What's the Warranty like for a used Nikon DSLR purchase?

I'm looking at purchasing a Nikon DSLR camera but I'm worried about the warranty. How do I find out about the warranty and what would I do if something goes wrong?

Also I'm not set on buying a Nikon but if Canon is better I'm all ears.

With used equipment, there's no legal requirement to provide a warranty - it's up to the dealer and most good dealers will discuss it at the point of sale.

Why just stick to Nikon and Canon? Pentax and Sony make excellent DSLRs too, and if you can avoid the models taking XD cards (the cameras are good, but the cards are practically extinct), Olympus aren't exactly shabby either.

Find a local dealer (there's NO warranty with a private sale), point out that you'll only buy if a warranty is included, handle what's available and pick something you like.

Depending on how old it will be either a one or two warranty.So, if the person has the receipt from the original purchase then you can use that for the warranty- if not you may have a problem proving the age of the camera. ON newer models they would have either been registered at the store for the 2 year warranty or online, in which case you will need to get the details from the seller.

When it comes to Nikon vs Canon, both manufacturers produce excellent cameras. Before making a decision go to a store and handle the various models, feel which one is more comfortable to use, fits your hands better etc. A good research tool to try and decide which models to look at is the comparison tool at http://www.snapsort.com/...apsort.com

It depends what camera you are buying and *where* it is purchased. If the original manufacturer's warranty has lapsed and you buy from a private party, there's no warranty. If you buy from a retailer, there may be some sort of short warranty period. If there's still some time left on the warranty, when the camera is sold, that warranty is not transferable.

Without a warranty (or ongoing, in-force maintenance contract), when "something goes wrong" you pay for the repair.

If you think you have selected a camera, download the camera's manual from the manufacturer's website. There's generally a section on the warranty. Compare that to the camera you are buying. The warranty usually starts on the *original purchase date*, not the date you buy. This will help you understand what coverage you might have. Ask the person you are buying from what the warranty is. Don't be surprised is they tell you there's no warranty.

Depends on who is selling it. Nikon doesn't sell used cameras. They do sell refurbished cameras. In most cases the warranty for a refurb is 90 days. Some dealers will add on time and make it one year.
I'd avoid buying a used camera. I bought a refurbished Nikon about 6 months ago. The shutter had only been tripped 40 times…
Canon won't be any better.

Virtually all camera manufacturers warranty is valid for the original purchaser only. If you buy a used camera, the warranty will be void.

Since there's some risk on your part in buying used equipment, your offer should reflect that risk. If you buy from a dealer, they sometimes offer an in-store warranty, which is also reflected on the premium price they usually ask for their equipment.