D90 or Bust--DONE

This isn't really a specific question or anything, but last year I had posted a topic saying my mission was getting a Nikon D90 ASAP or bust... well, with the economy and everything going on with me, ASAP wasn't really that quick, but today I order mine (as soon as I decide on which supplier). It's been about four years now, since I took a real interest in photog, I've toiled with borrowed cameras, my father's older Nikons, a great little Sony P&S, and a shared D60... like a kid at Christmas this morning.

I know it's not the top of the PRO line, but think it is just right for where I am at, and can't wait to have it for everyday use. Pondered waiting a bit longer and getting the D7000, but not to be. Anyway, still SO much to learn, but thanks to everyone on NPN for their patience and inspiration. (Oh, if anyone sees a hot deal from a reputable supplier, please email... ASAP!)

Congrats Bill - I'm sure you will have a great time with it! Have fun learning! I've always had great luck using B&H - I've been ordering stuff from them for many years and never had a problem.

I've never actually owned the D90, Bill, but shot them and shoot with a couple of friends who are long-time users. No apologies needed for it not being a "pro" model. It's very capable, and results will come quickly as you learn. No one will know you stooped to using something other than pro unless you tell them. They certainly won't see it in the photos. Congrats!

Thanks Bill, B&H is certainly a great choice.

And thank you Hank, I've shot with one a few times, and it certainly meets my needs--looking forward to it!

Congratulations on getting there, Bill! That is an inspiration to me, and I'm sure to others. Thumbs up!

thanks, was about to order and got mixed reviews on Ritz Camera. Any experience with them?? $100 less than B&H, but may be just worth the extra $$.

Thanks Barbara.

Hey Bill, I've had many D90s in my workshops and they produce great images. Have fun.

Ritz Camera is a legit retailer with hundreds of retail locations. Wouldn't worry a all about buying from them if they have a better price. Your warranty is from Nikon anyway. I bought my D90 from Amazon - I'd check their price.

I love my D90 and I bought it (and all my equipment) at B&H.

If something costs that much less somewhere else than at B&H, BE VERY WARY. I'm not about drumming up business for B&H specifically, but my son and I have each had issues with trying to go cheaper, and it's not worth it. You can't get more reputable than B&H in every way.

Bill, Congrats on your decision. You'll find quite a few samples made with the D90 in the Floral Gallery.

Good luck. BTW, two years ago, I bought my D700 from Amazon. Got a great price with a 30-day return period of time.

I bought an extended warranty from B&H and if you want more info on that, let's take it off-line. Send me an email.

Regards,

Carol

Bill, be careful. I suspect Ritz is fine. Used to be one in the local mall, but it went out. Actually I thought the company went bankrupt. There is a term used in the industry called "unbundling", typically used by the low price guys. They sell you the camera OK, but select a few important accessories to leave out of the package--a battery charger for instance--and then try to upsell. Just make sure you are comparing a basket of apples to a basket of apples.

Thank you everyone! Still going between B&H, Ritz and Amazon trying to find the best combination. Good advice all. Just my typical frenzy whenever I'm making an important purchase.

Carol, for now I'm ok, maybe email you later.

In my humble opinion, you can't go wrong with B&H. I've made many, many orders with them since year 2000 and I've never had a problem.

--P

Your right, B & H is the best way to go. I bought my first Nikon lens, a 300 f2.8 EDIF in 1982 and and many more since then. Never a problem. Good Luck, Conrad

If you go with b&h, be aware they don't take orders Friday Eve thru Saturday eve. Not usually a problem, unless you're in a hurry

I have brought all my camera equipment from B&H since the late 1970's including all my dark room equipment. I highly recommend them.

Bill, if you don't feel it necessary to buy new, KEH is a great company to get very good used camera bodies and lenses at a substantial savings over new. I've bought from KEH for about twenty years and never had a bad experience. The D90 is a fantastic body and I am sure you will love it.

I also recommend B&H. There's a large Ritz store about 2 miles from me so they are definitely still in business, but I can't believe their price would be $100 less than B&H for the same item with the same USA warranty.

The D90 is fine. What about a good long lens as the images you post show you desperately need one!

Thank you, Linnet I gotcha. The rest thanks.

Richard, too funny, but a "a good long lens" ain't happening yet, despite my desperation.

And I don't need to see every feather on a bird to make it an artful avian image.

I own the D90 and a D7000, as well as d80. Clearly the d7000 has more bells and whistles and is a better camera, but I love the D90. It is still my favorite camera. It will be great.

Larry posted about watching for unbundling. If the camera is the same, accessory for accessory, I would go with Ritz. They are a reputable company. I have no problem with B&H, but I usually find much better deals than what B&H offers. Make sure that you account for taxes and shipping charges if they apply.
Have fun!!

B&H and KEH and Adorama are wonderful places. Great reps. Been buying from all three for years (15 years!). Once you have your body, check out the details for lenses. Get the best you can. A poor lens will make ANY body terrible! For reviews of MOST things Nikon, you should really check out Ken Rockwell. Just do a google search on his name!

Enjoy your Nikon!!
Troup

Good choice. It's a great little camera. It has always produced quality output for me.

Bill, you've taken such wonderful images with the equipment that you have - I can't wait to see what you do with a new camera!

Thank you all, I've really overwhelmed by all of the help and kind responses to something that is so minor to many of you I'm sure. I'm taking in all of the information, the lens/lenses will be the hard part. The camera I know a lot about and can't wait.

Have to say a special thank you Carol, that's very kind. Some good with the bad, and vice versa!! Of course I love the DSLRs, but I'm not throwing my little Sony H2 away, it's more than a P&S--it's gotten me into several national shows, a state museum, helped me help lots of kids and adults alike with photo donations, and helped me sell many other prints in a pretty small area. My last orders were from California, Florida, Colorado, two from North Carolina and the last from Philly. Even I'm surprised, though I'm sure that's nothing for many NPNers. Here's hoping for a great Spring, finally! Thank you again.

Great choice Bill. I started my DSLR shooting with a D90 and it has done a wonderful job. You will be very happy with this camera. BTW Ken Rockwell also has a great D90 guide that you can download in .PDF format that is very easy to follow. Happy shooting!

I bought my last camera, a D300, from eBay as a refurb. The refurb seems to be a great deal. I bought mine from Cameta Camera but other good dealers also sell refurbs on eBay. I'll likely buy my future cameras this way too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D90-DSLR-Camera-Body-only-Refurbished-25446B-/390301807147?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item5adfccf22b

Stay away from the cameras that include lenses. Also, when ordering check that it is a USA model. Adorama is a longstanding Nikon dealer.


Kent in SD

Thanks Walt and Kent, good stuff.

Yes, I've wondered about the refurbs on sites like Adorama and KEH... they seem very reputable, I just have never dealt with anything like that.

Bought new, expected delivery Friday. I'll fill in the details once I see how the process/shipping/product-upon-arrival, goes. Thanks again for the great advice and support.

Final Notes: After narrowing my D90 camera body choices, I thought, down to a new one from Ritz around $800, a refurb from KEH or Adorama for just under $700, or a very slightly used one from a highly trusted NPNer (thanks Nate!)... I finally went in a different direction. I found a new one on PC Nation for under $775, with free FedEx shipping, full 1-year USA warranty, and the standard Nikon extras in the package. I did not order a kit lens or any lens for that matter, I'm going to use my father's big stable of various older Nikon-compatible lenses for right now--another reason I bought the D90 as it will auto focus most.

I had read some very good reviews and ratings for them, and had also seen some questionable ones. But I sent an email and heard back personally from a Joseph Muller, who is listed as the Optics Gallery account manager for PC Nation. He assured me the camera and price were as advertised, and personally saw that everything went as promised.

Despite FedEx not being able to find an address at XXX Main Street in a town of about 1,500 people with a Post Office the day delivery was scheduled, everything else went smoothly. (I had to chase the FedEx guy down on Saturday, the following day--no kidding!). So, two days from the order confirmation I received my new Nikon D90 in fine form, with all of the extras included and no damage to packaging, etc.

I told Mr. Muller I would give them a recommendation here, on my website, FB, etc. if everything went smoothly. And it did, minus FedEx. His email is joseph.m@pcnation.com if anyone is looking for equipment. Overall an easy process and a great price. That simple. Thanks all!!