D80 opinions...

[DCColegrove]

okay don't listen to everyone who is saying go for the d200 or 300. The D80 is basically the D200 in a smaller body, they use the same sensor. You do lose out on the weather sealed body of the 200 and also the 5fps(d80 is 2.5fps)

D80 also has a different imaging engine, writes to a different media, has a different shutter... than the D200.

[sumyungguy]

I say go Canon, used 20d or 30d and a decent lens (not a kit lens) for around $1K.

The best thing to do, go to a camera shop and hold the different makes/models in your hands and see which one is more comfortable. Personally Canon's cameras are more comfortable and the lens selection/quality is great. REMEMBER, MEGAPIXELS AREN'T WHAT MAKE A CAMERA.

Photography forums:
fredmiranda.com
photography-on-the.net is a great Canon community and source for used gear

[steinbachphoto]

okay don't listen to everyone who is saying go for the d200 or 300. The D80 is basically the D200 in a smaller body, they use the same sensor. You do lose out on the weather sealed body of the 200 and also the 5fps(d80 is 2.5fps)

[vcuE30]

Do NOT buy the d80. The d90 has already been announced and will be out by Xmas. If you're serious about photography you wouldn't even consider the d40, d40x or d60. The d80 does not limit you to only nikon DX lenses, unlike the 40, 40x, and 60. It also has PC capability for studio shooting as well as a longer battery life than any of the lower end nikons. The size feels more comfortable in hand and it weighs a bit more. Personally I feel a camera with a bit more weight can help with stability when a tripod is not in use.

I decided to go with the Pentax k10d recently. It has 73 water seals on the body as well as weather seals on the battery grip. Pentax has never changed their 35mm or digital mount so any old lens for a Pentax will fit on this digital body. It is also 10 mp and has an awesome instant RAW button on the body. It won digital SLR of the year in 2007. Of course, the k20d was announced earlier this year- a bit better and a bit more expensive. This also means the price of the k10d has come down making it an UNBELIEVABLE deal. If you're unsure about your ability to self teach yourself about any camera, buy an additional book or instructional dvd. Many camera stores (like Ritz Camera) offer free camera classes with every digital camera purchase.

I'm not a huge fan of canon. The body material of the lower end models (XT, XTI) just don't feel as high quality as the lower end nikons. Also, lower end canons use compact flash memory (unlike all the nikons and pentax for that matter), which can lead to bent pins and easy breakage if not careful.

Go nikon or pentax. OR check out the new Sony 350. 14.1 mp WITH a sweet tiltable screen and the best live view on the market HANDS DOWN.

[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!

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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...

[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.

[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.

[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]

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]

fixed that link...

You would think I could spell photography....