Nikon D40X, D60, or D80?

[Asr]

Finally ready to jump for a DSLR, and I've been doing some research, but still not 100% sure which of these to get. I like the D80 but don't exactly plan to get too many lenses (probably 3 at most), would it still be worth it without more lenses? Or should I save a bit and go for the D40X or D60? To save some money or just go for the top, that is the question...

 

[roastpuff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif Finally ready to jump for a DSLR, and I've been doing some research, but still not 100% sure which of these to get. I like the D80 but don't exactly plan to get too many lenses (probably 3 at most), would it still be worth it without more lenses? Or should I save a bit and go for the D40X or D60? To save some money or just go for the top, that is the question...

Dude, top would be D300/D700. Or D3.

D80 is the better choice, because it lets you use better lenses that don't have the motor built-in, which the D40/D40X/D60 won't be able to use in AF mode. The D80 is actually quite a good camera. Wait for the D80 replacement though, I think it's almost time for it to be refreshed or replaced.

Or go Canon.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I'd only get the D40/60 if you want the smallest possible Nikon DSLR. The D80 has a much better autofocus system, is compatible with many more lenses, and has a better viewfinder. And it really isn't THAT much bigger than the 40/60, certainly quite a bit smaller/lighter than the 200/300/700.

 

[Wil]

Why choose a specific brand?

Although i'm a Canon user, i must say im very tempted by offerings from Pentax, Olympus, Sony and the like...Explore your options first before deciding on a brand i say..

The latest offerings from Sony look very nice!

 

[nor_spoon]

I've been looking at DSLR's lately too, and for no reason, I want to get a Nikon. The D300 is nice, and I almost pulled the trigger, but on second thought, do I really need it as a dslr noob that I am. Maybe it is a good idea to get a cheaper one, and wait for the full-format cameras to become available to a ok price... I could always get some good lenses in the meantime.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

I was aiming for a Nikon for awhile, but in the end decided to go with a Canon Rebel XSi. Nikon's decision to alienate people from many nice lenses that have a built-in motor just because they didn't start off with a mid-fi DSLR (D80) really limited what lenses I could have gotten for my planned D40.

Thus, I've gone with Canon, where pretty much any of their DSLR lenses are compatible with every of their DSLR bodies.

If you want to read through possibly (and probably) the best Canon forum website ever, check out: Canon Digital Photography Forums - Powered by vBulletin

 

[Wil]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was aiming for a Nikon for awhile, but in the end decided to go with a Canon Rebel XSi. Nikon's decision to alienate people from many nice lenses that have a built-in motor just because they didn't start off with a mid-fi DSLR (D80) really limited what lenses I could have gotten for my planned D40. Thus, I've gone with Canon, where pretty much any of their DSLR lenses are compatible with every of their DSLR bodies. If you want to read through possibly (and probably) the best Canon forum website ever, check out: Canon Digital Photography Forums - Powered by vBulletin

Very good point. I was considering nikon until the incompatibility of their lenses confused me. If image stabilization is importation for you, and you don't want to pay a premium, consider Sony or Olympus with the built-in IS in the body. Saves on cost and size.

 

[roastpuff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wil /img/forum/go_quote.gif Very good point. I was considering nikon until the incompatibility of their lenses confused me. If image stabilization is importation for you, and you don't want to pay a premium, consider Sony or Olympus with the built-in IS in the body. Saves on cost and size.

I was going to get a D60 too, until the whole lens thing got pointed out to me. Bleh! Most of the nice primes don't work with the D40/60, which sucks because I seem to have become a prime shooter, lately.

Lay off the soda and the coffee to reduce shake.

 

[FrederikS|TPU]

I love the D80 the grip is just right and the body ain't too big. I have tried the small DSLRs but the grip is a awkward for me. The grip of the D80 is very natural for me, smaller than that and I have to use more force to hold the camera.

Having a D80 is expensive because immediately after you get it you will want more lenses. I just got mine and I am already contemplating getting a macro lens

 

[Asr]

Looks like I'll go for the D80 then, size isn't really a concern of mine.

I already know I want one of these Nikons btw, I've physically seen each one and like their design, plus they use SD memory cards - my laptop has an SD reader built-in, and I don't want to have to get a card reader for another memory card type.

 

[M0T0XGUY]

Yeah good call on the D80. I'd recommend buying it body only, however, and then going for a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and an 85 f/1.8. The former is a fantastic standard zoom with a relatively large aperture for low-light shooting, and the latter is a tack sharp prime; great for portraits, isolating subjects, or even lower light photography.

You haven't necessarily listed a budget yet, but I think the Tamron at least is an excellent standard zoom at a relatively affordable cost.

 

[Asr]

Well I don't know much about lenses but I'd like to start with 1 lens for macro shots (of audio equipment here and there) and 1 lens for shooting outdoors/landscapes. Will either of those Tamron lenses be ideal for outdoor purposes? Oh and my budget is flexible btw, I definitely want to start seriously dabbling in photography now.

 

[roastpuff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well I don't know much about lenses but I'd like to start with 1 lens for macro shots (of audio equipment here and there) and 1 lens for shooting outdoors/landscapes. Will either of those Tamron lenses be ideal for outdoor purposes? Oh and my budget is flexible btw, I definitely want to start seriously dabbling in photography now.

Both are great for outdoors. Fast aperture lenses rock big time, and I'm using them exclusively to great satisfaction. The 17-50 will

Get a Micro-Nikkor (I think that's what they're called) for a macro lens - nothing really beats the OEM manufacturer's macro offerings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roastpuff /img/forum/go_quote.gif IMG_1652 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! IMG_1682 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! IMG_1704 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Sample shots from my Tamron. I didn't do any thing to the picture... absolutely straight from the camera. I've included links to my Flickr so that you can download the full-resolution (12Mp!) pictures to have a better look-see look-see.

Here is some stuff that the Tamron lens can do. Took it from my post in the Canon thread.

 

[bigshot]

There are some great third party lenses out there. I have two Tokinas that are just as good as Nikon lenses. If you're only going to get one lens, the 17-50 mentioned is a great choice. It will probably get close enough for anything you want to do, even though it isn't a macro lens.

The best thing you can do is get a flexible first lens and then get out there and take a lot of pictures. You'll figure out where you want to go from there, or you may just find that you don't need a lot of equipment to take great pictures.

See ya
Steve

 

[ozz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif Looks like I'll go for the D80 then, size isn't really a concern of mine. I already know I want one of these Nikons btw, I've physically seen each one and like their design, plus they use SD memory cards - my laptop has an SD reader built-in, and I don't want to have to get a card reader for another memory card type.

Also the new Panasonics plasmas have an sd card reader.