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Cheap D70s body only?

glassbus11

By glassbus11
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glassbus11

glassbus11

Posted
Posted

Im in the market for a D70s. I want the body only becuase I already

own lenses that will be compatible. Why buy more when I dont need it

as of yet? Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knows of somewhere cheap

I can get one. I have found these two places online and I found

nothing good on EBay, just so you know.

 

http://www.expresscameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=340648&start=1 -$599

 

http://www.royalcamera.com/nid761me.html -$425

 

Shipping is probably unbelievably expensive, I havent checked yet

actually. Also plus tax...

 

If anyone knows where I can get good stuff cheap, I will love you

forever. I am cool with refurbished items or factory demos, but no

used junk please! Remember: Im looking for body only.

 

Thanks in advance if you can be of any help to me!

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john schroeder

john schroeder

Posted
Posted
Joyce; The cheapest price is rarely the best value. Buy your camera body from a good localy owned camera shop. They won't be any more expensive than a reputable online retailer. You might have to pay sales tax but then you won't have to pay shipping either. If you purchase your camera from a localy owned shop they will always be there for you when you have questions or need advice. That is where the real value is to be found.
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jay_blocksom

jay_blocksom

Posted
Posted

<BLOCKQUOTE><I><B>Shun Cheung, jun 29, 2005; 05:12 p.m.</B>

<br>

In your case, try to get a D70 instead of a D70s and enjoy the discount and rebate while it lasts.

</I></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

AFAIK, the Nikon USA rebate applies *only* to the D70 Kit, not to the bare body that Joyce would be interested in.  Nikon *may* change that when the next round of rebates gets announced (presumably tomorrow?); but we won't know that until it happens (or doesn't).  That changes the economic picture enough that the D70 v.s D70s question is not nearly so much of a slam dunk...  The latter is only about $100-120 more expensive than the former, and does offer a few nice improvements for that difference, such as the corded remote release, (presumably marginally) improved battery, etc.; and too, down the road, resale value is likely to be slightly higher for a D70s than a D70, simply because it is the "New & Improved!" model.  Now, none of this is enough to make me want to trade in my D70 for a D70s (or to make me spend *more* than that $100-120 extra -- if even that much -- were I buying from scratch), but still...

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><I>

Check the ratings and buy from a legit place.

</I></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Agreed, in spades.

<br>

<br>

It's somewhat amazing to me that, now that the 'net is so ubiquitous, so many folks *still* seem to take these obvious scams seriously.  Back in the day when those big glossy ads in PopPhoto (or whatever) were more-or-less all anyone had to go on for "mail order" buying info, it was more understandable.  But now that there are so many alternative channels of reliable information available, it almost seems that some folks are flat-out *trying* to get ripped off.

<br>

<br>

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lex_jenkins

lex_jenkins

Posted
Posted

Be wary of "refurbished" items from places whose reputations can't be checked.

 

Even with the most honest resellers "refurb" has no definitive meaning.

 

Sometimes it means the buyer changed his mind, returned it within the no-questions-asked period, the seller checked it to make sure it still works and has all (or most) of the original goodies and is reselling it. It is, essentially, used.

 

Sometimes "refurbished" means the item has been checked with electronic testing equipment to ensure it meets factory specifications. Sometimes this also means certain parts may have been replaced to bring the item up to specs.

 

The newer an item is to the market, the less likely it is that "refurbished" has any meaning other than "the seller changed his mind". Even then it is unlikely the retailer will offer huge discounts for a popular item.

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armando_roldan

armando_roldan

Posted
Posted
I got my D70 a year ago from Ritz camera online. Free ship and no tax. In california, the tax alone would of been over $85 and about $15 for shipping. You can get a D70 BODY (NOT D70s) for $749 from www.ritzcamera.com and they usually can deliver in 3 days or less....free.
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glassbus11

glassbus11

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Posted
There are reputable places on the net where one can purchase things cheaper. A couple I know that mostly sell computer parts, electronics and things of that sort are Newegg.com and zipzoomfly.com. Its hard to tell. I am glad I asked and found out about these places being such crappy joints, but its not always so obvious.
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glassbus11

glassbus11

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I originally planned on getting it from Cameta Camera. They have an EBay store and are completely legit. I think their site is www.cameta.com. They often have amazing prices because of refurbrished items and factory demos and things of that nature.

 

A while back I purchased an N55 from them. It was apparently a store display camera. It was like it was brand new. There wasnt even a scratch on it. I have never had a problem with it and I would absolutely buy from them again. (I bought a lens from them at one point as well, but it was new I believe.) I cant remember how much, but I paid a lot less than buying it from most places new. I trust them, but the prices for what I was looking for are a little steep. They had a D70s body for somewhere around $725-$775, factory demo, but the auction ended before I decided if I was going to get one in the first place. Now I think I might just wait for them to put something like that up again.

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jay_blocksom

jay_blocksom

Posted
Posted

<BLOCKQUOTE><I><B>Joyce Michaud, jun 30, 2005; 12:22 a.m.</B>

<br>

There are reputable places on the net where one can purchase things cheaper. A couple I know that mostly sell computer parts, electronics and things of that sort are Newegg.com and zipzoomfly.com.

</I></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

I've bought from both of those; and while NewEgg is now on my Vendor Non Grata list due to my strict adherence to the <A HREF="http://www.yacktman.org/don/pledge.html">Boulder Pledge</A>, I have no other complaints.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><I>

Its hard to tell. I am glad I asked and found out about these places being such crappy joints, but its not always so obvious.

</I></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Well...  Yes and no.  Regardless of whether we're talking about computer parts or cameras, the same fundamental approach applies...  First, KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO BUY.  Then, do enough "homework" to get a solid idea of the going rate for that specific item from the better-known/respected well-established and *reliable* mail-order/online vendors.  Finally, compare any other prices/vendors you find to that "yardstick":

<ul>

<LI>

If any given mail-order/online vendor's price is significantly higher than that "going rate", then why bother?

</LI>

<LI>

If the price is a LOT lower than that "going rate", it's near-certain that the old adages about "If it seems too good to be true..." and "A fool and his money..." apply.  IOW: Run like He__!

</LI>

<LI>

If the price is a *moderately* lower than that "going rate", you *may* have found a legitimate bargain.  But you'll need to vet the vendor *thoroughly* via such resources as <A HREF="http://www.bizrate.com/ratings_guide/guide.html">BizRate</A> and <A HREF="http://www.resellerratings.com/">Reseller Ratings</A>, then make a value judgement about the potential risk vs. the potential savings.

</LI>

<LI>

If you're considering buying locally, as opposed to from a mail-order/online vendor, add whatever margin you think appropriate to that "going rate" to cover the added costs (and added value!) inherent with an established local merchant, where you have a door to knock on should the need arise; I usually figure 10-15% -- if they're much beyond that, they're not trying.  OTOH, if it is a smallish "Mom & Pop" shop, as opposed to one of the Mega-Chain operations (you know who I'm talking about), then *please* add several more percentage points to that margin, because we *need* to keep those outfits around, in the long haul.

</LI>

</ul>

 

In the specific case of most popular and at least semi-current camera gear, you have the added advantage of there being two or three *VERY* well-known/respected mail-order/online vendors who maintain detailed websites, which makes establishing that "yardstick" trivially easy -- namely: <A HREF="http://www.adorama.com">Adorama</A> and <A HREF="http://www.bhphotovideo.com">B&H Photo/Video</A> for new gear, and <A HREF="http://www.keh.com">KEH</A> for used stuff (tho' both of the other two also maintain Used Equipment departments, their websites don't reflect this as well).

<br>

<br>

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><I><B>Joyce Michaud Photo.net Patron, jun 30, 2005; 12:29 a.m.</B>

<br>

I originally planned on getting it from Cameta Camera. They have an EBay store and are completely legit.

<br>

<br>

[snip]

<br>

<br>

I trust them, but the prices for what I was looking for are a little steep. They had a D70s body for somewhere around $725-$775, factory demo, but the auction ended before I decided if I was going to get one in the first place. Now I think I might just wait for them to put something like that up again.

</I></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Why?  Do NOT let "eBay Fever" get in the way of your better judgement.  In that context/venue, "factory demo" near-certainly actually means, simply, "used".  Given that, you were quite right that those prices are "a little steep"; in fact, that's a significant understatement -- the same item, brand new with a full Nikon USA warranty is just $780 from either Adorama or B&H.  You'd go with a used piece to save, at most, 7 percent?!?  *I* certainly wouldn't.

<br>

<br>

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ShunCheung

ShunCheung

Posted
Posted

Joyce, there are a number of web sites such as http://www.resellerratings.com that rate these mail order pleases. Why don't you go there and check out their ratings?

 

buydig.com's price is almost the same as B&H's except that they throw in a 512M CF card which doesn't worth that much in these days and free shipping. You can always ask B&H to match those deals; worst comes to wrost, B&H will say no.

 

However, the best deal is to get the D70 instead of the D70s. The S model has a larger LCD on the back and can use a cable release. Otherwise, the two are the same. If you want to save down to the last $10, why not get the D70 instead, while it is still available new?

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=315793&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

 

In fact, the very best deal is to get the D70 with the kit lens and get a rebate. You can always sell the lens if you don't need it. It'll require more work, but if you want to save every penny, it won't be free.

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jay_blocksom

jay_blocksom

Posted
Posted

<BLOCKQUOTE><I><B>Joyce Michaud, jun 30, 2005; 11:10 a.m.</B>

<br>

I was refferred to this place from another source.

 

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=NKD70S

 

The price is more logical, except for the free overnight shipping and a free 512mb compact flash card. Does anyone know about this buydig place?

</I></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Well, BuyDig at least seems to have passable score on <A HREF="http://www.resellerratings.com/">Reseller Ratings</A>.  But this particular "deal" is certainly nothing to write home about.  An unspecified make/model 512MB CF card is not worth all that much under any circumstances (see <A HREF="http://www.pricewatch.com/prc.aspx?i=226&a=4003">PriceWatch</A> for confirmation).  And in the specific context of a D70 or D70s, it's near-worthless at any price, because it will *seriously* drag down the sensor-->buffer-->CF-card transfer performance, which (with the right CF card) is one of the D70/D70s's best features.  See <A HREF="http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-6816">THIS PAGE</A>

from Rob Galbraith's

<A HREF="http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007">CompactFlash Performance Database</A> for the details; and note the really HUGE difference in performance between the cards at the upper end of that list, vs. those at the bottom -- and it's a lead-pipe cinch that whatever el-cheapo card that BuyDig would be willing to "give away" with the D70s will be (or be equivalent to) one of the ones at/near the bottom.

<br>

<br>

As for the "Free Overnight Shipping!"...  So what?  If you were in that much of a hurry for the camera, you'd have ordered it from Adorama or B&H at least two or three days ago, and have it by now.

<br>

<br>

Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish.

<br>

<br>

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drolight

drolight

Posted
Posted

Consider www.digitalliquidators.com. A friend of mine bought his D70 there and hasn't

regretted it at all. Do be aware that the site may advertise their low prices for "gray

market" bodies. But if you are willing to gamble a bit, a gray market body should last you

just as long as a USA warranty (well, let's hope so anyway). Last I checked,

digitalliquidators were selling a D70 for $459. Again, it is likely a GRAY MARKET version.

Caveat emptor Joyce!

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jay_blocksom

jay_blocksom

Posted
Posted

<BLOCKQUOTE><I><B>fei8ht *, jul 03, 2005; 01:57 a.m.</B>

<br>

Consider www.digitalliquidators.com.

</I></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

You didn't read the earlier posts in this thread, particularly this one:

<BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE>

<I><B>Shun Cheung, jun 29, 2005; 05:12 p.m.</B>

<br>

Joyce, we all love to buy things cheap, but please see the comments in this thread:

<br>

<br>

<A HREF="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Cg0Z">http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Cg0Z</A>

<br>

<br>

In your case, try to get a D70 instead of a D70s and enjoy the discount and rebate while it lasts. Check the ratings and buy from a legit place.</I>

</BLOCKQUOTE>

</BLOCKQUOTE>

 

before you posted that, did you?

<br>

<br>

If you had, you would be aware that "Digital Liquidators" is an out-and-out scam operation, with an absolutely HORRID track record, as unequivocally shown by their <A HREF="http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2375.html">Reseller Ratings</A> page.

<br>

<br>

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drolight

drolight

Posted
Posted

Jay, Joyce etc.

 

My apologies. Yes, I admit I didn't read the other thread. I was merely letting you know of

what one professional photographer friend of mine experienced (and his was positive) with

digitalliquidators. But this is a democracy and so if everyone yells fire, we better pay

attention and run away from it. Stick to B&H (that's usually where I end up going anyway).

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jay_blocksom

jay_blocksom

Posted
Posted

<BLOCKQUOTE><I><B>Joyce Michaud, jul 04, 2005; 12:04 a.m.</B>

<br>

Just because it is an online source, it shouldnt be completely disregarded.

</I></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

I don't think anyone is suggesting otherwise.  In fact, you've had several recommendations (from myself and others) for online vendors who have well-established track records for fair dealing, excellent service and reasonable prices (most notably, Adorama and B&H; but there are a few others who are at least "OK", if not "great").  So, is there some reason you're *still* looking to scrape the bottom of the bargain barrel?

<br>

<br>

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