Pros & cons of buying a used Nikon?

[WhiteD3]

I need a better camera setup but right now I can't justify splashing out a couple of grand. So I was thinking about a used D60 then fishing around for some lens' to suit, again used. There's a ton of stuff on Ebay with 1yo D60 + lens going for ~$500-600 or less.

My thoughts re the camera is that its electronic technology like everything else and shouldn't deteriorate just because its 12 month old or so.

So suggestions, opinions please on (A) the merits of a second-hand purchase and (B) alternatives to a D60.

Cheers.

[abaddonxi]

I've had a bad run of secondhand lenses on ebay recently. I'd say pay with a credit card through paypal, then if the gear is no good you can get a refund and you're only out postage back.

Buy a cheap body and full frame lenses, then you've got lots of options when you want to upgrade.

[dullbird]

I was in cash convertors today and there was a D200 in there for 1200bux

[bblaze]

I was in cash convertors today and there was a D200 in there for 1200bux

there wasnt a d40 too
cheers
blaze

[inside]

I just entered the world of DSLR and have done quite a bit of research. Important things I've discovered are:

Lenses are vitally important. Try and get the best lens you can as a good lens now will arguably still be a good lens 10 years down the track if looked after. Bodies however will get superseded and improved.
You are buying into a system. Be that Nikon or other, this means your lenses are only going to fit the relevant bodies. Changing systems can be expensive and a hassle.
A DSLR has moving parts and can wear out.

For me I went the Pentax road as the price Vs features were better than the competition. It also has in body stabilisation not in the lens like Canon/Nikon this allows me to buy old lenses off eBay and they will still be stabilised. They all have their benefits/disadvantages though and really all modern DSLRs will take great pictures in the right hands. As I'm finding out the trick is learning how to take the great pictures, good fun though!

[WhiteD3]

Thanks Andrew. What model Pentax did you get?

[mfc]

have a look online at a used pentax k10d
they have a few advantages, one is price, there highly featured and very similar to a nikon in ergonomics(film nikon..) ,
1/ sealed body
2 / the shake re3duction is in the body not the individual lense
3/ you can use any pentax lens, right back to 1960s screw mount
4/some outstanding lenses

[Chucaro]

I do not know which type of photography you would like to do but just in case I wouls suggest to get a new D60 body from less than $700 HERE (http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/nikond60.htm) and then get the awesome Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 for less than $ 300.
I got my D200 from this shop and they are reputable and good.
If you like to do landscaping then later on get the Tokina 12-24 f/4 which is fantastic.

Cheers

[inside]

Thanks Andrew. What model Pentax did you get?
I have the K-7 which goes for about $1750 with a weather sealed lens. It's a new model so has a price premium however the feature set more than makes up for it.

[abaddonxi]

And if you're feeling brave buy grey market, can make for significant savings at the cost of warranty ease.

[WhiteD3]

And if you're feeling brave buy grey market, can make for significant savings at the cost of warranty ease.

I have no concerns re the grey market, just have to make sure you do your research. 6 years ago I purchased a $2000 Konika Minolta A2 direct from HK via ebay for $1200 and its been a great camera.

Problem is DSLR's have become soooo much cheaper in the last couple of years....I want one!

[Chucaro]

I did not have much time in having a look a comparo between the D60 and the d3000 which it is advertised for $ 699 and posible after negotiating can get a better deal.
Have a look HERE (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category389_1.htm)

If the D3000 is the model that replace the D60 then the D60 should be available for less than $ 600 if you look in the web.
Cheers

[abaddonxi]

NIKON - Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera | 2nds World Online (http://www.2ndsworld.com.au/product/nikon-nikon-d40-digital-slr-camera-d40)
$399 with kit lens.


FACTORY 2ND
Appliances in perfect working order, they may have a cosmetic blemish, be factory reworked, an ex display model, or just have a 'tiny ding' incurred during transit.

I'd give them a call first to discover what the damage is, but sure sounds cheap.

[WhiteD3]

I'm looking at a D60 body only. I was reading a review and the comparison on specs they had up stated that the D60 does not do bracketing, which sounds strange to me. Can anybody confirm this?

[Chucaro]

I'm looking at a D60 body only. I was reading a review and the comparison on specs they had up stated that the D60 does not do bracketing, which sounds strange to me. Can anybody confirm this?

That it is correct and also remember that Nikon has chosen not to install a focus drive in the camera body. This means that the range of auto-focus lenses available for the camera is very limited.

I still believe that a well look after used D80 or D200 is a better proposition ;)

[300+]

This link is in another thread:
KEH Camera: Nikon Digital - Camera Bodies (http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductList.aspx?Mode=&item=20&ActivateTOC2=&ID=72&BC=DN&BCC=3&CC=2&CCC=1&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=)

At those prices get a used D200. My dad has one and you can see the difference in picture quality between it and my Sony A100.

Cheers, Steve

[WhiteD3]

As I understand it the Nikon's (D60 anyway) have the AF drive in the lens, not the body. So I assume that the len's would be significantly dearer than say the equivalent for a Canon?

[Chucaro]

As I understand it the Nikon's (D60 anyway) have the AF drive in the lens, not the body. So I assume that the len's would be significantly dearer than say the equivalent for a Canon?

Does matter which type of lens you select, the Canon lens are heaps cheaper.
For this reason I recommend to go Canon if you considering in the future 300mm plus lens for wild life or birds.
The problem with the last models of Canon is that they have heaps of faults.
If you can get a 40D with little use then you will save heaps on the big lens.
If you only think in wide lens and telephoto lens up to 200mm them Nikon is the way to go. Far superior bodies.
The Nikon D300 is heaps better than the Canon 50D.

Read THIS (http://www.bythom.com/nikond60review.htm) review (which is very good) and you will know where you stand with the D60

Cheers