Jblackfish

Nah, I stick with Nikon batteries. I just look for the least expensive price. I even have an EL-EN 15 Watson battery that I got as part of a camera promotion that's still in the blister pack.

You can scrimp on some other stuff but for things like batteries and memory cards, it's better to buy the best you can afford. At least in my opinion.

--Ron

I got one of those Watson batteries with my D7100 and it won't even light the charger up. (Interpretation: it doesn't even pretend to start charging - it's totally defective.)

 

UPDATE:  The good news part of this short tale is that I called B&H about the useless (free) battery they included in my order and they let me return it and gave me $10 off a new Nikon EN-EL15, so I'll have a good spare.

Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions. I appreciate every one and probably read most of them more than once as I considered which way I wanted to go.
To wrap the decision part up my new D7100 should be delivered tomorrow. Unfortunately I'm going to be gone and completely "tied up" with an all day commitment on Saturday so it'll be later in the weekend before I can begin to look it over and start playing with. I AM excited though and I appreciate the help from all the members who posted in this thread.

Thanks for your comments, Ron. It's all good advice and I needed to hear it again. I've just about decided to go with new, either locally or with one of the major internet stores. Sometimes used works out and sometimes not. With something like complex cameras if it doesn't, it really doesn't! Also your comment about breaking it in yourself rings true. So rather than look for a used that looks promising, I'll look for a decent price on a new body and go with it. Thanks again.

Thanks a lot guys!  That's just what I'm looking for - logical advice from your knowledge and experience.  I'll take a look at the D7100 for sure.

Obviously, keeping up with all the technology/models is not one of my priorities.  I usually settle on something an use it for, perhaps, longer than most.  It's the same with P-Cs, cars, et.al.  Again, thanks for the help.  This forum is going to be great - hopefully I can contribute some info back soon. 

Hello from Arkansas. I'm more new to the forum than I am photography but I'm not an expert by any means. I paint watercolor so photography is a tool for that and just a fun hobby. I have a question which I will go to the beginners forum rather than ask it here. I'm happy to find this group!