Canon Refurbished DSLR

[PrincessKsMom]

I posted this on the Community Board and then remembered that there is a photo board.

Has anyone ever purchased a refurbished DSLR directly from Canon? My daughter is taking photo I this year (film) and will be taking photo II (digital) next year. Not sure how serious she is about this so I'm not sure if I want to spend the money to purchase a new camera.

Any experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[photo_chick]

I've not done it but I wouldn't hesitate to do so. I know many people who have gotten great deals and been very satisfied buying refurbished equipment directly from Canon. Also check into their loyalty program, it may save you some additional cash. You have to call Canon directly for it.

If you don't know which camera to get then I'd get a 35mm Canon EOS SLR first (if you're set on Canon and you don't already have one). Get the body and a nice lens. Then when she moves to photo II you can trade that body in with the loyalty program. You'll be able to keep the nice lens you purchased and use it on the DSLR.

 

[manning]

If they back it up with a warranty, why not.

 

[mtdewlarissa]

i have a refurb 7d i have had no problems had it over a year. the t3i or t2i are good starter cameras.

 

[momof1princess]

i bought a rebel T2i DSLR and zoom lens from canon through the canon loyalty program just a few weeks ago, and, although i still have a LOT to learn, i LOVE my new camera!

i did find, however, that the black friday deals on the rebel T3i were better than what i got through canon. i could've saved about $80, and also gotten a case and memory card.

 

[wiigirl]

My first real DSLR was a Canon refurb....no issues still.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Thank you for your input. I was actually thinking about a t3i for her. Probably won't purchase until the new year but thought I'd start asking now.

 

[Bstanley]

While I haven't purchased a refurbed Canon DSLR I have purchased two Canon refurbed point n' shoots and a refurbed Canon 17-55mm f2.8 lens.

All are still working fine (1 to 3 years old).

I actually purchased the 17-55mm lens from Adorama - the advantage they offer is that their waarranty is 1 year wile Canon's warranty is only 90 days on refurbs.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

While I haven't purchased a refurbed Canon DSLR I have purchased two Canon refurbed point n' shoots and a refurbed Canon 17-55mm f2.8 lens.

All are still working fine (1 to 3 years old).

I actually purchased the 17-55mm lens from Adorama - the advantage they offer is that their waarranty is 1 year wile Canon's warranty is only 90 days on refurbs.

Didn't know that! Thanks.

 

[wbeem]

I just purchased a refurbished Nikon D800 from Adorama and saved $500. It came with only a 90 day warranty instead of the usual 1 year warranty from Nikon. However, I purchased a 3rd party warranty for three years at a cost just under $65. On top of that, I purchased with my AMEX card and they provide an additional year of warranty support over the one that comes with your purchase.

The camera just arrived yesterday and everything seems in working order, though I haven't taken it out for any shots yet.

According to the guy at Adorama, refurbished cameras are typically units that vendors use at trade shows or similar events. Nikon doesn't really say, but I don't think you have to worry about getting something that's been worn-out used and then freshened up a bit. I've bought other refurbished products (like Macs) and never had any issues with them.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Hope PK enjoys the photography!!

 

[photo_chick]

At last as far as Canons go, there is a difference between the refurbished cameras you get at places like Adorama and the ones you get directly from Canon. The ones from Canon are often ones that have been sent in for service and they just sent a new camera out. Canon repairs, tests and inspects them (more testing than what a new camera gets) and then sells them. The ones at the stores that are refurbished tend to be ones that the store has refurb'd in their facility. I'm not saying one is better than the other here, just that there can be a difference.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Hi PiO and thanks!

Photo Chick, I was wondering about that. Kind of like buying a preowned car from a dealer as opposed to a dealership who deals in many different cars, but I will have to consider the warranties. Thanks for pointing that out though!

 

[Frantasmic]

Check www.woot.com for a while. They have been offering Canon T3, T3i, T2i new cameras at pretty good deals about every 10 days to two weeks since Halloween.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Check www.woot.com for a while. They have been offering Canon T3, T3i, T2i new cameras at pretty good deals about every 10 days to two weeks since Halloween.

Wow. Thanks!!!!

 

[photo_chick]

Go like Canon's facebook page. They keep offering coupon codes on there. RIght now they have $125 off $500, which is 25% off if you're spending right at $500. That's more than you get off for the Canon loyalty program. Sadly you can't combine discounts but it still saves you a nice chunk of cash.

I was just checking out what they have... with the coupon it makes the T3i with an 18-55 IS kit lens $434.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Go like Canon's facebook page. They keep offering coupon codes on there. RIght now they have $125 off $500, which is 25% off if you're spending right at $500. That's more than you get off for the Canon loyalty program. Sadly you can't combine discounts but it still saves you a nice chunk of cash.

I was just checking out what they have... with the coupon it makes the T3i with an 18-55 IS kit lens $434.

Thank you! I know my DIS friends will have the best advice.

 

[bob100]

Go like Canon's facebook page. They keep offering coupon codes on there. RIght now they have $125 off $500, which is 25% off if you're spending right at $500. That's more than you get off for the Canon loyalty program. Sadly you can't combine discounts but it still saves you a nice chunk of cash.

I was just checking out what they have... with the coupon it makes the T3i with an 18-55 IS kit lens $434.

yes, that's the best strategy. that "loyalty" discount changes daily with the models and prices!