D80? D60? Holga?

[Jon_Are]

(just kidding about the Holga)

I know, I know, do a search, read all 5000 entries about this debate.

Already did that, decided on the 80, but then I learned something that I had not realized: the 80 is nearly two years old while the 60 is just a few months old.

So now I'm semi-torn between A, getting a newer model that is an entry-level camera, or B, getting a mid-level camera that sports two-year old technology.

I'm still leaning toward the 80, thinking that its advantages over the 60 still make it a better piece of equipment, even though its an older model.

For what it's worth, the price difference isn't too much of an issue.

And thanks for your patience with this much-asked question.

Jon

 

[Chewbecca]

I'd go with the D80.
And I actually own the D60. While I love my camera, the in body AF motor makes it worth extra cost, imo.

But my opinion often flips around about this.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

Go to a camera store and figure it out for yourself.

 

[Mav]

I'm pretty sure that the D60 is using the exact same sensor as the D80 is. The biggest differences are:

- Active D-lighting which is pretty handy for highlight control
- much smaller size
- no in-body focusing motor for older Nikon AF/AF-D lenses
- the newer menu system which I like
- a lot less direct access controls

A lot of the technologies and systems within Nikon's bodies are modular and carry forward into new designs. Another way to think of the D60 is as a very stripped down D80 with a lot of stuff missing. Personally I don't think the D60 is a very good value. The D80 is hardly any more money but you get far more with it in spite of being "old".

 

[MarcusM]

Go to a camera store and figure it out for yourself.

lol.

 

[Chewbecca]

I'm pretty sure that the D60 is using the exact same sensor as the D80 is. The biggest differences are:

- Active D-lighting which is pretty handy for highlight control
- much smaller size
- no in-body focusing motor for older Nikon AF/AF-D lenses
- the newer menu system which I like
- a lot less direct access controls

A lot of the technologies and systems within Nikon's bodies are modular and carry forward into new designs. Another way to think of the D60 is as a very stripped down D80 with a lot of stuff missing. Personally I don't think the D60 is a very good value. The D80 is hardly any more money but you get far more with it in spite of being "old".

Oh! Sorry, I thought the D80 had an in-body focusing motor.

 

[Mav]

Oh! Sorry, I thought the D80 had an in-body focusing motor.

It does. I was talking about the D60 in the differences list. It also lacks (compared to D80) the flash commander mode, which is useful if you plan to use flashes off the camera, only has 3 AF zones vs 11 (there's pros and cons to this, but overall 11 is more capable than 3), only one command dial vs two on the D80, and a lot more stuff.

 

[abraxas]

I'm really leaning toward my next camera being an Holga. Price difference from the nikon stuff is immense, and I can use the same tripod!

 

[tim.bennett]

I've been looking for a holga like mad... They used to sell them in the national gallery. But no more.

Similar debate for me but then in Canon land. And just looking at controls and functions I'm going for a 30d. remember 2 years old is old in techno land but it's still a camera capable of quality images.

 

[Jon_Are]

Go to a camera store and figure it out for yourself.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Swi1thFX. Most helpful.

Jon

 

[Socrates]

Oh! Sorry, I thought the D80 had an in-body focusing motor.

It does.

 

[MarcusM]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Swi1thFX. Most helpful.

Jon

lol, yea you can pretty much close this thread after his reply. Heck, what's the point of even having the forum?

 

[djacobox372]

I'm pretty sure that the D60 is using the exact same sensor as the D80 is. The biggest differences are:

- Active D-lighting which is pretty handy for highlight control
- much smaller size
- no in-body focusing motor for older Nikon AF/AF-D lenses
- the newer menu system which I like
- a lot less direct access controls

A lot of the technologies and systems within Nikon's bodies are modular and carry forward into new designs. Another way to think of the D60 is as a very stripped down D80 with a lot of stuff missing. Personally I don't think the D60 is a very good value. The D80 is hardly any more money but you get far more with it in spite of being "old".

In much the same way the D80 is a stripped down version of the D200--with the release of the d300 there are a lot of near mint d200's on the used market for about the same price as a new d80... go for one of those!

 

[bhop]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Swi1thFX. Most helpful.

Jon

If you knew how many times this, or similar, questions come up, you'd understand.

Personally, the lack of focus motor is a deal breaker for me in the D60, so between your choices, i'd choose the D80. But i'd also get a Holga as well. I have one and it's a fun camera.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

...You wouldn't buy a car before test driving it first, right?