DSLRUsers.com

Hi all,
I currently own a D70, on which the back command dial has just stopped working. I had it repaired before for a different issue...I'm getting a bit sick of it as I rely on it for additional income. I was planning on getting a new camera in time for my holiday in Europe in december and was looking at the D80 and D200. What would make me go for the D200 at the moment is the CF card support (D80 has SD) and the 5 FPS speed compared to 3 of the D80. However, the retail value of the D200 is MUCH higher then the D80 that I've been quoted.
Another minus for the D80 would be the supply - I'm not guaranteed to get my hands on one before I fly out, wheras the D200 is readily available.

My question I guess is this: Can I get a cheaper price from sellers here in the forum than the $2600 I've been quoted in the "outside" world and more importantly can I buy an extended warranty for a grey import that is valid in Australia, so I'm not repeating my experience with my D70?

Tim, firstly...welcome to the forum. You will love it here
Your questions are good ones. If you can stretch your budget to the D200 you won't be dissapointed, and your logic behind wanting to keep the CF cards is good.
To be entitled to the bargains here, stick around a little longer and in due time (how quickly are you wanting to get the camera?) you will be entitled to some of the amazing (grey) bargains that are available to members here.
What sort of photography do you do as your other source of income?
Moving from the D70 to the D200 seems to be a natural progression, however if you can hang out a little bit, the financial 'strain' of going that bit better for the D200 will be worth it.

Geoff wrote:To be entitled to the bargains here, stick around a little longer and in due time (how quickly are you wanting to get the camera?) you will be entitled to some of the amazing (grey) bargains that are available to members here.

Thanks Geoff, I've been lurking for a while now, posting then and there.
I definitely want it before december. do you know anything about purchasing separate Australian warranties for grey imports?

Geoff wrote:What sort of photography do you do as your other source of income?

I do animal photography, mostly dog action and portraits. I've done a wedding for a friend but wouldn't consider this for strangers as the pressure would be too high!!

cawdor wrote:
Thanks Geoff, I've been lurking for a while now, posting then and there.
I definitely want it before december. do you know anything about purchasing separate Australian warranties for grey imports?

Maxwell's policy on grey imports is that they will never look at them. So you forget about a local warranty.

I had a friend try and get them to look at his grey D50, and they wouldn't even though he was happy to pay them.

well that sucks - there goes my plan of saving some money. Does anyone know of a good place in OZ to buy the D200 for a good price? The cheapest I have seen so far in Perth is $2550.

Had a further look around and came across this site:

http://www.printercartridges.com.au/store/prod2675.htm

Nikon D200 with 3 year warranty - $2299

Can this be too good to be true?? Does anyone have experience with this seller?

Edit: looks like it's actually offered through http://www.camerasdirect.com.au/

cawdor wrote:Had a further look around and came across this site:

http://www.printercartridges.com.au/store/prod2675.htm

Nikon D200 with 3 year warranty - $2299

Can this be too good to be true?? Does anyone have experience with this seller?

Edit: looks like it's actually offered through http://www.camerasdirect.com.au/

I've had dealings with PrinterCartridges.com.au (AKA CamerasDirect.com.au) and they were communicative and speedy shippers. They were also the cheapest place I could find for cartridges for my new Canon printer. They charged me $4.95 to post 5 cartridges which I thought was very reasonable.

They also have a very good price on the D80 at $1539 - $1638 with a 3 year warranty.

Cheers

Justin

Tim, just ask them but at that price it sould likes grey import with a 3 yr mack warranty. I wouldn't rule out import stock as Maxwell usually don't do their own repairs and you will find the subcontractors more than willing to take your money. You will find plenty of opinions either way on this board.

Thanks for responses. Glen what's a Mack warranty?

Mack is a well known international camera warranty company.

http://www.mackcam.com