Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

If I get a job I have interviewed for I am soooooooooooooooooo treating myself to an SLR.

Anyone give me advice on the differences and explain what the lense #s mean?

TIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

I just bought the D60. Picked it over the 40 b/c the mpx # was higher, and it has some cool features internally to keep dust off your lenses.

Check out DPReview.com and you can see how each compares. GL!

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

I heard the 60 has a vibration reduction too?

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

D90. No question.

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

I chose the D80. It all depends on how much you know about photography, how much you plan to learn, how serious you are, and how long you plan to keep the camera before upgrading.

If you let us know about your previous experience (have you used an SLR before), your skill level, and how much you intend to learn, how much you intend to upgrade/expand your equipment (in terms of lenses, etc), it will help make a recommendation/

if you have already used an SLR and/or plan to learn a lot more, I would go for the D80. it uses many many more accesories, and as a "semi-pro" or enthusiast camera, it won't limit you as you learn, AND if you want to upgrade to the D3 or another professional camera, your peripherals will be more likely to work.

I would also say that if you have extra money, spend it on a better lens, rather than more bells and whistles in a camera.

here are a few good discussions


D60 v. D80

- D80 has a prism, the D60 only a penta-mirror
- D80 has 11 AF with tracking
- D80 can drive non AFS lenses
- D80 built in pop up can command SB600, SB800 and SB200's wirelessly
- D80 viewfinder has configurable grids and other framing options
- D80 lets you change the weighting of the centre-weighted metering mode
- D80 has bracketing
- D80 has allows you to change for 1/2 to 1/3 stop adjustments for all things
-D80 has many options of FV, EV, AE/AF lock and all combinations of them with automatic, half press shutter and function buttons
- D80 has more manual controls, which are much quicker than menu's
- D80 has better light meter unit
- D80 has better AF unit
- D80 shutter uses a real curtain, the D60 is electronic "freeze frame" style

D80 v D60 v D40


Both D60 and D40 wont Autofocus with non AF-S Lenses… The D80 can focus on none AFS lenses but all units can still use Manual lenses.

The D80 is a mini D200 and the D60 seems like an upgraded D40..

For the Budget conscious the D40 wins hands down.

The Low light, high ISO winners are the D40 and the D60.

The D80 has 11 focusing points while both D40 and D60 just have 3.

The D60 is the only one that has the dust removal feature.

Only the D80 and The D60 have white balance bracketing.

The D60 has an improved LCD

The D60 has auto LCD rotation

The D60 has stop motion movie (frame rate and image size can be selected)

The D60 has active D-lighting

According to the Nikon Brochure only the D60 and D40 dSD-HC compatible -?

The D80 is the only one with grid lines on demand.

The D80 has the heft and Bulk of a camera that can be taken outdoors.

The Ergonomics on all cameras are great!

We can go on and on with the differences but I think the main differences would be for the intended use.

A major factor that people also tend to overloook is that, they need to feel and touch the camera and make sure it feels right in their hands. I have met a few photographers that have bought cameras based on specifications but once they use it, and they dont “feel” or like it… they just let it go even at a loss. The camera has to feel right in your hands. Especially if you are going to use it often.. bad ergonomics can lead to wrist or hand strain.

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

I have the D40x (with the 18-55 lens), which they no longer make and has been replaced with the D60. I love it.
I also have the D80 with the 18-135 lens and it's amazing.

Depending on how much money you have, I would say go with the D80 and the 18-135 lens...but if you don't want to spend that much, go for the D40 or D60 and the 18-135 lens. The lens makes a HUGE difference!

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

I have the 18-200 VR lens. yes, with that long a range you lose some quality, but for me I really love it because it's so versatile. I have a hmm..what is it 18-55 and a 70-300 as well, but never EVER use them. I use the 18-200 in any situation. It's pricey (around $700) but it's a really great multi purpose lens and saves me from carrying several lesnes around, it lets me carry a small bag instead of a huge one. I am very happy with it!

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

If you're going for the D80, might as well go for the D90. It isn't a minor upgrade between the two - it have VIDEO!!!

Also perks are:
Dust removal system
Bigger & better screen
ISO goes has a much bigger range

My guess is that I'll be getting this camera by next year but I'll be waiting for my birthday.

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

Posted by Cpt2007

Posted by BabyAvocado

D90. No question.

I didn't think they had released this for purchase yet.

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

Ok, I just want to say that I have a D80 and have NOOOOO clue how to use it.

It's a sin.

I always say I'm gonna read the manual but I never do it.

I love my camera, the quality of pics is amazing. It has a ton of features if only I will take the time to learn.

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

I still have my first digital camera, which is 4 years old & hate it. I have no previou slr experience, but I want to learn so I can get great shots.

Re: Nikon D40, D60, or D80 or Other?

ladies the d90 is available at cameta camera. i was just there today and had the chance to play around with it. it is amazing!!!