My dream camera costs $3,000.
I don’t have $3,000.
Perhaps that’s why I don’t own my dream camera.
Santa still hasn’t delivered my Dyson, so I’m thinking he probably isn’t going to be filling my stocking with a Nikon D800 any time soon.
As much as reality bites, I know I am not alone. While there are dozens of high-quality, luxury DSLR cameras on the market, most people don’t have the funds to purchase them new. For shutterbugs looking to get their hands on cutting-edge picture-taking tools without breaking the bank, there is the used camera option.
High-tech cameras can put a huge dent in one’s wallet, which is why the refurbished camera market is seeing such a boom in sales these days. It’s not just amateurs looking to snag a good deal on expensive cameras; professional photographers are also driving the trend that places regenerated cameras back into service.
For the most part, refurbished cameras have been used, and then returned to the store or manufacturer for various reasons. However, instead of trashing the pricey models, the company tests them, fixes any problems, re-certifies them, and places them back on sale as refurbished cameras.
When shopping for a used or refurbished camera, be sure to stick with reputable companies, such as Canon and Nikon. Both maintain high standards, and their service departments follow a set guideline of procedures and standards related to refurbished cameras. According to Canon’s website, the majority of its refurbished DSLRs are retail returns or in-store demo units, which had minor cosmetic damage, not major interior malfunctions.
Prior to buying a refurbished camera, be sure to get a warranty from the manufacturer, not from a second party. Also, go over the warranty with a fine-toothed comb. Read all the details and make sure they pertain to your specific model. Finally, before forking over money for a used digital camera, inquire about its maintenance history. If it has been refurbished, check to see if the work was done at a licensed service center and not in someone’s garage.
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