What about Refurbished?

[bondo]

I found a website store that has a lot of digital cameras at pretty good prices, but a lot of them are refurbished. I've been told refurbs are just fine. Generally either original packaging was damaged, floor models or returns with little or no use, then they get looked at by professional techs and tested to make sure they meet original specs, etc. Most still come with warranties....they're basically new cameras at good prices.
- I know my all-in-one HP printer is a refurb and it's basically brand new. I would think cameras are the same situation and have to meet the same standards. What do you think??

[Michael Fanelli]

I found a website store that has a lot of digital cameras at pretty good prices, but a lot of them are refurbished. I've been told refurbs are just fine. Generally either original packaging was damaged, floor models or returns with little or no use, then they get looked at by professional techs and tested to make sure they meet original specs, etc. Most still come with warranties....they're basically new cameras at good prices.
- I know my all-in-one HP printer is a refurb and it's basically brand new. I would think cameras are the same situation and have to meet the same standards. What do you think??

I have bought refurbished before, including computers, printer, a video camera, PDA, etc. But I bought them all from reputable shops. That includes Sony factory stores, Dell, and Best Buy. They were all refurbished by the manufacturer's factory. I'd be wary about buying online from a third party.

You live in Denver? I lived in Golden and Lakewood for about seven years before being forced to move to Maryland to get a job. I miss Colorado a lot.

[bondo]

Thanks Michael,
I guess the bottom line is that (true) refurbished equipment is fine. It has indeed been tested and found to be pretty much A-1. I appreciate your response. While we're at it, could you tell me the difference between an SD card that is compact "flash" and not? I don't get the flash part.

[bondo]

OH, by the way....I love Colorado too. Moved here 24 yrs ago. from MI. I was actually on my way to CA., drove as far as I could before I had to sleep, got up in the morning, took one look out the hotel window, saw the mountains for the first time in my life, and decided this is where I want to be!!!

[Michael Fanelli]

Thanks Michael,
I guess the bottom line is that (true) refurbished equipment is fine. It has indeed been tested and found to be pretty much A-1. I appreciate your response. While we're at it, could you tell me the difference between an SD card that is compact "flash" and not? I don't get the flash part.

"Flash" is a generic term for card memory. I use Compact Flash cards. SD cards are much smaller. They are not interchangeable. There is a good summary of different card types right on this web site and well worth the read.

I got to Colorado by quitting my job and hopping a bus to see the mountains. I've been hooked ever since. Of course, I love the Smokies and Blue Ridge mountains as well...