help me sell a video camera

July 5, 2005 1:01 PM

Video enthusiasts please help. I am trying to help my dad sell a used video camera. Canon L-2 hi 8 with pretty much every attachment/lens available. 2x extender, 3x zoom, 8x, 10x w/stabilizer, 15x, and 250mm super tele reflex lens. Is ebay my best bet? And is there a website that would help me determine the value of this eqipment?
posted by vronsky to Technology (4 answers total)

While I don't know about video equipment specifically, I would caution against seeking one number as "the value" of the equipment. It has different values in different markets. There is a different value on eBay than at the used camera store, than in the local classifieds, etc. As many of these markets are local, you'll have to do some research into what's available in your area.

What eBay does is level out the marketplace. Oversimplifying a little, if it's worth more in another area than it is in your area, then you can get more by selling it on eBay. If it's worth more in your area than elsewhere, then you lose by selling it on eBay. You can search completed auctions on eBay to determine what the "eBay value" is for each item.

In my eBay experience, most of the time you maximize your revenue by selling all the pieces and accessories separately (especially if it's not a current model -- few people will be looking for this model of camera but more will be looking for the accessories for a camera they already own).
posted by winston at 1:24 PM on July 5, 2005

Unless there is some underground L-2 fetishist community, I can't see how you're going to be able to recoup anything that would make it worthwhile to go through the hassle of trying sell this guy. I found this very positive review from 1994. Not matter how cheap you price this, there is a digital camcorder available for less.

It doesn't even look like you can use the lenses with more modern camcorders, so you won't be able to get much for them either, except as replacement pieces, as noted (on preview) by winston.

Looks like you can get ~$400 for it on ebay. That's probably your best bet.
posted by mzurer at 1:34 PM on July 5, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks for the answers. He also has a newer digital model Canon XL - 1 he is trying to sell with all the attachments. Sounds like it is his best bet.
posted by vronsky at 1:41 PM on July 5, 2005

Good thing about eBay: easy

Bad thing about eBay: competition and savvy buyers

There may be 20 similar cameras there.

Do you or your dad have a post-it-up board at work? People at work may not know that the video camera is only worth $400, if you're looking to make some $$$.
posted by k8t at 4:05 PM on July 5, 2005