New vs Refurbished vs Used

Hey Everyone,

Was just asking myself, I wonder what people like to buy the most here on DPreview. So I decided to start a thread with a poll to see the numbers.

Do you guys like buying New, Refurbished, or Used camera gear?

I also want to hear if someone bought new but had bad experience, meaning the gear had to be sent out for warranty numerous times. Or if you bought refurbished and had to send out the gear for warranty as well. Or maybe you bought used to save some money, but then your gear died 3 weeks after buying it.

I can't vote because my gear is spread pretty evenly across all three categories and I have only had one major problem ever. That was with a camera I bought new but deeply discounted as the model was discontinued. A major module failed rendering the camera useless. Although the camera was out of warranty when this happened, it could have been repaired. But I was already using its successor and since I had so little invested I decided to cut my losses and move on. The first camera was an entry level model, the second one was an enthusiast model with a metal body bought refurbished, if that means anything. I still have the second one and use it regularly- looks like it is going to last forever.

That would have been a good 4th option. Didn't think of it. Maybe you use all three, but have a bigger preference for the future?

Sucks to hear about the camera. Hate when that happens.

I prefer new. But depending on the savings %, I've also purchased refurb.

Used digital, no thanks. Maybe for a vintage item, or maybe from a camera shop that's tested and inspected the item and offers a warranty.

No real preference for the future. I make a fresh choice each time, comparing new prices, new prices on sale (many companies have regular sales), price and availability for refurbished and used. I do a ton of research and learn to recognize good prices for each item when I see them. And then I pounce. I am on a limited budget for gear and try to stretch my dollar as far as I can with each purchase.

I do try to maximize my safety when buying used by buying only from sellers I trust, mostly big online dealers and brick and mortar stores where I can try the piece before buying.

Yeah, I was sad about the camera. It was a good one otherwise. If I hadn't already moved up I would have been furious. It's one thing to lose a backup camera you have already gotten a lot of use out of and another to have your main camera fail.

I have bought across all 3 categories, but used was just recently for a couple of lenses from used retailer that offers trades. I prefer new but have bought refurbished when the price was right, sometimes it's not. Also, need to balance the warranty, return policy, etc against savings. My experience with refurbished from the manufacturer has been about as good as new. However, my most recent refurbished purchase had a problem I did not detect within the return period and its off to service. Shipping isn't cheap.

greg

I have purchased all three and there are a lot of factors.

Price

Reputation/quality

Desire

Seller

Warranty

You also didn't include open box........

Dec 6 NY NY

Become a known customer, in person, at good shop if you have that available

Since they local and a subway ride uptown, I get almost everything at B&H and Adorama. Used, refurb or new. A little at Best Buy. The D750 I got a year ago was a Nikon-refurb body, so there are other places to get if available. Tbe open box D7500 was just a little less than new. Used D7200 body , bare, was a great pice at Adorama and I did not even check it in the store. No problem. They know I can come back to return fast. Some used deals are gone fast. My most expensive lens is used AFS 24-70 2.8 G (i) was there at B&H for a while.

These stores keep customer records they access making the sale. Been to both so many times, almost know me anyway. I got better deal than web price in used gear at Adorama B&H Used told me they pull a better grade or better quality they know, at the lower priced one if there are more than 1 of a item. I take it as real deals.

My only issue with a problem lens to return for exchange was from KEH

I'd rather go to get stuff in person than search for a little savings online.

SharpShooter702 said:

That would have been a good 4th option. Didn't think of it. Maybe you use all three, but have a bigger preference for the future?

Sucks to hear about the camera. Hate when that happens.

Click to expand...

You might consider adding Open Box or Demo to the choices as I've bought quite a few bodies and lenses that were OP or Demo and they were discounted but still carried the manufacturers' warranties, even the extended 3 years for Panasonic.

In addition to the Open box (from Best Buy) and Demo (Adorama), all the rest of my equipment is used from Adorama, KEH, B&H, UsedPhotoPro, Samy's. Never any problems with any lenses or bodies and all these sellers offered from 90 days to 1 year warranties that I haven't had to use.

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Bobthearch said:

I prefer new. But depending on the savings %, I've also purchased refurb.

Used digital, no thanks. Maybe for a vintage item, or maybe from a camera shop that's tested and inspected the item and offers a warranty.

Click to expand...

Luck may have something to do with it but I've bought a few used cameras, over the years, and have no regrets.

I'll buy from established (long time) members, here at DP Review, who list their equipment on the "For Sale and Wanted" forum or buy from people with great feedback at the Fred Miranda "Buy/Sell" forum.

Never had a problem and everything I've bought has been in like new condition.

Naturally, I've also bought new and refurbished (one time). The only "problems" I've had was with a new Canon 16-35mm 2.8 L lens that I purchased during the film days and a New Sony digital camera.

The Sony was fixed under warranty but Canon could never get that original version of the 16-35mm 2.8 to be much more than and embarrassment, for them.

Good info. I'm sure it will helps others in the future make a choice when buying.

I wrote a Mod, to see if I can add 2 more choices. Open box and All of the above.

Guys, Thread will be closed soon. If you want, please add what you wrote there. Here is the link: