Finally decided on the D80, but...

[Jon_Are]

...the kit I want (with the 18-55 lens) is out of stock at the frequently-cited reputable dealers (Adorama, B&H).

1. Do they typically get new inventory in frequently and regularly? I know I can contact the sellers with this question but their responses might be overly optimistic. I don't want to commit to buy and have to wait a couple of weeks or more.

2. Are there other highly-regarded sellers besides these two that I could try?

It's frustrating because my local Circuit City and Best Buy have it in stock, but the price is over $100 more.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[King Mango]

I have never had a problem with newegg. I buy a lot of computer parts there. Used to buy ALL my DVDs there but they dropped them a few months ago. grrrr
But I would have no hesitation recommending newegg to anyone for anything they have in stock.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830113070

 

[Chewbecca]

I have never had a problem with newegg. I buy a lot of computer parts there. Used to buy ALL my DVDs there but they dropped them a few months ago. grrrr
But I would have no hesitation recommending newegg to anyone for anything they have in stock.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830113070

I second the Newegg suggestion. We buy ALL our computer stuff from them and have NEVER had an issue. We love Newegg in my house.:mrgreen:
And that, I think, is a decent price, though I'm not sure what they normally go for.

 

[Jon_Are]

I love Newegg too, didn't even realize they sell cameras (bought lots of computer stuff there over the years).

Anyway, guess what...out of stock there too.

 

[King Mango]

yeah but ETA is sometime today.

 

[Mav]

D80 kits might be getting hard to find because (supposedly) the replacement "D90" is due out soon now, which is also why D80 prices are so good. Just keep looking. You might also consider spending a bit more for the 18-135 kit, which is a nicer lens in terms of range and image quality.

 

[djrichie28]

It's frustrating because my local Circuit City and Best Buy have it in stock, but the price is over $100 more.

Thanks,

Jon

Not sure what the policy's are at Best Buy in US, but here in Canada, they price match with simply a printed ad at a better price. Bring in a print out of the Web page showing $100 cheaper and they might match it. If not, big box stores are usually open to good bargaining.

 

[Jon_Are]

You might also consider spending a bit more for the 18-135 kit, which is a nicer lens in terms of range and image quality.

I could certainly do that, but the 18-135 does not have Vibration Reduction, where the 18-55 does.

Is this a worthwhile feature, or more of a gimmick?

I appreciate all the help.

Jon

 

[Mav]

I've gotten by just fine without VR, even shooting handheld at night in cities.

Examples:
http://public.fotki.com/spake77/taiwan-2008/i-lan-at-night/
http://public.fotki.com/spake77/taiwan-2008/taichung-at-night/


The 'normal' looking photos in those two albums were all shot with the 18-135. The fishy looking distorted ones were all shot with the 10.5mm fisheye lens. You won't be able to shoot at 135mm at night without VR, but the more normal focal lengths are certainly doable.