What Sells: Digital Cameras
A digital camera uses an electronic sensor to transform images or video into electronic data instead of recording images on film or tape. Digital cameras offer a wide and ever-increasing range of features aimed at consumers and professional photographers and are quickly overtaking the film camera as the standard choice for new camera purchases. But, prices for new digital cameras with all the latest bells and whistles are still relatively high so buyers often seek out the best deals on last year’s model or on a relatively new used model. However, as with other electronics, online buyers are usually looking for the latest features, so a three year-old digital camera will probably not be worth nearly what the owner paid for it when it was new.
Automatic “point-and-shoot” cameras
Compact and Ultra Compact cameras are tiny, as their names suggest, and offer easy-to-use, auto focus, auto flash and other point-and-shoot features.
Professional digital camera systems
Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras are modular, enabling you to use lenses from film SLR cameras. The shutter speed on an SLR is also much more rapid than that available with a compact digital camera allowing you to capture photos in rapid succession. These cameras with their advanced features and digital format are popular with amateur and professional photographers alike.
Popular digital camera features include:
- Megapixels (2.0 and up sell best online)
- Optical zoom
- Video (MPEG) and audio recording
- MP3 playback capability
- Image stabilization
- Red-eye reduction
- LCD (display screen) that can be used as a viewfinder
If you don’t know all the specifications, check the manufacturer’s website; they often have product catalogs online that list detailed specifications.
Photo.net has a beginner’s guide to digital cameras that explains all of the features of a digital camera. Visit the website at http://www.photo.net/equipment/digital/cameras/basics/.
Cameratown, although a commercial website, provides links to all of the user manuals available from the various digital camera manufacturers so that you do not have to go hunting through each website to locate a manual. Visit the website at http://www.cameratown.com/manuals/.
Look for the following signs of use and damage:
- Scratches and scuffs on the body
- Scratched or cracked lenses and LCDs
- Worn-off lettering
- Missing parts (lens caps, straps, carrying case, manuals, etc.)
It’s best to test a digital camera before listing it. Test the record and playback functions, as well as zoom, wide angle and other features. You don’t have to install the software and download photos to your computer; however, if you plan to sell a lot of digital cameras in the future you might want to set up a testing station with a computer for this purpose.
If you don’t know all the specifications, check the manufacturer’s website; they often have product catalogs online that list detailed specifications.
Include these details in your listing:
- Brand
- Model
- Number of megapixels
- Amount of memory
- Other features like image stabilization, night shot, firewire, etc.
- Accessories (flash, tripod, carrying case, extra batteries, software, manuals, etc.)
- Packaging (e.g., New in Box)
Store the camera in the case designed to protect the item, if provided by the owner. If a case is not available, wrap the items carefully and store them away from children, pets and environmental hazards.
All camera components should be kept in a cool, dry place or in a dry box. Cameras are sensitive devices that must be carefully maintained during and after use. Cameras are not waterproof. Store them away from fluctuations in temperature and humidity. If you are transporting a camera from a cold to a warm environment, condensation might form on the lens. If water gets into the camera, turn it off and remove the battery and memory card until the moisture evaporates. Let the unit dry for 24-48 hours before turning it on again.
To maintain good image quality, be certain to protect the lens. When not in use, make certain the lens cap is on. This not only protects the lens from the elements but also from accidental knocks during storage and shipment. If the lens gets dirty, you can use a blower brush or a soft cloth to remove the dust.Do not use facial tissue or paper towels as these can scratch the lens. Wipe in circles across the glass surface as this will reduce the risk of scratching the lens.
If the camera will not be in use for awhile, remove the battery to prevent battery leaks. The battery should be taken out and recharged occasionally to prevent it from losing its charge permanently.
Use the original packaging whenever possible to ship a camera. If the original box is missing or too damaged to use, wrap each item separately in bubble wrap and cushion with packing peanuts inside a larger box. Put lens caps on lenses to protect them during shipment.
