What are the real risks of an unusually cheap Canon DSLR deal, and how can I spot a scam or misrepresented camera?
Asked 2/27/2017
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I’ve found a very low-priced offer for a Canon 5D Mark III with a 24-105mm L lens. The price is far below typical market value, so I’m assuming there’s a catch. I’m not worried about obvious scams like receiving an empty box, and I understand it could simply be grey market or refurbished—but the price seems too low even for that.
What are the main risks with a deal like this? Are counterfeit Canon camera bodies actually a concern, or is it more likely to be stolen, damaged, incomplete, or a cheaper model being passed off as a higher-end one? Also, what are some quick checks I can do myself to verify that the camera and lens are genuine and correctly represented?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
17
I'm trying to figure out where the catch is.
The camera might have been stolen.
The camera might be broken or damaged in some way that's not immediately noticeable. For example, if the body casting itself is bent, the camera might not be able to take a sharp image, or the battery connection might not be reliable. Professional cameras like the 5D line are very tough, but they're not indestructible.
What are some risks buying such a camera?
In most places, receiving and/or possessing stolen goods is itself a crime.
You could be stuck with a camera that can't be repaired, or one that costs more to buy and repair than it would have cost to buy a new one.
If there are canon camera counterfeits around, how can I recognize them really quickly?
I haven't heard of counterfeit cameras, and producing such a thing on a small scale would likely be more expensive than buying the real deal. Conversely, a counterfeit Canon 5D III that could be sold at a much lower price would have to be a pretty poor imitation. The best way to protect yourself in this case would be to become familiar with what the real thing looks and feels like and how it works.
Counterfeit batteries, on the other hand, are a little harder to spot. There's an article on Canon's web site that explains how to spot fake batteries that are passed off as being Canon OEM batteries.
Originally by user4262. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4262
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A fully fake Canon DSLR body is generally much less likely than other problems. With a deal this far below market value, the bigger risks are:
- stolen equipment
- hidden damage or serious wear
- an incomplete package with expensive add-ons pushed later
- a cheaper model modified or relabeled to look like a higher-end one
Stolen gear is a serious risk: in many places, possessing stolen property can create legal problems.
Quick checks: inspect the model markings carefully, verify that the menus and camera information match the claimed model, and take test shots to confirm the camera functions normally. Check for signs of tampering, mismatched labels, abnormal wear, bent body parts, unreliable battery connection, or anything suggesting repair or modification. Make sure the lens and body serials look consistent and untampered with.
If the seller won’t let you test the camera, confirm exactly what is included, or explain the low price, treat it as a major red flag. In practice, the issue is usually not a “fake Canon camera,” but a stolen, damaged, incomplete, or misrepresented item.
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