Recommended?

I'm very amateur with cameras but I want to start learning about what shutter speeds, ISOs, aperture settings, etc (already know a bit about it but can't practice without a camera that will allow manual settings).

Plus, the camera will be used for business. Budget is around $1000.

If not the D80, what camera would you recommend?

[Edited on June 8, 2008 at 8:37 PM. Reason : .]

6/8/2008 8:35:38 PM

D80 is a great choice to be able to use almost any nikon lens made over the past many decades. It's ability to auto focus using screw drive lenses is a HUGE plus over the D40/60 cameras.

6/8/2008 9:07:13 PM

I second the D80 but if you plan on using all AFS lenses then maybe the D40 would be a good choice. Its cheaper and the extra money could get you some better glass. http://kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

6/8/2008 9:10:02 PM

D80 is more than enough to start off on and a very good camera. You should check this out. Nikon D80 package for 799 at circuit city.

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=59242&t=840525

6/8/2008 10:02:36 PM

^ misprint. Does anyone know what the follow on to the D80 is ?

6/8/2008 10:05:52 PM

yeah, YMMV, but never the less you can try.

6/8/2008 10:08:25 PM

I bought the D80 a few months ago and could not be happier.

Should have dropped in price recently.

6/9/2008 8:18:49 AM

The D60 is supposed to be in that market spot, kinda. I don't know (haven't heard any new rumors) about a true consumer camera coming out. All of the rumors center around a "D10" that will have the full frame sensor in a D300 size body, which would be totally awesome and in my camera bag.

6/9/2008 9:23:53 AM

I LOVE love loooove my D80. I got it last november and have learned SO much since then. I went from using presets (lol for about a week) to using all manual, or a-priority (since I like to shoot wildlife). Its incredible what you can do with a few manual settings and a nice piece of glass If I ever get another body I'll very likely keep this one because its so easy to use and fits my hands perfectly. My only qualms? In most conditions using ISO over 800 just gets too grainy, I've learned that 3 fps sometimes isn't near enough, and Nikon released the D300 and D3 a few months after I made my purchase. I'd love to have the D300, but I'm more concerned about saving up for some super fast glass, a few filters, and a tripod...for starters. Oh, and I've become sooo much more critical of the pictures I take and therefore I have quickly developed a case of what many people refer to as "NAS" (Nikon-Acquisition-Syndrome)...lol its a very addicting hobby, especially once you realize what you are capable of!

[Edited on June 9, 2008 at 10:19 AM. Reason : ]

6/9/2008 9:56:06 AM

I really like the D2X and the D3. I get a chance to mess around with them whenever i'm back at my parents house. The D80 is a little more practical and smaller though.

6/9/2008 10:02:41 AM

I always thought the D60 was a strange "up rev" of the D80. Like uprev 20D to 30D. Minor improvements but somethings left off in Nikon's case for their price point position.

6/9/2008 11:34:41 AM

unless you already dig photography and like taking pictures as a hobby then go for the d80 if its in your $ range

if you are not sure if you are going to want to be lugging the big camera all over the place with your bag-o-lenses, tripod or monopod in tow .... go with the D40

that way you can save some money, still get a fantastic camera to "learn" on and make sure its a hobby you will enjoy.

you should also pick the camera up and make sure you like the feel of it.

oh, if its a business expense then get the 80

6/9/2008 11:40:12 AM