Before upgrading to our Nikon D200 cameras, we shot with the Nikon D50 and were pleased with the results.
You probably can find a good used Nikon D50 out there for about $400.00 (just be sure to ask if the person has the original receipt they can provide you with if you shop for used equipment, otherwise it could end up being stollen property...and secondly, if it's not stolen...you may have waranty issues if something were to go wrong with it).
When we purchased both our D200's we did a lot of searching around...we purchased my husband's D200 for $900.00 (it was used only once and was in pristene condition). The man was selling it only because he was upgrading to a D300. The D200 that we purchased from him only 375 actuations on it which was amazing!!
When we picked up my D200...we purchased it for $850.00 (it had just over 700 actuations) and it too was in absolute pristene condition...at the time we purchased both these cameras the body alone was worth just over $1800.00 band new, however, we have purchased both of them for what one brand new body would have cost us...with original receipts, from very reputable gentlemen and one of the cameras is still under warranty.
There are some amazing deals out there if one is able to do the footwork to find them....most importantly...shop around, have some patience (not one of my strong points...but I'm learning
) and ask lots of questions!
Have fun shopping and keep us posted!
Sarina