Buying a new camera of an older model?

[kombizz0]

If I want to buy a camera that was manufactured 3 or 4 years ago, how can I be guaranteed that the camera is new (ie not a used item or returned sale)?

In general does anyone know the likely stock level of each model in a large outlet like John Lewis Oxford Street or Wex?

 

[yardcoyote]

I don't know if you can be guaranteed of anything, I'm afraid, but if you want a brand new older camera, look for terms like New In Box/ NIB or New Old Stock/ NOS in descriptions or advertisements. Open Box usually means the item was a store demonstrator or a return, but it is sold in the original box with all the original accessories included.

And do consider the alternative of buying used in very top condition from a reputable dealer. Terms used may be Mint or Near Mint, or Like New. I have several cameras and lenses that I bought this way and they were indistinguishable from new in condition and operation when I received them. These dealers usually offer both a warranty and a fairly generous return period, though I have never had to use either.

--
Instagram: @yardcoyote

 

[Chris R-UK]

If I want to buy a camera that was manufactured 3 or 4 years ago, how can I be guaranteed that the camera is new (ie not a used item or returned sale)?

In general does anyone know the likely stock level of each model in a large outlet like John Lewis Oxford Street or Wex?

Are you saying that you want to buy a camera for which manufacturing stopped 3-4 years? If you are, then a volume seller like John Lewis or WEX has probably already sold out. If they haven't, then they might be selling old stock cheap. Try asking them, and Park Cameras and LCE as well.

If you can't find a discount on a new body, then I would look for a good deal on a used body from a reputable dealer - any of the above plus mpb.

If you are looking for a 3-4 year old camera that is still being manufactured, then I would ask the seller directly whether the camera that they are selling is genuinely new. Sale returns are not nearly as common in the U.K. as they are in the US. If you buy from a store rather than online, you can check what you are getting when you buy it.

What camera are you looking for?

 

[JohnSil]

You might mention if you're looking for a DSLR or a ML. Refurbished cameras from the manufacturers are mint condition and completely gone through with full new camera warranties(Canon). How much are you trying to save? For example Canon still on occasion has refurbished 5Ds(r) for around $1200. When they came out those cameras cost $3500!

John

 

[Bob A L]

What camera in particular are you looking to purchase? That might help with providing some insight into this. Some cameras released 4-5 years ago and older, are still offered brand new, and some released 4-5 years ago were maybe only offered for months and then discontinued.

 

[OpticsEngineer]

"Refurbished cameras from the manufacturers are mint condition and completely gone through.."

Where did you get that idea from?

I have bought a lot of refurb stuff over the years and generally had good results. But several people who have worked in refurb centers have posted here over the years and told us all they do is put in a battery and snap a picture. The Canon 70D I bought refurb had a non-functioning AF button, so it was obviously not tested thorougly. And I bought a Nikon refurb one series camera that had a bad bayonet mount so lens communication was sketchy. And I bought an Olympus refurb lens that was unable to obtain clear focus. What I have learned is you really need to check a refurb thoroughly as soon as you get one.

In my personal experience, I have had a higher percentage of bad items buying refurb than buying brand new. Not to say I everything I bought brand new was always okay, but more frequently it has been.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

If I want to buy a camera that was manufactured 3 or 4 years ago, how can I be guaranteed that the camera is new (ie not a used item or returned sale)?

In general does anyone know the likely stock level of each model in a large outlet like John Lewis Oxford Street or Wex?

The only way is to check the shutter count. Pretty easy on Canon and Nikon and probably Sony. Harder (although I don't think impossible) on Fuji and others.