Possible upgrade to dSLR

[pnutmnm]

I currently have a Canon Sx10 and am thinking about upgrading to a dSLR. Funds are a bit tight - which is why I have waited. But, I came across a Canon T1i for sale (on another photography forum) for a great price. The price includes the body, kit lens 18-55mm, grip, and everything that was in the original box - including the original box. The asking price is $550.

The seller purchased in in 12/2009 and states only 1500 shutter actuations.

Does this sound too good to be true or sould I jusp on it? I know that he lowered the price over the weekend from $650. The seller is wanting to upgrade to a 7D - the reason for selling.

Any thoughts on the deal and purchasing a used camera?

[C&B Young]

I've bought used lenses before without incident, but never a body. Will you be able to check out the body beforehand, or is it going to be shipped to you? Does the seller have references, either on that other forum or ebay? I'd be absolutely sure you're comfortable dealing with the seller, as Paypal offers little to no help to people not selling through ebay.

[SrisonS]

I'd say it sounds like a good deal. Even better, it doesn't sound too good to be true.... if you catch my drift. And if they provided pictures, and stated exactly ANY defects, no matter how small, I'd consider going with the deal.

I know it can be risky with no middle man involved; but that's also why a buyer can find good deals. The middle man isn't charging fees, so sellers will list for less.

I recently just bought a lens from a different photo board. The seller had no references, but he was upfront with all defects, and even showed great pictures to show the problems. And I have no complaints at all. I knew, and got, exactly what I expected.

[pnutmnm]

I did check his ebay references and his selling background came back with overwhelmingly positive remarks. His last offer was $550 obo. I think that I will try to go down - since he has already dropped the price $100 over the weekend. I think that he really wants to buy his next camera ( he stated he wants a 7D ).

[C&B Young]

I did check his ebay references and his selling background came back with overwhelmingly positive remarks. His last offer was $550 obo. I think that I will try to go down - since he has already dropped the price $100 over the weekend. I think that he really wants to buy his next camera ( he stated he wants a 7D ).

Offer him $450 without the grip, and maybe he'll meet you at $500 for the whole package. :) Did he mention if it's a genuine Canon grip or a 3rd party? The 3rd party grips are only worth about $50. Good luck with the deal!!!

[pnutmnm]

Is the grip not something that I would want - as part of the package?

eta: The grip is not a Canon. The seller states that is is from ebay.

Thanks for all of the advice!!

[Pineapple Whip]

As a seller I was in a similar position and had an overwhelming response to my posting. I had photos of the old camera all around, taken with the new one, and sample photos taken with the old camera. I think I gave buyers a "good feeling" towards the purchase and recovered 1/3 the original MSRP, on a 3-4 year old camera I paid less for.

What is your gut feeling on the posting? If you're questioning it, does the seller have a return policy?

I personally feel I don't need a return policy because I know I'm shipping a dang good product, in a manner it won't be destroyed, with insurance and signature required. I'm also not selling on ebay for you to try and decide, and I'm not a professional retailer. If you don't like the transaction, you can bash me on feedback, but not because I didn't sell you exactly what you got.

There is no reason for sellers not to disclose all information regarding the product, that's what keeps ebay honest. I even sold a shattered piece of equipment once as spare parts, and got half the value for it.

If you have any questions or would rather inspect first, I would say go to a physical store that sells used / refurb / pawned, and see if they offer a return policy toward the product. That way you can inspect, try, and return if not satisfied. You may even get a true value at a store, rather than someone on ebay trying to recover x amount of their expenses.

[C&B Young]

Is the grip not something that I would want - as part of the package?

eta: The grip is not a Canon. The seller states that is is from ebay.

Thanks for all of the advice!!

Whether or not to go with a battery grip depends on the user's preference. Some people like the added size, especially on a Rebel. The added battery life may also be a plus if you're shooting video. I've got an eBay grip for my 50D but I don't use it much, only if I'm going to be shooting a lot in portrait orientation.

[AlbertZeroK]

If you pay via paypal and fund using a credit card (not a debit card), and the camera doesn't work, you can always request a charge back. make sure you don't send the payment as a gift, even if you pay the extra 3%.

A t1i with a grip for $550 sounds like a fire sale, but is a good price. I sold (okay fire sold) my T2i with a grip and 18-55 to a friend for $750 to fund purchasing a used 50d with a grip for $800.

The price sounds great, look at the picture of the item, make sure they PM you that it works and away you go!