Second hand dslrs

[Underload]

Time for some questions

Photography is something that I am interested in...but I haven't worked out just how deep that interest lies. I'm interested in buying a second hand dslr, because the cost of a new one (i.e. 400D or D80 - probably even the 'runout' D50s and 350Ds), plus the lenses and associated accessories is going to be too much $$ for me.

At least the benefit with this stuff is that I'm not likely to lose money if I sell it in six months time - they seem to hold their value well.

Where are the best places to look, for a second hand dslr? (I'd be looking at something along the lines of the 350D or D50) Obviously there is ebay and photography forums, but what are some other places I should be looking?

Also, what are the factors to consider? Actuations, how well it's been looked after...etc?

Alternatively, I guess to start with, the Pentax *ist DLs are under $700 new with the kit lens. At least that'd give me a feel for things - and I wouldn't lose much if I was to sell it in a few months time, to upgrade.

Ideally, I'd like to get a body, a lens or 2 and hopefully the other basic stuff (ie card/bag) for under $1000 - I'm just not sure as to the best places I should be looking, and what I should be looking for in terms of evaluating a good second hand buy. Also, is the <$1000 thing dreaming?

Many thanks...
James.

[Glen]

James the forums would be my first thought. You have some background on the poster and he is aware that you will be crossing posts for some time. The majority of s/h transactions conducted on this board have been succesful, with honesty between seller and purchaser. There have been a number of D70 cameras selling in your price range as people upgraded to D200 or D80. The D50 is less likely to come up s/h as it is newer. Easy for me to say but I would wait, you will have no problem getting what you at a reasonable price.

Your post may even draw some offers

[DaveB]

At least the benefit with this stuff is that I'm not likely to lose money if I sell it in six months time - they seem to hold their value well.

First time I've heard that!
Sure they hold their value, but not necessarily in terms of dollars. Typically whatever you buy will have depreciated by the time you sell it, although the drop can be lower for 2nd-hand gear than for new.

Whatever you get, when you're considering what you can re-sell it for, think about the value that you'll get from using the gear in the meantime.
Of course, that does suggest that you should get gear that will be as useful as possible (although that's tempered by the possible cost of good gear ).

[Oz_Beachside]

Hi Underload,

In here, and ebay places, you should be able to get a used D70s with a 18-70mm kit lens (a "D70s Kit") for $700-900.

That would be a great place to start, and I think you could get a few years fun, for a few hundred dollars, as you may be able to sell it in a few years for $400-500. Alternatively, stick with the same brand when you upgrade, and use the D70s as a backup body.

You are in a buyers market, since the D80 came out, it will have, has had, downward pressure on used D70 prices.

Is that within your budget?

Cheers,
Oz

[redline]

yeah, i brought my d70 from this forum.
broke down within a month. needed to have it repaired for 3 months.
can't extended the warranty in it either as it was second hand.

[casnell]

Second hand can be good, I've just sold a D100 for $500, body only, and found the receipt for $3555 in 2003

[vikin70]

if u r getting second hand, make sure you check the shutter release counts... if u r lucky u might find something below 5000 shots... then its worth it. if its done 15k to 20k or more then dont buy... at least thats what my opinion is
brand new d50 should be a bargain now anyway...

[Yi-P]

D40 hitting the market soon, and another price push into the 2nd hand market of D50 and D70