Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

I am looking to purchase a Canon 7D as a back-up camera to my Canon 5d mk II. I've found two with similar pricing, one is used from B&H and the other is refurbised from Canon. Which would be better?

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Without question I would take the refurbised !

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

Wow, without a question! Thanks!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

CoolGirl, the used, is just that, used in whatever condition it has been assigned by BH(usually accurate).
I have purchased one camera(5d mkll) and three lenses from Canon, all indistinguishable from the new product. It's usually product that has been returned by Dealer for any reason and often never been used. It's then retested and recalibrated by Canon.
By all means, buy it from Canon.
Do call them and ask if it is on product loyalty. The 7d usually is, and if so you have the opportunity to save a few hundred $ more.
AND you will get one of those really cool and controversial "white boxes".
On the camera you may pay tax(?) but I don't think you pay shipping.
Cool, Good luck

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

What great advise about the product loyalty. Thanks so much.

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

all reasponses favor the refurb

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I have bought cameras, lenses, and Apple computers that were refurbished, and I will continue to do so. The prices are better, and the items I have gotten have looked like new, especially when sold directly by the manufacturer.

It would be nice to get the shutter count, but that can be difficult with a Canon.

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

Thanks for all your answers. It looks like I will be ordering a refurbished camera, thanks to all of you.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

My official $.02 , Kinda depends on what the used rig is.
First flush I would go with the refurb ( as I did with my first dslr). That said a lightly used, or studio rig comparably priced would not be a bad deal either.
My gear tends to get used a lot in the field so it gets a dig or bruise that affects esthetics, not quality of the images. I would not be opposed to buying used gear IF you can shoot the gear before purchase and strecth it out, ensure all the features work as they should and the camera's shutter is not played out.
Example I bought a Canon 40D with 30,000 clicks for 200 bucks and a Canon 1D mk 2 for 450 bucks with a mere 26,000 clicks. Deals can be had if you keep your eyes open. Both deals were through networking with friends and folks selling unwanted gear or hand me down gear. They got fair cash and I got great deals.

All the above aside, if you are in a hurry, and the gear is available the clear choice would be a Refurb.
Enjoy!

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

Thanks for the info, Bruce. I'm not in a real big hurry, but going to Iceland in February to photograph the aurora borealis. I only have one camera and figured I should really get a back up "in case".

noknees438 Loc: NYC

I bought a refurbished (by Canon) camera and lens from B&H and could swear they were brand new. They were flawless.

Hando Rei Loc: Long Island New York

Refurbished all the way .

Sue Tawn

I bought a Canon 100-400 L refurbished lens. It had a an intermittent fault in that it wouldn't always connect. It went back to a Canon Service repair centre. It came back ok but went wrong again. This time I exchanged it for a new one, paying the extra. I am pleased I did because it is ok now and it is quieter in operation. My advice would be beware.

videop Loc: Florida

My 2 cents worth. I would certainly stick with the refurbished.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

Points to favor Refurbs....

1) Cameras returned to Retail vendors CAN NOT be repackaged as new. The serial numbers are registered as sold. They can only be sold as Refurb. So buyer remorse and return for any reason probably produces the larger number of "Refurbished Cameras".

If a camera is sold, and comes back to the store within days, it becomes a refurb....problem or not.

2) A refurb, in fact every refurb, goes through a more involved checkout against a function list.. which is more scrutiny than most cameras receive off the routine assembly line.

3) Most refurbs come with an OEM product warranty, although the way to assure this is to buy refurbs direct from the manufacturer. Remember, even Canon or Nikon cannot retail a previously sold camera as NEW.

4) My suspicion is that most refurbs will not have high click shutter actuations, or much wear at all. Abuse is something that will be obvious, and probably NOT be sold in the Refurb market.

5) Warranty, again, is the key. Can usually be "same as new" if you go to the manufacturers Refurb site. Inquire about this, persistently!

Points to favor new....

Well, hard to top those first five. Every manufacturer produces a certain number or ratio of bad product. There is no assurance that buying new gives one an advantage over the "luck of the draw". Somebody has to be the first owner of a faulty product.

Furthermore, if you are gaining in price, and if a higher percentage of product are returned for reasons other than mechanical failure, then why not take the price advantage.

Gee, that didn't turn out to be an argument in favor of paying retail. How about that? :wink: