Buying my first Nikon SLR - advice much needed!

[ned1]

<p>Two words: Buy Used!</p>

[sea_ram]

<p>used what though?<br>

I have two problems with buying used<br>

1) the average prices Ive seen dont seem that low when compared with the most competitive retail prices so buying it new is a no brainer<br>

2) despite promises made and claims of being 'mint' with only 2000 actuations etc how do we know if the camera has been dropped, banged or has any minor technical issues until well into usage by which time its probably too late, unlucky!<br>

So, unless its from a VERY trusted source, I would always prefer to get the lowest price, new.</p>