D70/D70s availability issue, used vs new

If you buy used, KEH.com has 2 or 3 D70 bodies in Exc+ condition. WIth their conservative rating, that's probably like new. Buy one, test it out for a week, and if you do not want it for any reason, return it. As long as you return it within a couple of weeks, KEH will accept it.

Personally though, I'd get a new D70s instead.

KL

I agree with KLIX...don't chance it with used...the EX rating at KEH and others is for all practical purposes a 'cosmetic' rating...get a new 70s with a full warranty... my 2�

Body only for D70s can be found on ebay for around 850 new.

Will G.

You could...

a) Keep shopping around for a D70 body (as opposed to the kit) available new. Someone may have one on the shelf.

b) Buy what IS in stock: a D50 body or a D70s body.

c) Buy the D70 kit because your lens is admittedly a poor one, and the kit 18-70 lens with the D70 is a good lens.

d) Use the online "tell me when this item is in stock" feature at B&H so they can let you know by email if or when they get more D70 bodies to sell.

I would avoid buying a digital SLR used. You don't save that many dollars. In return for those small savings, you give up the warranty on a delicate, occasionally temperamental product for which repairs can be expen$ive. I don't see the logic in it.

Be well,

Thanks so much for all your input.
You guys've confirmed my fears about buying used. I guess I'll keep looking out a for a new D70 (hopefully I might find one). Of course any day a 70s or a kit may be better but I'll try to be patient until I can afford a good lens :-)

You might find a D50 fits your needs (and budget). I suspect many people who have the D70 really could have done with the D50.

You lose wireless flash, DOF and a couple ISO settings (Intermediate), but none of those are deal-breakers.

Just a thought....

I bought my D70 from Ritz Camera around August of this year, and it has the full 1 year US warranty. I'll have to let it go once the D200 becomes available, which should be around January.

My questions is, can't the balance of the warranty be transferred to the new owner if I sell him the camera with the receipt?

I've been using a D70 since it came out, but recently started using a D50 as well. I have to say, I'm impressed with the D50. I think the autofocus is faster and better in low light. I really don't miss the front command (sub-command?) dial, it feels about as solid as the D70, and has a larger LCD as well as better rated ISO 1600 picture quality. You ought to give it a look at $599(US) at B&H.

Nikon USA's warranty is not transferrable. It terminates when the original owner sells the camera/lens/flash.

The D50 uses SD memory cards. At this point all other Nikon DSLRs use CF cards. If you have plans to upgrade or own multiple DSLRs, memory card compatibility could be an issue.

I think the memory card compatibility issue is overplayed. Most of the people on this forum probably own or owned medium format equipment in addition to 35mm format and storage media compatibility was never an issue. Not exactly the same thing, but you get my point. If you sell the D50 and upgrade, you can always include the cards in the sale if you really think you'll never again use them. After selling four digital cameras in the last three months (all of which used CF), I now have three left, two of which use SD! I would not have anticipated this.

To R Jackson: If you sell you D50, you certainly can include your SD cards. It is kind of like if you sell your camera, you can sell all of your lenses too so that you are completely free to buy into another brand.

And how about if you just want to add a higher-end DSLR such as the D200 and keep your D50 as a backup or 2nd body. It is kind of a pain that your two bodies use different types of memory cards. That is not as bad as having different lens mounts, but it is an inconvenience down the road that you can avoid up front.

I also consider battery type an issue when I buy multiple DSLRs. When I travel with multiple bodies, it would be better if they all use the same type of battery so that I can carry fewer and don't need multiple chargers.

Thanks again for your thoughts and suggestions.
I should say that D50 did cross my mind I've been holding off on that mostly for the mem card issue and also since I am not the one who upgrades soon although I can keep it as a back up body, when I do upgrade.
One thing about buying that is driving me crazy is the games the dealers are playing, even the reputable ones. One day they say new D70 is not available and they don't have it on the web site but the very next day (still not showing on their site) they are trying to sell me D70s but on insisting or asking me to tell me when D70 becomes available the salesperson tells me they have it in stock and if I want to place an order? I just don't get it.
Anyways, how does $750 for a new D70 sound? Is that a good price?

Shun

I try to limit the chargers I carry, too. Makes good sense. And while I acknowledge your "sell all of your lenses" analogy, we are only talking a couple of $80 SD cards, not thousands of dollars invested in lenses.

I'm just saying that, in my experience, card compatibility is a non-issue. But it may not work for everyone.