[sbtm]

Folks,

I have found a very good offer on a D50 on ebay. The catch here is that it says it is:

1. Nikon USA Factory Demo
2. All USA Model Camera and Lenses
3. Mint Condition

The explanation given for the 'factory demo' is as follows and I quote the website:
What is a Nikon Factory Demo?
In most cases a Nikon Factory Demo is a unit that has been used as a Nikon display piece or as a "Salesman's Sample". They have never been owned by a consumer and have minimal to no use. Each unit is individually checked and tested before it is shipped to us from Nikon. Where some may have small marks or slight imperfections in the finish, it is important to note that the unit is in brand new operating condition and is covered by Cameta Camera's warranty for one full year on all parts and labor.

What do you say? Is it good, not good, forget it... plus I might add, they give these with the camera also

• Nikon 18-55mm AF-S DX Zoom Lens with 1 Year Warranty

• Nikon 70-300mm Zoom Lens with 1 Year Warranty

• Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

• 1-Year Subscription to PCPhoto Magazine

• 30 Free High Quality Prints and Enlargements

Please advice.

Thanks

[stepheno]

Any chance you can post a link to the item?

[sbtm]

Hope this works:

eBay: Nikon D50 Digital SLR Camera +18-55mm+70-300mm Lens Kit (item 160013939859 end time Aug-03-06 11:22:14 PDT)

[orangepeel]

1) I doubt the warranty will be valid unless it's worldwide - i'm think I read US ones where not. In fact I think this warranty (on the body at least) is the auctioneers warranty which means shipping it back to the US.
2) The subcription to the mag is probably US only. - Checked - it is.
3) The 70-300mm is does not have a macro function. At a minimum focussing distance of 1.5m it's practically useless for macro work. (i know, i have one)

It's currently at just over £330 which while cheap, remember that it's gonna go up from that, add 10% import duty then a further 17.5% VAT to the final cost (i think that's the arithmatic)

[sbtm]

Originally Posted by orangepeel

1) I doubt the warranty will be valid unless it's worldwide - i'm think I read US ones where not. In fact I think this warranty (on the body at least) is the auctioneers warranty which means shipping it back to the US.)

Not sure, will get it checked with the seller

Originally Posted by orangepeel

2) The subcription to the mag is probably US only. - Checked - it is.

Not worried about the subscription... I mean, I don't mind if I don't get it

Originally Posted by orangepeel

3) The 70-300mm is does not have a macro function. At a minimum focussing distance of 1.5m it's practically useless for macro work. (i know, i have one)

Apart from not having the macro function, is it a good lense?

Originally Posted by orangepeel

It's currently at just over £330 which while cheap, remember that it's gonna go up from that, add 10% import duty then a further 17.5% VAT to the final cost (i think that's the arithmatic)

No VAT or import duty where I live

[stepheno]

I know we are looking at it from the point of view of a UK bidder but.....I'm siding with OP on this one. It does look to be dealers warranty only. If there is a problem it means shipping back to US and no camera for a few weeks.

I know you want a camera sbtm, but don't be too hasty and get sucked in to a possible lame duck.

[orangepeel]

Originally Posted by sbtm

Apart from not having the macro function, is it a good lense?

well. on paper not really.

I'm pretty noob at all this stuff and to be honest I don't find much of a problem with it.

At f/5.6 @ 300mm it's a bit on the slow side. However I believe you tend to get more than 2 days of sunshine a year so as long is you are in a well lit envirionment I doubt you'd even notice the problem.

It's slower than the 18-55mm kit lens at focussing, although that is probably due to the fact it has a wider range to focus on.

Mine is quite noisy. Especially compared to the 18-55mm kit lens.

other that those relativly minor niggles it's not bad at all. Especially given the price.


At the end of the day it depends on what you are shooting, but as a summary, forget this lens if you're trying to freeze fast moving things in low light.

[Dave]

Hi sbtm, I recommend clicking on "completed listings" for D50 search to get an idea what they sell for. In the UK, cameras & lenses sell for very high prices on EBAY....sometimes higher than brand new prices from net. All I advise is have a figure in mind that you feel the camera is worth & then stick to it.

Let us know how you get on or what you decide

[sbtm]

The reason I got excited about this offer was that it offered me a good price and an extra lense at a very bargain price...

I have already set a price in my mind for the camera and this whole package is less than what I was expecting... but am not too encouraged from the comments...

And as orangepeel reviewed the lense for me, am not too bothered about the slowness or the noisiness of the camera at the moment. I just want to get a camera and a lense and start shooting... then I will see in what direction I want to head and what I want to do with photography

[Dave]

From looking at the completed listings you can see bundles like you listed above (demo) going for about $650. Second hand with 18-55mm lens for about $450 . New D50 body only for $505. New D50 with kit lens about $690...or with preferable 18-70mm lens for $725 (demo again)