Used DSLR?

Question

I've been looking around lately for a DSLR camera and recently came across someone selling a Nikon D1x. The model is obviously a few years old and most likely has been used for quite a few pictures. I don't know anyone who would buy a camera like that for the retail price and not take lots of pictures with it. So assuming that the camera was used quite frequently over the time the owner has had it, should I be worried about buying such a "high mileage" camera? I'm sure the camera is high quality, but how much longer can the camera be expected to last? Would I be able to get a good number of years out of it still?

I was seriously considering the D40 (and still am) for my first DSLR, but I saw this and figured it might be worth pursuing this as another option. After all is said and done the D40 kit and the D1x with a comparable lens would come to about the same (the D1x might be a little higher). So if it was your choice which one would you pick? Please explain why?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Buy the new camera. You'll have the latest technology and you'll always know how its been treated.

Answer 2

Pros treat their cameras as tools, as that's what they are.  Often times a pro's gear will be much more beat up than an amateur's.

You can check the number of lifetime shutter actuations on the D1x in the EXIF data, and I think there might be a way of looking at it through the menus as well.

On the plus side, the D1x is a pro camera, so its shutter is rated to last significantly longer than a consumer DSLR.

Answer 3

The Nikon D1x has very old technology.  With the D40 with AF-S 18-55 mm ED lens for under $470, makes it one of the best values at this time.

Here is a comparison:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_...

Answer 4

I wouldn't assume that an expensive camera, just because it's a few years old, has been used to death.  Lots of people buy cameras and hardly ever use them.

But I would still be very wary of buying a used digital camera.  They are delicate and easily damaged.  They can show no damage but suddenly quit, and be hard to fix.  I would feel better if it was someone I knew, and I knew he took good care of his stuff.  I've lent cameras to people and been grossed out and shocked at how they treated them, right in front of me! 8^O

A D40 is way more than you need for your first DSLR.  In fact if you're a newbie, you will take some time growing into it, learning to use it at its potential.   What more did you expect the D1x to do for you?