Buying Used

[bruuen]

I want to buy my first SLR and want to go used to save money...Hopefully get a Canon XSi Body for $400CDN.

Anyways, my goal is to use a medium such as craigslist, and I would greatly appreciate any tips when exploring this avenue to ensure the camera checks out good and i'm not buying defective gear...Thanks for anyones help :)

[r3g]

When buying online it is never 100% guaranteed that what your buying is exactly what it should be. I assume that by looking on craigslist you intend to look within the area you live in and thus will make an appointment to go see whatever gear you find before purchasing it. Check to see that it functions correctly and is in good condition. Ask what the shutter count on the camera is and if its ever been serviced for anything. If you use ebay all you can really do is look at the sellers rating and past comments to spot any potential problems. Make sure the description of the camera is detailed and matches all specs put out of the manufacturer. A lot of the time frud seller tend to get specs wrong. And of course if you have questions about the item being sold ask the seller, if he/she cant answer questions about their own product somethings wrong.


my 2 cents.

[bruuen]

thanks r3g

of course i'll be meeting in person for the purchase. i guess $500 if more the realistc area for finding a body...i'm wondering, would it make more sense to go for the xsi body or a used 20-30d body? around the same price?

[Mark_48]

These are refurbished cameras from Adorama. They include a a 90 day warranty. I don't have a clue as to what any import duty would be charged to you in Canada. I have bought several refurbed Canon lenses and have been satisfied with them.

http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXSIBR.html?searchinfo=xsi&item_no=3

http://www.adorama.com/ICA30DR.html?searchinfo=30d&item_no=2

As far as used, what r3g said, plus also try to make sure the seller includes all the accessories that may have come with the camera when new, particularly the software CD that has a few of the editing programs you may want. Most of what is on the Canon site for downloads are upgrades that you will need an original program installed first in most cases.

Between the xsi and the 30D there is a size difference in the bodies, the xsi being smaller. There is a general opinion that it's wise to hold the camera in your hands to make sure it's comfortable and easy to handle the controls. If you have a local camera store it might be good to go there and simply get a feel of how they are in your hands.

Another place to look for used....
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[bruuen]

thanks Mark! I'll definitely be checking out those links :)

Without size being an issue. i'm trying to do my own leg work here to. I'm leaning to think a last generation pro-sumer camera (30D) vs a current generation entry camera (XSi) would yield better results.

I would love to additionally get the opinion of the experts here. I know theres many factors - so my history: i plan to merge into full manual, i understand the use of setting, have read numerous photography books etc.etc. so even though this being my first SLR i want to grow with it and it won't just be a fling of the month for me. (i'm also hoping to get some decent lens used too) problem is i'm going to greece in the summer, and combined with that trip i can't save much more money, but it'd kill me to photograph such a beautiful place with a point-and-shoot camera.