Try recording at different frames per second. This’ll help you when inspecting the images to see if there are any dots or blemishes.įor video, you can try the same things, but of course, by actually recording video. Try to shoot at different F-stops and get some shots of clean backgrounds - like a blue sky or a white wall. For photography, you can simply take some test photos. Having bought used cameras for both video and photography, for me, this seems to be pretty standard practice and probably the best way to test to make sure the secondhand gear you’re investing in is truly functional and working properly. From there, you can give it an actual test. When you can, inspect the sensor from the outside first for any noticeable damage. Cosmetic damages to cameras or gear should be easy to identify, but any small scratches or build-up inside the camera could be the biggest problem. But one part that you should absolutely be sure to check out is the sensor. If and when you do get a chance to check a camera out in person, you’re going to want to look it over as thoroughly as possible. And, it might very well be best to not even pay the “used” price online for a used camera from a friend - without checking it out first, that is. You should never pay the same price for something used as you would new.
Once you start shopping around from friends, colleagues, or just through online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook, you’re really dealing with true USED gear that hasn’t been touched up, or perhaps even tested, recently.Īs such, the price should drop. From there, you should start to understand what used gear is actually worth.īUT! For many of these resale websites, used gear is actually refurbished, and often represents at least some type of care. But for used, it might be best to check around on Amazon and Ebay, as well. From there, you can also check around to get a ballpark estimate for the used piece of equipment.īig wholesale websites like B&H and Adorama can be good places to start. To start, you can always look up what every camera (or piece of equipment or gear) currently costs new.
So, before you dive into making a used gear investment, you’ll definitely want to do your due diligence and research the market. Make Sure You’re Actually Getting a Good Deal That is, if you’re cautious when considering all the risks that come with your used investments. But buying used also means that you need to really research and know what you’re getting. You don’t want to go out and buy a new $3,000 camera just to see it become old news by the end of the week.īecause of this overflow on the market, many filmmakers who have saved and are ready to make an investment - big or small - a smart choice is often the used gear route. It seems like every few months there are some big announcements and big technical breakthroughs.įor a filmmaker or videographer simply looking to purchase a camera, it can be a bit overwhelming.
#Used pro video cameras full#
From Full HD to 4K at 60 fps to whatever the heck it is that people want to do with 8K internal recording. In today’s film and video marketplace, it feels like everyone’s chasing the latest, greatest cameras and trends. Let’s discuss which ones to take and which ones to avoid. Buying used gear can be a great investment, but it can also involve risks.
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