How do you know if your digital camera is an "opened item" or not when you purchased it?

Question

I just bought a digital camera online, and picked it up at the store. How would I know whether or not the digital camera is an opened item or not? I dont want one that has been returned by a previous owner.

Answer 1

Unless you are missing pieces or you find photos already on the camera or other indications of use (like scratches on the camera LCD or fingerprints on the camera), there's really no way to tell. As long as the warranty is valid, it won't matter.

Sealed boxes or opened boxes don't mean a thing. Sometimes a box gets opened to check the contents but the camera is never used/sold. And stores can seal up boxes so they look unopened.

Answer 2

Most boxes have a sticker seal. Check to see if it's been broken and/or taped over. Also check if there is still a plastic covering on the lens and viewfinder as well as if the cables are tied as normal.

If you bought it from a reputable store, I doubt they would really sell a used item without providing a discount. Things do occasionally get opened to show a customer, however. There's probably no way to get around that other than by ordering straight from a factory.