DWU2 wrote:
When a manufacturer (e.g. Canon or Nikon) offers a refurbished camera for sale, have they replaced the shutter? If not, wouldn't it be just as subject to early failure as a camera you bought on eBay?
There's no telling...
Many "refurbished" cameras are simply demo units, overstock returns, open box, or shelf-worn packaging.... where the camera itself is little different from new.
Some refurbs probably were warranty returned for an "issue"... but what that issue might be is impossible to say. Maybe the shutter needed replacement.... or maybe not. Probably only a small percentage actually need and get a shutter replacement.
While we use "shutter clicks" as a measure of how much use a camera has had... it's like high car mileage, any number of components might be worn and in need of repair. Shutter clicks only tell us that the camera has seen some use and refurbs are usually current or recently discontinued models that haven't seen all that much use.
Can't speak for Nikon, but Canon warranties their refurbs exactly the same as new (better than buying used from anywhere, but especially so buying from a private party on eBay).
Canon also allows right of return... if you buy a refurb from them, check the shutter count and it seems to much (or you have any other issue with the camera), you can return or exchange it.
Many of the better used equipment dealers (B&H, Adorama, KEH, etc.) also offer a one or two week right of return, as well as some 90 to 180 days of warranty.
Prior to being offered for sale, "factory refurbished" cameras would typically be tested by trained and experienced repair technicians... probably get more thorough and close inspection than quality control can give brand new items coming off an assembly line.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a refurb.... However you should carefully check sale prices before doing so. I was all set to pull the trigger on a couple refurb cameras last January, but found that I could actually buy new cheaper. Between rebates and bundling, free shipping and less sales tax, the cost of the cameras brand new was the better deal.