Need tips on buying a used Sony A7S, how to check

V

Vic5

Member
I've come across a Sony A7S that is for sale. I'm considering buying it. It was used by the owner for a small project. He no longer needs it and is selling it at a discount. I was wondering what I need to check before I buy. I have asked him about the invoice and warranty papers and he has those. I'll google the serial number in case anything shows up.

Should I get the sensor checked by someone who services cameras? I came across a website where one can upload a JPG and check actuation. Is this a good idea? It was used for video. I want to be sure it is not a rental house camera that is being passed on. Those can be really worn out I believe.

Also, would you say this camera is good for another 2-3 years for making short films or even a micro budget feature? I don't see anything beyond 2K being absolutely necessary in the near future and this one does 4K! Is that realistic? There's also a canon adapter. I have canon lenses and can use those.

What should I look for?

The guy is asking for a little too much but I can make him an offer if there is some way to confirm the camera is good. Thanks.
 
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Checking the JPEG for number of shutter actuations doesn't mean much when it has been used for video, as it could've been used for hundreds of hours yet without a single frame of photos being taken.

For short films and microbuget feature films, take a look also at the Sony A5100/A6000, BMPCC/BMMCC, Panasonic G7/GH4/G6/GH2, Nikon D5200/D5300/D5500/D7100, or Samsung NX1. As these are also all very very fine cameras, which are heaps cheaper than an A7s.

http://ironfilm.co.nz/a-priced-out-gear-kit-for-a-newbie-to-filmmaking-using-the-panasonic-gh2/
 
This is the same as for any camera:
Look at the sensor in good light. Are there fingerprints or signs of damage?
Look at the camera overall for dings, etc. Does it look clean, and like it was taken care of?
Talk to the owner. Did he purchase it himself? Have him talk about how he used it. I think you can often get a sense of someone: whether this is the kind of person that would lie, or not. I have found that if I feel good about the buyer, things tend to work out.
 
And one should also look at other options. A used A7s or brand new fill-in the-blank + extra ca$h? Now, while you won't get anything close to A7s in low-light performance, you can get, as an example, an A6000 for lots and lots less and then invest the difference in lighting, lenses, rigs, etc.
 
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