Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I have bought refurbs & never had a problem. Then again, I've never had problems with any new camera within it's warranty period either...I'd say save some money. I only bought my D7100 new as it had just been released & there were no refurbs available... Bought a used D300 on eBay, had a problem with it not focusing properly, seller sent me another D300 with even fewer shutter activations (3k vs 14k) than the first one had & it's been running strong ever since...

WAL

The skills for making photography equipment have moved out of the US. I wouldn't consider any thing that wasn't from the manufactures repair facility. That isn't necessarily that good from what I hear. I sent a Gosen meter back to the importers repair facility and what came back was not to be beloved. They eventually sent me a new one. I had similar problems with Polaroid when the SX 70 came out. I lived near by and brought it in. When I picked it up it wasn't working. It took several trips to get it done. I actually became friendly with the manager of the department. He would come out and look at the work. shake his head and bring it back to the person who had done the work. I could hear the grumbling from the front counter. He spoke of his frustration with the people he was working with.

It was some time later that I actually became a subcontractor for the company. I could see it was going south. A shame really, it was once a great company.

Buy new and make sure the box is sealed and it is not a return. New means never sold at retail before. Buy from a company that will let you return the product if it is not right. Don't let them send it out for repair.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd go with the new one. If your friend's financial situation is such that the $100 is not a hardship, I'd go with new.
--Bob

Hammie

You might also consider hunting around for a 'white box' unit. I've purchased new Nikon lenses for refurb prices from reputable dealers who do sufficient volume to have parted-out kit items available regularly. These are available from licensed dealers often and are fully factory warrantable. Do your homework first before refurb (or white box), though. Good hunting and good luck!

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Jerry,

I also lean towards refurbed. If an extended warranty is available I would buy it also. Probably cost about the same but will get a longer warranty and a camera that has been gone over completely.

Jim D

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Refurb - KEH has for $689 - would add an extended warranty if possible ....

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

He ordered from Roberts, $699.97, delivered. It will have a 90 day warranty from Nikon.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Superfluous comment.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Did you mean "super important"? You can buy a brand new D7000 on ebay, but chances are it will not have any warranty at all.

micolh Loc: NYC

I think B&H sells refurbished equipment. I don't think they refurbish the stuff themselves.
I have been in their store in NYC. Bring coffee and spend a couple of hours.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I avoid both B&H and Adorama stores. It's bad enough when I go to their web sites. I have very low sales resistance.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

UPDATE: My friend ordered a D7000 refurb from Roberts Camera for $699.97. He saw them selling the same thing on ebay for $50 less, and they gave him the lower price. $650 isn't bad for a like-new D7000.