[Richard530]

Help, I am turning around in confused circles. I am looking at Canon 30D's on the internet. I keep seeing refurbished items but know nothing about them except that they fall between used and new 30D's in price. I am against buying a used camera from someone I don't know. The difference between new and refurbished is +/- 20%. Money which could go towards a better lens. Has anyone had any experience with a factory refurbished Canon or other brand? I could babble on and on about this and become more confused. Please provide some guidance

[sejanus]

The theory about refurbished kit is that it's stuff used for demonstration, or something rejected by a customer, which has then gone through the shop and brought up to factory specification. If you buy from the manufacturer, then it can be a real bargain as you can be pretty well certain that it's been individually tested and quality assured. I've bought a couple of computers on this basis and they really have been perfect in every detail.

Canon UK advertise refurbished kit on eBay and I understand that buying from them means you get a full guarantee, exactly as buying new (but check this, of course). Buying from a third party is considerably more problematic as you have no idea whether it really has been refurbished or is simply second-hand stock that someone's wiped over with a cloth.

So, if it's Canon UK advertising the camera, I'd go for it.

[brian wright22]

Hi there Richard, Yes I have . I purchased my canon 350D through a dealer at the NEC Focus exhibition last year. The cost was £350 currently then they were selling at about£ 525 at the cheapest. You get a full 12 months Canon factory return warranty and a registration card. The body was indistinguishable from a new item. All of the accessories were packaged and sealed new.
I have also bid and won a Canon 430EX flash unit via the canon_uk ebay auction site and the unit was A1 ,it even smelt new!!.This has worked perfectly since receiving it 18 months ago. This also had a full Canon 12 months warranty.
I can add that some of the refurbished items are ex exhibition demo ones,some are returned items from dealers and repaired by Canon UK and are not required to be returned to the dealer and some are sold and returned by the customer as not suitable and returned within the dealers 14 day period. All of which prevents the item being sold as New. Therfore Canon carry out a complete check and replace any cosmetic items.
There may be slight damage to the outside packing because the box has been opened etc.
I hope this reply helps you make a decision.
Regards Brian.

[Richard530]

Thanks for the info, guys. I really appreciate it. I checked out Canon UK and they do not ship to USA...bummer. However, this morning while taking advantage of the early morning light and serenity , I was walking over to an cactus and there was a woman there taking the same picture with a 30D. Chatting with her for several minutes and your posts made me come to the conclusion of 30D and new. Money for better lenses will be there. Just a few less Starbucks and I'll be there. Once again, Thanks very much.
Best of Life,
Richard