How do you know if you get something used?

[npmommie]

when you order a camera online, how do you know its a brand new camera and not been returned?
which would mean its used.
and even in a store for that matter, how do you know? even if it looks like original packaging.
I always wonder this.

 

[npmommie]

well I just read online, that consumer protection laws say a returned item is not supposed to be sold as "new".

 

[Anewman]

You will never know 100%
But sticking with reputable dealers gives you very good odds.

Cameras that are often rated at over 50k shots(most dslrs), it is no big deal if the factory(or other) tested it a couple times as long as the device is fully functional and cosmetically perfect. If there is obvious wear, I would return it.

 

[deletedpenguin]

Unless the people selling the camera REALLY know what they're doing, there's a possibility that they didn't reset the photo numbering system. Take a few photos and look at what #'s they're labeled with and that'll give you an idea of whether it's been used or not, and how many times.

Of course, there's always the chance they DID reset it. But ya, you never know 100%

 

[npmommie]

Unless the people selling the camera REALLY know what they're doing, there's a possibility that they didn't reset the photo numbering system. Take a few photos and look at what #'s they're labeled with and that'll give you an idea of whether it's been used or not, and how many times.

Of course, there's always the chance they DID reset it. But ya, you never know 100%

if i put a new sd card in though wouldn't it automatically be at zero, even if someone else had used it with their card?
maybe i am confused, its early.

 

[rtphokie]

if i put a new sd card in though wouldn't it automatically be at zero, even if someone else had used it with their card?
maybe i am confused, its early.

The would certainly be an indication but not 100% reliable since the count can be reset to zero on some cameras.

I think some cameras keep a running total of shots taken that cant be reset easily (in addition to the numbering that can be reset by the user) . I've seen this information accessed on the camera but I'm not sure which brand I saw it on. That ring any bells for anyone?

 

[Gdad]

Opanda Exif viewer will show total shots if the camera records it.

 

[Anewman]

if i put a new sd card in though wouldn't it automatically be at zero, even if someone else had used it with their card?
maybe i am confused, its early.

And with some Canon DSLRs, if you put a used card into a new camera...
The photo count will start with what ever was last shot on that card.

 

[npmommie]

And with some Canon DSLRs, if you put a used card into a new camera...
The photo count will start with what ever was last shot on that card.

yes, i just put a used card into this new camera and its picking up with the next number on that card.

 

[deletedpenguin]

if i put a new sd card in though wouldn't it automatically be at zero, even if someone else had used it with their card?
maybe i am confused, its early.

It's based on the camera, not the card. The camera writes the file numbers.