The photography workbench · 10
Meet your next camera.
Look a little closer.
Work through a practical inspection, record what you find and download a report. A shutter count is one clue; the whole camera deserves a look.
Explore all 10 tools ↗Your inspection.
20 checks · five areas- Passed
- 0
- Issues found
- 0
- Not checked
- 20
- Not applicable
- 0
Start with the body, then make a few test photographs.
Drafts are saved only when you press Save. They include your notes and serial reference, so use your own device.
Body & condition
01 / 05Body, mount & screws
Look for dents, cracks, loose parts and signs of impact. Check that the lens mount is secure.
Add a note
Compartments & contacts
Inspect accessible battery and card compartments for corrosion, damaged pins or residue.
Add a note
Screen & viewfinder
Check brightness, touch controls, diopter, dead pixels and any viewfinder obstruction.
Add a note
Doors, seals & sockets
Check hinges, latches, strap lugs and socket covers. Do not water-test the camera.
Add a note
Sensor & shutter
02 / 05Sensor test frame
Photograph an evenly lit plain surface at a narrow aperture. Inspect for spots, bands and scratches in the image. Never touch the sensor.
Add a note
Several shutter speeds
Take frames at slow and fast speeds in suitable light. Look for inconsistent exposure or unexplained bands.
Add a note
Burst & playback
Shoot a short burst, wait for writing to finish, and inspect every frame at full magnification.
Add a note
Shutter-count evidence
Ask for a fresh original file and inspect its metadata. Record the source and any uncertainty; file numbering is not a shutter count.
Add a note
Focus & controls
03 / 05Single autofocus
Use a known-good lens on near and distant detailed subjects. Repeat a few times and inspect actual files.
Add a note
Continuous autofocus
Try a moving subject in good light using the appropriate autofocus mode. Note repeatability, not just one missed frame.
Add a note
Manual focus & lens communication
Check manual focus, aperture changes and lens recognition. Test stabilization if the camera or lens provides it.
Add a note
Buttons, dials & hot shoe
Try the controls you use, including half-press, joystick and custom buttons. Test flash contacts only with compatible equipment.
Add a note
Storage, power & connections
04 / 05Every card slot
Use known-good compatible cards. With the owner’s permission, take and read back photos from every slot. Do not format their card.
Add a note
Battery & charger
Check battery fit and displayed health if available. Verify that the charger works; avoid damaged or swollen batteries.
Add a note
Video & microphone
Record and play a short clip. Check sound and any recording features you intend to use.
Add a note
Ports & wireless features
Test the connections you need with compatible cables or devices. Mark unavailable features as not applicable.
Add a note
Files & handover
05 / 05JPEG and RAW files
Open fresh original files on your own device. Inspect full-resolution images, not only the rear display.
Add a note
Body, box & file identity
Compare available model and serial information. Ask about any mismatch and record what you could verify.
Add a note
Repairs & service history
Ask about repairs, replaced shutters, heavy use and known faults. Record documentary evidence separately from claims.
Add a note
Accessories & agreed condition
List included accessories, disclosed faults and any agreed return terms. Keep the written details with your inspection report.
Add a note
Keep a record.
Your findings, in one fileThe report includes all checks and notes, including unfinished checks. Review it before sharing.
An HTML file you can open offline and print or save as PDF from your browser.
Evidence, not a pass-or-fail certificate.
This checklist records observations. It cannot establish remaining shutter life, ownership or future reliability. “Not applicable” means a feature is absent or outside your inspection; it does not mean that feature passed.
Use the shutter-count and metadata reader with a fresh original file, and follow the used-camera buying guide for more context. Inspect only with the owner’s permission and avoid dismantling the camera.