Recently I have been looking to Purchase a used Nikon DSLR. I have looked around on line at various models, and read various reviews. From what I have gathered so far, the Nikon D70, D80, or D200 would be the way to go for my budget (preferably the 200 if I had a grand to invest). I was wondering if anyone has a line on any used Nikon digital gear or any thoughts on pros and cons of the three cameras listed above? I am basically looking to do some professional free lance work, and also do some assistant work with local wedding photographers. Any input or suggestions would be much appreciated.

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The word "Professional" knocks the D70 & D80 out of the running.
Click the B&H or Adorama banners to the right. They both have great used departments. Also, check Chuck Rubbins out.
If you are patient and careful with your research, you should be able to find a good deal on eBay or craigslist. Oftentimes, you can find pro or pro-sumer gear there which has been bought by the proverbial doctor/lawyer/dentist photo enthusiast and babied and barely used, then sold at a big discount when the next thing strikes their fancy. A few months ago, I won a D200 like this on eBay for $750, with fewer than 5,000 shutter clicks; I had been looking for two months before it came along. Not long ago there was a D70 with a 18-70 kit lens on the louisville craigslist for sale for less than $400- it might even still be there. Ryan is right that the D70 and D80 don't really qualify as pro cameras- but the biggest difference there is the build quality of the body and the speed of operation. If you don't need a body with great environmental seals or 6 frames a second, the D70/80 should be just fine. The D80 has the same sensor and software as the D200, so the files will be about the same, for instance. Finally, I'd think twice about the D70 at this point- it's getting old. Newer cameras will not only have more pixels, better software, and larger screens, but more importantly, they will generally have fewer miles, fewer shutter clicks and less wear and tear. Good luck!
i don't know any people that are selling used gear. but if you go to Murphy's on Bardstown, they have lots of used gear for purchase.
Thanks everyone so much for your replies. The feed back has really helped me in my decision making process.
so what did you end up getting?

Michael A. Bell said:
Thanks everyone so much for your replies. The feed back has really helped me in my decision making process.
I have not purchased a camera yet - I plan to do this towards the end of august. At this point, after handling and shooting with the D100, the D70, and the D200 - I would definitely say That the D200 is the way to go.

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