Nikon D100 vs D70 - Our Analysis
Nikon D70 vs D80 - Our Analysis
Nikon D80 vs D90 - Our Analysis
Nikon D100 vs D3000 - Our Analysis
Nikon D70 vs D90 - Our Analysis
Nikon D100 vs D200 - Our Analysis
Your logic is a skewed, if you solely base it on just cost. Sure you get a camera. Other than that.. it accepts lenses and has a built in focus motor. That's really where it all starts.
While also I'm not a fan of Ken Rockwell... I agree in some parts. Get it only knowing now that it has too much age behind it, and use it as if it would end up being a camera that you can throw away if anything goes wrong with it.
Nikon DSLR History
"
21 February, 2002: The
D100 is announced. It's 6 MP and 3 FPS for $1,999. This is Nikon's first lightweight amateur DSLR camera. It was an N80 with digital guts. It wasn't available for sale until June, 2002. It was a sellout with long waiting lists for a year after its introduction. In May 2003 the D100 dropped to $1,699. In December 2003 it dropped to $1,499 where it stayed for a year or two. In May 2005 it dropped to $999.
Forget the D100, but snap one up if you can get a screaming deal.. The newer D70 and D50 work better. The D100 required messing with a wheel and knob to make critical adjustments. The newer cameras have direct entry buttons. The newer cameras have two years of extra wisdom in their firmware and just do everything better. Flash exposure isn't very good on the D100. See a comparison
here. The D100 used the same EN-EL3 Li-Ion battery of the D50 and D70. "
Regarding lens choice...
You would probably be better off finding an 18-105 cheaper, slightly better IQ and good wide-tele lens. Rarely would you find yourself going to the 200 range unless you are into shooting things like birds, but with the 18-200 you may find it way too slow, and somewhat soft. If you need to get there you would probably do better with a 70-300, or 55-200 lens to fit your needs.
In the end, it's your money and you can decide what will end up fitting your needs, whether waste or enjoyment. Regardless of what advice is given to you.