Would you.......?? (D1 issue)

[stevenyc1@aol]

I have a buddy with a mint condition Nikon D1 & SB28DX & Microdrive & spare D1 battery willing to sell me the whole lot for $2000 flat....he's meticulous with his equippment and i know this is a great deal- would you guys buy the D1 or pass in favor of a new S2? (it's only a $300 diff to get the S2)

We know the D1 is a true "pro level" camera (in regards to construction, speed etc) but we also know it's a bit old and has color shifting issues-

I know he's giving me a great deal but I'm just a tad shy on the deal because i wanted the S2 Pro- but the D1 is definitely a dream camera- what would you guys do?

[Tom V]

I would (and did) go with the S2.

Why? Big and Bigger files. More accurate color. The S2's excellent controls. For as often as I use on-camera flash, the built-in flash is good enough (usually I use studio strobes or natural light). Newer technology. Great sensor. New.

In my circle of professional associates, I know more commercial studio photograpers with Fuji digital cameras than Nikon digitals. I think the term "pro-sumer," "pro-level," "high-end," etc. are labels that are blindly applied simply on the basis of price. Professionals make more money when their equipment costs the least and the results look the best. It is hard, if not impossible to beat the S2 for results/cost. I have used mine professionally, that makes it a professional camera in my book.

You would still have to buy a memory unit (1 gig drive under $300), some rechargeable batteries, etc.

[Ass2Pro]

It's simple actually.

Get a price quote for a used D1 in your local photography store. If they are willing to buy this used from you over $2400, make the deal, play with the D1- like it? keep it. Dont like it? sell it to them, and get a new S2.