Last Updated on May 4, 2023 by cameraconsumer
There are times when a discontinued camera (or camera lens) is the desired option. It can be tricky though. Yes, there can be some benefits -like some big discounts since it’s been discontinued – but some disadvantages as well.
Let’s take a look at why you might want to consider a discontinued camera, what challenges you might face, and what you can do to get the most out of your purchase.
There are a few factors to consider right off the bat:
- Will you get the original warranty?
- Is the camera authentic?
- Will it be region specific?
- Is the camera new or used?
- Does that model still get manufacturer support?
These are just a few of the questions to ask when shopping for any discontinued electronic product. Yes, you might want or need the discontinued model.
But we can at least make the best of the situation.
Benefits Of A Discontinued Camera
There are some benefits. The newer version isn’t always better!
It Might Be Cheaper
It really depends on a few factors:
- How long has it been discontinued?
- Whether it was because of a fresh new model, or because of low popularity
- How much stock is left on the market
If You Need Parts
Maybe you don’t need a whole new camera; maybe you just need parts for it, and they are hard to find since the model has been discontinued.
Like the parts from a Nikon D600 below.
If You Want The Previous Generation
Sometimes manufacturers make changes just for the sake of change, and the “new and improved” version is actually worse.
Drawbacks Of A Discontinued Camera
And let’s take a look at why you might want to pass on a discontinued camera. Sometimes the inconvenience of learning something new is less than the hassle of staying with an older version.
Might Actually Be More Expensive
The further you get from the discontinuation date, the less inventory will be available for sale. At some point, the supply will dip below the demand, and prices will creep up.
It’s common to find discontinued cameras or lenses selling for hundreds more than when they were the current model.
Might Be Used, A Return, An Open Package, Or Display Model
If it is a used camera, then it’s basically a crap shoot. Who knows what you might get? Returns, opened packages, and display models are sometimes sold as “Brand New”, but might, in fact, be used.
But you really don’t know how much abuse it has taken. This is especially true for display models.
Probably Won’t Be From An Authorized Dealer
Major retailers like to keep fresh inventory on hand, as those products will sell faster than older stock. The likelihood of finding a discontinued camera model from an authorized dealer is low and only gets lower as time goes on.
Probably Won’t Come With The Original Warranty
If you don’t purchase your camera from an authorized dealer, you won’t get the original manufacturer warranty.
Less Documentation And Support
Customer support and product documentation decrease as time goes on, and eventually cease to exist.
If your camera is almost at the end of its support cycle, you might be subject to costly repairs.
One more thing to keep in mind.
The support available for many cameras is also region specific. Many manufacturer websites will ask you to enter the serial number of your camera, after which you will receive that region’s firmware or support.
What To Look For In A Discontinued Camera
If purchasing a discontinued model is the desired option, here are some things to look for:
Authorized Dealer
As mentioned, you most likely won’t find it from an authorized dealer – but it doesn’t hurt to check, and it’s really easy to do. Just go to the manufacturer’s website, and look for something that says “Authorized dealer lookup” or “Locate authorized dealer”, etc.
This is Canon’s page, for example. Their link says “Where To Buy”. And if you scroll down a bit, you’ll see the “Canon Authorized Dealer” logo.
Once you open up the list, see if the seller in question is on that list. If it is, great! If it’s not…
Extended warranty
While I don’t recommend extended warranties for new camera purchases from authorized dealers, an added extended warranty is something to consider when buying a discontinued model.
Especially if/when yours does not come with any warranty whatsoever.
If you’re buying an expensive DSLR digital camera, the peace of mind alone is probably worth it – especially if the warranty is relatively inexpensive. Some popular options that you might see include:
- New Leaf
- Smart Guard by Warrantech
- Allstate Protection Plans
Reputable seller
When you’re purchasing from a confirmed authorized dealer, that’s usually good enough. If not, look up the seller’s feedback. Do they have a history of selling used goods as “new”?
Are they known for selling DOA cameras or lenses? It’s best to avoid the shady sellers out there.
Correct Regional Version
You may have noticed some non-authorized dealers selling an “import version” of a camera. An import version is a product that was meant to be sold in a foreign market.
For example, a camera that was meant to be sold in Japan. You’ll often see it mentioned in camera or camera lens listings, like this:
Usually, these models will have firmware and display language for the country where they should have been sold. It can be a hassle correcting this issue. Here is Canon’s warning against grey model cameras.
This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but if at all possible, try to find a regionally correct model.
Product Support
It can be frustrating to find out that a product no longer has manufacturer support. Especially if you need a firmware update on a used or import version camera. Every brand of camera or photography product has a support section on the manufacturer’s website.
Check it just to make sure your specific model is still being supported.
Used Cameras
If you are left with only used models to choose from, ask for a shutter count. Cameras are just like cars – mileage matters. Digital cameras today should last for around a 100,000 shutter count.
The lower the number, the more issue free the camera should be.
Final Thoughts
Most people turn to discontinued models because the new generation does not offer the same features as the previous one. Do some research. Another brand might carry something with the features that you like.
You might have to make some sacrifices.
You might not have the same range of autofocus lenses with Nikon as you did with your old Canon camera. A new Canon model might be noisier than your old Nikon camera.
Or maybe you might just have to learn a whole new platform like with a Sony mirrorless camera.
These kinds of minor inconveniences might be worth it.
Also, if a new/unused model is not available, look for a refurbished model. Cameras with dents and scratches don’t qualify, so the cosmetic condition should be “like new”.
And they have probably fixed the common problems that the model had with updated parts.
Refurbished models usually come with a 90-day to 1-year warranty, and are eligible for tech support. Refurbished cameras (and lenses) undergo testing. So, you’re pretty much 100% safe from getting a dud or DOA product.
Make sure it’s factory refurbished, or done by an authorized repair center, not just “seller refurbished”. Who knows what you might receive in those cases?
Conclusion
To sum it all up – I’ve purchased discontinued cameras.
My last purchase was a Canon EOS 7D. I needed a replacement for mine, and even though the newer version – the 7D Mark II – was nearly identical in body ergonomics, it just didn’t feel the same.
I was happy with the performance of the 7D, and I loved the feel of it in my hands.
So I decided to purchase another Canon 7D. And a few weeks later, the regrets started to creep in. I was envious of the improved megapixel count of the 7D Mark II.
And I wanted the higher ISO capabilities that it offers, and its improved DIGIC 6 processor.
I was basically afraid of change.
And I let that steer me away from what is truly an awesome camera. The 7D Mark II is an improvement in so many ways! Don’t get me wrong, I still love the 7D.
I just wish I had put my stubbornness aside and made a more sensible decision.
