1. I agree that the D780 may be a bit overpriced, but it has the distinction of being Nikon's only DSLR that can shoot decent video. It uses essentially the same sensor as the Z6 mirrorless camera and uses phase detection autofocus when shooting video. Other Nikon DSLRs, including the D850, use contrast detection autofocus in the video mode, which causes visible focus hunting unless you use fixed or manual focus.

2. I think that the D850 for $2500 bucks new in Nikon's current sale is actually a decent buy. Someone reported in another thread that this sale will go on until May 29.

3. While you say you wouldn't go back in time, I would say that the D810 for a thousand bucks used is still a good deal for someone who doesn't need the extra speed of the D850. I own a D850 now and gave my D810 to my son in-law. The difference in IQ is negligible.

Carrying the crop sensor line of thought a little further, the D7XXX series has served me well, I find my share of keepers (that suit me, not for sale). There's your question... what suits you and what will you do with it? You can search Google and Bing images as well as Flickr and more sites for specific lens/body combinations and see if those samples meet your needs. If you print a lot of your work then full frame may be what you want, but if you're like me and just shoot for your own amazement and post the result to various websites, you may well waste money on the latest and greatest since every monitor/screen is different. Once the pic is posted, you're at the mercy of the viewer and their viewing equipment. A Nikon D7200 with a Tamron 16-300 "macro" lens is not the epitome of photographic excellence, but it will produce pretty darn good results and you can get the whole kit and caboodle in great used condition for around $800 US and never spend another penny except the occasional battery and SD card. Weigh your needs, and search for samples, then pick the best fit for you that fits your budget.

How about just a self-proclaimed camera market expert? Personally, I think a used D750 is the best mix of recent technology and price. You can pay more for the D780. But really, for what? It's just another (final) 24MP full-frame DSLR.

The D850 is the final and best release. But never and I mean NEVER spend new money for an old DSLR at a new camera price. Buy a used one and figure it's the last camera you need this life-time, same as the D750 should be.

You can go further back in time, but why? They'll never make another new DSLR, so go with the final (ish) versions.

Please don’t publicly critique a seller’s asking price (even if you think it’s high). You haven’t been appointed as UHH’s official price monitor, and it is REALLY not appreciated by the seller.

Try to put yourself in the seller’s place. You’re selling a house. You have a buyer ready to purchase and as you’re negotiating the details, an uninterested party enters and says there’s a lower price for a similar house down the street, killing the deal. How would you feel?

If you’re not interested in purchasing, it’s none of your business, and if you just can’t resist, then PM the seller with your comments. The forum members are big boys and girls and can decide for themselves if the price is appropriate.