New or 2nd hand?

[Kinky]

As some will know, my trusty D50 is having a tough time of it recently.

So much so, that I'm going to replace it (with a limited budget). Which begs the question - do I buy a 2nd hand D50 (circa £150ish); or do I buy a brand new Nikon, which I guess would be the D3000 (circa £370ish).

I appreciate the pros and cons of each. But really struggle to decide which way to go. I happened to be passing a Jessops earlier, so popped in and explained that if they had any good deals on a D3000, then I'd take one there and then. Unfortunately, he was unable to do anything, other than a few quid off a memory card.

It's only used for general family stuff, and some extreme macro/close-up stuff.

Any thoughts one way or another?

[SamHH]

I'd definitely go second-hand, but only you can decide whether it's worth taking the risk.

It's also worth considering that if you're willing to spend £370 on a new D3000 (although you can get one here for £340), you could get a posher second hand body for similar money like this:

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...

[Kinky]

Thanks for the link Sam

And now I'm thinking a D70s

[tinman0]

Kinky said:

Any thoughts one way or another?

Replaced a dead Canon 400D with a s/h 400D a couple of weeks ago. The camera I got off eBay is in excellent condition, so good that the OH thought it was shop restock stolen in fact. But we did find a bit of dirt in the end just to make her happy.

However, the £200 I saved on the body can now go to more glass. Which if the lens I want ever comes into stock anywhere, I'll be doing exactly that.

Go s/h, and buy more glass.

[grumpy bear]

Kinky said:

Thanks for the link Sam

And now I'm thinking a D70s

Have you thought about a D80, I've had both and I would say the D80 was a big jump ahead.

LCE have 5 or so in the sub £400 mark in various parts of the country.

[Simpo Two]

Kinky said:

And now I'm thinking a D70s

I wouldn't say that the D70s is much ahead of where you are. I'd say either get another D50 for fourpence, or upgrade and go for a D80.

[AndWhyNot]

SamHH said:

I'd definitely go second-hand, but only you can decide whether it's worth taking the risk.

It's also worth considering that if you're willing to spend £370 on a new D3000 (although you can get one here for £340), you could get a posher second hand body for similar money like this:

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...

If you buy from a used specialist there's nothing to fear. Mostly I buy used cos I work my equipment hard and there's no need for it to be shiny when I get it, just working!

I've used MPB (as per the link) for bodies and accessories, and Aperture, Ffordes and Grays for lenses - I'd use all of them again.

Used D80 is well worth looking at as you'll notice a big step up in ISO performance and image quality from the D50/ D70 but don't be pressed into paying too much as they're in plentiful supply. Check as many functions as you can when you handle it as build quality can start to fray with older/ more used examples.

[ian in lancs]

I have a mollycoddled Chrome D50 I'd let go for £150 incl spare battery, box etc - PM if you're interested!

[Kinky]

ian in lancs said:

I have a mollycoddled Chrome D50 I'd let go for £150 incl spare battery, box etc - PM if you're interested!

Wow - surreal (in terms of timing)

Mrs. K and I have had it out (oooer!) and discussed the pros/cons of each - and have finally agreed to another D50; and use the rest of the avialable fund to acquire a Tamron 90 - probably from LCE

Ian - PM on its way

[Kinky]

Just did a check on the number of shutter releases on our D50 .... 22,590!

Not a lot for 5 years use (although I could swear it was much longer than that)!