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So you've come into some money and want to take the plunge into the world of photography. Along with the many questions you'll ask yourself is whether or not to buy new or used. The fact is while a new camera offer a few assurances in the way of warranties and what not, with careful research and hunting most risk if any are eliminated. Add to that the fact with the money you spend on a new camera you would be able to get a decent camera and a great set of accessories to go with it too.

So once you've made the decision to go the second hand path, where do you look? Here's a little summary of the various places I frequent to find gear I need or sell. I haven't been paid by any of these sites though am open to the idea of them throwing funds my way =) LOL

1. eBay: eBay, especially over the last few years has gained somewhat of a bad reputation for one reason or another. Like it or not it remains the top source to find your used digital camera gear. eBay's user profiles allows you to run your own sort background check on the people you're dealing with and offers many ways to pay for items that ensure a safer transaction. www.ebay.com
2. Gumtree: I believe its a site initially started by backpackers to assist with accommodation and work, the site now boast an amazing classified section with subsections, even one dedicated to camera gear. It offers free listings to sellers with enlargable pictures and personally I think offers mean competition to the already established sites. Most transactions are done to face as you are dealing with people from your area, which means you can check out the item before you hand over your hard earned cash. www.gumtree.com
3. Flickr: Something of a new revelation is Flickr, not only a great place to display and check out the work of others but increasingly within groups you'll find for sale threads. May take a lot of hunting but at least you can see that what you are buying is in working order and what the gear is capable of. I however have started my own FOR SALE FLICKR GROUP, which can be checked out here: www.flickr.com/groups/nswcamgear4sale/ despite the address it caters to all of Australia and not just New South Wales.
4. All Classifieds: This site is based mainly in Canberra but does offer alot of camera gear. Not too bad if you're willing to make the trip or can arrange a safe way to make the exchange. www.allclassifieds.com.au
5. PICA: The website for the Picture Imagining Council Australia offers a nice little classified page, with a lot of gear offered up by mostly professionals. Also has wanted section for those looking to sell off some gear. www.photoimaging.com.au/classifieds/sits/searchclass.taf?_function=listing
6. Tech Space: Is a nice little websites that as the name suggest caters to electronic gadgets with a neat little section for camera gear. Not only they offer a online site but I believe monthly put out a magazine. www.techspace.com.au

This is just a basic list of some of the sites I visit but should provide some good ground work on where you can start hunting for your new piece of camera gear.