amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

If at all possible, I would recommend a D7100 instead... Even better would be a D7200, though it sounds as if it's not in the budget.

One reason I shy away from the D7000 is incompatibility with "AF-P" lenses that Nikon has been introducing the last few years. The D7100 anD D7200 can work with those lenses, provided they have had their firmware updated to the latest.

But the D7100 is a major upgrade over the D7100 in many ways: sensor, AF system and more:
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D7000-vs-Nikon-D7100
https://photographylife.com/nikon-d7100-vs-d7000
https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/nikon/d7000/vs/nikon/d7100/
https://www.digitalrev.com/article/nikon-d7100-vs-d7000-what-are-the-upgrades

One of the biggest complaints about the D7100 is that it has a very small buffer... has to pause to clear the buffer after relatively few shots. The D7200 has a considerably bigger buffer. That may or may not matter, depending upon what you shoot and how you use the camera.

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D7200-vs-Nikon-D7100

FYI, the AF-P lenses are among the more affordable Nikkors: currently 10-20mm VR for just over $300, 70-300mm DX VR for under $400 and 18-55mm VR for $250. I wouldn't be surprised to see Nikon add more AF-P lenses in the future.

Any of the D7000-series cameras can handle any Nikkor AF-S and AF lenses you might already have.

When considering a new Nikon camera or lens, it's always a good idea to check Nikon camera/lens compatibility charts, such as: https://www.nikonusa.com/Images/Learn-Explore/Photography-Techniques/2011/Which-Nikkor-is-Right-for-You/Media/NIKKOR-lens-compatibility-chart.pdf

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

You can also trust refurbished from B&H Photo. They come in a white box with a 90 day Nikon USA warranty. I would trust B&H just as I would Nikon USA. Before the Supreme Court Ruling, you didn't have to pay your State's sales tax. You can still get free shipping on a $49+ order.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Your main issue is how to know any particular offering is not Gray market so you won’t get cheated. That is going to be a tough job. Each camera body will have a serial number and the trick will be getting the manufacturer to render an opinion. Maybe a ‘pretend’ repair inquiry to a factory repair service might work but get you a text lashing.

RCJets Loc: Virginia

I have a D7100, and it also has dual SD card slots. I really like my camera.

BTW, I have a D5000 with two lens for sale. $250.00

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

If you want to be GUARANTEED a USA product I suggest you look for a refurbished directly from Nikon. They run several 10% off sales a year plus specials so I would also suggest you sign up to be notified. I also suggest you consider the D7200. Best of luck.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

You might want to check with Roberts Camera from Indianapolis. They have the D7000 for $304.00, and the D7100(also dual card slots) for $500.00

Mountain Rider Loc: Rigby, Idaho

Thanks so much, the response has been tremendous. Who'da thunk. ;) You've provided a ton of information, and a couple great offers, thanks. My wife has kinda peeked over my shoulder reading your suggestions. Her response, "lets look at our budget and see where we're at, then buy the newest we can afford". So she, and by default myself, have decided there's no reason to move backward, and even though we're in the gotta buy used for now mode, we think your advise is sage. Buy the newest, bestest, we can with what we've got. Kinda like the old "buy once cry once" deal. I'd love to cry once on really new, really good, but currently we'd be crying for considerably longer than is acceptable. Thanks again everyone.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

If it may be of interest, I just took a Nikon D7200 in on trade. Its literally like new condition with a shutter count of only 6000 shots. Battery, Strap, Charger and Manual included. Asking $600 shipped.

Mountain Rider Loc: Rigby, Idaho

MT Shooter, that's a great deal. We're in a holding pattern with finances right now, between a seasonal layoff and actual retirement. Once the retirement is going and all those retirement plans are making deposits, we'll be good. Hopefully we'll see those soon so I can move forward. I will keep this in mind, and check back with you. That would be ideal, and I would be very interested. Thanks

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

I strongly suggest you consider the D7200 over the D7000. The D7200 is a little newer technology, no AA filter and a larger buffer.
Get refurbished at Adorama, B&H, Cameta or Nikon USA.

Don

Shel Loc: Lecanto FL

I have a D7000 and would recommend going with the D71000, unless 16 mg is adequate for your needs.

Oldman73

A decent camera can be a huge investment. I have been using Nikon for over 40 years, so I am heavily invested in the Nikon lens system. I would like to buy the latest and greatest but the cost stands in my way. I have 3 D200s, one I keep in my vehicle and two used by my 7 & 11 yr old grand kids, and 3 D 300s I usually carry two with different lens, wife carries one. All of these were bought used except for my first D300 which I paid more for than the car I was driving. Some of the cameras were bought off Ebay, one D300 had 125 shutter clicks. I have had great success with KEH, their guarantee is hard to beat. The last camera I purchased is a like new D7000 off Ebay with 58 clicks for 330.00 box papers extra battery and 2 32 GB chips. I considered a new D7100 or D7200, but I am never going to enlarge to great lengths so the 16 MP is just fine. It would be difficult for me to be happier with any of my cameras. The shutter is suppose to last 150K activation's , the D300 I bought new now has 24K after 11 yrs., two that I purchased off KEH have 30K & 54K , never a problem from any of them. Between my wife, myself & grand-kids they all get used. I try to buy with the best condition and lowest shutter count I can find.. Good luck with your search

teacuppic

I recently changed from my Nikon D7000 to the Nikon Z7. I bought the 7000 from Bedford Camera & Video. I thought that I would give it to my daughter, but I could also consider selling it. I don't know if it is acceptable to sell through Hedgehog, so I wouldn't be sure how to proceed. I don't want to disrespect their rules of use. That said, I know that Bedfords Camera & Video (bedfords.com) has stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. They also have a used camera gear section on their website. I've only used the Oklahoma City store, and in my experience, they have always been highly professional and trustworthy. You might check out their website and see what you find. As to the 7000 vs. the 7100, I really enjoy the opportunity to connect my camera directly to my computer with bluetooth. The 7000 doesn't have bluetooth capabilities. It is still a great camera, and I enjoyed using it. I think that I bought my 7000 in 2012. Best of luck to you with your search.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Since you're talking about buying a used camera and because you want to upgrade and because others are suggesting other models I'll throw in a completely different upgrade path. Look around your area on Craigslist and on Facebook marketplace for a D600 - it's essentially a D7000 with a full frame sensor. Nearly identical controls, dual card slots, etc... I believe the sensor is the same as what's in the D750 still being sold today. It's a heck of a camera and you'll find one for $450 to $600 which isn't much more (or about the same) than you're going to pay for a 7xxx series body used. The gotcha is your DX format lenses will kick the 600 into DX mode.

Just a thought, not necessarily a good one :) just a thought....

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

If you are going to go this route then I would go with the D610 instead of the D600. In the D610 the oil on the shutter has been corrected.

Don