Buying From Nearby Private Parties

daveward

Senior Member
Today there are four body-only d7200's on my Craigslist:

Price and shutter count:

$625........13,000
$725.........1 yr old used very few times
$650......... 2,876
$700......... 9,773

This doesn't count the more expensive choices with lenses of different sorts in the range of $950-1,000+

One of these days I'm going to pull the trigger and upgrade from my Craigslist purchased d90...where I felt I got a sceamin' good deal.

Question One: Let's say you had these four examples sitting in front on you...how would you choose? Shutter count? Cleanliness?

Or would you buy refurbished (assuming the seller offers a warranty of some sort)?

Question Two: I'm basically a landscape and grandkids shooter using a 50mm 1.4, so what will I like most about the d7200 over the d90?

Thanks!!!
 
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Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
I'd take the $650 one with only 2,876 clicks. Just make certain you meet the person and reassure yourself it's not stolen property. Ask to see bill of original sale and get a feel for the person selling. Listen to your gut feeling.

To your #2 question, I'd say that you would gain with much much cleaner files at higher iso which would mean higher shutter speed with the kids running around. And a lot more color depth and sharpness for landscapes. You would certainly appreciate the difference.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Basically, you will like everything about the D7200 over the D90. You might check out Nikon D7200 vs Nikon D90 Detailed Comparison, or do a Google search for "D90 vs D7200". I moved from a D200 to the D7200 and love the improvements (although I still think the D200 is a great camera as well). Everything else being equal (trust of seller, look and function of camera, etc) I would take a close look at the $650 camera. Remember, you can get a refurbished D7200 with 90 day warranty from B&H (a very reliable dealer) for $800.
 

lokatz

Senior Member
I moved from a D90 to a D7100, which is not that different from the D7200. IMHO, the biggest gain was in autofocusing speed and -precision. The newer camera does a much better job getting your shots right in dark light and with moving targets. I loved my D90, which I had for many years, but to be honest, there is nothing I missed after the upgrade.

As far as your Craigslist choices go, anything less than 20K clicks in my view is a don't care, so I would go by price and general condition but pay no attention to the differences in shutter counts you listed.
 

nickt

Senior Member
Adorama has refurbs right now for $710 with the standard refurb 90 day warranty. Cameta has them for $775 with a one year warranty. Both good places along with B&H.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
I'd take the $650 one with only 2,876 clicks. Just make certain you meet the person and reassure yourself it's not stolen property. Ask to see bill of original sale and get a feel for the person selling. Listen to your gut feeling.

To your #2 question, I'd say that you would gain with much much cleaner files at higher iso which would mean higher shutter speed with the kids running around. And a lot more color depth and sharpness for landscapes. You would certainly appreciate the difference.

This, and don't meet them at a private place. Meet at a public place, such as a coffee shop or a small quiet restaurant where you have room to look over and try the gear outand not be alone with them. The other suggestions about refurbished gear are good ideas, too.

WM
 

Kevin H

Senior Member
This, and don't meet them at a private place. Meet at a public place, such as a coffee shop or a small quiet restaurant where you have room to look over and try the gear outand not be alone with them. The other suggestions about refurbished gear are good ideas, too.

WM

I like meeting people in a police parking lot if they don't show or have excuses move on :D
 

Texas

Senior Member
I've got some terrific Nikon deals and some OK (better than Ebay in several respects) deals from local Craigslist folks but two out of three ads ask crazy prices (like $650 for a well used D90, no lens).

Most of the individuals selling things clearly do not check on the going prices.

Pawn shop ads for Nikon cameras and lenses are starting to appear and they are extreme crazy asking prices.

Meeting at Barnes and Nobel or coffee shop has worked well for me.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Now, that is a great idea, Kevin.

Wayne

Our local police suggest meeting in their parking lot because they have cameras. I haven't bought or sold anything this way yet myself, but it really is a good option.
 

dickelfan

Senior Member
If you are set on buying one of those, I'd try to get them to come down on the price quite a bit. Nikon is selling the 7200 body only for $799 on Black Friday, you can buy it right now from Abe's of Main for $759
 

nikonpup

Senior Member
d90 vs d7200 - have google do a search. For peace of mind i would buy a refurbished dslr camera for a authorized nikon dealer. Lots of deals will happen between now and xmas, do your home work. Google - "nikon rumors" check "deals" for some of the latest pricing. Check out refurbished d7100, great camera lower price.
 
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