I'm about to purchase my first Digital SLR. I am set on Nikon, and have been reseraching the above two. Any suggestions? Has anyone used either of the above cameras?
I am trying to decide on a digital SLR camera...Nikon has really stuck out for me, and i know 3 people who love and use the D80, but are there any D60 users and lovers out there? It's cheaper, it doesn't take the old Nikon lenses (but I don't have any old lenses), and there are 3 focus points rather than 11, but in a review I read, an important point was made.
'The camera is just the tool you use to get your image.
Don't be a gearhead, be a photographer!'
I would appreciate your comments...
Reply to this I've used the D80 for almost two years and have loved it. My wife has a D40x, the precursor of the D60, and I've found it hard to use in some situations. If you plan on getting pretty good at photography and using settings other than the "Auto" settings, the D60 can be limiting because you have to go through menus to change just about every function. The D80 (which was just replace by the D90) allows you to change settings such as metering mode, both aperture and shutter speed, metering compensation, flash compensation and a few other things without going into a menu. In many cases you can change these things without even taking your eye off the camera.
With the D90 coming you may be able to get D80's cheaper but would need to move fast since they are no longer being produced. the D90 will be available in October and is already on sale for preorder. It is, once again, a decent step up from the D80. It has new functions like HD video capability and a larger sensor which comes from the D300.
I just stepped up to the D700, a considerable step up from the D80, and couldn't be happier. I love Nikon for travel photography and would switch to Canon unless I became really serious about wedding or sports photography.
Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions. All the pictures on my blog were taken with the D80 with the exception of any taken by my wife on her D40x.
Reply to this *test reply to see if it reveals the new post - having issues viewing forum posts again*
Reply to this Thanks for your reply...I keep oscillating between the D60 and the D80. One day i'm all for one, and the next day i've changed my mind. I was thinking D60 because it will be my first DSLR, but at the same time I do want to grow with my photography and with my camera, and I don't want to have to buy another one in 6 months because i've outgrown it. This weekend i'm going to the shops to have a play with them and see which one feels right.
I love your photos by the way, some really great shots there.
Reply to this Thanks for the compliment!!
The D80 was my first DSLR and it gave me a good amount of room to grow. After the year of picture taking I found that I had outgrown it but it took the full year and more than 10k pictures. I can't stress enough how important having all the buttons that change setting is. Having to go through the menu to change even the simplest thing is a real pain in the rear.
Good luck this weekend and don't feel pressured to buy because some store clerk is hovering over you.
BTW, one more piece of advice. Its more important to spend your money on good lenses than good camera bodies. The camera body can't take a good picture if the lens makes the world look bad. If it comes down to getting a better lens and a cheaper body, that's the way to go. Your lenses will outlast your camera anyway so they are a much better investment.
When I got the D80 I picked up the 18-200 f3.5-5.6 VR and it is a great do-everything lens. I don't use it as much as I once did but Its a good first investment even though its expensive. If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend it!!
Reply to this Just an update...I ended up getting the D90, and if anyone's interested it's a great little camera. I have the Nikon VR 18-135 lens, and later picked up a Tamron 70-300....I wish I had gotten the 18-200m but there's always christmas! These cameras have a reassuring weight in your hand, and are moulded very nicely. Well done Nikon.
Reply to this I would highly recommend the 18-200 VR if you can get it for X-mas. I used it for many of my pics around the world and love it. Also, the 12-24 is an awesome lens that got used a ton as well. I love wide angle and 12mm is WAY wider than 18mm...believe me!
Congrats on your new camera. Enjoy!!!
Reply to this A little slow on the response here - but I agree with Mike - you've chosen the right option. My first DSLR was the D70 and being able to switch aperture, shutter speed exposure compensation etc etc - with resorting to multiple menu levels allowed me to gradually go from using the auto modes to the manual settings with out being overwhelmed. Room to grow - sums it up nicely.
I'm on my second Nikon now - D300 - and the infamous 18-200 Nikor lens - and I am incredibly happy with it. I hope to invest in more glass sometime.
Reply to this I have the same dilemma of what to get..I often used a manual nikon SLR before when I was still in the Phillipines ( actually they are my dad's ),a fm10 then he bought a pre-owned fg20..recently,about 2 months ago, I bought a point and shoot Fujifilm s5800..it's alright but being used with a manual SLR,I outgrown it quickly..I have been looking at d60 but then d90 came along..it's quite expensive and heavy to carry it everyday for me( and I don't know much about digital photography ) so I was just considering d60 but then having gone through to it's specs and reviews,I'm not sure what I will have now..can you enlighten me..Cheers!
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