How to buy a used camera?

dslr camera 3d image

Hanna

I'm buying a used DSLR camera off of Craigslist and it's coming with two lenses, filters, an extra battery, an external flash, a USB cable, and few other accessories. This camera would normally be going for over 1,000 dollars with all of the accessories but I'm only buying it for 500. When I meet the seller, what are some things I need to look for to make sure I'm not getting ripped off?

Answer
First Meet in a public place. Take someone with you who can protect you and your money.
A McDonald's, a clean well lit place where you can feel comfortable.

Make sure the Camera battery is charged. Tell them if the battery is not charged and the camera is not able to turn on don't bother to see it. Tell them this when you agree to meet before you go to look at the camera.

Turn on the Camera. Take a few pictures. See if the auto-focus works smoothly and quietly. Turn the focus ring, Make sure it moves without any grinding or stickiness.
Try the other lens the same way.
Look for obvious damage. Dings, dents cracks broken pieces torn coverings ect.

Get the Charger.

Ask for the Box and all its contents and manuals that originally came with the camera. A good way to tell if a camera has been well treated is for the seller to have all of this. 3d hand and stolen gear will never have this.
Some people will offer amazing deals and steal your money. Not saying this is one but it is something to think about.

Sounds like a good deal if all is in good condition.

There are ways to check how many shutter actuations \ the camera has had but I don't know your specifics.

Remember To Be Safe when Buying on Craigslist.

What brand and unit of DSLR can you recommend for the beginner in macro photography?

bee honey

Im looking a DSLR for macro photography. I'm only just a beginner. What brand and unit of DSLR camera can you recommend to me? IMy only budget is 450 USD - 560 USD

Answer
List of the best DSLR camera available now under $550:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_36_5?bbn=3017941&qid=1331655443&rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A!493964%2Cn%3A502394%2Cn%3A281052%2Cn%3A3017941&rnid=386442011&low-price=300&high-price=550&x=7&y=9&tag=faumioe-20

Out of these i recommend the Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens. It is one of the best cameras available now and in your Price range. It has great features and impressive results. Some of its features are:

- 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor; 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture
- Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization lens
- Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound
- Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance
- Capture images to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards

Pros:
- Better image quality and lower noise at high ISO with the D3100
- MUCH MUCH lighter, which will be nice when traveling
- Larger LCD screen
- 11 focus points, including 3D focus which tracks the motion of the subject or camera.
- 1080p Video
- 14 megapixels
- 2nd Generation DSLR
- Quiet, quiet, quiet

Cons:
- No bracketing option. Not a huge deal since I only bracket once a year
- Cannot use old 50mm 1.8 lens.
- As of 10/1/2010, Camera RAW for the D3100 is not supported in Photoshop or Lightroom. Need to shoot .jpg + RAW or use Nikon Capture NX2 for RAW files.
- Can hear the lens focusing when recording video.
- No depth of field preview.
- Can't use wireless remote

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-14-2MP-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B003ZYF3LO/ref=zg_bs_3017941_5&tag=faumioe-20

Read this review about the overall performance of the camera:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R33LNUMEWSVG00/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B003ZYF3LO&nodeID=&linkCode=&tag=faumioe-20

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