Buy a used Canon 5D Mkiii with high video use?
Jul 20, 2017 13:16:28 #
I have been shopping ebay and other sites for a used Canon 5D iii. Occasionally I find offers for cameras that have almost ridiculously low shutter counts. I often suspect that they have been used primarily for video, perhaps extensively. Sometimes the video use is acknowledged by the seller. My interest is in still photos, almost exclusively. To what extent should one expect high video use to affect the remaining usable life of such a camera?
Jul 20, 2017 13:38:12 #
Since camera life is usually measured in shutter activity and during video shooting the shutter is open, a camera that was used primarily for video should be in pretty good working condition. The image sensor doesn't wear out like the shutter mechanism does, no moving parts. Occasionally pixels do burn out but really not that often and not because the camera was being used to record video.
Jul 20, 2017 14:39:29 #
If looking for a used 5DIII, I'd monitor this site daily: http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/used-photography-gear-for-sale/
Items come for sale here and are sold within hours if not faster.
Items come for sale here and are sold within hours if not faster.
Jul 21, 2017 06:53:48 #
lhardister wrote:
I have been shopping ebay and other sites for a used Canon 5D iii. Occasionally I find offers for cameras that have almost ridiculously low shutter counts. I often suspect that they have been used primarily for video, perhaps extensively. Sometimes the video use is acknowledged by the seller. My interest is in still photos, almost exclusively. To what extent should one expect high video use to affect the remaining usable life of such a camera?
Most DSLRs are used for still photography. It would be a stretch to assume that a camera has been used mostly for video. Although video doesn't affect the shutter count, it's still camera use - handling it, moving it, using the controls, etc.
Jul 21, 2017 11:28:34 #
I have been burned every time I bought from Ebay, even new items. I will no longer buy from there, let alone buy used from there. I have bought used from nikonusa.com, Adorama, and Amazon, with no problems. Crooks can probably alter shutter counts, etc, like rolling back odometers on cars, so don't rely on such counts. Buy from reliable dealers, and rely on their reliability.
Jul 21, 2017 13:03:04 #
While video use doesn't impact the shutter, you definitely still need to know the shutter count.
Jul 21, 2017 16:39:11 #
lhardister wrote:
I have been shopping ebay and other sites for a used Canon 5D iii. Occasionally I find offers for cameras that have almost ridiculously low shutter counts. I often suspect that they have been used primarily for video, perhaps extensively. Sometimes the video use is acknowledged by the seller. My interest is in still photos, almost exclusively. To what extent should one expect high video use to affect the remaining usable life of such a camera?
As long as it was not exposed to direct sun for an extended time period, video should not affect the useful life of the body. The batteries are another story. Pro video users often mount these cameras in protective aluminum cages, use them on tripods, and otherwise take good care of them, so video should not be an issue.
Jul 21, 2017 17:14:22 #
erinjay64 wrote:
Crooks can probably alter shutter counts, etc, like rolling back odometers on cars, so don't rely on such counts.
I have to learn how to do that! Where do you connect the electric drill to the camera?
Jul 21, 2017 17:25:46 #
OddJobber wrote:
I have to learn how to do that! Where do you connect the electric drill to the camera?
There are plenty of people who buy expensive cameras, figure out they have no skill, and stuff them in the back of a closet until the spouse says, "Sell that sucker before I do!" You want one of those... It will look and perform brand new, because it's hardly been broken in!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.