Camera Labs

Hi there,
I decided to go for a dslr. I was thinking of something like Nikon D40/D40x, Canon EOS 350D/400D, Olympus E-410, Pentax K100D...
Then a friend of mine, not really a pro but a serious photography addict, told me I should better go for a good condition used semipro, some two-years old one.
He said the build (and overall) quality has nothing to do even with a new low budget dslr and that for a "amateur" use of the camera I could be satisfied with a 2nd hand camera.
Maybe something like a Canon 20D (I'm afraid a used 30D is still over the average budget!) with a really good lens or two decent quality lenses.

What are the downsides of the two?

What other 20D-like models that would fit to such a comparison come to your mind?

What's your answer?

I don't have experience with the quality of used semi-pros.
But I'd say:
- If you can check the condition of a used camera in person, go ahead
- If you can't go for a new "consumer"-body of your favorite manufactureras oyu'll get the guaranty with it and certainly will not be disappointed.
- If something goes wrong with the used-one you don't know what's going on and what to do. If something goes wrong with the new-one, just claim your rights...

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

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I'd echo what Thomas has written. If you are going for a used semi-pro model then, if it's a private sale, make sure it has had a factory refurbishment just before you buy.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

I would only buy a used camera from a well known and quality store. So no private deal. Only guaranteed.

But then again, what's your "comparison" answer? You don't seem to answer from a "camera quality" point of view. You point out, and you're right, that there could be some kind of "collateal" problems if you buy a used item. This makes me guess my question is a reasonable question...

But, let's say, if the used camera was guaranteed, perfect condition and with a reasonable number of shots taken, what would be your choice?

Go for the used one (factory refurbished) unless it has already 100,000 shots.
In that case you're expecting trouble...

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hmm, that's a tricky one. If the used one is guarenteed and also doesn't have many shots taken on it, then it would be a good buy. But it depends who's been using it.

As the guys have said, pros tend to use their cameras a LOT more than amateurs and even a relatively new model could be approaching the end of its life. Most shutter blocks are only guarenteed for 100 to 150k shots, and while that could take a long while for even a serious amateur, it can be eaten through very quickly by a pro.

Most pros I've seen also knock their gear around quite a lot in the knowledge they'll be replacing it soon anyway. Chances are the wear and tear could be significant.

So I wouldn't buy 2nd hand equipment from a pro. But a careful amateur? Possibly...