Dslr from Ebay?

[My2Girls66]

I've been watching a few auctions for used D50's. One went for $266 one for $280. I'm now watching another that ends tomorrow claims to be 'like new'- in 100% working order. There are also a few of the new 18-105mmVR lenses buy it now for under $300- D90 kit lenses that people don't want. Is it worth it? Or is that risky? I've only bought college text books off ebay.
How about the lens? Pretty much the same price for the 18-135 and the 18-105. Is either of these better than the other?
My other alternative is- Circuit City has a new D80 w/18-135mm for $750.
Am I better off buying new for the $150- $200 more it would cost?
I love my D50- this would be for DD18. If I go the D80 route, I'd most likely give her my D50 and keep the D80 for myself.

 

[annnewjerz]

One helpful piece of advice that I heard a lot about (including recently) was the "life expentancy" of a dSLR. Apparently, the body of a dSLR is usually good for about 30,000 shutter actuations (more or less, I think 30,000 is just a ballpark estimate). That being said, I was told that if I bought a used camera (even a demo at a store) I may be getting a camera that already has 50% of the actuations used, which may mean you don't get as long out of it as you would out of a brand new body.

If a new package would cost $750 at Circuit City and a used package on e-bay would cost $450 but it already has 15-20,000 actuations, you can see how it may be better deal to get the new at Circuit City.

As far as the lenses go, a lot of used lens sites have been recommended to me in my short time on this board. KEH.com, Adorama.com, etc. They are all very reputable, have accurate ratings for the equipment and are highly recommended by most who I have spoken with.

I think E-bay is just tricky because there is always the chance you may get something and be disappointed, get ripped off or whatever. There are some "Power Sellers" that do seem to be trustworthy though, like Cameta Camera on E-bay, who also sells through Amazon.com.

If you are purchasing directly from a person, I would proceed with caution. If you are purchasing through a reputable e-bay dealer, I would still proceed with caution but more oftentimes then not the larger e-bay "stores" have return policies in case you change your mind.

If I could spend a small quantity more and buy from a site that I know is reputable or buy new, that would probably be my recommendation.

 

[annnewjerz]

If I go the D80 route, I'd most likely give her my D50 and keep the D80 for myself.

Didn't see this part, but if you are going to get something "used" from e-bay and give it to your DD18 for her b-day, why not give her your own "used" equipment and upgrade yours, especially if you were considering upgrading to a D80 anytime in the not-so-distant future?

If you get the D80, you will have a larger variety of less expensive lenses to choose from for yourself and at least then you would know the condition the camera is in, how many actuations it has, etc.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

While I have successfully bought digital cameras and accessories through E-Bay, you do need to look carefully before you purchase the equipment. I look at the seller's feedback. Do they have positive feedback for selling items similar to what I am purchasing. Also what was the nature of the negative feedback that they received from an E-Bay customer? I also compare the prices with what I can find on the other sites that have been mentioned. Finally, I remember the old adage, "if it sounds too good to be true...."

I learned that lesson the hardway on E-Bay, but it wasn't with any of my photographic purchases. It was a 7-Day pass for WDW. I was told in the ad that it had never been used. But when I got down to WDW two months later, I found out that it had one day left.

 

[ukcatfan]

While I have successfully bought digital cameras and accessories through E-Bay, you do need to look carefully before you purchase the equipment. I look at the seller's feedback. Do they have positive feedback for selling items similar to what I am purchasing. Also what was the nature of the negative feedback that they received from an E-Bay customer? I also compare the prices with what I can find on the other sites that have been mentioned. Finally, I remember the old adage, "if it sounds too good to be true...."

I learned that lesson the hardway on E-Bay, but it wasn't with any of my photographic purchases. It was a 7-Day pass for WDW. I was told in the ad that it had never been used. But when I got down to WDW two months later, I found out that it had one day left.

Not to hijack, but you can call WDW Ticketing to check on the status of a ticket.

 

[abdullahkurdi]

I don't like to buy from ebay...if you still plan to buy there, you do need to look carefully before you purchase the equipment.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

Not to hijack, but you can call WDW Ticketing to check on the status of a ticket.

Good to know for future reference.

 

[My2Girls66]

Yeah- I'm a bit apprehensive about buying electronics without seeing 1st. Still thinking.....I suppose its better to invest a little more $$ in new than take a chance on used if you can check it out first.
Thanks
This is one of the ones I'm watching if anyone has a chance to give a peek.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D50-Camer...39:2|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

 

[Groucho]

I wouldn't be too afraid of it, as long as the price is right. You may also want to check your local Craigslist and local ads. I see a lot of DSLRs that go up for sale near me on Craigslist as people upgrade to newer models.

I haven't actually bought a DSLR there but I have sold a PnS digital camera there, bought lenses there, and have some lenses that I'll be selling there soon. As long as you pay attention to the feedback, you will probably do well. Don't be afraid to ask the seller questions before the sale, either, like how many actuations. I wouldn't worry too much about that, but it is a consideration and the price will likely go down as the actuations goes up.

 

[annnewjerz]

Yeah- I'm a bit apprehensive about buying electronics without seeing 1st. Still thinking.....I suppose its better to invest a little more $$ in new than take a chance on used if you can check it out first.
Thanks
This is one of the ones I'm watching if anyone has a chance to give a peek.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D50-Camer...39:2|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

The one you linked to looks good. They noted that there have been less than 750 pictures taken. If that is a concern for you, you would always have the seller take a picture and send it to you, and then check the EXIF to see if they are being honest about the number of actuations.

That being said, everything else looks good. The seller's rating is good, but I would also check on the return policy in case something is not as stated in the description.

Only you can decide what will be best for you. I personally feel a little uncomfortable spending any large sum of money on E-bay (usually I just pick up odds and ends like Christmas ornaments or the occasional shirt or purse) but if the deal is good enough, I would consider it...and this deal looks not bad at all.