Refurbished Digital SLR Cameras

Buying refurbished digital SLR cameras is a great idea for those on a budget. Not only can you pick up a refurbished camera for a lot less than if you bought it brand new but a refurb should be as reliable as a new one, in some cases more so! Read on and I will explain...

What Exactly IS a Refurbished Camera?

A refurbished camera is one that has been returned to the manufacturer where it is thoroughly inspected for any damage or broken parts. The manufacturer replaces any parts that are needed, recalibrates the item, and although by now it is as good as new, it goes back to be sold as a refurb.

Who Returns Them?

Although a camera may be returned due to damaged parts, it may also have been a demo model in a store or used for sales displays. It may also have been sold in error and then returned to the manufacturer in which case it is checked, reboxed and put back into circulation. Legally, it is no longer 'new' so it must be sold as a refurbished item even if it has never been used. This is known as an 'opened box' item - quite simply, that's all that's happened to it!.

Are Cameras Checked Before They Leave the Factory?

At the Canon factory they check items as they come off the production line and remove anything that has a fault, no matter how small. Most of these faults are very minor and easily corrected, however, once the issue is corrected, the camera is now categorised as being 'refurbished' and this is another way in which a refurb is as good as new and has actually never been used

Is a Refurbished Camera Right for Me?

The main reason for buying a refurbished camera is to save money. Since the item is strictly speaking 'not new', the asking price will be much lower than the normal retail price. Since a refurbished camera has usually been sparingly used it is a much better deal than a second-hand camera which has probably been used for a long time.

So if you have a point-and-shoot and want to upgrade to a digital SLR without a huge financial commitment then a refurb is a good way to get started on the next rung of creativity.

Students who are planning on studying for a career in photography would also benefit from the low prices and increased creativity of having a 'real' camera, and it can be a good investment for the future as a good Canon or Nikon DSLR for example will last for years and the flexibility of being able to buy so many lenses and acessories over time is worth thinking about.

And of course for serious amateurs and professionals who want to upgrade from their existing DSLR you can get the best equipment with all the features at only a fraction of the price.

Where Can I Buy One?

Amazon.com is your best bet as they have such a good reputation for being reliable and trustworthy, and they guarantee goods that have been bought via their site from a third party. I also like Amazon because they offer so much information and you can compare what other customers have to say. Deals on refurbished cameras are changing all the time. To see the most recent refurbished Nikon DSLR cameras follow the link. Or click this link to see the latest deals on refurbished Canon DSLR cameras at Amazon.