What to Check When Buying Refurbished

Buying a refurbished camera on eBay UK can save you hundreds of pounds compared to purchasing new, but it requires a degree of due diligence that new purchases do not. This guide walks you through every key inspection point, so you can buy with confidence.

1. Shutter Count — The Single Most Important Metric

Every camera shutter has a rated life expectancy, measured in actuations (the number of times the shutter has fired). A Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, for example, is rated to 150,000 actuations; a Nikon D850 to 200,000. When buying refurbished, always ask the seller for the current shutter count and compare it against the manufacturer's rated life.

A camera at 30–50% of its rated shutter life is generally considered a safe purchase. One at 80–90% should be priced accordingly and may need a shutter replacement in the near future.

You can check the shutter count yourself by taking a test shot and uploading the JPEG to a free online shutter count tool. Most cameras embed this data in the EXIF metadata of each image. If a seller refuses to provide this information or cannot demonstrate how to obtain it, treat this as a warning sign.

2. Sensor Inspection

Dust on the sensor is common and, in most cases, easily remedied with a professional clean. Dead pixels, however, are permanent. To check for sensor issues, ask the seller to provide a test shot taken at f/8 to f/11 against a plain, evenly lit surface — a white wall or overcast sky works well. Any dust spots will appear as soft grey circles, while dead pixels will show as consistently bright or dark points.

Also inspect the sensor for any signs of physical damage, particularly if the camera has been sold as "for parts" or "spares/repair" at any point in its history. A scratched sensor is irreparable without a costly replacement.

3. Lens Mount Condition

The lens mount is a critical interface between the camera body and your lenses. Inspect it carefully for scratches, dents, or signs of impact. Even minor damage to the mount can affect the electrical contacts that communicate between the camera and lens, potentially causing autofocus errors or incorrect aperture control. A damaged mount can also prevent proper seating of lenses, which in turn affects image sharpness.

4. Body Condition and Wear

Physical wear on a camera body is not necessarily a problem — a well-used camera that has been properly maintained is often more reliable than one that has sat unused for years. However, the degree of wear should be reflected in the price. Look for worn rubber grip material (which can indicate heavy daily use), scratches on the top plate, and wear around the mode dial and control wheels.

Weather-sealed cameras should have their seals inspected around all ports, the battery door, and the memory card slot. Damaged seals can allow moisture ingress, which is one of the most common causes of camera failure.

5. All Controls and Functions

Before committing to a purchase, ask the seller to confirm that all buttons, dials, and controls function correctly. The mode dial, in particular, is a high-wear component that can develop intermittent faults. If purchasing in person, test every control yourself. If purchasing remotely, ask for a short video demonstrating the camera powering on, the shutter firing, and the menu system navigating correctly.

6. Autofocus Performance

Autofocus systems can degrade over time, particularly on older DSLR cameras where the phase-detect AF module is a separate component from the main sensor. Ask the seller to confirm that all AF points are functioning and that the camera focuses accurately in both single and continuous modes. On mirrorless cameras, on-sensor phase-detect AF is generally more robust, but eye-tracking and subject-detection systems should also be verified.

7. Battery and Charger

Batteries degrade with use and age. A camera sold with an original manufacturer's battery that has been through several hundred charge cycles will hold significantly less charge than a new battery. Check whether the listing includes the original battery and charger, and factor in the cost of a replacement battery (or a quality third-party alternative) when assessing overall value.

Buying Safely on eBay UK

Always purchase through eBay's standard listing process. Never agree to complete a transaction outside of eBay, as this removes your buyer protection. eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers you if an item does not arrive or is significantly not as described — a critical safety net when buying high-value electronics.

Pay particular attention to the seller's feedback score and the nature of any negative feedback. A seller with hundreds of positive transactions and a small number of resolved disputes is generally trustworthy. Be more cautious with new sellers or those with a pattern of unresolved complaints.