Photo and video equipment: how to buy a camera and lenses at a good price
There are many ways to shoot
Photo equipment depends on what you shoot. Portraits and travel need one thing, sports and wildlife another, and video for a blog or podcast a third. So start with the genre: it decides the sensor size, autofocus speed, stabilisation and lenses.
Another question is the system. Lenses and accessories are tied to the mount, so when you choose a camera you are really choosing a range of lenses. Think about whether you might switch systems before you invest.
What to look for in each subcategory
- Cameras. Digital cameras: DSLR, mirrorless or compact; sensor size, number of frames, and shutter condition and count for used ones. For camcorders: recording format, stabilisation, microphone inputs.
- For movement. Action cameras: waterproofing, stabilisation quality, battery life, mounts.
- Optics. Lenses: mount, focal length, aperture, stabiliser, and the state of the glass (no fungus or scratches).
- Support and light. Tripods and monopods (maximum load, height, weight) and flashes (power, compatibility, TTL).
- Other. Telescopes and binoculars (aperture and magnification matter, not the advertised zoom), film cameras and camera accessories: batteries, bags, memory cards.
How searching works on BlaBlaPrice
You create a request: the genre you shoot, the system you want, new or used, your city. Add one photo, for example of the model you want. The request is checked, and you get hints about what sellers are missing.
Sellers reply in the chat with the model, price, condition, what's in the box and warranty. BlaBlaPrice shows the best offer by value first, with reviews alongside. Sellers see where they rank and improve their terms. Your phone stays hidden. Details are on the “How it works” page.
How to buy used equipment
Photo gear is often sold used, and that is a sensible choice. Ask about the shutter count (number of frames), the condition of the sensor, signs of repair, and water or dust inside. For a lens, ask for a photo against the light: it shows fungus, dust and scratches. Check that autofocus and the aperture work. Ask for sample pictures taken with this camera.
Common mistakes
Chasing megapixels instead of sensor size and lens quality. Buying a kit lens and then buying a better one. Forgetting memory cards, batteries and a bag, which raises the total budget. Taking a tripod too light for the chosen camera with a long lens.
What affects the price and what else to ask
For cameras it is sensor size, burst speed, video quality and stabilisation. For lenses it is the aperture, the range and the quality of the glass: fast lenses cost more, and old manual lenses on adapters can be a good-value option. Tripods get dearer with load rating and material (aluminium or carbon).
Don't forget to count the whole kit: memory card, spare battery, filters and a protective bag. Sellers may offer a better price on a bundle, so mention everything in your request.
For video, also ask about recording time limits, overheating, a microphone input and swappable batteries. For a vlogger, these often matter more than the number of megapixels.
A refurbished or demo unit with a warranty can be a good compromise between a new and a used camera.
For a gift or a first camera, write your level of experience: sellers will suggest simple kits without too many settings.
