Suggestions for a digital slr Camera?

Thinking of getting a digital slr camera. Time to move on from film. I was thinking of the Nikon D60 or D80? Always liked the Nikon and the prices seem good. What are your thoughts?

Mike

 

It really depends. What lenses do you own? What type of photography do you like, and what level are you at? I'd vote for the D80, but that's just me - I tend to buy the best product I can so I won't regret it later. They're both fine cameras though.

 

I do alot of B & W photography and alot of automotive photography. What are the main differences between the D80 and D60 tho, I haven' been able to really find anything.

 

I have a Nikon D60 and really like it. However, if I would be getting one with what I know now, I would opt for the Nikon D80. The main reason being that the D60 will only autofocus on lenses that have built in motors (Nikon AF-S lenses, Sigma HSM lenses, etc), otherwise you will have to use manual focus. The D80 has an internal motor that will focus with lenses that don't have built in autofocus motors. While there are plenty of good lenses with motors, they seem to be more expensive and at some point, you will find a lens you want that you will have to manual focus with. I have one manual focus lens (50mm f/1.8) and it is my favorite lens, but I always think how nice it would be not to have to manual focus with it. With the D80, it wouldn't be an issue.

Hope this helps, there are more differences between the D60 and D80, but IMO this is the biggest. Any other questions about the D60, feel free to ask. It is a nice camera, that is just the biggest shortcoming.

 

See about a used D1X Nikon. I have loved it. Great for sports. With newer models out, might get a good deal on one. Check prices at B&H Photo out of New York for any new models. Very good reputation and prices are hard to beat. Good luck with your search.

 

Thanks for the info Pars! Will keep that in mind.

 

The D80 was my first SLR, and if you are looking for one, just skip the D40 and D60. You know that you will want to upgrade to the D80 eventually. Plus like mentioned before the D80 can AF with non-AFS lenses.
If you don't want the much bigger size of the 30 and 40D, or the lack of build quality in the Rebel series, this is what you want.
Superb image quality, very fast speed unless you are doing sports professionally. I will say that the ONLY thing that made me choose Nikon over Canon was ergonomics. I would have loved the 6fps, 3 inch screen, and live view of the 40D. It felt like I was holding a jagged rock though. The Rebel felt like my Canon A60. Small, cheaply made, nothing to hold onto. When I was at B+H Photo a month ago (Them and Adorama are the best camera stores in the world) I even thought the 3 pound, twice as heavy, twice as big D3 was easier to hold than the 40D. All in all, go to the store and try them out.
Thanks

 

Like Ferrari 250GTO my first slr is a D80. enjoy this material with good lenses i regret one thing, i took AF nikkor
i should prefer to take VR lenses.

probaly later i will take another nikon box, i know they put on market the D700. why not?

 

May we have an update?