Nikon D80....buy one cheap?

Question

I've wanted to get a Nikon D80 for a while, but I just can't save up $$$ (~$900) to get one right now. Anyway, I've been searching on google, and keep finding sites that promise the D80 for anywhere from ~$250. Are any of them trustworthy?....or they just out there to rip me off in a one way or another?
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=cheap+nikon+D80&btnG=Google+Search

Answer 1

Go to resellerratings.com to see reviews of these "bargain" sellers. You'll find sad stories of high pressure and scams.
Bestpricecamera:
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/bestpricecamera
ExpressCamera:
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Express_Cameras
USA PhotoNation:
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/USA_Photo_Nation

Here's a reliable Ebay vendor (Cameta Camera) who sells only US officlal imported Nikons. This is important because unofficial imports (grey market) won't be repaired by Nikon, even if you offer to pay!

Cameta has new and demo cameras with warranties. I see D80's with an 18-55mm lens going for $819.95.
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Cameta-Camera_d80_W0QQfcdZ2QQfciZ5QQfclZ4QQfromZR10QQfsnZCametaQ20CameraQQfsooZ1QQfsopZ3QQfsubZ3QQsascsZ2QQsaselZ27280321QQsbrsrtZdQQsofpZ2

You can also post a 'wanted' ad on your local Craigslist. That way, you can find a nice used camera from soneone who's upgrading and actually see and handle the camera before buying.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Old saying: "If it sounds too good to be true it is."

The camera you're interested in priced at ~$250 is probably a factory-refurbished body only. Of course the seller will offer an "accessory kit" (probably higher priced than the body) with everything else that should come in the box with a new camera. Then you'll need a lens which will also be over-priced. Its also unlikely you'll get a factory warranty, much less a USA warranty, just one the seller offers and only honored in some backwater part of the world that even UPS hasn't found.

Delay gratification until you can buy from a reputable seller.

Answer 3

I think the best way to go about getting this camera cheaper is through ebay. As far as I have heard, everyone has gotten exactly what they ordered. You may want to check that the person you are buying it from has a refund policy, so that if it is broken in some way when you get it, you can send it back for a full refund.