What do you think about the secondhand market for digital cameras?

[Andreas Thaler]

I’m one of those elder people who have been following the evolution of digital photography for everyone since its inception in the early 2000s.

The first digital cameras were simple, offered modest image quality, and were expensive. Every six months or so, new models came out that were significantly better in every way—and, of course, you just had to have them.

A lot of money went down the drain until—in my case—with the Canon 5D DSLR in 2005, a plateau in quality was reached where one could stay for a while.

As far as I can recall, there was no significant market for used digital cameras during that time or even later, since no one wanted to buy yesterday’s outdated technology—the advances in development were simply too significant.

I invested a lot of money one last time in a Canon EOS-1 with accessories (I sold everything for a pittance when mirrorless digital cameras appeared and I saw the market for DSLRs collapse), and every few years I treated myself to a Canon PowerShot. Then I returned to film photography and learned how to repair the associated equipment. I didn’t keep up with the latest developments in digital photography.

So I was all the more surprised about two years ago when I discovered the lively secondhand market for digital cameras.

Sellers like MPB offer certified used cameras with warranties, including cameras that were manufactured more than ten years ago. So it’s no longer necessary to buy the very latest model. There are even opportunities for collectors. And given the high quality standards digital cameras have reached in recent years, people aren't buying outdated technology anymore—they're buying high-performance devices.

And all this despite the fact that repair options for older digital cameras are becoming an issue. Manufacturers only guarantee service for a limited time; I don’t know of any independent repair shops that handle them, and digital cameras aren’t well-suited for DIY repairs since the necessary tools, hardware, and software aren’t available.

What are your thoughts on used digital cameras?

Do you buy used cameras, or do you prefer new ones? How do you handle service and repairs?

 

[LeeRatters]

I don't really think anything about it. It's there to use (for buying and selling) like the used market for any items in life.

In general I guess cameras aren't too mechanical anymore so maybe they fall under the same category as buying a used tablet, phone, TV, monitor etc

 

[firewireguy]

I just bought a Nikon D3s from 2009 and it still takes amazing photos.
In fact my entire collection of camera kit is all used apart from the straps, a memory card and a Sony A5000 we bought before our eldest was born.

For me buying even mid range new cameras and lenses is too expensive and the options on the used market are excellent and much more affordable.

 

[Nikon photographer]

I've sold quite a few digital cameras, some I've repaired, others I've just refurbished and cleaned, so yes, there's a market for them.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

some I've repaired

Could you tell me more about that? I'm very interested in the topic of repairs.

 

[Dryce]

And all this despite the fact that repair options for older digital cameras are becoming an issue. Manufacturers only guarantee service for a limited time; I don’t know of any independent repair shops that handle them, and digital cameras aren’t well-suited for DIY repairs since the necessary tools, hardware, and software aren’t available.

What are your thoughts on used digital cameras?

Do you buy used cameras, or do you prefer new ones? How do you handle service and repairs?

I think if you buy a 'professional' grade camera then you will possibly get a longer support life.

I have bought refurbished / used a few times - but typically within the first couple of years of production so haven't felt too exposed to the extended support/repair issues.

My oldest camera that I depend on for projects on a day to day basis is a Fuji X-H1 which I bought used over 6 years ago. The model was introduced in early 2018 so about 8 and half years ago. These are still listed as repairable by Fuji UK but AIUI not in the US. Ominously it has dropped out of the list of qualifying kit for Fuji Professional Services in the UK.

My oldest active digital cameras are Sigma DP Merrills and date back to 2014 (originally introduced about 2012) and haven't been repairable even in Japan for several years. If I was looking t replace then this is one of the few types of camera that I would possibly risk buying used at this extended age - but that's down to uniqueness.

 

[woof woof]

I have no problem buying used but I do always give the kit a good testing straight away so I can send it back if there are any issues. I only buy mass market kit so finding a repairer for out of warranty repairs hasn't been too much of an issue so far.

One thing I recommend if buying a used camera is to check the sensor is unmarked.

 

[Plain Nev]

I think in recent years the market for early digital cameras has stirred, a little. Maybe that's to do with You Tubers waxing lyrical about the older sensors, I don't know. I wouldn't say it was booming, exactly, but there is a market.