I got my D3100 on ebay last year for $160 (though with a broken flash and a crack in the lcd which I fixed with clear scotch tape). Other than that it was my first dslr and taught me a lot about photography. I just purchased a used D7000 on ebay that appears to be in excellent shape (I'm still testing it) for $363. It seems to be at least a semi-pro level camera (but with full auto if desired) for the price of a new point and shoot or bridge camera.
latebloomer wrote:
I bought, in the last week, a Nikon refurbished D3300 for my 14 yr. old grandaughter, from Adorama. When I checked the shutter count, it had only 43 actuations of the shutter.
The same was true when I bought a back up refurbished Nikon D7100.
I am not suggesting you go out and buy a Nikon D3300. I am suggesting you take a close look at Nikon refurbished cameras.