used camcorders

In this digital age, technology is advancing with every minute. It is hard to keep up with the latest in digital technology and, unless you are a true techno-whizz, most people just want equipment that works well, with the necessary features for great performance.

Camcorders today, once a luxury item, are now a common household addition. With the development of mobile phone video technology, the price of camcorders has dropped somewhat, however if you really want to get both high quality and a low price, you may want to consider buying used camcorders.

As with any pre-owned purchase, you want to be certain of the quality and functionality before you buy. First of all, check the age of the camcorder. Any camcorder over six years is at risk of leaky capacitors. If this is the case you should be able to detect a ‘fishy’ smell. If you are unsure about the age of the camcorder, you can contact the manufacturer with the make, model and serial number and they should be able to determine when that particular unit was made. You can also find out if replacement parts are still available. A reputable supplier will have checked this for you.

The cosmetic appearance will give you a big clue as to the condition of the camcorder. Marks and scratches indicate that it has not been treated with the best level of care. Faded lettering is pretty natural and to be expected in a unit that has been handled.
The lens will again give you an idea of how the camcorder has been treated. A camcorder with a clear filter is a good sign of careful handling.
Inside the tape compartment you can use a flashlight and magnifier to check for dust, dirt or discoloration around the tape path, capstan and tape drum. They should appear untouched and shiny.

Test the camcorder by recording, rewinding and playing, both inside and outside. As you do so listen out for any unusual sounds that suggest rubbing, distortion or friction. Test the focus by zooming in and out, and if it has an autofocus, monitor how easily it finds focus in different light settings.
Ask the seller about the repair history. Be wary of a camcorder that has been returned for a recurring problem, and check to make sure that it has been refurbished or serviced properly before you buy.

Turn the camcorder on in low light and set the gain to maximum. If you see and small white or coloured rectangles, it means these are damaged pixels. Dead pixels are not too bad when towards the edge of the picture, but if they are in the centre they can prove very annoying.
Some used camcorders come with accessories, which is a great advantage as you would need to purchase them anyway.

At Cash Generator we sell used camcorders for cash. Each unit has been checked carefully, guaranteeing high quality camcorders at low prices, and with our wide selection you can easily find the camcorder you need.

Jo writes articles on Cash Generator including guides to used camcorders.