When buying a compact camera, it is enough to make sure of the quality of the lens and stable operation of the zoom. And when testing the performance of a serious SLR camera, in which there are many more mechanical components, a lot of patience and caution should be shown.
Instructions
Step 1
If you have found a suitable offer among the advertisements for the sale of used digital technology, contact the seller using the contact details provided. In a telephone conversation, do not forget to clarify how many pictures were taken with this camera approximately. This question is especially relevant when choosing a SLR camera, since it is the shutter that is subject to wear and tear in this category of devices.
Step 2
Each SLR camera has its own maximum shutter life, so it is desirable that the exhausted resource of the camera does not exceed half of this indicator. Otherwise, additional costs of replacing the shutter may be incurred after purchase.
Step 3
Determine the "mileage" of the device yourself. To do this, use a picture taken from this camera, unprocessed by graphic editors. The number of shutter releases is recorded in the EXIF of each frame. To get this information, use the ShowExif program (see the value of the "Total number of shutter releases" parameter) or the popular IrfanView (the "Total pictures" parameter).
Step 4
When buying a serious DSLR from your hands, ask the owner for the full detailed history of its operation. These cameras are often used in extreme conditions. For compact, inexpensive cameras, the story of the number of frames will be less important.
Step 5
Check the device thoroughly for hidden defects and malfunctions. Carry out the inspection in the same way as when buying a new camera, but more carefully. Examine the appearance. Do not disregard scratches, cracks, chips. Ask the owner for their origins. Inspect the screw connections, which should be free of screwdriver marks. Shake the camera to make sure there is no clank or play.
Step 6
Check the compact or matrix for broken pixels. If you find any, it is better to refrain from buying. Open the aperture as far as possible and shoot out of focus a brightly lit object, such as a sunny sky. The uniform matrix light will give out black “broken” pixels. Check "hot" defective pixels at a slow shutter speed with the lens closed. They will glow in the black field of the picture.
Step 7
Inspect the lens, lens surfaces. They should be perfectly transparent and smooth. Autofocus should not jam, working smoothly, without extraneous sounds. If you find the mechanics and lens rather worn out, postpone the purchase as further repairs will be very expensive.
Step 8
Make sure all levers and buttons are working properly. Activate various camera functions and shooting modes. Take a few test shots, check out the metering, focus and built-in flash.
