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08/21/2008 07:01:44 PM · #1 |
Well, now I am into this site, have refound the passion for photography, and therefore, the Point and Shoot is no longer good enough (never really was, but it fits in the pocket when heading to the pub)
I have a Nikon F80 with a Nikkor 28-105 Lens.
My Current thoughts are to go for the Nikon D80. Have read some great stuff about it. Of course, would also be looking at a new lens or two (as my current one, although in great condition, will end up being a little in the middle of the shooting range).
Before its suggested, the funds (and the justification) cannot go to a D300 (or equivilant). Would consider another brand if there is a LARGE advantage in swapping.
Any opinions, feedback, personal experiences or advice would be appreciated.
(However, would like to avoid this becoming the Typical Nikon/Canon argument)
Thanks All
kaiser
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08/21/2008 07:08:11 PM · #2 |
D80 is a good camera. It has some nice features and does a great job. For the money you would spend on a new D80 you could probably find a nice used D200. The thing I like about my D80 is the wireless remote you can get for it that is only $20.
The D200 does not have a remote that cheap but the D200 has a faster FPS and it is a magnesium body with weather sealing. If you don't want to save for the D300 (Which used examples should start to show up on the market because of the release of the D700) a good used D200 would be my recommendation.
I own both cameras and use them both on a regular basis.
Message edited by author 2008-08-21 19:09:24. |
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08/21/2008 08:15:31 PM · #3 |
| For you it would be an easy transition as the F80 body and the D80 should be very similar, at least they were with the D70 I owned. Good luck and have fun with the new toy! |
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08/21/2008 08:24:09 PM · #4 |
I made the transition between the F80 and the D80 very easily, and I haven't looked back. I agree with  thegrandwazoo about the merits of the D200 in terms of the higher build quality, but I've never felt like I need anything more than the D80 so far, and I've had it for a little over a year now. |
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08/21/2008 08:32:15 PM · #5 |
| There is no need to change brands, you have a good base with the D80, and the lenses you have can be used on a latter camera when the funds are available. I know that upgrading to a new bright new camera sounds great but sometimes working with what you have and saving some cash is better. But you can find D200s for a real good price now that the D300 and D700 has come out. |
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08/21/2008 10:47:34 PM · #6 |
I have had the d80 and the 18-200 VR lens for just over a year. I love the camera and wish I had more time to actually USE it! I added the wireless remote, and the battery pack so that vertical work is easier, as well as the extended battery life. I received an SB800 flash as a gift. I want a 50mm 1.4, and would consider getting a second body in the future as new models drive older model prices down.
I like the 18-200 lens a lot, and the only "issue" with it seems to be that it is a little soft around the 135mm mark.
I would not hesitate to recommend the d80.
Living in the Seattle area, the waterproof sealing of advanced models is attractive, though.... |
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08/21/2008 11:02:39 PM · #7 |
I like my D80. I bought it mainly to use the 18-200, which I'm extremely happy with. It's a great lens IMHO, and gives you a tremendous range, great picture quality, and VR to boot. I supplemented it with the Sigma 10-20, which is a very good lens, but not as good as my old Canon 10-22.
I prefer the size of the D80 to the D200/D300 size personally, and I like the fact that it uses SD cards rather than CF. CF cards are more expensive at this point, and a number of people have bent the pins in their camera inserting the CF cards. I never had that problem, and while at first, I felt the SDs were too small (and thus might be easy to lose), I love them now! Easy to insert, remove, small as heck to carry, and no pins to bend.
My only complaint is noise. I feel that the sensor is too noisy in areas, especially at ISO800 and above. It's not bad, but not as good as the CMOS based sensors. On the other hand, the noise, for the most part, doesn't call attention to itself unless you pixel peep or try to lighten shadows.
Since high ISOs are important (especially when you don't have fast glass), I'm tempted to move to the D300 or even D700. But it's hard to cost justify either, and personally, I'm hoping for a D90 to come out soon with the D300 sensor, since otherwise, the camera is great.
One other caveat. On the D80, when you shoot in burst mode, the camera always refocuses each shot, even if you are in single focus mode. I compared notes on this with Ursula, and the D200 didn't do that. Since I often half press the shutter to focus on my subject, then recompose, this is a problem if I am shooting a bracketed exposure. Nikon claims this is by design on the D80. :(
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08/22/2008 01:25:09 PM · #8 |
Ooh, just found something to think about....
//www.nikonguides.com/d90.htm |
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08/25/2008 09:53:02 PM · #9 |
Thanks Guys for the Advice. Seems that everyone thinks the D80 is pretty good. Will have to start hunting around and find the best price, and also deceide on lenses and the like.
I currently have the 28-105 which kinda gets stuck in the middle with the DX.
Thinking about the 70-300 VR (if funds allow) and the 18-55 but we will have to see.
Any extra advice (both Camera and Lens related) would be much appreciated.
Thanks to those who have already posted |
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08/25/2008 11:07:23 PM · #10 |
What are some thoughts about waiting for the elusive "D90" which will probably be announced within a month and will become available early next year?
D80 currently: $700
D90 projected: $1200 (at least)
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08/26/2008 12:06:17 AM · #11 |
| I going stop by your house today, you better have those cookies baked and ready. |
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