Confirm the exact camera model and sale form
Look for the complete model name and generation. Mark, R, S, II, III, IV, V, Pro and similar suffixes can identify a substantially different camera from the base family. Do not let a broad family name erase a price-relevant revision.
Also determine whether the listing is body-only, a retail kit with a lens, or a larger bundle. Lens kits and accessory bundles should not silently enter a body-only price comparison just because they share the same camera model.
Inspect physical and electronic condition
Ask for clear photos of the body, screen, mount and exposed corners. Ask about drops, moisture, repairs and known faults. Where practical, test buttons, dials, card slots, ports, autofocus and image stabilisation if the camera provides it.
Shutter count can be relevant for some cameras, but it should be interpreted in the context of the model and shooting modes. It is one data point rather than a universal health score.
Check the sensor, lens and included equipment
A controlled test image can help reveal obvious sensor dust or image issues. For an included lens, inspect the glass, focus, zoom or aperture mechanism as appropriate and look for signs of impact or moisture. Batteries, charger, caps, straps and original packaging can also affect the practical value.
Ask whether batteries are original or third-party and whether any missing charger, cap or cable is required for normal use. The value of included equipment should be separated from the body when the comparison evidence does not prove an identical bundle.
Compare prices with the same camera variant
Do not use an older generation, another sensor format or a lens kit as a direct body-only comparison. A good price check preserves the camera variant and condition, and it should reject obvious cages, grips, screen protectors and other accessories even when the exact camera model is in the title.