Where can I actually buy a reliable used camera without getting scammed? Sorry if this is a total newbie question but I am super stressed out because my sisters wedding is in three weeks and I promised to help take photos since they are on a super tight budget and I dont have a camera yet. I keep looking at stuff on ebay and facebook marketplace but honestly I am terrified of buying a brick or something that doesnt even work right. I have about 600 dollars saved up which I know isnt a ton for a camera body and a lens but I just need something decent to get by for the day.
Are there any retailers that are actually legit or should I just stick to the manufacturer refurbished stuff? I am in Chicago and would love to be able to go look at something in person if possible but I dont even know what local shops are reputable. I keep hearing mixed things about KEH and MPB but honestly I have no idea how those sites work or if I can trust them to send me a working camera before the wedding. Im just really worried about spending all my money and ending up with nothing usable by the 20th...
Like someone mentioned, KEH is amazing. I grabbed my old Canon EOS Rebel T6 18MP DSLR there for a steal and it honestly still runs like a dream! Being in Chicago, you should definitely check out Central Camera downtown too. They have such a legendary vibe and you can actually hold the gear before buying, which helps with the wedding stress.
- Visit Central Camera for hands-on help
- Don't sweat the used gear, it's totally standard
- You got this!
To add to the point above: honestly, stay away from random online marketplaces with your timeline. I have had issues with shutter counts being totally off on "mint" stuff. If you need something legit, look at these instead:
- Adorama: They have a solid used department and shipping is usually fast.
- B&H Photo: Best customer service if something goes wrong. Grab a Nikon D7100 24.1MP DSLR or maybe a Canon EOS 70D 20.2MP DSLR. They are workhorses for the price.
Honestly, just stick to MPB or KEH. They grade gear strictly. For your budget, snag a Sony Alpha a6000 24.3MP Mirrorless with a kit lens. It is super reliable for weddings.