Nikon D200 Import vs. USA Model

[jb4short]

I am looking at upgrading from the D50 to a D200. I have found the body of the D200 for a reasonable price but it is not a USA model. It has a one year store warranty. I know that there are differences but I want to know exactly what they are. Thanks in advance for any help!

[Jon_Doh]

Usually you just don't get the manufacturer's warranty. If the savings is enough see if the dealer offers a warranty from a good third party source like Mack.

[jb4short]

I think the body was selling for $649...and it comes with a one year in store warranty. Worth it???

[rjseeney]

No way you're getting a new D200 for $649. That's about 1/2 regular retail. It's likely one of the ripoff vendors from Brooklyn that tack on accessories for unreal prices.

[jb4short]

Here's the link...the body only. Tell me it's not legit so I do not waste my time.... I called them today and they said that it had a 1 year warranty through the store.



http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prod...KWID=910120522

[maldb]

Don't waste your time - it's a ripoff store. They'll try and sell you an "extended" battery for $150 - it's the regular battery that comes with the camera. They'll also try to sell you 512MB CF cards for $75+. It's ridiculous the amount of ways they try to rip you off. Stick with the known quality stores that are recognized by nikon and come with a USA Warranty: Cameta, Calumet, Ritz, B&H Photo (excellent store!), J&R, OneCall. Unfortunately, NewEgg is selling an "International" model - fyi. The quality stores are all selling the D200 between $1400-$1500, so you can see that if someone offers you an eye-popping deal like the one you found, it's gonna cost you!

Some of the places to avoid:ShopcartUSA - any of the vendors shown:it's a ripoff. Broadway Photo, Express Cameras, 1 Way Photo, etc. You can check them all out on resellerratings.com - the headaches are not worth dealing with these crooks.

FYI - the D200 is extremely difficult to find these days - it's on backorder everywhere, especially if you want it with the 18-200mm lens which is also on backorder. BIG SELLERS! GOOD LUCK!

[jb4short]

I already have the 18-200 VR lens but am looking at upgrading the body to a D80 or D200 if I can find a deal.

[JimC]

Suggested Reading:

How to Buy a Digital Camera without being Robbed

Always check out any vendor you consider using http://www.resellerratings.com

If they're not listed, I'd avoid them.

If they have a small number of reviews, I'd avoid them (since vendors have been known to "pad" their own ratings with glowing reviews, and the same old vendors with new business names and web sites pop up often).

The one you were you looking at is very well known. You can see some customer reviews here:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store...rice_Cameras_6

Try http://www.bhphotovideo.com and see how their prices compare to other reputable dealers. They have fair prices on their gear.

Sometimes you can find a lower price on a camera body at http://www.buydig.com (a.k.a., http://www.beachcamera.com ).

Just watch out for the accessories prices and "packages" (as these tend to have a lot of lower quality junk that you may not want or need).

There is not a lot of profit margin in digital camera products anymore. It's a very competitive market. If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is.

BTW, Nikon USA will refuse to service a gray market camera (one not intended for sale in the country you live in), even if you are willing to pay them for the service. Other Nikon distributors have a similar policy.

[jb4short]

Wow, thanks for the info!

[cope]

I would not buy an import Nikon. Cameta Camera has refurbished D200s from time to time with the factory 90 day warranty and an additional 9 months through Cameta. they are an authorized Nikon USA dealer, and are just down the road from Nikon. They have a lot of good deals on Nikon accessories such as batteries and chargers.