What To Know Before Getting 2nd-Hand Cam Gear
A press photographer checks the back of his digital camera as Gloria De Piero, Shadow Women and Equalities Minister, delivers her speech on the opening day of the Labour Party Conference on September 21, 2014 in Manchester, England. Oli Scarff/Getty Images

However, before you start buying second-hand cameras and cam accessories, you need to know the risks they pose.

There's no denying that used camera gear offer many benefits. But, there are things you need to know before investing in used camera equipment.

Used Camera Buying Guide 2023

MakeUseOf provided the perks and risks that used camera gear have. These include the following:

Used Camera Buying Guide 2023: Here's What To Know Before Getting 2nd-Hand Cam Gear
Canon's newest flagship DSLR camera, the 1DX Mark III, is displayed during CES 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 7, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 10 and features about 4,500 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 170,000 attendees. David Becker/Getty Images

2nd-Hand Camera Perks

  • One of the main reasons why photographers purchase used camera gear is to find models that are no longer manufactured. Some individuals are selling used camera gear that is already unavailable in production; some of them are even in very good condition.
  • Another reason why consumers prefer used cameras is to help create sustainability. Although some individuals have enough money to buy new models, they want to help lessen waste and carbon emissions by buying 2nd-hand camera gear.
  • Of course, people purchase 2nd-hand camera gear to save money. There are some photography gear out there that can be purchased at half the price compared to new models.

2nd-Hand Camera Risks

  • Some 2nd-hand camera offers online could be scams. Instead of saving money, these scam campaigns can drain your wallet.
  • Be careful when purchasing used camera equipment since there's a chance that this gear could have faulty and risky hardware.
  • Of course, if you purchase 2nd-hand camera gear, you will no longer receive a manufacturer warranty. This means your gadget is no longer protected by its manufacturer.

Where To Buy 2nd-Hand Cameras?

It is important to know the most-trusted marketplaces that offer 2nd-hand cameras and other photography gear.

Luckily, Peta Pixel listed down some of the safest online marketplaces that professional/newbie photographers and videographers can trust when buying used cameras.

These include the following:

  • MPB
  • Adorama
  • B&H Photo Video
  • KEH Camera
  • Lens Rentals
  • Robert's Camera
  • eBay

Aside from these, you can also find used camera gear on Amazon and other mainstream retailers. If you want to learn more details about them, you can click this link.

Tags
Camera
Real Time Analytics