Display model or refurb?

andycallaghan

andycallaghan

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I'm looking to buy a Sony a450 to replace my a230.

There's a couple of bargains out there, but can I have your thoughts.

Refurbed Sony a450 + 18-55 lens + 1gb card + case = £329

As above but display model = £349

Brand new body only £369

What do you think I should buy?
 
A 1gb card is not going to hold many images, and the standard kit lens is going to have you looking around for better glass in no time. I have seen the state of some display models, and I wouldn't touch them, if they have had the lens off, then the sensor may be damaged.
I would be tempted to buy the new body (with full warranty), and then look around for Minolta lenses (see my "Should I change system" thread, people were very helpful with their advice).
I have an A700, and I am now buying good old Minolta lenses, because I cannot afford Carl Zeiss glass.
Good luck,
Andy.
 
andy700 said:
A 1gb card is not going to hold many images, and the standard kit lens is going to have you looking around for better glass in no time. I have seen the state of some display models, and I wouldn't touch them, if they have had the lens off, then the sensor may be damaged.
I would be tempted to buy the new body (with full warranty), and then look around for Minolta lenses (see my "Should I change system" thread, people were very helpful with their advice).
I have an A700, and I am now buying good old Minolta lenses, because I cannot afford Carl Zeiss glass.
Good luck,
Andy.
Click to expand...


I see what you're saying. I've already got three lenses, so I wouldn't use the 18-55. But I would sell it to get a few quid.

I've got enough memory cards too, but could be a useful spare.
 
I'd consider the refurb. I assume you get a full 12 months warranty and it means it is likely to have been checked before being sent out (which new ones wouldn't be)
 
Yeh, full 12 month warranty.

Is it just me, but I'd rather have a refurb over a display model.
I used to work in Dixons, and people (and us) treated the stuff like crap!

Think I might go for the refurb. By the time I've sold the lens, and sold my a230, it will have cost me pennies! I hope! :-)
 
Ended up buying the refurb model.

At £329 I couldn't resist, and there were only two left.

Lets wait and see what it's like.

I think I'll be going down the camera insurance route just in case!
 
I bought my refurbed D3 through eBay and am still very happy with it, especially after there were some dramas with it initially that the seller sorted to my satisfaction with 'the utmost speed and dispatch'...
I think if you do your homework properly and research the sellers, you're less likely to have problems.
 
I don't know if they are actually issued to the end buyers, however the last batch of Sony refurbs I saw had a sheet with each that detailed which parts had been replaced. If Nikon did that it would probably just say "wiped down with damp rag, reboxed" :lol:
 
Same here, bought mine through ebay and was happy with it but I did research the seller. Need to avoid those powersellers who just include a tonne of rubbish with the camera to try and make it look a good deal. One you got seems to be from an actual camera shop who just have an outlet on ebay so looks good.
 
And I don't even need the lens.

So buy the time I've sold my a230, and the lens, the price will have been minimal.
 
The refurb model came today.

The box wasn't sealed, but everything in the box looks brand new!

Couldn't be happier!

Proper Lowepro case as well, not some cheap crap.

The only downside was that the SD card was actually a micro SD card in an adapter, but that's hardly the end of the world!

So, Camera Centre Cardiff is highly recommended. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Camera-Centre-Cardiff-LTD
 
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