john_loughead1

Thank you to all that have contributed to this discussion. Your comments have been informative and wise. The D3x is not the camera that I need, even at this price. I have decided to let this one go and save some cash for a D750 or D7200. For my trip to Botswana next month I will take my daughter's D3200. Another compromise, but at no cost. Once again thank you.

Thanks Shun for the wise words of advice. The seller is a professional wildlife photographer who has a visible presence here, a website and conducts regular workshops and safari's. The owner has a pair of D4's so the 3x has become unused for some time, it gathers dust and although he has had the camera advertised for many months there have been no takers, possibly due to its age, size, rarity or relative price compared to point and shoot cameras. I have every confidence that the deal is real and that the seller is honest. As Explained earlier, I understand that this is not the ultimate camera for my intended use but at this price the alternatives are not that great either. Maybe I should save some cash until a D4 comes along but I am off to Botswana next month and really did not want to be changing lenses every time a different opportunity comes along. Thank you.

Thanks all for the good advice. Maybe to put this into context a D800 in South Africa is US2000, a D7200 is currently US1600 and the D3x is US1500 although this price is stil under negotiation. I will use my D800 and 500mm for distant and action shots and if I get a 3x then this would be for landscapes or near action with 24-70 or 70-200mm. I guess that I am trying to talk myself into a D3x but the D7200 is a good option too. The D3x will give me an answer tomorrow so I will make a decision soon.

I understand and agree with all comments above. The pricing is odd because I am based in Africa where a new D750 is way out of my price range. A used D800 goes for about USD2000 but the D3x is USD1500 or equivalent. A would prefer a D3s or D3 but these are not easily found, have high shutter counts and are over USD2500 if in ok condition. I know that the x is not ideal for my intended use, but it is a backup or for low ISO use. I guess I will find it difficult to sell in the future but at this price can I go wrong?

I have the opportunity to buy a Nikon D3x to be used as a wildlife back up camera. I know that this is not an ideal camera for low light and frames per second but there is some logic to this. I currently have a D800 with grip as my main camera but I need a backup to avoid changing lenses in dusty african locations. The D3x has 23k actuations and been serviced by Nikon. The price is what makes this deal attractive. The camera price is 25% less than a used D800 and about half of the price of a D750. The advantage to me seems to be pro body, weather sealing and portrait grip. Or should I consider something else? Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.