Photography is a fun hobby, but unfortunately, it is also quite expensive. No matter how much gear a photographer has, true followers of this obsession are always looking to get more. First you buy the camera body, then you need a new lens, next comes the new flash, then you need a flash diffuser, after that you need a battery back, and finally, you need a backpack to carry it all in. Before you know it, you’ve burned $2,000 on your camera setup. It’s a little shared secret among photo enthusiasts that a good setup doesn’t have to cost that much money. Through buying used or refurbished cameras and accessories, one can get the same high quality equipment for 30%-40% less. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find good deals on camera gear and avoid getting ripped off.

1. What is the difference between “used” and “refurbished?”

Refurbished products generally were bought new by the consumer and then returned, either due to a malfunction or dissatisfaction with the product. After being returned, they are sent back to the manufacturer, fixed if necessary, and carefully inspected and tested. Then they go back on the market as “refurbished” for a fraction of the original price. Such products often come with full warranties, look just like new, and are tested much more rigorously than when they were first taken off the assembly line. So by buying refurbished cameras, you can get much better reliability for less than the cost of a new camera. In fact, the camera may not have ever been broken, considering many electronics are returned simply because the consumer doesn’t know how to use the item.

“Used” products may be several years old. They may have been used heavily or barely at all by their original owners, and their condition, which should always be clearly listed by the seller, will usually vary from “poor” (camera works fine but looks like a wreck) to “like new” (barely taken out of the box). Most used cameras will fall somewhere between the two extremes. They will work fine but may have scuffs and scratches and/or hazing on the lens. Like refurbished gear, used equipment is tested very rigourously before sale, and often comes with a warranty. Buying used also gives you the chance to buy discontinued models that may be just what you’re looking for, and because it is preowned, comes with years of endurance testing built in.

2. What sort of camera gear is available used or refurbished?

Everything from bodies to tripods. Camera bodies and lenses are probably the most commonly bought items. However, gear such as photo printers, memory cards, light meters, and filters are also often available.

3. Where can I buy this stuff?

Many popular online retailers sell used and refurbished goods. Adorama, KEH, and B&H are the most well-known. From time to time, sites like Amazon or Buy.com will offer refurbished equipment, as well as camera manufacturers themselves.

Craigslist and eBay might also yield good finds. Just remember: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. When buying from an unknown retailer, always check Reseller Ratings.
4. What are some good deals out there right now?

A few days ago I saw a Canon Digital Rebel XT body (8.2 megapixels) in silver for $194.00 at Adorama. The camera was used but in excellent condition. This is a camera that a year ago went for $400-$500 brand new. I’ve also seen discontinued new DSLRs go for as little as $300 on sale at big box retailers.

A few months ago, I bought a Canon EOS Digital Rebel 2000 for $60 shipped on eBay. It had only been used a few times and came with a case, lens cleaning kit, mini-tripod, lens, and lens hood. It was a great deal. The lens itself, though stock, works with the newer DSLRs and retails for twice what I paid on eBay.

5. What should I watch out for?

There are many used cameras out there are simply too old to bother with or just a bad deal period. Consider this Nikon D1-H for $169. It looks great until you realize it has 2.74 megapixels and is nearly a decade old. Always check the prices for new models, too. Sometimes stores will mark up used merchandise so much it costs the same or even more than new products!