Is it a good or bad idea to buy a used camera from Amazon?

Buying used from Amazon is usually perfectly fine, as long as the order is fulfilled by amazon. If amazon fulfills the order (you'll see a small tag that says "Fulfillment by Amazon," also it tends to be eligible for Amazon Prime), then it is covered by their standard return policy, which is quite lenient. If you get the camera and feel that it isn't in good working condition, just send it back. They are among the most reliable big-name online retailers around for photo gear, again assuming your order is actually being fulfilled by Amazon.

For the D5000 at the moment of this answer, your best bet if you're going to go that route is to buy refurbished from "Awesome Service" at $539.99, fulfilled by Amazon and eligible for Prime. Refurbs are up to factory spec, and it's worth the extra $40 to have a good return policy. Happy shooting.

I recently had a good experience with Amazon.

I bought an item from one of their associated resellers who turned out to be a scammer. I paid my money, got no goods, emails ignored.

Reported to Amazon who immediately refunded my money.

So you can deal with associated sellers in the confidence that by going through Amazon you are backed by their "A-Z Guarantee".

Amazon must do this to retain their reputation.

Buying used is a risk! You don't know how the camera has been (ab)used! But you can get a real bargain from a genuine seller. If you accept the risk then go ahead.

Before buying a used item be sure to get a detailed written description from the seller including photos showing any exterior "wear and tear" damage. Ask for sample photos taken with the camera. Keep these as a record to back up any claim with Amazon.

Amazon is a very reliable place. Like the other answerer, it all depends on the seller you're buying it for. Make sure it's fulfilled by Amazon, and make sure the seller has a good rep. I don't see much of a problem with buying a used camera, but make sure the condition is either very good or like new. I personally prefer a new camera because I know exactly what I'm getting, but that's probably a preference thing. I know people buy a lot of used lenses and even rent them, so it's not a huge deal.

To recap;

Make sure the seller is reputable (check reviews of seller)

Make sure the item is in very good or like new condition

Make sure the item is fulfilled by Amazon

Have fun!

Answer mine?

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personally I'd buy from a local store. Check out the D3100 new. The d5000 was dropped when this model came out and it is damn near the same spec

Absolutely not. Never ever buy a used camera. Go for a new one.