Bpace Loc: Alabama

496.95 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6-NIKKOR/dp/B007VGGFZU/ref=sr_1_1?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&ie=UTF8&qid=1384354599&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+-+d3200


Personally, I would get the body only and an aftermarket lens such as the Sigma 18-200

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-18-200mm-F3-5-6-3-Nikon-Camera/dp/B005SC9FU6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384353829&sr=8-2&keywords=sigma+18-200mm+f3.5-6.3+ii+dc+os+hsm

A little more $$ but MUCH more wide angle to zoom range.

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

In the Minneapolis area we have National Camera and West Photo. Both are great locations for instant professional advice given by people who know, not people who are hired to sell inventory. I feel overqualified to sell at best buy and under qualified to sell for N/A or W/P. They sell at the same prices, have stock of used equipment which they usually warranty for a reasonable period, have access to manufacturer refurbished equipment, and offer free and fee based training. Get to know a store that will have services for you that will grow as you grow. I hope you live in an area like Minneapolis that has stores like others have mentioned. In the mean time UHH is a great group to get to know. Welcome and good luck.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome Karen

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

Extra warranties can be troublesome, it depends on what they cover and what they require to get the coverage when you need it. I bought one for a used car once and discovered it got me a box of lubricants to add to all the fluids. Another on a VCR turned bad when I found the company had gone out of business a week before the VCR developed problems. Pretty much a crap shoot.
If you have homeowners insurance, check with your agent to find out a)if it would be covered, b)what would they cover, and c)how much would it cost for a rider on your policy to get the coverage you would like. You may find it's far cheaper to go with a rider than an added warranty

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Have had bad experiences at best buy when something didn't work, they also have a restocking fee if you return it. and the folks selling camera equip don't really know their stuff very well.
Stick with a place like BnH, 30 day no hassle return policy, and every sales person knows their stuff.

sbesaw Loc: Boston

If you want to quote me don't cherry pick. I also said "Any dealer deviating from Nikon's MSRP by more that $3.00 is subject to loss of product for 30 days on the first offense." Now I know that you are an expert on this but since I work in the industry let me add my $ .02. Nikon, by contract, allows their resellers a $3.00 margin for error in their pricing before they (NIKON) issue penalties. Most companies advertise at MSRP in this case $ 499.95. Others, in order to get every edge and appeal to those who will jump to save $3.00 will advertise at MSRP less $ 3.00.
Enjoy Amazon.
If I buy locally, and I was a consumer prior to retiring and getting into the business, i get what I feel are several advantages. I know that not all have access to a camera store.
1. I get to touch, feel, go outside and shoot anything I'm interested in.
2. If I buy and don't like it I can come by within reasonable time with original packaging and get full refund or exchange.
3. I can talk with like minded people, remember the time before computers, email, forums, iPad's, Smart phones, when people actually spoke to each other face to face? I kind of like that.
4. If i need a new lens, instead of posting here and getting 50 opinions from good hearted folks with all levels of experience that no matter how well intentioned have no knowledge of me or my shooting abilities, I drop by my local store. I talk about the properties of a few lenses. I pick them up, I step outside, I make some images, I go back in and compare them on a computer. I buy the lens. YEAH. 2 weeks later it seems to develop a back focusing issue. I stop by my local shop. the take a look and agree. They hand me a new copy. I have been with out that new lens for a total of 3 minutes.
5. I start to notice an issue with some of my shots. I stop by me shop. 3 employees with 50 years experience take a look and get me back on track. Cost $.00
The sales tax is a small price to pay for this level of service. Not to mention that the money goes back into my community and that I am helping a local business. I have done business with Amazon. They have a great business model. Walmart is starting to copy them (recently covered on National News) as the can learn from their customer service. I'm just old fashioned and prefer to do business face to face when possible and support the local, my local economy.

Now as to your advice on a Nikon D3200 Body only, please direct me to where I can get one new. Thanks

For someone getting into DSLR Photography and who wants Nikon, the D3200 w/18-55 is a good choice. Lots to learn and the 18-55 is a good lens to learn with. After time and practice you will be in a better position to decide what type lens you need to broaden your portfolio, landscape, macro, portrait, sports, etc. That's when a trip to the camera store becomes special as you can try the lenses and see the results.

I realize that this approach isn't for everyone. There are those that simply don't have access and those that would rather save a nickel that shop locally and that's what makes this country great, a little something for everyone.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Does B&H charge you tax? Robert's, in Indiana, won't.

http://robertscamera.com/

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Costco's return policy on cameras is 90 days Doc ..... that's a time frame a Wabbit could love

Mark L

All the places mentioned here are good choices. As it's been noted, stay away from places that offer really cheap prices. Those are usually the kind of place that will call you after an on-line order and try to sell you a lot of cheap junk you don't want.
One other place to consider is directly from Nikon in their refurbished department - http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Store/Refurbished-Cameras.page
They don't have the D3200 listed right now, but the list keeps changing, so it's worth checking back from time to time. I got a great deal on a D800 from them.

HelenOster Loc: New York

I think that's me..............but I'm from the OTHER place!!!

Bpace Loc: Alabama

I only quoted you because it had a price on it and I was showing a similar price at a seller I recommend, thats all.
Now, go un-wad your panties...

On your points 1-5, Many of us do not have a local shop with knowledgeable staff. You can go to best buy and get all touchy-feely if needed.
Most of those points can be done from the comfort of your home, free.
If you dont like it return it for free and no tax except for a few states. Tax alone runs ~$40-60 on $500.

To each their own... I prefer researching a product online and
getting info and opinions from many sources vs 1-2 people who may have their own personal preferences.
Again without having to travel all over town.
kinda like this newfangled forum thingy.....

How do you go to your shop for $.00? do you walk?


Took me 20 grueling seconds to find body only..You're welcome

http://www.tristatecamera.com/product/Nikon_D3200_24_2_Megapixel_HD_Video_Wi-Fi_Compatibility_DSLR_Body_NIKD3200BK_D3200BK_.html?refid=279&KPID=NIKD3200BK*&gclid=CLzmsa6O4roCFUhk7AodIAMAuQ

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1921394857775474660?q=nikon+d3200&sqi=2&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.56343320,d.eW0,pv.xjs.s.en_US.MQa49N4e8b4.O&biw=1778&bih=868&tch=1&ech=1&psi=R5-DUpaeOIzIkAeXn4DwCQ.1384357745563.3&sa=X&ei=7Z-DUpPzHordkQfr7oCoDA&ved=0CMcEEPMCMAI

I never said the kit lens was bad, the 18-200 has much more reach if that is a feature the OP wants.

Geeeeesh.....

HelenOster Loc: New York

Thanks!
:-D

schuchmn

Depends in what state you live in. If a company has a presence in a state, they have to charge that state's sales tax.

I live in New Jersey and B&H doesn't charge sales tax but Adorama does. And Amazon just opened a facility in NJ, so I now have to pay sales tax on those purchases. And my $9.99 per month for Photoshop CC also gets sales tax added on.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... you can get the same deal from Adorama Camera .....fast shipping

..... and excellent customer service monitored by HelenOster right here on UHH.

http://www.adorama.com/INKD3200RD.html

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

I lived in California, now in Texas, I have never paid a re-
stocking fee to Best-Buy and I shop there often.