mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I remember when the FX D700 came out in 2008. All 12.1 megapixels. It was highly priced and out of my budget at that time. Now it's affordable to me now, however I have no interest in purchasing one. I only know one person who still owns this oldie but goodie.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Rick I had a D100 and it worked beautifully for me till I sold it to get a new model with more capabilities. The colors of the D100 are stunning and in general and in spite of its old technology the camera works very well within its limitations.
I am sure that if you are interested in keeping the camera that there is a good repair station where you can send the camera, assuming the meter only needs calibration. Authorized Photo Service in Morton Groove, Illinois has excellent service at reasonable prices and they could quote a price for you or advise you if it is worth it to repair the camera. Google it if interested.
A D200 body has the same colors but better technology and the price in the second hand market is very attractive. If you want to go more modern then a D7000 is for you and it is a great tool. I own one.
Good luck.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

A used d-90 would be my choice. Read Rockwell's review. http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d90.htm

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

I bought a used D300 from the largest camera store here in the Twin Cities last spring. The camera is in excellent condition with about 11000 clicks on the shutter,
including 2 batteries, body cap, and owners manual for only $250. Couldn't be happier with it. There are some good deals on used DSLRs out there. Check with
reputable dealers.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

The D3xxx and the D5xxx are good cameras. I just bought a D3300 as a starter DSLR for my daughter's birthday. As I handled it before and with her, I came to appreciate it even more. Ken Rockwell wrote a great review when the D3300 first came out and I now appreciate his enthusiasm. I paid $390 for a Nikon refurb from Cameta. As usual, four Nikon refurbs, over several years, every one looks and behaves better than a new, off the shelf camera. Not a scratch or blemish on any of them.

Virgil Baker

I would consider one of the newer super zoom cameras with a fixed lens. I have several DSLRs, and I have used them professionally for many years. I still have images that were captured when the best resolution was 640 X 480, before Kodak's sensors. I also own some of the Nikon CookPix cameras that were designated Prosumer at the time. Their features were leading edge when they were introduced, and the image quality was as good as the affordable DSLRs at the time. The greatest shortcomings were in low light photography. Small pixels make for a lot of noise in near dark conditions. If you do not want to carry a lot of gear with you all the time, and the best camera in a given situation is the camera you have with you, then the newer super zoom is a great camera to have with you. Newer cameras have minimal shutter delay, super features, and good lens quality. Also, the professional market has just discovered the prosumer camera again. These cameras are called mirrorless. When I was using a Nikon F-1 for film, the pellicle was the latest to eliminate the flapping mirror. My Folmer Graphlex 5 X 7 was an SLR with interchangeable lenses., and the Speed Graphic was an advancement. So now the technology has come full circle only with digital sensors instead of film.

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

I have a D100 that I use as a back-up and also for its simplicity! Don't have to think much with this camera, very easy to use. Upgrading....there are many choices and I see some have given you recommendations already.

robbiedoug Loc: Cuero, Texas

The Nikon D300 is a great camera, the "s" model is even better, if you are into video. I have been shooting the D300 ever since it first appeared and I feel that it is the best camera made. Even though it only has 12.2 megs, it still gives me what I want. It is a bit on the heavy side, especially when you put a long lens on it. Good luck finding what suits you.
Bob

vino2nite Loc: Bluffton, SC

I just bought a 2nd D300 because the flash on my original failed and use both with different lenses (18-200MM and 70-300mm) as back up to my D3. Some of my best pictures were from the D300. You can't go wrong unless you want a full frame camera. The 750mm would be my choice.

Drdale55 Loc: Prescott, AZ

I went from a Canon G2 to the D100 then D2s and back to the D300 and now the D500. 300 was and still is a great camera but the 500 is far superior but for a starter I'd try to find a nice D300.