The Question:
Hey everybody, i've latley been very very interested in purchasing my first DSLR camera. I've done some of reading up and have come up with two options, either the newer Nikon D40, or the Nikon D80.
If I do purchase the D40, I will only really be getting what comes with it in the box, for around ~$500. But, I know someone who is currently selling their D80 and a couple lenses as well for around the same price, so I am trying to see what everyone who has used both or either cameras thinks of each.
I'm not planning to do any crazy photography in the future, it will be more of a hobby in which i would probably just carry it around with me everywhere I go...
From what i've read so far, the main differences in the two cameras seem to be the lack of lens options for the D40, along with its more "user-friendly" controls and large display, and the D80's 10.2 mp, compared to the D40's 6.1 mp.
Any help or insight is greatly appreciated


Cliffs : Intermediate/Beginner Photographer deciding between D40 and D80 for day to day shooting of all kinds. Looking for pros and cons, like and dislikes of each. Can get both for similar prices, D40 new, D80 used.

Thanks!!

 

I would go for the D80 if the price is right. The D40 is the replacement for the D50 which was Nikon's entry level DSLR. The D80 is a great camera and will last you a long time. I believe the D80 is discontinued from the release of the D90, so that may be something to consider. Both cameras are going to require so getting use to. The D80 is not a high end DSLR, more of a mid level camera, while the D40 is the new entry level. This would not even be a question for me, the D80 would win hands down.

 

i had the d80, now i have the d40. here's my opinion.

d80
-will autofocus with any lens
-theres an lcd on the top, making changing settings a tad easier than using the main lcd
-bracketing (if you want to take hdr photos it can be helpful)


d40
-less expensive so you can spend more on good glass
-lower begg iso (at least i think??)
-smaller (both a pro and a con, really)
-easier to work with for nubs like myself
-id say 'quicker' autofocus ONLY BECAUSE it has three autofocus points (vs the d80's 12 or however many)


all things being equal, i'd go with a d80 JUST because the thing can autofocus with w/e lens you want. not a deal breaker, but something you might want to consider heavily if you don't plan on getting used to adjusting lenses manually in the future

edit, one last opinion, don't buy the d80 just because it has more megapixles, that argument is boot. i can print like 14x18 prints with my d40. image quality i'd say they are equal, irregardless of the d80's sensor (that is borrowed tech from the d200 iirc)

 

I believe all Nikon DSLR cameras have auto focus. Just make sure the lens you buy supports auto focus.

 

I'm pretty sure you are correct. Thanks for all replies. I'm leaning towards the D40 at this point... I feel much more comfortable with the "newer" feel and look. I am going to try to test them both out and see how I like them both.
Keep the suggestions coming!!

 

I was in your position 2 weeks ago. Finally got D80 and Im glad I got it over D40 now. If the price difference is not too much, get the D80. Im loving the camera so far and I've been getting lots of good pictures in the last week. Im sure that I will find the extra features in D80 usefull very soon

 

My two options look like this...

Option #1

The person I know is selling their "like-new" D80 with an 18-135mm Nikkor Lens along with the obvious battery, charger, and neck strap. It also comes with the rubber armor for the body and lens hood, a Nikon D80 Field guide, a padded neck strap w/ memory card holder, and also a Think Tank holster bag that fits the camera. This camera was used meticulously by an older, 50-60 yr old woman that my grandpa knows. It is being sold for $500 flat!

Option #2

I can get a Brand New Nikon D40 along with the 18-55mm Lens, neck strap, and battery/charger... $449 + tax...

What do you guys think...? D80 just seems like too good of a deal to pass up.

What are the differences between the 18-55mm lens and the 18-135mm lens?? I don't really know what the numbers mean ...

Thanks

 

that is the zoom level. Want more zoom shot from something far away? Get the 135mm lens.

I got the D40 for a few months and pretty happy with it. I'm a beginner of DSLR just like you and found it to be great for a first timer.


read up on this forum for great pictures taking tips
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/
http://lifehacker.com/5113696/david-...ricks-and-ours


Great first timer DSLR guide
http://lifehacker.com/software/featu...ode-323605.php
http://lifehacker.com/software/featu...ore-328488.php

 

Why choose D80 when you can get a D90 and it'll do videos?

 

Great Links! Helped A Lot!!! Thanks!!

 

Have you seen the price tag on the D90???!!!

That's the reason why

 

D90 is next on my list when the live cashback goes back to 30%. Freaking love that camera.

 

D80 all they way. One of the biggest advantage tat the D80 has over the D40, is that you can use ANY Nikon lens and stil have auto focus. D40 you are limited to use the one made for digital camera if you want to keep the auto focus. It also has lower ISO settings. It has larger resolution.



BTW I have been hearing a bout the sensor burning up on the D90 when doing video.

 

I had both within the last year

D40
Advantages: Smaller, Lighter, due to the low megapixels you can produce nice night shots at higher iso with less noise and fits nicely in the hand
Disadvantages: NO auto focus on some lens

D80:
Advantages: Overall better sensor and bigger pics, Autobraketing (for HDR pics, which was my dealbreaker),
Disadvantages: More expensive, Heavier, Didn't feel as good as the d40 did on my hand

But if it would be my choice. I would choose between the d60 and d90.

 

Get the D80

I wouldn't get the D40 because it doesn't auto focus with a lot of lenses. Which is why I switched camera's after only 5 months of use. It also lacks features, such as Auto - bracketing which makes HDR photography pretty hard...

I think you could find a good deal on a D80 since a lot of people are upgrading to the D90.

 

D80

 

d80, as previously mentioned the lack of a top lcd on the d40 and the lack of an auto focus motor in the body just kill it for me.

 

im actually a biginner too and i got a d60.. i got it at bestbuy online for 650 with an extra zoom lense 55-200

i think you should get a new cam... so that way u wouldnt have to worry about it breaking or malfunctioning...

 

+1 on all posts for d80

i used to have a d40x then switched to d80.
great camera!

here's another tip:
buy just the body then get yourself a sigma 18-200mm w/ optical stabilizer. now you got yourself an all-rounder camera

 

How about a used Canon 20d/30d instead? Better camera overall. You also get a semi-pro series camera and not a entry line consumer based camera.