what do you guys recommend??

[jthao]

So I'm thinking of getting the Nikon D40 or D60 or D80. What's the best deal?? money for quality wise. I know the D80 is way better, but also a lot more $$$. is the D40 comparable?? is the D60 comparable?? and is the D40 comparable to the D60??
any advice from the pros will greatly be appreciated. thanks.

 

[jthao]

wow, this forum doesn't have any helpers huh??? nevermind, it's cool. I'll just research on my own, thanks anyways.

 

[InLimbo87]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12729612#post12729612 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jthao
wow, this forum doesn't have any helpers huh??? nevermind, it's cool. I'll just research on my own, thanks anyways.

You only gave it 3.5 hours. There are a lot of good people on here that give good advice.

Good things comes to those who wait.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Plus your asking about a specific brand. I know myself, beerguy, and many others here shoot Canon...so...we CAN'T help because we don't know subtle differences in the Nikon line.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

One thing I do know is that the D40 and D60 only have 3 auto-focus points...which sucks. The D80 has 11 auto-focus points, a HUGE improvement IMHO.

 

[this is me]

The only thing that makes the D80 "way better" than the D40 is the monkey behind the camera.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Yeah I think that gets over emphasized a lot. Knowledge and experience are paramount, and a fancy camera in the hands of someone without the knowledge is worthless. However, if several thousands of dollars worth of equipment wouldn't let me get shots the cheap stuff simply can't...I wouldn't spend several thousands of dollars on equipment.

 

[jthao]

thanks guys for the advice. so what's the real difference between the 3 auto focus points and 11 auto focus points besides that it's a lot fast focus with the 11 and a little slower with the 3.

this is me: so you're saying that I can take photos with the D40 the same as the D80? Basically I wanna know what's the real advantage for me to spend another $500 for the D80 over the D40? thanks again.

 

[JeffReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12733008#post12733008 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jthao
thanks guys for the advice. so what's the real difference between the 3 auto focus points and 11 auto focus points besides that it's a lot fast focus with the 11 and a little slower with the 3.

this is me: so you're saying that I can take photos with the D40 the same as the D80? Basically I wanna know what's the real advantage for me to spend another $500 for the D80 over the D40? thanks again.

In general, you'd want the most af points that you can afford. This will become handy for sports (for faster auto focus) specially when shooting in burst mode. You can also select any particular af point when shooting off centered subjects.

My ancient SLR has only 9 af points and that's already 8 af points too many as I usually just use the central af point for my shooting style. For off centered subjects, I just focus using the center af point and recompose.

HTH

 

[Nuuze]

This may help.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Digital-SLR/25235-Nikon-D200/PDF/DSLR_Compare_2008.pdf

I have a D80 with 18-200mm as an all around lens and 105mm macro for closeups. During the purchase I bought both the D80 and Xti and brought them home for a couple days to test. The D80 was easier on my hands while the Xti was slightly smaller. HTH.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

If you use the center point and recompose the DOF plane would be slightly sideways depending on the aperture and size of subject. Now I mainly use the center point in my 40D because it is heightened sensitivity with f/2.8 or wider lenses. 95% chance I'll have an f/2.8 lens attached, so that is nice. I do however switch to the other points on a very regular basis, and they make tracking flight a breeze so to speak.

 

[jthao]

thanks mike!! so after seeing side by side view of the nikon cameras, the D60 and D80 are very similar, one is better than the other on some points. I guess they're both good, it's just I have to see if I want a bigger camera or smaller camera.

I didn't get the focus point thing earlier, but I guess I get it now. I thought it might be a performance thing inside the camera, but if it's only a helpful thing to have, then I don't mind 3 focus points. thanks for the help guys. I guess I just have to play with both to see which one I want.

 

[JeffReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12734707#post12734707 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TitusvileSurfer
If you use the center point and recompose the DOF plane would be slightly sideways depending on the aperture and size of subject. Now I mainly use the center point in my 40D because it is heightened sensitivity with f/2.8 or wider lenses. 95% chance I'll have an f/2.8 lens attached, so that is nice. I do however switch to the other points on a very regular basis, and they make tracking flight a breeze so to speak.

When I shoot fast moving subjects, I sometimes would choose an af point that falls closest to the upper right or upper left "rule-of-thirds" area while shooting in burst mode. This method gives me the most success since trying to compose while following your subject is next to impossible.

I never noticed the sideways DOF since this is not a biggie for me. As long as my subjects are sharp and the picture turns out somewhat interesting, I'm good.

I've narrowed down my lens collection into six. And out of these six, I only have one lens that's slower than f2.8 - my Sigma 10-20mm. I can't stand high ISO noise so fast lenses are it for me.

