Camera price buster: guide for getting a bargain on your photography equipment

Make your money go further when buying photography equipment, by following our camera price buster advice...

Shop around

Prices vary wildly between some dealers. Some retailers may be cheaper for one model but pricier for something else, so it pays to visit more than one shop and compare prices.

Buy last year's model

Compact cameras only have a six-month lifespan and when new ones come out the old ones get discounted. Often there's little difference between an older model and its replacement and last year's model may still suit your needs.

Buy from specialist dealers

You're more likely to find staff who know what they're talking about at a specialist photo retailer, which increases your odds of getting the right camera for your needs. 

Stick with the brand names

Stay clear of cameras from brands you've never heard of. They're likely to have been made on the cheap using outdated or low-spec components, and the brand is just a marketing name.

Be wary of grey imports

If an online deal seems too good to be true then maybe it is. Some online retailers dodge tax laws by selling 
non UK cameras. This may mean you won't be given an English instruction manual, the wrong plug may be on the charger and you may find you get little support from the UK distributor if it goes wrong.

Try before you buy

Never buy a DSLR without handling it in a shop first. Find one that fits in your hand comfortably and has just the right button placement for your fingers.

Get advice

Go online and read reviews from sites such as ours, so that you're sure the camera you're thinking of is the one you needs. Also check out user reviews and ask advice from people who actually own the camera and have used it over a period of time.

Before you buy you may also want to check out our range of other buying advice for camera equipment:

• Buying advice
• Do's and don'ts of buying camera equipment
• What camera to buy and how to choose it
• Camera price buster: Digital camera best buys

Other money saving links: Weekly special offers on Photobox printing