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peter_riley

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I have been looking at getting a dslr for a while now and I am drawn to anything within Nikon, I don't own one yet but was looking at starting on something like a D80, are these ok for a starter, or would something along the lines of D40, D40x be any different. I won't be having.any particular style or subject but just things I find interesting. Thanks.
 
I'm also a beginner and would reccommend the d80. I had a d40x and then changed to a d80. They can be picked up pretty cheaply second hand, they are a bit bigger than the d40/d40x, have a built in lcd display on top of the camera ( i find this very useful, instead of having to look at the back display, and also saves on battery power).

The biggest differance would be the built-in autofocus motor in the d80, which both the d40 and d40x lack. This could restrict your choice of lens in the future to lens's with built in autofocus. All in all i think the d80 is a better bet
 
Ahh okay never thought about the built in motor thing, been looking at mpb photographic they have some D80's on there that are reasonable, plus a full range of lenses. Think I will go with the D80. Cheers.
 
Cannot go wrong at all with the D80, a brilliant camera. I started off a few years ago with one and only just upgraded in the summer. Not the best at high ISO's but then again it is getting on a bit!
 
Hi, I use only Canon, BUT!! I would say no matter what brand you go for before you spend your money take a little longer and go to either the local camera shop or camera club and get the chance to look at the camera/s hold it in your hand to see if it feels OK you may buy the D80 and once you get to hold it you may think it feels to big or to small? is it to heavy? you also need to consider the lens or lenses you will want to buy in the future (and you will buy more). Just take your time, I no it is difficult as all you want is that camera in your hands but not the wrong camera!!!!
Russ.
 
Thanks for the input guys its appreciated. Russell I have held the D80 plus also a canon 30d and 40d, I just feel like the D80felt good in my hand. Also the range of lenses is appealing.
 
russellsnr said:
Hi, I use only Canon, BUT!! I would say no matter what brand you go for before you spend your money take a little longer and go to either the local camera shop or camera club and get the chance to look at the camera/s hold it in your hand to see if it feels OK you may buy the D80 and once you get to hold it you may think it feels to big or to small? is it to heavy? you also need to consider the lens or lenses you will want to buy in the future (and you will buy more). Just take your time, I no it is difficult as all you want is that camera in your hands but not the wrong camera!!!!
Russ.
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This^

I remember when I bought my first body from Currys (yes yes I know!:)) I had absolutely no idea what one to get apart from narrowing it down to Canon or Nikon from peoples advice.

I ended up with the Canon not only due to the feel of it in my hands,but I also preferred the menu layout as well.

Someone will probably come and quote me wrong now,but from what I can gather I don't think there's a great deal of difference in the lower models in comparison anyway?
 
indiabravo said:
Cannot go wrong at all with the D80, a brilliant camera. I started off a few years ago with one and only just upgraded in the summer. Not the best at high ISO's but then again it is getting on a bit!
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Agree with this. Started with a D80 and upgraded to a d90. What is you budget? Don't forget to include a lens, battery, sd cards and a bag.
 
peter_riley said:
I have held the D80 plus also a canon 30d and 40d, I just feel like the D80felt good in my hand. Also the range of lenses is appealing.
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How the camera feels to you is really the most important difference between Nikon and Canon. It's an entirely personal experience. Many of us become infected with brand loyalty later, but even this is really driven by the unity you feel between you and your camera. If the D80 feels right, it IS right. :)

I wouldn't worry too much about motors in lenses these days, though. At one time, just a few short years ago, it definitely was an important consideration. However, the range of AF-S (integrated focus motor) lenses today is pretty much all-encompassing, and it's becoming less and less likely that you'll be faced with the "AF-S or AF-D?" question in the future, as every day passes. :)
 
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