When looking into investing in new gear, buying brand new isn’t the only option! Buying used or open box gear can be a great choice. There are some things to be cautious of when buying used gear, but we’ll cover how to inspect used gear later if that is the path you choose.
Starting off we’re going to talk about some pros and cons on why you should buy used gear versus getting new gear.
Why get used gear?
Pros
Cost Savings: Used gear is often significantly cheaper than new gear. You can find items at a fraction of the original price, allowing you to stretch your budget further.
Access to Discontinued Models: Sometimes, older models that are no longer in production can be found used. These models might still have excellent features and performance.
Sustainability: Buying used is more environmentally friendly. It reduces waste and the demand for new products, which in turn lowers carbon emissions.
Immediate Availability: You can often find used gear readily available, without waiting for new stock to arrive.
Extended Warranty: Many reputable shops may offer a 30 day warranty for workmanship defects, not user damage. They may also be able to offer the option of purchasing an extended warranty on used gear for up to a year.
Cons
Limited or No Warranty: Used gear typically doesn’t come with a warranty, which means you’re on your own if something goes wrong.
Potential for Wear and Tear: Used items may have signs of wear and tear, which can affect their performance and longevity. It’s important to inspect the gear thoroughly before purchasing.
Risk of Faulty Equipment: There’s always a risk that used gear might have hidden defects or issues that aren’t immediately apparent.
Personally, I have purchased refurbished camera gear before from the brand’s company website. Many companies have open boxes, used, or refurbished options. Here at Midwest Photo, we have a used gear section that is created from gear that people trade or sell to us. The gear has been inspected, put to the test and must be functional. Even though the idea of brand-new gear is exciting, getting used or refurbished gear can be just as exciting. Plus, it’s a little less nerve racking trying to keep it in perfect condition when it’s already had some adventures and has been loved before.
However, if you insist on buying brand new and have the budget for it here are some of the pros and cons.
New Gear pros and Cons
Pros
Latest Technology: New gear often includes the latest advancements and features, which can enhance performance and usability.
Warranty and Support: New items typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty and customer support, providing peace of mind in case something goes wrong.
Reliability: Since new gear hasn’t been used before, it’s less likely to have wear and tear or hidden defects.
Customization Options: When buying new, you often have the option to customize or choose specific features and specifications to suit your needs
Cons
Higher Cost: New gear is usually more expensive than used gear, which can be a significant investment.
Depreciation: New items can lose value quickly once they are used, which might not be ideal if you plan to resell them later.
Environmental Impact: Manufacturing new gear consumes resources and energy, which can have a larger environmental footprint compared to buying used gear.
Availability: Sometimes, new models might be out of stock or have long wait times, especially if they are in high demand.
Authorized Seller: If buying new, especially online, you will want to ensure that you are buying from an authorized reseller. If they are not authorized resellers there will be no warranty from the manufacturer. You can always call and ask, or on major brand websites they may a list available.
Here are some Authorized dealers list: Canon Authorized dealers, Nikon Authorized dealers, Sony Authorized dealers.
Firmware Bugs: Aa an early adapter buying brand new gear there could be bugs. Although most major manufacturers will respond quickly with firmware updates, this is a potential downfall of being an early adopter.
As an experienced photographer moving forward if the budget allows, I will prefer to purchase brand new gear. However, if you are just getting into photography buying a used camera can be a great choice as it will be budget friendly and more than likely you don’t need the latest and greatest camera. You just need something still relevant!
Now if you are considering buying used or refurbished gear here are some things to be aware of when inspecting and choosing out a piece of previously loved gear.
How to inspect used gear
Before you buy it Research the Item: Know the typical issues and wear points for the specific type of gear you’re buying. This will help you identify potential problems.
Ask Questions: Inquire about the item’s history, including how often it was used, how it was stored, and if it has had any repairs or modifications. Midwest Photo conducts shutter actuation count of digital cameras through the EXIF data, and you can always ask us to share that with you. Most reputable resellers will tell you either the actuation count on the shutter or the number of hours of record time. for older film cameras, often you can find where repair techs have written inside of the body to note the date and sometimes a code to define the repair.
Check for Wear and Tear: Look for signs of excessive wear, such as frayed edges, rust, or cracks. These can indicate how much life is left in the item.
Test It Out: Take a test shot in store and inspect it for any burned out pixels. You can also check to see if the sensor needs cleaned through a test shot with the aperture closed way down like f/16 or f/22. If possible, rent the camera out or ask about a Try Before You Buy Program.
Check for Recalls: Make sure the item hasn’t been recalled by the manufacturer. This information can usually be found online.
Get a Second Opinion: If you’re unsure about the condition of the gear, bring along a friend who has more experience or consult online forums for advice.
See Our Selection: Stop In Store Today!
Have a specific piece of gear in mind? Check out our used gear on the website. Note that Midwest Photo’s full used gear collection can be viewed in the store, and a limit stock is showcased on the site. You can also call in to see if we have exactly what you are looking for!
