Buying a Used DSLR for Astrophotography

[Juno16]

Hi Forum!

I am asking for advice from the DSLR astrophotography members here.

I have been bitten by the N.I.N.A bug. I haven't used the application, but after reading so many positive reports from this and other forums, I feel that it would benefit me quite a bit.

Unfortunately, my Nikon D3300 isn't supported by a software development kit (SDK) amd I can't use it with N.I.N.A. (and most other imaging software). The sensor in the D3300 is the same sensor that is used in the very positively reviewed Nikon D5300 which is supported by SDK (and I would think by N.I.N.A.). I currently use DigicamControl and it does well capturing images, N.I.N.A would give me better dithering control and plate solving would save me time.

So, I decided to look for a D5300 on the used market. I would also like a D5300 because it should work with my current Nikon accessories. I really don't want to spend more than $250 for the body. I do realize that this might be an unreasonably low amount to pay for a used D5300, but since I have the same sensor in the D3300, $250 is about all that I feel like spending for the convenience of better software.

I have been looking on the internet (mostly EBAY) and have found several auctions for the D5300. Some are "Buy it now" and there are a few in the $200-$250 range.

Is it reasonable to look for this camera on the used market in this price range?

Some of the advertisers state the shutter clicks. What do you feel would be appropriately acceptable. I have seen numbers from 11k to 27k.

It seems to me that the lower the shutter clicks, the better. Is this very important?

Does the camera image quality deteriorate over time? Would a used D5300 with a bunch of shutter clicks possibly produce worse image quality than my current D3300?

If some of you have pursued this route (used DSLR), what have been your experiences and do you have any recommendations? Any specific vendor on EBAY?

Is EBAY a safe place to buy a used DSLR?

Is my budget reasonable?

I have looked through the classified ads on another forum and don't see any current listings for an un-modified D5300 in this price range. If I do find a good, used D5300, I plan to astro modify it in the future.

Thank you all for any recommendations/experience that you can share.

Jim

[Gordon]

I've had pretty good luck purchasing used cameras on ebay. I've bought 3 different ones. 1 as a gift and 2 for myself. Just make sure you find someone with a good reputation.

[Juno16]

Thanks Gordon!

That is good to know. By any chance, did you use any of the three dslr's for astro? Good performance?

Thanks,
Jim

[JayTee]

Hi Jim,

I always recommend picking up a gently used Canon T3i. These cameras can typically be had for less than $300 with their 18-55mm stock lens or less than $250 for body only. They have some of the lowest sensor noise of the Canon "T" series line. It is also the first camera from Canon with an articulated LCD screen. This makes focusing and viewing the LCD so much more convenient and just easier to use. I like them so much, I own two of them I purchased off of eBay. You can't go wrong with this DSLR.

Cheers,
JT

[Juno16]

Thanks JT!

Interesting. I have always heard about the Canon T3i and have seen tons of excellent images taken with it.

I was kinda hoping to stay with Nikon because of all of the accessories that I have. However, I looked at some sites and the price for the T3i is very reasonable. Sometimes under $200.
The articulating lcd is cool, but I plan to use the camera with my pc.

I might have to consider that direction. Thank you very much for your comments and experience.

Any idea what is a reasonable range for the shutter clicks, or is that an important point to consider.

Thank you very much!

Jim

[JayTee]

Both of my T3i cameras had 3k and 8k frames taken by them at the time of purchase. Canon does not give an MTBF for the shutters on "T" series after the T1i. But the general consensus is that it will easily last to 100k frames. Even if I shot 2000 frames a year (grossly overstated by about 60%), that means they'll only last me for another 45 years! So you can see that shutter count doesn't really mean a lot until your above about 80k frames.

And remember that the vast majority of AP software for DSLRs started with Canons. So they have a leg up on the other manufacturers just by longevity of use.

Cheers,
JT

[Juno16]

Thanks for letting me know that JT! that really puts the shutter click value into perspective. Wow, you sure got your cameras very early in their life spans.

Definitely the T3i is less expensive than the D5300. Even considering the few accessories that I would need to get started. I am going to look at prices for awhile and make a choice soon.

I know that you are in a warm climate. How do your Canon's perform in warm temperatures?

You have been into the AP game for awhile and I definitely appreciate the information!

Thanks,
Jim

[Graeme1858]

I always recommend picking up a gently used Canon T3i.....

My T3i came from ebay. (We call them 600D! ) It has a 40000 shutter count but it's doing ok. It was only £180 (about $220) It came with 4 batteries thankfully and an attachment for powering it with two batteries at once. I haven't used it with the lens yet!

Regards

Graeme

[Juno16]

Thanks guys. I have heard so much good about the T3i and I started watching them on eBay. Graeme, that is a nice low shutter count. All of the T3i’s on EBay had about 20k on the shutter, not too bad either.
A Nikon D5300 popped up there a few days ago and I snapped it up. Shutter count at 3200 for $245. The Nikon should work well and I already have many Nikon accessories and lenses. Should arrive tomorrow.

Thanks all for the help and advice!

Jim