 

[davidk]

Start by asking what you think you'll be shooting primarily... macro shots, sports, family vacations - I know all of the above. Then there's the trade-off of weight /size vs features. Do you need faster frames per second for sports shooting? Lighter camera for hiking in the mountains? The D40 is one of the lightest feature-rich cameras out there - a good place to start. I would take the saved $$ and buy good glass. The camera will devalue quickly like a computer does , the glass will hold on to it's value much better. And lenses, not cameras, are really where the main differences are these days.
David

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12735642#post12735642 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jthao

I didn't get the focus point thing earlier, but I guess I get it now. I thought it might be a performance thing inside the camera, but if it's only a helpful thing to have, then I don't mind 3 focus points. thanks for the help guys. I guess I just have to play with both to see which one I want.

You should really spend the time to figure all of this stuff out, so you know what your spending $1000 on before you do so. Understand before your purchase. Save yourself a lot of hassle. I browsed camera forums for over 6 months before I upgraded my film Minolta system to a Digital Canon 40D.

The camera isn't all your buying either.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12735652#post12735652 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JeffReef

I've narrowed down my lens collection into six. And out of these six, I only have one lens that's slower than f2.8 - my Sigma 10-20mm. I can't stand high ISO noise so fast lenses are it for me.

I would be surprised if those 6 lenses cost less than $3000. They could easily cost more in the range of $5000.

The moral of the story is...if the word "auto focus point" doesn't mean beans to you, then you have not done your homework and you are not ready to buy a DSLR.

 

[JeffReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12736772#post12736772 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TitusvileSurfer
I would be surprised if those 6 lenses cost less than $3000. They could easily cost more in the range of $5000.

My current kit is not too expensive as I have less money to play with now than when I first started; I've had 2 kids since then.

Here is a list of equipment that I have purchased and have used in the past:

Canon 20D
Canon 1D <- excellent and fast but battery life suck; heavy!

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Canon EF 20-35mm f/2.8 L USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM <- excellent but too heavy for me
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM <- excellent but too big to carry around
Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM <- push/pull is a little awkward to use
Canon EF 1.4x ll TC

Sigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG
Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC
Sigma 15-30mm F3.5-4.5
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO
Sigma 18-125mm F3.8-5.6 DC
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG
Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 EX
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM
Sigma 100-300mm F4 DG
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG MACRO
Sigma 70-300mm APO DG MACRO
Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 DG <- just sold; too heavy and slow for hhs
Sigma 1.4x EX DG TC
Sigma 2.0x EX DG TC

Tamron 400mm F4


And this is just what I have now:

Canon 20D <- still waiting for a worthwhile, high ISO performance replacement - a 50D?
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II <- best bang for the buck!
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO <- next on the chopping block; just collecting dust!
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC <- excellent wide lens for APS-C
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO <- my walk-around lens
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG <- might be replaced by a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM <- more compact than 70-200mm 2.8 IS
Sigma 1.4x EX DG TC <-pairs with the 50-150 2.8 for a 70-210mm f4 combo
Sigma 2.0x EX DG TC <-practically useless but will keep for now

Jeff

 

[jthao]

thanks for the input guys. so here's what I want the camera for: everyday shooting, family, wildlife, my fish tank, macro, and just an all around camera. I love how you guys are so knowledgeable!!!! I feel like a stupid newb. basically this is how I feel about this camera situation, just like a fish tank, if a newb starts out in the hobby and asks what he should get for his tank as far as equipment, and he has the money, I would tell him to get what he can afford that's good, like euro reef, pfo, deltec, etc.... I wouldn't tell him to buy a seaclone skimmer or an odyssey power compact light. So this brings me back to my point, I have the money to get a Nikon D80, but should I get that camera or get a D60 (which I will save $200). If I get the D60, and in a few months will I regret not getting the D80/ or will I want to upgrade cameras? I ask because I'm a equipment/gadget freak. I always want what's better, and I learn very very fast, I would sit there and play with the item 24/7. thanks for all the advice guys, I really appreciate you guys helping me out.

 

[jthao]

At this point, I'm leaning towards the D80, since it's only $200 more. I think that with the D80, I'll be a happier camper later down the line. and I won't regret getting it. I can already see myself regretting getting the D60 in a few months.
the way I see a D60/D80 is that the 60 is like a nice honda, and the D80 is like an acura. right???

 

[dapettit]

A lot of good input here.

I have a D80 and love it. I handled both the D40 and the D80 and I liked the feel of the D80. I strongly suggest you actually hold both cameras. I would hate to spend all the $$$$ for something that is uncomfortable and awkward.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12739979#post12739979 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jthao
At this point, I'm leaning towards the D80, since it's only $200 more. I think that with the D80, I'll be a happier camper later down the line. and I won't regret getting it. I can already see myself regretting getting the D60 in a few months.
the way I see a D60/D80 is that the 60 is like a nice honda, and the D80 is like an acura. right???

Mmmm a D60 is like a 2001-2005 7th-Gen Honda Civic, and the D80 is like a 2006-2009 8th-Gen Honda Civic. The D200 is the 2003-2007 7th-Gen Honda Accord and the D300 is the 2008-?2012 Honda Accord. It keeps going up from there.
The DXX is Nikon's basic DSLR...whether its the D40, 60, or 80...they are all Civics.