CAMERAHOARDERS

Pocket field sheet

Used camera check

A practical field sheet for the camera in front of you.

Read through these checks before paying, or after an online purchase arrives. Download or print the PDF below if you want to mark off each check.

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.