Used DSLR Help

[debincalif]

Many years ago I took some photography classes when I had a Canon AE-1. I'm interested in getting back into the hobby and am looking at DSLRs. After reading the stickies here, I have some questions.

I'm looking at a used camera to keep the cost down, and then I'll have more to invest in lenses and such. Right now I'm looking at Canon Rebel T1i, T2i, and T3i... and the Nikon D5100. Are there other models that I should look at?

What are the things I need to consider when buying a used camera? A friend of mine said that they have a usage "life"... is that true?

Any thoughts or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Misled]

Yea, just like anything they have a usage life. It normally depends on how well it has been taken care of that determines life span. You also have to consider the difference between a pro body and a consumer body. Normally a consumer body is estimated at 100,000 shutter actuations. A pro body can go as high as 250,000.

 

[debincalif]

What's the difference between a pro body and a consumer body? And I'm guessing there's no way to estimate a number of shutter actuations...

So is it basically a roll of the dice?

 

[IslandCrow]

There actually is software that can allow you to get the number of shutter actuations. If you're buying from a dealer such as B&H or Adorama, they may be able to get that information for you if you contact their used equipment department. If you're buying from an individual, they may or may not have that info.

As for pro vs. consumer, build quality can be a big difference. Pro cameras are made to take abuse and in addition to ratings for more shutter actuations, they'll be more weather resistant (rain, dust, etc.) and just a bit sturdier overall. That's not to say the consumer bodies are going to fall apart in your hands. It's just the difference between good and very good. The pro and "pro-sumer" (as Canon calls their mid-priced DSLRs) have larger bodies with more functionality right at your fingertips. I'm guessing you won't want to go with the top-of the line models, which usually start at 6-8K for just the body. You may want to look into those pro-sumer models as well, though. I don't speak Nikon very well, but go to your local camera or electronics store and compare the Canon 60D to whatever the most recent Rebel series is (T-something or D-something with a 3-4 digit number). Then compare that to the equivalent Nikons. If you like the layout of the 60D over the Rebel, you may want to consider getting a used 40D or 50D. I have a 40D (which I also bought used), and it's a great camera which I'm not planning on replacing anytime real soon. It looks like they're going for $400-$500 (depending on condition) at B&H Photo.