I never heard a lot of great things about the Kodak DSLRs, at least the later full frame Nikons. For studios they were good, but not too versitle beyond that (from what I've heard, no personal experience). Generally, a newer DSLR is a better DSLR - sometimes even a lesser model will have some great improvements. Nikon's D2Xs is their newest pro camera but the slightly newer D200 has some additional features even though it's below the D2Xs price point (figure $4500 vs. $1700). They're announcing another one below the D200 in about two weeks and it may have some new stuff on it as well. My point is that I wouldn't buy a camera that's been off the market for a year - that's almost ancient for a digital camera (although DSLRs fare better than compacts). This is in addition to the seller most likely being a questionable business, too...

I'm thinking that he'd really be happy with a D200 but it's a very personal choice. What a great thing you're doing to help out, too!