Guide · Buying used tech

Used cameras, lenses and audio gear: what to check

How to check a second-hand camera, lens, microphone or headphones before you buy in Kenya: shutter count, sensor, lens condition, connections and sound.

Creator gear holds its value, but small faults hurt: a hazy lens, a worn shutter, a crackling cable. Know what to ask and test.

Cameras

Ask for the shutter count and compare it with the model’s rated life.
Check the sensor for dust or scratches by shooting a plain bright surface at a small aperture.
Test the buttons, dials, screen, viewfinder, memory card slot and battery.
Confirm what comes with it: battery, charger, strap, body cap.

Lenses

Hold it to a light and look through it for haze, scratches, dust and fungus (fine web-like marks).
Check the focus and zoom rings move smoothly, and autofocus works.
Check the mount and electrical contacts for damage.

Microphones, headphones and speakers

Test left and right channels, crackling, hum, and loose or intermittent cables.
For microphones, record a sample and listen for noise, then test the stand and cable.
Check ear pads, headbands and hinges for wear.
Wireless gear: check the battery life and pairing.

How checking works on Bids Kenya

You cannot hold the item before you bid, so use what you can: the photos, the condition description and the seller’s answers. Once you win, you can ask the seller for extra photos or a short video before you pay the balance.

You pay the balance to Bids Kenya, not to the seller. After the item arrives, test it before you tap “I have received the item”. The seller is paid only after you confirm, and if something is wrong you can report a problem from your order first.