I am tired of waiting for the hypothetical D400 or D800 and need to do something. I'm considering buying a used DSLR, and one option is a manufacturer refurbished one. I'm interested both any general opinion and any specific experience with refurbs. What are the pro and cons?

Appreciate any thoughts.

Paul

The Nikon refurbs are every bit as good as a new one but with less warranty. In some respects, since they are individually calibrated rather than mass calibrated, they tend to be a bit more precise than an out of the box new one. But you do give up some warranty.

I think the only people that will be buying a D800 are those that want megapixel bragging rights . And I'm not convinced we will ever see a D400 . I think we have a better chance of seeing a D7100 that will outdo the current D300 and D7000.

Appreciate the insights, EJ. Interesting. Would the D7100 address the small buffer, maybe?

Paul

I would think so but its all pure speculation. No D7100 has been announced. I'm just saying that from a vusiness perspective, I think it might make more sense to offer one body rather than a hing end consumer body and a low end pro body that have essentially the same capabilities. Again, its just pure speculation on my part.

My first DSLR was a refurb'd Canon 20D in 2005.... not one single issue with it and I still have it. My wife uses from time to time.

I've purchased a handful of used cameras, but never a refurb. However, I did have a Nikon D70 that was sent in three times before the problem it has was actually "permanently" fixed. The camera came back and would work okay for a short while and then just would totally crash. I would hate to have purchased this one as a "refurb" from Nikon, because they didn't even get to the problem until the third repair.

Bought a refurb 1D4 and no issue so far.

I have purchased 2 refurbished cameras. Both (a D40 and D700) have been perfect with no issues. Both had very few shutter actuations. I think Nikon refurbished rock. Would not hesitate to buy one again.

also refurb 1D4 and no problems. wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

My 5DII is refurbed. There is a legitimate argument that refurbed cameras could be more heavily scrutinized and more accurately calibrated.

I bought a Refurbed Canon 1D-II and had no problems. So long as it is Factory done by Canon or Nikon I would not hesitate,Jeff A.

My 1dm2n is refurbished - I got a huge discount on it, and it has worked absolutely flawlessly for years and years and years. I wouldn't hesitate getting a refurb body if it makes sense for your situation.

Cheers,
John

My refurb Mark 2 has performed flawlessly. At first I was a bit suspicious of the shattered LCD that is held in place with strips of scotch tape. Proved no problema.

It does get a little old having to carry a pliers to tighten up the bailing wire used to hold on lenses. I called the shop and they clued me in that duct tape is the hot set up for lens mounting, and the bailing wire thing was old school.

1D2 and 7D factory refurbs both have been good as new. Very pleased.