when you put the two of them side by side [link] you can see that in numbers they are almost the same! So a newer product is always better! But I would go for a Canon 40D... wait, I went for a Canon 40D, is what I own in the present! It's faster, 6.5 fps vs. the Nikon 3, it has a bigger LCD and it has live view!! But I don't know if budget wise it's still inside your limit!
[link]

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Gfx [link]

I got a 20d for dirt cheap, works fine for skate photography since 5fps is more than enough.. and if a board ever ends up smashing into it, I won't get all upset because I'm still paying for a 2000$ camera.

Depend what you're going to do with it I suppose but it'll be old in no time and you won't be able to get much for it. Technology is never a good investment.

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_{My band: [link]}

I got a 20d for dirt cheap, works fine for skate photography since 5fps is more than enough.. and if a board ever ends up smashing into it, I won't get all upset because I'm still paying for a 2000$ camera.

Depend what you're going to do with it I suppose but it'll be old in no time and you won't be able to get much for it. Technology is never a good investment.

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_{My band: [link]}