D40 vs D60 vs D80

K

krish

Well-known member
I know there are tons of info on Nikon cameras but my situation is like this:

I am looking to strike a balance between functionality, finance and technology. D60 and D80 are almost comparable but looks like D80 takes the cake because it does have better manual control plus a bunch of additional features, its slightly more expensive but its 2 years old!

I read somewhere that Nikon might announce D90 in June.

My question is does it matter if I buy a 2 year old technology in D80?

Again I am just beginning my Photography journey so if you guys think that i should probably go with D40. I have been making films for a couple of years now so have developed a bit of decerning eye and pick out differences quite easily between all the three camers.

Would appreciate any help. I need an answer fast as I plan to travel to south east asia next week for couple of weeks.

Cheers,

-Kris
 
Here was the way I looked at it. I had a D40, and it is a freaking awesome camera. There was no picture that I could not take with it. The issue I had was that it does not have an internal focus motor, so all the older cheaper awesome glass would not auto-focus. I would have to buy all the more expensive AF-S lenses (also awesome).

Basically, it ended up being cheaper for me to get a used D200 and get the slightly older, and very sharp and clear 2.8 glass.

As for your situation, don't worry about the possible upgrade. The D80 is great. All these cameras are great. And remeber, even if you are just starting out the bug will bite and you will want more lenses.....so just make sure you make an educated decision as to what would be best for you.

Oh yeah, and I always buy used. Camera equipment will almost depreciate as fast as a car.....so save yourself some $$$ and pick up a used body and used lens from a reliable source.
 
Definitely go the D80 over the D40. Much better auto-focus system (11 point, same as D200 I think) and for it has the internal focus motor as Dan said.

I have a D80 and am more than happy, don't think I'll be upgrading for a while.
 
thanks guys, I have decided to go with D80. thanks again for the useful info. it definitely helped.

what would make a good basic kit?

any insight about what is the best place to buy it?

normally I buy stuff from B&H Photo but looks like they wont ship my order till Monday because of holidays and I am flying out of the countey on Friday so it will be cutting it close.

Cheers,

-Kris
 
I got a Lowepro Flipside 300 bag which I like (but have nearly outgrown already), it's cheap and really great if you don't have too much stuff.

Some may disagree but I put (leave on) a high quality UV filter on my lenses the moment I take them out the wrapper. I'm using Hoya Pro1 UV filters, there's a couple other good brands too but just make sure not to skimp here.

Get a lenspen.

Get a rocketblower and keep it in your bag. It'll fix dust spots on the sensor quick smart and only takes a minute to do. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/259157-REG/Giottos_AA1900_Rocket_Air_Blower_.html and read this article on how to use before you go on holidays. http://www.flickr.com/groups/d80/discuss/72157602753405411/

The 18-135 kit lense is a good starter lense. If you have money to burn get the Nikon 80-200 2.8 and 17-35 2.8, I got both of mine of ebay for about AUS $750 each - they are beautiful, I love the 80-200 more than life itself (the bokeh is that good).

If you want just one lense maybe get the Nikon 18-200 VR, it's pretty pricey too. I almost bought it many times but I'm very, very happy I went with the quality 2.8 zooms.

With the release of the D300/D3 you may be able to pick up a used D200 for a good price too.

Get a few 2GB mem cards. Don't buy cards off ebay though, go to a store. I think 2GBs a good size as I'm too paranoid to use anything larger for fear of them dying and losing a lot of photos. The 2GB holds about 160 RAW shots from memory.

You could also try adorama, I think they're pretty competitive.

Ian

EDIT: You may also want to buy a rain cover. That's something I gotta spring for.
 
ok so took the plung and ordered the following from B&H:

Nikon D80 CAMERA

SD/HC READER USB 2.0

2 SD - 133x-2GB CARDS

NIKKOR 18-55mm OUTFIT VR LENS

NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX LENS

There was a $100 off deal on two lens systems so got it as a package deal.

super stoked about it. Should be getting it in the morning!.

still need to get the bag, filters, covers etc.

