Nikon D7000, new vs refurbished: I am seriously considering upgrading/updating from a Nikon D80 to a Nikon D7000. The refurbished model costs about 17% less than a new one and some...

dj8510 Loc: Peru, NY

I am seriously considering upgrading/updating from a Nikon D80 to a Nikon D7000. The refurbished model costs about 17% less than a new one and some venders offer a free additional 1 yr warranty on the refurbished model. Has anyone had any experience with a refurbished Nikon camera or other refurbished cameras, good or bad?

JohnM Loc: Springfield, Illinois

good question!!!!

barbara0119 Loc: Atlanta

I have purchased two Nikon refurbished cameras from B & H Photo and would never purchase anything else. I have had no problems with either and they come with the same warranty as a new one. For the record I have purchased a d3000 and a d60 and every lens that I own is refurbished. So far so good.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I own one lens that's refurbished and it works great. I have a friend also that only owns refurbished. His reason is that a camera or lens is build on sort of product line. With Refurbished, you have One Technician working on That lens or camera, that he or she is responsible for. More accountability means better job as a whole.

effrant Loc: New Hampshire

I returned a D7000 for a defect, and am awaiting the stupid seller to refund my money, because they don't have a replacement in stock. When I ever get my money back, I will probably get a refurb. Think of it this way, you buy a NEW cam, have a problem, send to Nikon for repair, you get back a "refurbished" unit. What's the difference?

geoffmalter Loc: NorCal

I purchased a refurbished Nikon D40 two years ago as my way of economically entering the world of DSLR photography. Couldn't be happier: after two years and over 10,000 accuations, never a problem, and this includes my daughter borrowing it for her world travels.

Mine came with 120 accuations, and I learned that in many cases, when a camera is returned as buyers' remorse, demos, new stock from BKed retailers, etc., are returned to Nikon, they cannot resell as new so the equipment becomes "factory refurbished". Even when the gear was replaced due to QC problems, the refurbished items are completely inspected and brought back to factory specs. New units off the assembly line may have one per 100 checked at time of manufacture. I have no hesitation buying refurbished in the future.

Three month factory warranty. KEH extends this by another three months; Cameta for a year total.

Thom Loc: Cleveland Ohio

Refurb'd from the factory.....with a warranty?....I do it with my lenses as well!!! why pay $489 for a lense when it can cost you $235.....

dragonfist Loc: Stafford, N.Y.

effrant wrote:

I returned a D7000 for a defect, and am awaiting the stupid seller to refund my money, because they don't have a replacement in stock. When I ever get my money back, I will probably get a refurb. Think of it this way, you buy a NEW cam, have a problem, send to Nikon for repair, you get back a "refurbished" unit. What's the difference?

I love your logic. Great thinking.

drobdiver Loc: Niantic, CT

I have purchased several camers that have been refurbished: D80, D90, Olympus 720 SW etc. Many have been from B&H.
First D90 came and was non functional; round tripped it and received the second in two days (B&H). Daughter is still using D80 in Montana; I've shot thousands of photos with Olympus and D90-no issues. As long as you are buying from a reputable house (like B&H) you should be good to go and have a few extra scheckels in you pocket to boot.

Adirondack Hiker Loc: Southern Adirondacks

A couple of years ago, I got a refurbished D5000 from Adorama, and have't had a problem with it. Saved enough money to get a refurbished 18-105 lens. Only way to fly.

snowbear

effrant wrote:

I returned a D7000 for a defect, and am awaiting the stupid seller to refund my money, because they don't have a replacement in stock. When I ever get my money back, I will probably get a refurb. Think of it this way, you buy a NEW cam, have a problem, send to Nikon for repair, you get back a "refurbished" unit. What's the difference?

Keep in mind that there is a shortage on Nikon products and parts. The Japan tsunami and the Indonesian flooding directly affected Nikon's factories. I understand that new cameras were only recently starting to roll out.

patrick28 Loc: Port Jeervis, NY

dj8510 wrote:

I am seriously considering upgrading/updating from a Nikon D80 to a Nikon D7000. The refurbished model costs about 17% less than a new one and some venders offer a free additional 1 yr warranty on the refurbished model. Has anyone had any experience with a refurbished Nikon camera or other refurbished cameras, good or bad?

Go to the top of the screen and do a search on "refurbished".
(It's under the heading, "SEARCH".)
There was a great thread on the top about a week ago.

The refurbished item has gone through abn extra step of quality control.
Many new cameras coming off the line go through NO quality control.
The consensus was that the refurbished is actually better than "new".

dj8510 Loc: Peru, NY

Wow! Thank you all so much for the great information regarding "refurbished". I value your words as I know they come from people who are really good at what they do. Thanks again.

JohnM Loc: Springfield, Illinois

Yes, thanks everyone, I know you speak from the heart

mariamaria

Thank you sooooo much for all this info!
GETTING READY TO BUY A NEW CAMERA AND GREAT INFO!
IT MAKES TOTAL SENSE TO ME NOW TO BUY REFURBISHED,... WHO DOESNT WANT "QUALITY CONTROL"!

I'm brand new to this Forum,.. how do I add my photo below my user name- mariamaria, like all you guys?