D80 opinions...

[kylebes1]

So from what I have read I should swinger harder and get the d80... as it has an internal focus, opening up many more lenses to use than the d60 or d40... not saying either of those don't have enough options...

Are there any other things I should think about? I am a beginner, so maybe I should get something different...

Also, what are the best DSLR sites? You know how r3v is the best for e30's, what is the best for DSLRs?

Kyle Taylor

[DCColegrove]

I would recommend a d200 or d300.

I'm speaking from experience

http://www.dcolegrovephotography.com

[parkerbink]

It's a great camera. I had a D50 and my Brother has an 80. I found the 50 to be more camera than I needed.

[Asbradley21]

I also vote for the 200/300. You get a much better grade camera.

[DCColegrove]

fixed that link...

You would think I could spell photography....

[kylebes1]

the d200/300 will be my second or third step... $$$ is an object.

I think the d80 will be something I can use for a while and happy, but wont kill me in the beginning.

[DCColegrove]

the d200/300 will be my second or third step... $$$ is an object.

I think the d80 will be something I can use for a while and happy, but wont kill me in the beginning.

shot you a pm

[kylebes1]

shot you a pm

Thanks, dude. I did a quick search and found that used they are about the same price...

d200 body only for $875... I need to look a new ones too.

[Brandon12V]

d200 is the shizz. My only complaint is why the hell wasnt a black and white an option on the camera?! lol, rediculous. Although, you modify the picture to be black and white on almost any editing program. Just seems dumb nikon left that out.

Easiest and smallest camera to use in nikon's models is by far the d40x. Compact, lightweight, and SUPER easy to use. Plus 10.1 mp is a pretty damn good picture. Negative to is it doesn't have an autofocus. I love mine thoguh. When I was searching sites for a new camera, I ended going to ebay. A lot of camera stores put killer camera package deals on there during the holidays. I ended up getting a badass kit for around $700. Included the D40x body, three lenses, 4 UV filters, Cleaning kit, two tripods, Aluminum case, 4 gig card, and soft case with the comp software to get started.

[clavinZERO]

I have one and I love it (D80). There are some who I have also spoken with that say, indeed, the 200 or 300 is a nice step up. If price only allows you to reach so far, then the D80 is really a great starter camera. Nearly ALL of the the photos that have ever graced any of my posts are from a D80... more of the recent ones being better post-processed, but still. You say some used D200's can be had for similar prices as the D80's? I may have to look around too!

I am sure any of the photo buffs will tell you that technique is ultimately more important than the camera itself. Be sure you don't go into a bigger purchase hoping it will MAKE you a better photographer, but it will ALLOW you to become a better one I think.

very helpful reading I have spent hours on:
www.kenrockwell.com

I am just an aspiring amateur myself, so...

[Raxe]

I'd like to second the recommendation for www.kenrockwell.com, it's a wonderful site. I've personally got the D40 myself, but I do a lot of manual focusing anyways so it works for me and cost was an issue.

[alpinaclone]

I bought my wife a D40x a little while ago, great camera. It has way more buttons than I know how to use, but I can still come up with clean shots. It has auto focus though, the switch for it is on the lens itself, so for those of you that do not have it, you may be able to retrofit it.

[kylebes1]

I am sure any of the photo buffs will tell you that technique is ultimately more important than the camera itself. Be sure you don't go into a bigger purchase hoping it will MAKE you a better photographer, but it will ALLOW you to become a better one I think.
I am just an aspiring amateur myself, so...

Thank you and you are correct. I do not intend to buy a better camera to make me better. Just to have something to work into.

That site is very cool, thanks for it too.

Maybe within the next 6 months you will see some creativity from me... until then

[e30frosh]

I battled between camera brands and models, and decided on the Canon xti. Right price and does all I need it to. If the camera won't, PS CS3 will.

[CorvallisBMW]

I'm a canon man myself, but I know the d40x is very similar to the xti. I believe the d80 is a step up, kind of like the canon 40d. I would highly recommend that level of DSLR. It's got a lot of features, good high-ISO performance, and a nice feel in the hands. The d40x can feel very small and if you put a big lens on it, is hard to control in your hands. Go for it!