Life of a Photographer: Refurbished vs. Used Cameras

Life of a Photographer 🎞️ — After “repair or replace,” the next question I always hear is: “Should I buy refurbished or just used?”

When searching for a more economical camera replacement, most folks — myself included — look for a second-hand deal. Buying a well-lived camera means having confidence in either the seller or the equipment. Ideally, you want both.

When buying either, due diligence is key. Inexperienced photographers often go this route for affordability, but knowing what to look for can be tricky without experience.

There’s a myth in photography that gear doesn’t matter. In reality — it does. Having reliable gear is essential. Almost any modern camera can take a good exposure regardless of price, but the difference between entry-level and advanced models lies in features. The three I look for are:

1️⃣ A.I. subject focusing

2️⃣ Computational photography

3️⃣ Improved low-light sensitivity

When researching an older camera, these are my must-haves. Other photographers might prioritize speed, performance, or ergonomics — the point is to know your goals.

I once had a student who scored what he thought was a “steal” on a used camera off Craigslist. A month later, the shutter failed — and the repair cost more than the camera itself. If he had gone refurbished or bought used from a dealer, he would’ve had a warranty and far less stress.

I’m not saying buying from Craigslist, eBay, or Marketplace is bad. Just ask yourself: Is this camera worth fixing if it goes bad? Are parts still available? Because there’s no Carfax for cameras.

Refurbished:

✅ 10–30% cheaper than new

✅ Certified inspection & repairs

✅ Warranty included

Used:

✅ Cheaper upfront

⚠️ Unknown history, hidden issues

✅ Safer from a dealer than a random seller

💡 Pro Tip: I work at Johnson PhotoImaging, and we sell used gear that’s guaranteed to meet our high standards with a 90-day warranty. When shopping for used or refurbished cameras, you’ll usually find the best value and reliability from a trusted dealer. You might find cheaper deals on the open market — but the risk is undoubtedly higher.

📸 Next up in Life of a Photographer: The Truth About Water Damage (and why rice won’t save you).

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