D300 Why Such a Price Range?

Shopping online for a Nikon D300, I see prices in the $1700 (list) range, and prices in the $800-$900 range - many from known, reputable sites. The lower priced offers all say "1 year USA Warranty". So they are not warranty-less grey market items. Is there a reason NOT to go with the lower priced choices? The difference in price can buy a few nice lenses.

After investigating a bit more, I found that many of the sites that offer very low prices are deceptive, bait and switch, and sell things that are included by the manufacturer as "extra". They also sell Japanese models, although they advertise that they are selling the U.S. version. And, they hardsell grossly overpriced accessories and equipment, and long warrantys. Sites that seem "too good" can be checked out on www.resellerratings.com. If the site has no or few ratings, it's too new. Many of the site ratings detail the horror stories that consumers have faced. The honest sites (B & H, Adorama and others) have tens, even hundreds, of complimentary ratings.

I guess we are both on the Quest. Have you tried: http://www.equipmentlady.com/ ??? She posts as eBay seller of professional level equipment such as: D200 bid=$700 and D2x for around $1800. I almost bought D200 but lost bid. I still want to hold out for D300 extra features.....

I looked over the site. She seems to sell only used equipment. I checked out her ebay store, but the shelves were pretty bare. If you're in the market for a new camera, one of the sellers that pops up on many web searches is www.us1camera.com. Their ratings are high, with good customer comments, and they are generally a couple of hundred dollars less than B & H or Adorama. Not the half-price bozos that try to screw you; a legitimate seller just making a bit less on each sale, making it up on volume.

Now Nikon has introduced the D700 which is even more sensitive to low light conditions and FX Full Frame rather than DX at a price between D300 and the D3. I mention this because of an interest in available light photography. Like the old days of Leica M1's and Cartier Bresson....... One needs Deep Pockets these days to pursue digital photography.

Ive had good luck with Cameta Camera. They are out of New York can be found on-line and Ebay. Honest and fast.