I got my D1200 on ebay and payed ~600 USD for it. That was before the release of the D1200 MK II which is identical to the mk I (minus some blue paint). This will probably force the price of the D1200 down further so in a month or so you should be able to get a MKI for about 4-500.
Best of luck dude !
My instructors page and www.studiotrax.net for all things recording.
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS