We've discussed a few alternatives of buying used so far, but now let's take a look at the gem of all used stores: Your local Goodwill.
Goodwill, Good Stuff
This is another secret some of us photographers use as a resource, and I probably shouldn't be mentioning it here for the fact I'm going to have competition when I cruise the aisles of my local Goodwill store. But that's ok.
When I purchased my Nikon D100 back in the summer of 2002, I didn't have many lenses. In fact, I had none. I had a 50mm f/1.4 lens on the way, and an AF-S 80-200mm in transit, but that didn't help my current situation--I needed to put a lens on my camera NOW, or I was going to break down and cry like a little girl.
The same day I'm talking to my grandfather, and I mention I got a digital camera. He said something to the effect of, "Hey, I've heard of those!" After a few moments of explaining the general digital camera to him, he says to me, "So, you're going to be hanging out at the thrifty stores, aren'tcha."
Whah? Huh? Goodwill stores...ehhhhh, yeah, ok whatever.
After getting off the phone, I decided I had nothing to lose (except for my dignity, and since no one knew about my soon-to-be trip to the Goodwill, I was clear). My first visit to the Goodwill was a loss. I didn't see anything except for a few used disposable cameras (I have no idea why they were there--maybe had a few pictures left on it too take?) and several of those "Get A FREE 35MM Camera!" thingies you see when you receive your credit card statement, and about a few dozen promotional materials fall out. Yes, that kind of 35mm camera.
I decided to embark to another Goodwill which was in a less busy location. As soon as I walked in the front door, I glanced at the glass counter, and I saw the Nikon name on what appeared to be a 50mm lens. I immediately went over to take a closer. Yep, sure enough. It was a 50mm lens. It was an older AI-S 50mm 1.8. Price? Well, you better sit down. $15. The lens was in good condition, not excellent, but it was certainly worth the $15 I immediately whipped out of my wallet and said, "I'll take that lens, thanks."
Will you always find a gem like this at a Goodwill store? Probably not. However, that sort of ruins the mystical and mysterious hunt for treasure, now doesn't it. I can tell you, that you have a much better chance of finding a deal there, than other places. A regular trip every weekend sure isn't going to kill you, and it could pay off considerably.
Pawn Shops
Now, pawn shops aren't all what they used to be. Today, pawn shops have a highly inflated price tag on most of their items. You might as well go to a regular camera store and pay the price of a new item because you wouldn't be paying much more. In some cases, you might be paying less. However, there is a chance you may find a pretty good deal on a lens, tripod, or even a camera. Tripods usually sell for really cheap, and I would definitely recommend looking around your local pawn shop cluster if you're in a large city, because you will probably find one. And considering if you're in a small town, you will probably find an even better deal. Why? Because there isn't the kind of merchandise flowing through and the expertise is not as present as, say, a dealer in New York City or Los Angeles. Most of us may live in larger cities, so don't expect to get a Manfrotto for $20, but there are other brands which come very close to the high and might tripod brands, and are extremely discounted. Velbon for example. I've seen $150-$200 Velbon tripods sell for $35, in mint condition. Did I buy it? Well, long story short, I didn't know it was this expensive until I remembered the model number, went online, had a heart seizure, then immediately drove back to the pawn shop.
It was gone. You win some...you lose some.
In the next part of Choosing A Digital Camera, we will discuss some of the camera features you should prioritize when purchasing a digital camera. Yes, it may get technical, but I will be there with you every step of the way.