What do i ask when buying a 2nd hand camera

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mosa

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Hello all. I have just saw 2 canon 50d cameras advertised 1 for £550 & 1 for £530 i rang the £550 guy who said it has shot about 2500 pics has the box and everything else but no lens He will drop to £530 to match the other guy he said. I asked earlier what camera to but eos 450d 500d or nikon d90. Will this 50d be better and suitable for a new starter? He has a lens for sale for £100 but i forgot exactlt what it was sigma something to 300mm. The thing is im not sure what to look for what to ask etc etc any thoughts chaps??
 
The 50D is an excellent camera. Good high ISO performance, fast, 920k pixel 3" screen, lens micro adjustment, live view, etc etc.
I wouldn't worry too much about shutter actuations, they are rated for 100k clicks.

2500 is nothing, some people could shoot that in a few days!
 
The 50D will have more growing room compared to the cheaper ones. Personally, the main things I ask are, 'any scratches on the LCD' 'any marks on the body anywhere' 'does it have all the boxes, cables etc'! But thats because I'm paranoid about having good condition eqipment and boxes! :lol:
 
depending on your budget, i would say buy the body alone. im not implying that you know nothing about cameras, but you may have to have a think about what lens would the best to begin with, rather than limiting yourself to what the seller is offering.
 
The lens could be a good deal.

It could be 28-300 or 70-300?

I had a 28-300mm and I thought that it was a great holiday and day our lens, I always regretted selling it and I think it'd make a good 1st lens. I'm not sure that a 70-300 would make a good first lens but partnered with a "kit" lens it'd come in useful.
 
Hi & Welcome :wave:

Don't forget to ask about age - is it under 12 months, where was it bought from, what is being sold (as above, cables, battery charger etc), don't be afraid to ask why (if it's a private seller) they are selling it.

Whats the sensor like - a photo of a white sheet of paper at F22 for example will show up any dust thats there - can help in negotiating of price.

If you can, go and see it :thumbs:
 
Ive just rang the chap who says the camera looks as new, he has had it about 2 months and got it off a friend who bought it new, he is looking for receipt now but may only have 1-2 months warranty if any. It is boxed with all leads unopened etc etc etc, a 4gb card he wants £530 for in not a penny less. He also has a sigma 70-300apo lens for £90 again as new. . he seems really into photography and has kit and lenses around his house that hes paid well over £1000 for. He has used this as a 2nd camera as he dropped his last one into some water. Do you think this all rings true and is a good set up and deal
 
The Canon 50D is a fantastic camera and I love mine to bits. I'd still suggest that you go to a shop and try to hold one if you haven't already done so, it's not an insubstantial weight to be carrying about, then walk out the shop.
Suitability for a new starter - I've been doing this for less than a year, it's my second camera, spend some time with the manual and you'll soon get used to it. If you can afford it, it fits you and you want it, why not have it?
 
Good deal, the sigma 70-300 APO version is a fantastic bit of kit, if you got the Sigma 17-70 to go with it then you would be all set with 2 great lenses and a very nice body.
 
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