Newbie - D60 or D80

[indi77]

Hi All,

I have been researching now for a few weeks - and I have come to a road block... I was all set on the D60 until I picked it up and compared it to the D80. Firstly, it is soooo light in comparision, and now after talking to 3 different stores - I now have been convinced that the D80 is a better investment.
What are your thoughts - I have been "playing" around with a SLR & a compact digital for years - although I am new to Digitial SLR. WOuld the D80 be too complex ?? The camera professionals (shop guys) are telling me that I would more than likely upgrade the body in 12 - 18 months if I bought the D60...

Also - really interested to know if anyone knows of any good DSLR classes I could take in Melbourne / surrounds?

Your advice will be greatly appreciated .

[azza_25]

Hi Indi and welcome!

I had a similar dillemma with deciding between a D80 or a D40x... I am so glad I went for the D80! The D60 does not have a motorinside the camera to drive the lens autofocus, so therefore if you do want to buy it, you will need to get lenses that already have the motor inside it to drive the autofocus, unlike the D80, which can take pretty much any lens. This also explains why the D60 is lighter.

I decided to go for the D80 not solely because of this, but I did have a wider variety of lenses that I could buy should I want to upgrade down the track.

Did that make some sense?

[Pa]

the d80 will auto focus with a lot of the older lens as well as the newer ones....for the d60 to auto focus it has to have an afs lens.

my choice would be the d80 of these 2 cameras

[gstark]

I would even suggest having a look at the newly available D90.

Either of the D80 or D90 will give you heaps more room to grow and learn, and while the D60 is a great camera, it doesn't quite provide you that extra "space".

And either of these bodies will, as has been already stated, provide you with a greater set of options in terms of available lens choices.

[aim54x]

with all above.

I bought a D40x (predecessor to the D60) in August last year and quickly found that I had grown out of it, resulting in me buying a D300 in January (buying a little more than I need so I wont grow out of it so quickly). If i had gotten the D80 I think i probably be still using it and looking towards a D700 now.

I'd say grab a D80 if price is an issue, otherwise spend the little bit extra and get the new D90, the boost in high ISO ability as well as the self cleaning sensor is worth the difference IMHO.

Otherwise, buy the D60 and let me know when you want to sell it, i have been pondering the thought of a mini body for day to day use or even IR conversion.

Cheers
Cameron

[juan]

As stated by others, go for the D80... if you can get the D90 or a D300, then better. I use the D80 and will do so until it dies. Very good camera. Since I don't do professional work, just learning how to use it and be creative, it is the best investment. Plenty of second hand lenses out there, it can shoot in most varies conditions. Depending on your lenses, it can shoot very well by night.

Juan

[Geoff]

I am selling my D200. What's your budget tiger?

[Chaase]

Also - really interested to know if anyone knows of any good DSLR classes I could take in Melbourne / surrounds?

I did one last year at the local TAFE in Berwick which was great so check whats in your area/in city and see what is available as short courses.

Bruce

[aim54x]

I am selling my D200. What's your budget tiger?

Now that would be another option, better than both the D60 and the D80, and for what glenn wants for it, almost the same price!

Glen you wouldn't have a cheaper kit-style lens that you can offer??

[Geoff]

Glen?
Err no.
I'm Geoff, the better looking one

I only have a 17-55DX 2.8 lens with it but you could buy the body only for a song of $1100. This is AUS stock and has the vertical grip as well. It's in EXCELLENT condition. BUY it..you know you want to

[dviv]

I am selling my D200. What's your budget tiger?

Does this mean you're finally livin' in D3'ville?

[Geoff]

I am selling my D200. What's your budget tiger?

Does this mean you're finally livin' in D3'ville?

Nah D700town hopefully

[scoobydoo]

Once you get hit with the photography bug.. you can't resist buying and trying new lenses . With the D60 like the D40, you'll need to go for lenses that have in-built motors like AF-S and HSM. I guess the D80 will give you access to a wider range of lenses especially the older lenses.. oh.. and cheaper too.

edit: oops.. I didn't realise he already made up his mind about the D80.

[aim54x]

Glen?
Err no.
I'm Geoff, the better looking one

I only have a 17-55DX 2.8 lens with it but you could buy the body only for a song of $1100. This is AUS stock and has the vertical grip as well. It's in EXCELLENT condition. BUY it..you know you want to

Whoops! Sorry.

I am pretty happy myself with my D300 and the S5 Pro that my little sister 'owns' (I have easy access to it). But I was asking about another lens option for indi77.

would you want to sell that MB-D200 seperately? (just asking at this point in time, but if the price is right I may grab it for the S5 Pro - yes we have extra NP-150's - stupid non compatibility with the en-el3e)