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Hi all.

I am new to this forum, my name is Vasili but people call me Bill just cause its easier.

I have been looking to buy my first DSLR. I am pretty keen on getting the Nikon D80. What do you all think of this camera money for value wise? Is there any other camera in the price range which is better than the Nikon D80? Is it also worth getting the extended 5 year warranty worth the cost also?

I would appreciate any help I can get off this forum. I want to try purchase one in 2 weeks. I will be heading down to Elizabeth st. in Melb cbd to play them all against each other on price and what extras and whoever offers the best deal will be what i end up going for. The last time i went in and asked for advice, the sales assistance confused me and tried selling me a D90 instead, even though its not in my price range .

Thanks for your advice in advance.
Vasili

Welcome to the forum, we are more than happy to answer any questions you have.

If you are looking for a first DSLR then the D80 is a good place to start, the salesperson was probably trying to get you to go up to a D90 because it is the replacement model and has many advantages over the D80, but if this is beyond your budget (I'm going to guess it is around the $1300 because you said D80) then let them know.

First thing I will advise is to put aside $200 for a bag and memory card (this will be a bit more than you need but will cover you if you are a sucker for salespeople's added value items - ie filters), then shop to your revised budget (~$1100 I am thinking now). Is there any particular reason why you have decided on the D80? Have you got Nikon lenses already?

If you have answered yes to the above, then seriously look at the D80 and the D60, but be aware that the D60 will not auto focus older AF-D lenses and does not have as easy access to ISO, WB and other functions (menu based, compared to hot keys) as well as the loss of a pop up flash that can act as a flash commander. The D60 does however have better image quality (thanks to the more refined version of the sensor and better image processing) and has a self cleaning sensor.

If you answered no, then consider the as well Canon EOS 450D, this is around the same price range and similar capability to the D80. The 450D has a larger 3" screen, LiveView, self cleaning sensor and more pixels than the D80, but the D80 has much better compatibility with older lenses, better access to functions and a far superior flash system (the pop up flash can be used to control Nikon speedlights).

Personally I would have no problems recommending a D80, the current price for this camera makes it a really good deal but it is starting to show its age. Do not be afraid to ask to pick up the D60 and the 450D as well because the feel of the body as well as the placement of the controls is just as important, if it is not comfortable then you will not use it.

Cheers
Cameron

Hi Bill, and welcome.

Housekeeping: please read the pink section at the top of this page, and please act upon what you read.

The D90 is a great camera, and one that is far better than the D80. What is your actual budget? There's not a whole lot of difference between the pricing of these two cameras ...

Hi guys, thanks for the advise. I really appreciate it. At the moment I am looking at spending $1000. That's not including the extended warranty, and the likes. The D80 I've seen for around $1200 which I will be willing to spend. The reason for looking at the D80 is that i keep hearing good reviews over it, and seems like good way to start. But if I can spend the same money and get something a bit better, I will not hesitate.

This is my first dslr camera, so I have no lenses or anything. I am thinking of buying a camera with in a lens kit, rather than just the body. Could I get the body, and then a decent lens for less? Will the lens be better than the ones offered in the kits? Also, is the D60 worth going over the D80 for beginners?

This to me is a hobby, but I need two jobs to be able to survive. So I want to get a portfolio started so I can make my hobby as job also slowly. This way I can make my living and enjoy myself at the same time.

Any further advice will be appreciated.

I am very torn between going D80 with 18-135 ($1199 at camera action) or D60 with 18-55VR and 55-200VR ($1049 at digital camera warehouse) the D80 has better flexibility but the D60 has the edge with image quality. The D90 is really out of the picture though.

I cant see a good lens + body combination for the same price that is going to much better than the combinations already provided. You could go with a D60 + Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 but you are realistically looking at ~$1400 to get to that and that is beyond your budget.

Hope this helps.

aim54x wrote: but the D60 has the edge with image quality.

It also has a better UI, and, for the packages you've identified here Cameron, greater reach.

I'm trying to find the downsides of the D60 vs the D80 comparison, and apart from the need to have AF-S glass, I'm not really seeing any.

The relative size of the bodies might be considered to be an advantage, or a disadvantage, depending upon personal preferences.

The D90 is really out of the picture though.

Within the stated budget, yes.

d60 with a bundle...$1215.00...link below

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/nikond60.htm

Pa wrote:d60 with a bundle...$1215.00...link below

Which is about PP150 more than the D60 kit that Cameron has referenced.

sorry didn't check prices

See this makes my decision so much harder. Plans have now changed and I am hoping I will have it by Monday. The following weekend is just too jam packed to have an opportunity to purchase it. I've just got to sit down and weigh the pros and cons of which one to purchase. I'd like to know which one you guys would go for if you were in the same situation.

Thanks again.

I would probably buy the D60 over the D80, despite it being smaller.

Or maybe because it's smaller.

Can I vote the D60 Twin VR kit! It is not an easy choice but I have an attachment to the D40/40x/60 series bodies.

Hi guys. I would like to thank you all for your help. I purchased yesterday a Nikon D60 twin vr kit, which I am very happy with. Now I just got to read the manual to understand how to use it and its functions, and the happy snapping begins.

Thanks again.
Bill

Bill,

Congratulations, and well done.

vasili wrote:Now I just got to read the manual to understand how to use it and its functions

There is no relationship between any of the tasks that you have just mentioned.

Welcome to the forum Bill!
Congratulations on your new camera and I hope you enjoy your new hobby! Don't be afraid to ask any questions on the forum and you are sure to get good advice.

hey bil-e-boi!

good to see you made it onto the forum.. i hope you'll find much information and resources to assist you with using your new purchase.. i can't wait to see it - ive not yet used a d60!

brent

Brentsky!

How are ya mate?? Sorry I couldn't make it last night. Work has been pretty shit. I guess nothing changes.

This website is awesome. I've had a browse and I must say I'm hanging to head out into the city one night and give the D60 a run. You should join me, and we try get Phil out also. Hopefully I will get a chance to use it tomorrow when I head down to torquay. I guess just wait and see.

Talk soon mate.

No worries mate, its actually this thursday coming! so pop down if you can.. That sounds great, we should head into the city one night and snap away, maybe even some other members would join

peace