BOTTOMLINE:

Highend Manufacturer Refurbished cameras like this are the best way to get started with photography/videography.  Incredible quality for a product that is basically new, and backed by a 1 year warranty from the manufacturer.  These “refurb” cameras are often even better than new because they’ve been subjected to a second even more rigorous inspection process for performance issues (like back-focusing, shutter mechanism longevity, body sealing, etc.).  You truly can get the most for your money by purchasing one of these slightly outdated (but still incredible) cameras at a fraction of their original price.

BEST FOR:

Your first big digital camera purchase, or adding a second camera body to your shooting arsenal.  These are great additions as dedicated travel or family cameras.  Less fear of damaging a $3000+ studio setup means you’re shooting more and always traveling with your most capable equipment, which is most important of all.  For more dangerous assignments where obscurity and preparedness against theft are advised, you can carry this confidently without worrying about losing a major resource investment, and without really sacrificing anything in terms of usable results.