Advice for upgrading my D80

[kyradk]

Hi all,

I have a Nikon D80 that I must have had for about 6 years or so now. I have the Nikkor 18-135 lens on it. I've been happy with the camera but I feel like I really want to step it up a notch. I would love to get something in the more pro realm but I just can't afford it. I only have about $600 to spare at the moment. I'm assuming a new body is not even an option so I guess I'm looking for lens advice.

What I want: cleaner photos, better low light photos (!!!), better action shots - I don't mean sports - but I have a toddler who I love taking photos of and I feel like I get way too many blurry shots.

Note: I do feel like my d80 is not performing as well as it once was but I took it in for a cleaning and a "check-up" but they couldn't find any issues.

Thanks in advance for your input. I would love to get something before the new year if possible.

 

[jrizal]

The newer Nikons have all have better low light performance. Any newer model will do. Here are my recommendations.

D7000 - best Nikon crop sensor and prosumer level until the rumored D7100 comes out
D5100 - same sensor above but in a consumer class body. a value for money since the 5200 already came out
D5200 - new sensor and expectedly quite expensive since it's new. still has to arrive in the US though

Other thoughts:

D3200 - given the price of the D5100, I'd skip this one though it has its merits
D3100 - if you're on a budget

Since you want toddler shots, you may also want to consider a flash unit. Doesn't have to be expensive, but just one that can do bounce flash. It helps though.

 

[Denon]

If you´re looking for upgrade the body go for the D7000(perhaps you cen get a used one for the budget you have), the others(D3100/D5100) is more of a downgrade. Or rather a trade between features, for example you lose the built-in autofocus motor for better low light performance.

If you decide on a lens instead I would go for either the Nikon AF-S 50mm 1.8 G or 35mm 1.8 G. Both are great in low light and produces great results. I got a 50mm 1.8 myself on my D80 and it's practically welded on the body. I love that lens and have gotten som great results. And it's quite cheap as well so you can save some money for a body upgrade later on.