Camera Shopping. Need your help.

[TheGingerkid]

I currently have a Nikon D80 that I use for most of my assignments. I work for a fast paced newspaper and Im an editor. I'm ready for a new camera, but Im having trouble figuring out what to get. I don't want to blow $4000, but I need something that will be functional, versatile, and have great quality.

My top needs are:
1. High Image Quality
2. Good Color
3. Low noise at all ISO settings
4. Image Stabilization
5. Image noise reduction at slower shutter speeds
6. black & white mode

I mostly take portraits, low light photos, and random shots.
Thanks for any advice you may have.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

VR and fast lenses would get you what you're looking for, not a new camera. and i'm 99% sure the D80 has a B&W mode BTW. the D80 also has a long exposure noise reduction mode.

Look through the manual, you'd be surprised about what you would find.

 

[soylentgreen]

Or the new D300 & D3. Especially for that low-noise you are after. The D3 is mighty impressive at high ISO (bette be for $4K). Ranks up there with the D1's but slightly cheaper. Haven't seen any D300 shots at high ISO though to make a judgement. The VR/ IS is in the lenses on these cameras, not the body.