Will post some pics.

cheers,

-Kris
 
Hi Kris,
Congratulations on your new camera! I am also looking got get a Nikon but am torn between the D60 and D80. To be honest, I know very little about the differences between these cameras. More importantly, I have no idea how to buy the lenses. I have been doing my research but I feel like there's just too much information out there and i'm not getting what I need. Anyway, this is my list of "cameras to research" thus far:
NIKON D80 DIGITAL SLR W/18-70DX LENS

NIKON D80 W/18-200 VR NIKON LENS

NIKON D80 D-SLR W/ 18-55 DX VR LENS

NIKON D80 D-SLR W/ 16-85 VR LENS

I'm leaning more towards the one with the 18-200 VR lens. I've heard great things about it.

How is your camera working out? I am just starting out and while I lOVE photography, I have lots and lots to learn.

If you or anyone can help me, please help!

Thank you.

Keenjal
 
D80 is a very nice camera, the D60 (Which is what I got a few days ago) uses the same sensor but has less focus points as stated in this thread. From the D40 to the D80, it's a huge upgrade. I keep hearing about the D90 that's coming very soon, so if you are really looking for the D80 I suggest that you hold off. The D40/60/80 use the same body, it's very light and the VR lenses (for telephoto) are very much life savers. Nikon did not put the stabilizer in the camera, but rather in the lens. I like this more.

By the way the ergonomics in the D40/60/80 are MUCH better than any of the XTi/XSi entry level cameras...
 
Just to clarify, the D40, D40x and D60 use the same body. The D80 uses a slightly larger body to accommodate the internal focus motor and top LCD screen.

I would suggest you go ahead an go with the D80. It will allow you to use the most number of lenses. I personally like the 18-55 VR for a starting lens. There is a lot you can do with it and it is very sharp.
 
Keenjal, I bought the D80 and dont regret my decision at all expecially for the price point i was looking for. I started a thread about some of my first pics so check it out.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=135326

I love the manual control. I think D60 is really designed as a prosumer cam so it lacks some of these features. If its between D60 and D80 then go with D80.


goodluck,

-k
 
I'd personally take my D70 over all of them. It may be old, but it has the same megapixel amount as all of those, same fps, but the D70 has a 1/500th flash sync where as the D40, D40x, D60 and D80 only have a 1/250th flash sync and can only achieve 1/500th with the Pocket Wizard Plus (which are $200 each).
 
Um, not true about the D40 on the flash sync. With a dummy PC adapter on my D40 hotshoe I was able to sync over 1/1000. Most likely true of the D40x and D60, since none of them have a true leaf shutter I doubt it is a problem.

Also, the D50, D70, D70s, D80 and up can do high speed sync on or off camera with Nikon's CLS and the i-ttl speedlights. Can shoot up to 1/4000th if I remember correctly.
 
Hi all,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me. I am just in the process of writing my dissertation so I have NO time to do any research at all. I have decided that I want the D80 but have not looked into which lens to get. I don'w know why I have my heart set on the vr 18-200 nikon lens. A friend of mine has it and I just fell in love with it. Funny thing is I know nothing about it and why it may be better than any other lens that's out there for the D80. What are your thoughts?

Krish, I love your photos. Wow! I can't get over how clear and sharp they are.

Thanks, guys!

Keenjal
 
Hi Krish,
Did you say you bought the 18-200 vr nikon lens? I thought I read that somewhere. If you did, how is it working out? If not, which one did you get?

Thank you!
Keenjal
 
From what I've researched, the 18-200 Nikon VR is the best walk around, you pay for it though of course.
 
I'm in the process of getting the 18-200mm VR as well, the D80 kit lens comes with a non VR 18-135 which I'm trying to sell right now so I could get the 18-200.

I tested the 18-200 and it's a sweet lens. It's around $650 or so or from B&H. Very good lens and you don't need to lug around 2 lenses.

By the way, I ran the D60 through its paces before going with the D80. To tell you the truth I like the D80 much better. The body is a little bigger, a little heavier (blame the lens, specs say only few ounces on the body) and the more pro features will last you longer than the D60. I did however like the D60 auto monitor shut off sensor and the rotating sensor and the dust cleaning feature (how good this is, I have no clue). But overall I'm liking the D80. It feels just like the D70 that I shot with a while back.

The D90 should come by the end of this year (from what I've researched) but it is going to cost more than the D80.
 
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