Whether you’re looking to buy your first digital camera or you’ve been a photographer for decades, some people are skeptical about buying a used DSLR. While your concern makes sense, not all used cameras are bad. Of course you’ll need a good camera to take pictures around Bourbon Street or the French Quarter, but you can get a high-quality camera used. In fact, going used means you can stretch your budget further than you’d otherwise be able to. If you’d like to learn how to get a great used camera, follow our guide below, which discusses what to keep in mind when buying a used digital camera.

Don’t purchase from a professional photographer

While professional photographers usually have great gear, you don’t want to buy a camera from them for several reasons. First, professionals are known for being hard on their gear, and it’s likely that there’s something broken. Additionally, professionals obviously use their gear more than a hobbyist would. In other words, buying a camera from a professional means the camera has an already declining lifespan.

Test shoot if you can, and ask for the shutter count

If you can, you should always take the camera out for a test shoot. Unfortunately, most people aren’t meeting in person (as they shouldn’t) because of the coronavirus. Additionally, you’re probably looking into buying a camera online. So when you do buy something, you want to ensure there’s a good return policy, that way you can try the camera out when you do receive it. However, before you buy any used camera, you should always ask what the shutter count is. The shutter count gives you a sense of how much use the camera has had so far. A general rule of thumb is you don’t want a camera with a shutter count greater than 100,000.

Choose your marketplace carefully

While Craigslist and eBay are fine, there are several other online marketplaces to consider. You want to ensure you’re going through a safe and secure marketplace, ideally a marketplace that’s specifically for photographers. That way, you can rest assured you’re in the right place. Other marketplaces open you up to purchasing fakes or damaged cameras. So protect yourself by shopping at reliable photography marketplace options.

While there’s risk involved with purchasing anything used, people do it all the time. If you’re willing to get in a previously owned car, why wouldn’t you consider a used camera? You know the key factors to keep in mind when buying a used digital camera. You’ll be taking beautiful shots of Jackson Square, City Park, and your friends and family before you know it.