Pocket field sheet
Used camera check
Run through this before paying.
Not sure what kind of camera this is?
Download checklist (PDF)
Saving it on a phone
Open the PDF, then use your browser’s Share or Download control. On iPhone and iPad, Share → Save to Files keeps a copy available without a connection.
Check these first
Damage and lens
- No serious cracks, dents or impact damage
- No green, white or rusty corrosion in compartments or contacts
- Lens is clear of misty haze and branching, web-like fungus
- Built-in lens extends, zooms and retracts cleanly several timesCompact / bridge
- Lens mount has no visible damage, bent contacts or playDSLR / mirrorless
Operation
- Camera starts and shuts down normally several times
- Focus works repeatedly on nearby and distant subjects
- Main buttons, dials, wheels and shutter button respond correctly
- Mirror and optical viewfinder behave normallyDSLR
- Electronic viewfinder has no flicker, dead area or switching faultMirrorless / bridge / some compacts
Files and essentials
- Several test photographs save and play back correctly
- Full-size files show correct focus and no lines, partial frames or corruption
- Battery is not swollen, leaking, corroded or unusually hot
- Replacement battery for the exact model is realistically available
- Compatible memory card—and a reader if needed—are available
- Price makes sense beside recent sold examples in similar condition
If you have time
Thorough condition check
- Battery and card doors, hinges and latches are intact
- Screws are present and not heavily marked by repair work
- Lens rings turn smoothly; no grinding, sticking or excess playSeparate lens / manual controls
- Both sides of a detailed photograph are similarly sharp
- Plain-wall or clear-sky photograph shows no serious sensor marks
Secondary functions
- Rear screen works at every tilt or swivel angle
- Stabilization improves repeated slow-shutter photographs without abnormal noiseWhere fitted
- Flash fires repeatedly and rechargesIf you will use it
- Video records and plays back with soundIf video matters
- Needed ports work with the correct cablesOnly ports you will use
- Correct charger, cables and essential accessories are included or priced
A completed check does not guarantee the camera is healthy. It means you looked at the right things before deciding.
Need the reason behind a check? Read the full buying guide.