Nikon D80

I don't believe it's a replacement of D50. I'm sure it's next level up from D50. (But hey, what do I know about Nikon cameras?)

 

D50 > D70 > D80 right?

So it kinda is a replacement to the D50?

 

But I don't believe D50 is discontinued??

 

I just got the D70S. Tamron 18-200mm Macro lens and a 2GB card.

 

I think it just falls between D50 and D200. I don't think Nikon will replace D50 in a hurry as it seems to be such a popular camera.

 

Nice camera nonetheless! Go for it!

 

Yes.

The only thing the current D70(s) users isn't impressed with seems to be the use of SD card only. But it shouldn't be a problem for D50 users.

 

Prefer canon myself-I've been wanting a Rebel XT for some time-instead I have a powershot SD500.

 

Wise man.

 

It seems to me that the D80 replaces the D70 AND the D200. Price-wise, it's in the neighborhood of the 70 and performance-wise the 200. I haven't read all the reviews, but it's odd that this camera would come out so soon after the pricier D200.

 

To bad you won't be able to find one anywhere for 6-8 months. Just buy a D50 now and learn to use it. By the time the D80 is actually available you might be ready to upgrade.

Of course, you have to find a D50 first. The D80, it seems, uses the same body. I've been shopping for a D50 and can't find just the body anywhere only the "kits" which have crappy lenses. And I already have the lenses I want to use with it.

 

I doubt it very much. D200 has much better specs and it seems to be aimed at high(er)-end users (semi-pros & pros).

 

Costco has them, with the 2-lens kit, for $800.

Edit: Actually, check out this place by me. Been around forever. You may have a shop down near you, but these guys have decent prices.
http://central-camera.com/xcart/home.php?cat=321

Gemm, that's what I wasn't sure about. I figured, for the amount of money, the 200 had to have some upgraded features. But based on resolution, the 80 competes. Although, unless you're making some crazy-big prints you don't really need anything much more than 6-8 megapixels.

 

I shopped on E-Bay and then ordered by phone. Shop Sunshine in Brooklyn. D70S with a 2gb card and 2 Nikon lenses and other junk I didn't need for $998. I saw D50s at $599. I then bought a Tamron lens from a local shop just to support local, and have someone to do prints and clean it.

I am a novice to say the least.

 

Yeah, I know what you mean. Resolution may be the same but that really doesn't mean too much these days. Development of sensor is fast, so cheaper models will catch up soon or later in terms of number of mega pixels. But there are other areas where it makes the huge difference. Things like GPS or WiFi capability shows that it's designed for pros, also moisture and dust sealing is a must for pros. I believe it's superior in terms of performance as well. I'm sure Nikon users will be able to confirm this for me.

 

the D50 is no longer in production... i got one from the last run and i love it but now i want this new D80!!!

 

Are you sure about that? Here are the MSRPs from Nikon's website:

D50 $579.95
D70S $699.95
D80 $999.95
D200 $1699.95

From a marketing standpoint, it wouldn't seem to make much sense to get rid of their entry-level model, especially since it only came out a little over a year ago. The D80 certainly does (from pictures) appear to use the D50 case, however. Interesting that they chose the D50 case rather than the D70 one (at least apparently) for a more upscale model than the D70. All things considered, it would seem more logical to me if the D70S were the one to be discontinued.

I still absolutely love my D50!

 

I juyst "upgraded" from my 350D to 30D.

I asked around abot megapixels, what was good, bad or what else.

Everyone, even in reviews, said between 6 and 8 is the best

I even read a review where they feared the 30D (it replaced the 20D) would be bumped to around 9-10MP, and they were relieved when it was "only" 8.2MP

 

I would think the D80 is replacing the D70/D70S, not the D50. When i got my D70, it was still in the same price range as the D80 is now. I'm almost certain the D50 is still being made. Its only been out for a year

 

What camera would you recommend for a real 'beginner'. Easy to use, yet takes good quality pics and at a resonable price. ?

 

The D50 would make an excellent first camera. It has full automatic, "program mode" automatic, shutter-priority automatic, aperture-priority automatic, and full manual control. I love mine, even though I'm an experienced 35mm SLR photographer. It's fairly rugged, and is compatible with the full range of first-rate Nikon autofocus lenses.

I'm sure that Canon has something equivalent, but I've always been a Nikon man.

Sample photo attached (of a Ferrari, of course). Bear in mind that the resolution was lowered to be uploadable to FC.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

There are endless possibilities. Start with a budget and work from there. You can never go wrong with Canon and Nikon products. It depends on what types of pictures you plan on taking, too. The SLR style of camera (interchangeable lenses) will provide much more versatility and grow with you as you become more experienced. If you're only going to be taking party pics and snapshots, then look into the fixed lens style, since they're usually less expensive but still take quality photos. As far as megapixels go, my wife and I have a Canon Powershot 4.0 and it takes fantastically clear shots. I've blown them up into 8x10 size without any pixelation, so I know the cameras in the 6 mp range will be just fine for me. The first thing you will notice when you compare the SLR with the non-SLR is the shutter lag. The nicer the camera, the less shutter lag, which is due to the image metering and focusing time. These Nikons everyone is talking about are great cameras for newbies (D50, D70s) since they have great Auto features as well as manual settings. Go to a store where you can handle the different cameras and check them out. Ergonomics can make a big difference some times, too.