Buying a used camera: what to check before you pay (shutter count, sensor, lens)

Shutter count: the camera's mileage

Every mechanical shutter is rated for a set number of actuations: roughly 100,000 to 150,000 on hobbyist bodies, 200,000 to 400,000 on professional ones. Find the count in the EXIF data of a fresh photo: upload it to a site like camerashuttercount.com for Canon, Nikon and Pentax, while Sony and Fujifilm show it in a service menu or the maker's free app.

Ask the seller to take a photo while you watch, then check the EXIF on the spot. A seller who cannot or will not give you a rough shutter count is a reason to slow down.

The sensor: a test against the sky or a white wall

Photograph a plain bright surface (sky, a white sheet) at f/16 or f/22 and zoom into the image on a computer. Dark spots in the same place across every frame are dust or scratches on the sensor, not dirt on the lens.

A small amount of dust is normal and comes off with a sensor clean (€20 to €40 at a repair shop); scratches on the sensor itself are permanent and a reason to negotiate down or walk away.

Body, buttons and mount

• ·Check the corners and edges for dents, which suggest a drop; a drop often knocks the sensor out of alignment too, not just the shell.
• ·Press every button and dial: each should respond instantly with no sticking.
• ·Mount a lens and twist it gently in the bayonet: noticeable play or looseness means a worn mount.
• ·Inspect the LCD screen for scratches and dead pixels, ideally while displaying a plain colour.

The lens: light reveals what a photo will not

Hold the lens up to a strong light and look through it at an angle from both ends. Fungus looks like a thin spiderweb or branching threads; haze looks like an even grey film that lowers contrast in your photos.

Test autofocus on near and distant subjects: slow, loud or inaccurate focusing points to a worn motor. Turn the zoom and focus rings, which should move smoothly with no grinding or catching.

With the aperture open, check the blades: on a quick shutter press they should snap shut sharply, with no lag that would suggest an oil stain on the blades.

Battery and charger

On newer mirrorless cameras (Sony, Canon, some Fujifilm models) the menu shows battery health as a percentage or cycle count; below 80% capacity, budget €40 to €60 for an original replacement.

Confirm the original charger is included, or at least a compatible one, and that the camera actually shows charging progress, not just a light.

Memory card and remaining accessories

• ·Insert your own memory card and confirm the camera writes and reads full-resolution photos with no errors.
• ·Check that the body cap, strap and bag, if promised, actually come with the set.
• ·A purchase receipt is not required, but on a newer model it shows how much manufacturer warranty may still be left.

Realistic prices for used cameras

Prices vary widely by model, so compare completed Bolha listings for your exact model and year, not generic asking prices. Roughly: an entry mirrorless (like a Sony a6000-series body) runs €250 to €400 used, a mid-range APS-C DSLR €300 to €500, and a decent standard lens €100 to €250 depending on its maximum aperture.

Camera gear holds its value longer than phones or laptops while the sensor stays competitive; bodies with a high shutter count and older models drop in price faster.

Red flags

• ·The seller won't let you take a test photo to check the EXIF data.
• ·The shutter count is very high relative to the camera's age, suggesting rental or professional use with no servicing.
• ·The mount has noticeable play or shows signs of a "home repair".
• ·The price is far below market for a body-and-lens kit sold together.