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 ( 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 Bodies however will get superseded and improved.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 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.