BettyGF Loc: Arkansas

Hi Y'all,

I've been lurking for a few weeks while hearing a brand new D7100 calling, "Mama, Mama!" from somewhere out in the shadows--maybe my local shop and maybe Adorama. My aging D5000 is still perfectly capable, and I've been trying to control my urge to provide it with a younger sibling. You know that new camera obsession and inner battle, don't you?

Here's what I'm wondering. Nikon has $100 off on 7100s until January 5. Is this the best time to buy or is Nikon likely to offer another discount on 7100s later in the year?

I haven't ruled out a refurbished camera, and from what I've read from you folks, the refurbished ones seem to be a great deal and a very low level gamble. In addition, I can probably find a refurbished 7100 at any time if the urge overpowers me at some point.

Gosh! Decisions! Help!

Betty

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Check out Nikonstore.com and type refubished in the search and look there, last nite they had several D7100's for sale at a decent price , some in kit forms and some body only.
Pete

BettyGF Loc: Arkansas

Believe me, Dooragdragon, I have been watching the Nikonstore! That's part of the problem! ( PS I used to live at Alma.)

Glenn Dibler Loc: North

Have you looked at Costco, they have a sale right now for a D7100 with 18-200 kit for 1699.00, thats $350 off their regular
price. Sale till 1/4/2013.
http://www.costco.com/Nikon-D7100-DSLR-Camera-with-18-200mm-VRII-Lens-Bundle.product.100042262.html

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Great that you used to live here and are familiar with the area, not sure how long ago you left the area but it's changed over the last 5 years.
Always great to meet a fellow arky here.
I have 4 lens on my wish list from the nikon store, all I need is the $2000.00 for all of them (1 is only 1150.00).
Nice to meet you
Pete

Big Stopper Loc: London

Welcome to the forum Betty.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You have to consider several factors. Do you want the camera? How much do you think you can save by waiting? How long are you willing to wait? I don't expect to live forever, and I'd hate to have UPS arrive with my new camera on the day I'm being buried.

If saving money is your main concern, buy a refurb. It will be like new, and it will save you hundreds of dollars.
http://www.google.com/search?q=d7100+refurbished&oq=d7100+refurbished&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4.3955j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

50teeslady Loc: Ormond Beach Florida

I agree with Jerry! but whether the price goes lower after Jan 5th or not....is a chance you have to take....for me I am waiting for Cameta Camera to get the refurbished ones back in stock( after the Holidays)...they are about $929.00(body only) no tax, no shipping, and ONE year warranty!
good luck with your decision!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Refurb prices seem to vary over time. I got mine at Roberts last month and paid the same as they're charging now - $968.
https://robertscamera.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=d7100+refurb

anotherview Loc: California

You may wish also to consider buying used gear. The gear rental Web-sites sell such gear.

Check out these two (and others exist):

www.borrowlenses.com

www.lensrentals.com

Note that I recently bought the Canon EF-S 15-85mm lens used from borrowlenses.com, and it arrived showing nominal external wear but very clean. I've since taken about 100 pictures with this lens. The lens performs as advertised.

Bear in mind as well that any reputable online seller offers to accept returns. Before buying, review the return policy.

Worth mentioning: Camera and lens manufacturers sell refurbished gear at a cost reduced from new. I have bought refurbished cameras to my satisfaction.

Good luck.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

Don't listen to him - you NEED that new camera ! BUY IT !

Buy it NOW !!!!!

*Subliminal advertising embedded in UHH spins down to a halt*

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome Betty, buy what you want.

BettyGF Loc: Arkansas

Ha! Ha! You fellows are exactly mirroring my thinking! Lighthouse hit the real issue precisely. I do some freelance writing, but it's not my career, so the D5000 does serve my need and seems to lack little that the D7100 offers.

I'm a single working girl, so I can have whatever I want--if (big if) I discipline my wants. I was fine with my D5000 until I found this forum in my decision making over a 70-300mm vs an 18-300 lens. Then I got to reading posts by all the happy D7100 owners about how awesome the 7100 is and started reading reviews. So now, I swing between Lighthouse's practicality and between Jerry's philosophy that he won't live forever and Ugly Jake's and Ebbote's recommendations to disregard good sense and get what I want!

Now, if I'd just quit reading forum posts, I might be able to go back to my innocent state and be happy with my 5000, but heck, I like you guys and I'm picking up some good info, so that's probably not going to happen. Besides, I can reason it this way, a new version, say D7200, won't be out for two, three more years, and before then I really can justify a new camera, so why not start enjoying one now?

I appreciate all of your welcomes and suggestions. I'll keep you posted on my final decision.

50teeslady Loc: Ormond Beach Florida

I was that way too couldn't make up my mind then went to Best Buy and played around with the camera...The viewfinder was awesome and since it it is a heavier camera it felt steady in my shaky hand....so I was convinced this was what I wanted...I am 70 yrs old and who know how much longer i have on this earth so as Jerry said....I am going for it!