Hey everyone, I am planning on buying the Nikon d80 really soon. I've always wanted to do Photography on the side since I love taking pictures.

Anyways, I am planning on getting a d80, are their any suggestions that I should purchase another camera that is just as good the d80, if not better (but in the same price range.)?

Also, what accessories should I get as well?

Thanks!

(PS. Anyone know of any websites that have good tips on taking the best pictures, and finding that perfect place to shoot at?)

Budget?

Lens is a far more important factor than the body--keep that in mind.

Comparable: Canon 30D, Canon 450D,

I am limiting myself to around 1200, is that enough? I know the body is around 700-800, so that leaves me with a few extra hundred to spend.

Don't make the mistake of getting that junk! This is what you want: Olympus Infinity

Link to Ebay

Right.

D80: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HGMX5...TF8&s=photo
Tamron 17-50 (Nikon) : http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF17-50mm-Asp...s/dp/B000EXV0QQ

30D: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-8-2MP-Digital-...3590&sr=1-1
XSI: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-XSI-Ca...3670&sr=1-2
Tamron 17-50 (Canon): http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF17-50mm-Asp...3626&sr=1-3

Why the Tamron 17-50? It's sharp wide open, a constant 2.8 across the focal length, moderately priced, 6 year warranty, generally snappy AF, and has a good walkaround range.

Or another alternative:

40D: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-40D-10-1MP-Dig...3590&sr=1-1
18-55 IS: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-3...4539&sr=1-2

The 18-55 IS isn't in the same league as the 17-50, but it handles well enough with a 4 stop IS and improved sharpness over the regular 18-55 kit.

Thanks, I will look into the one that you suggested for the d80. Any other suggestions as to accessories?

I second Giga's post.

I have a nikon D50 w/ that sam Tamron lens. It's awesome.

the D80 is great
-speed flash SB-600
-tripod
-cable release
-camera bag
-50mm lens

Unless the cable release does something more than wireless remote does, I recommend the wireless remote over the cable. It's more versatile (to my knowledge) because of the increase in range. The remote for my D50 was only like $20; best accessory I've gotten to date.

that's what i meant was the wireless remote


the only thing with the cable release you can set how long you want the shutter open and other settings

the Nikon D80 with the tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is a nice combinaison. I use this combinaison as my backup camera

What exactly is a "cable release" and this "wireless remote" ?

This is completely new to me, so I am unfamiliar with these terms. Thanks for the help, I will be ordering these within the next few weeks.

it help you take a photo on a tripod with out touching the camera they use it to do time laps photography and group pictures where you ant to be in them.

I figured this, but wasn't 100% sure. Thanks!
I think I'm going to lean towards the d80, as the d300 seems to professional for me, and I'm only a starter.

Is their any word about a d90 coming out anytime soon this month? I've heard a few rumors. If they're true, should I wait to get that instead over the d80?

Also- Anyone know any places to get good deals on that lens that was reccommended, and the d80 body? I was thinking about going on Amazon, but I am always willing to save a few extra bucks.

Thanks again for all the help.

D90 will retail at $1000 most likely later this fall. We're not totally sure of the features, but some are speculating the new cmos sensor. Expect it to be inbetween D60 and D300.

D80 you can pick up here for cheap: http://www.42photo.com/pd-productid-13620-...a____(body).htm

Henrys they give great discounts and usaly will throw some accessory in
do @ henrys $819 and they will clean the camera for free when needed and you will get half back with in the first year if you wish to upgrade.

Half back ($400) seems like an awful rip off for a trade in. SLRs (especially from Nikon/Canon) don't lose their value that fast. You could easily sell the D80 for $550 or so if it's just a year old.

its usually more but you are Guaranteed
Buy a new Digital, Video or SLR Camera, or a Used SLR or Medium Format camera at Henry's and we'll guarantee Half Back of your original purchase price within 12 months. Half Back is also applicable on all major accessories purchased with your camera, including Lenses, Power Grips and Flashes.

Okay for that site, I notice they have little "kit" options you can add-on to your order, do you suggest adding those, or buying them separately elsewhere?

getting a kit is cheaper

i would also recommend getting the battery pack grip Nikon MB-D80.

The Tamron 17-50 is a better lens than of the kit options they have.

Thanks, I am planning on getting that lens you suggested to me. I'm not getting the camera until next month, so if I have any last minute questions I'll probly just bump this thread. Thanks for all the tips.

So I was looking into the XSI as well, what does anyone prefer?

The d80, or the XSI? I plan on getting that tamron lens on whichever camera I get.
The only reason I'm bringing up the XSI now, is because I like that it has a bigger viewing screen.

Actually it does - there's a limit for exposure of 30 minutes for the wireless remote. Also, it's easier to snap pics with a wired remote (especially if you're into HDR or IR). I have both (with D80) and use them most of the time (more the wired one though).

Nikon’s D80 was the 400D / XTi’s nemesis, offering classier features for only a small increase in price. So how does it measure-up to the new EOS 450D / XSi which has adopted a similar approach? Well Canon may have improved the build quality and viewfinder experience, but many will still prefer the D80's ergonomics – and the Nikon viewfinder still has the key advantage of on-demand grid-lines. Also in the D80’s favour are an upper screen (loved by many), an 11-point AF system, decent custom and flash options, along with support for one of the most popular lenses of recent times, the Nikkor DX 18-200mm VR.

As an older model though, the D80 is missing out on several modern features. The 450D / XSi boasts Live View and an affordable kit lens with Image Stabilisation, while also offering 14-bit processing, a bigger 3in screen, slightly quicker 3.5fps continuous shooting, ISO in the viewfinder, along with RAW processing and PC remote control software.

Price-wise, both bodies cost the same at the time of writing, so it’s an interesting one to weigh-up. A lot will certainly boil down to which looks and feels better in your hands, along with which company has your preferred lens selection. Interestingly, Nikon chose not to replace the D80 in its January 2008 product announcements, so it will go up against the 450D / XSi for the best part of 2008. A replacement for the D80 is not now expected to be announced until the Photokina show during September, and even then may not be widely available until the end of the year.

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EO...i/verdict.shtml

Thanks! I think I'm going to go with the XSi now. I'm not making a final decision until I can hold both cameras in my hand, and see which one would be better for me, thanks for all the input and support!

When I went to get my camera, my mind was made up looking at the Nikon vs Canon in specs that I was going to come home with a Canon XT. Then I held them both in my hands and found the Nikon D40 to be much more comfortable to me.

I know that the D80 and the XSi are much higher grades but the body styles are very similar. You may very well find the same thing once you touch them.

Comfort in the end was more important to me. I bought the D40.

Surley a Stylus Epic would be much better!

Okay I went and bought myself the XSi, and the Tamron lens that giga suggested. I am so stoked!

That camera was not available on Amazon.CA, but it is on the USA Amazon. There are 230 reviews there, I would strongly suggest going and reading some of them. I have found Amazon's reviews to be helpful in the past, especially with pieces of technology. You will get all sorts of user types: from your casual user, to the professional, all with varying opinions and sometimes really good reviews that go into great detail. Read some of them, you can even see the top 3 most positive and critical reviews.

Even if you don't buy the product from there, those might be of value. The same goes for any other cameras you might want to look at.

Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)