Alrighty. Now that we pretty much have an idea why we want a camera and what we're going to do with it, let's get to the next steps.
Shop Smart, Shop Used-Mart
This is the secret many of us photographers don't like to admit to each other but we do it anyway. You would be surprised how many cameras and electronic gadgets sell on the most popular auction sites, which are basically new, and are only a few months old. Why is this? Well, it goes back to the What Are Your Plans question. Many don't ask themselves this question, and after a few months, come to discover the camera they purchased is just not for them, and they might as well sell it, and get something else that takes their fancy.
If you buy used, you may even find yourself a DSLR with a lens or two, for the same price as a DSLR-Type camera. Camera manufacturers are producing more DSLRs than ever before, and more camera owners are selling their DSLRs in a short period of time, more than ever before. If you have doubts, check eBay and other auction websites. There are virtually endless lists of sellers.
Another reason why you should buy used, is many photographers are upgrading quicker than ever before. Technology is evolving so fast, a new DSLR is announced almost every 3-6 months, and compact digitals and DSLR-Type cameras are introduced almost every 3 months. This is another subject for another article altogether, but the reason for this, is the purposeful actions of manufacturers to flood the market with their own particular brand for recognition. Some say it's technology working its way into the market replacing the old--some say it's a plan to overwhelm a particular sector with a particular brand due to marketing behavior. I think it's a combination of the two. In any case, we have photographers who are upgrading their barely-used models for the latest and greatest Techno Shooter.
A Few Things To Consider When Buying Used
I won't go into extreme detail when purchasing a used camera, but let's take a look at a few factors and options.
eBay Protocol
My advice when searching for used cameras on eBay, is to look for a few distinguishing factors that I have found attribute to a legitimate seller:
Yes, a seller can have negative ratings. Some people who give eBay advice say never buy from a person who has even one negative rating. That's just unrealistic, and is very uninformed about the buying and selling sector. As an example, I will use myself. I purchased a vehicle on eBay for $5000. The seller had negatives. However, when I corresponded with the seller, he responded within 24hrs. We sent several emails back and forth, and I even talked with him on the phone a few times. It's been over 18 months since I purchased the vehicle and it hasn't given me any problems other than having a very small coolant leak which only does this in the winter months.
When you're thinking of dealing with a seller, be sure to read the comments. Most of them if you can. This will give you an idea of the overall profile of the seller.
Buying From Outside The US
This is risky. I won't deny it. In fact, since you're reading this article, you probably are looking for a first-time digital camera, so I recommend avoiding this option altogether. Personally, I've conducted transactions outside the US, which include Germany, the UK, France, Belgium, New Zealand, Japan, and others. In time, you may do the same. However, the key in dealing with anyone anywhere, is knowing the equipment you want.
eBay Is Not The Only Place For A Deal
Believe it or not, you can find some good deals online besides eBay. For example, one of my favorite used camera stores is KEH--a new and used camera equipment dealer out of Atlanta, GA. They have a very strict grading system, and you can be confident when they mark a camera as "Like New", it will be like new.
There are other shops like this located throughout the United States, and conducting a simple Google search should give you a used shop that is within driving distance. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you might be limited to online purchasing, as camera shops and cities are not as closely populated farther East.
Ma & Pa Shops
It is true that many "Ma & Pa" shops charge much more than what you would find online. However, there are a few deals you may discover when you're browsing. Also, start to forge a relationship at the camera shop. If you like the owners, and the only thing preventing you from buying from them is the higher prices, commit yourself to buying from them exclusively, and they will more than likely give you a nice discount which would almost be similar to buying online. Remember these shops are physical buildings, located in a business district, and they have many more overhead costs than your typical online store. Thousands, and I do mean thousands, of online "stores" could actually be storefronts, who merely go through a larger distributor. This is fine, and there's nothing really wrong with this method of selling, but the seller is mostly someone who's looking to make a fast buck, and may not be concerned when and if your camera equipment is defective. In addition, the store may actually close and then your hung out to dry altogether. Your only recourse is going through the manufacturer, which can take several weeks, and even months, to get a replacement.
So, don't give local Ma & Pa shops the cold shoulder automatically. Give yourself a little time to initiate a relationship, purchase a few items here and there, and see if the store owners pick up on it and reward you with your committed purchases.
In the next part of Choosing A Digital Camera, we will discuss even more alternatives to buying new.