First DSLR....

[Dubie]

What are your thoughts on a Nikon D80 camera kit. It comes with a 18-135 mm lens. Is this a first good digital camera. I know I can get other lenses later.

 

[Big Mike]

That would be a great camera for most people.

 

[Dubie]

Thanks Mike.

 

[daybreak]

looks good. you may want to consider waiting until november when the D3 and the D300 come out because the D200 and other Nikons will likely drop in price.

 

[neogfx]

I would highly recommend trying the Nikon and Canon models (and maybe even a few more such as Sigma, Sony, Pentax) before you make a decision. It is a lot of money to shell out and it would be a disappointment to later find you prefer a different camera.
For example, although the name is good, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the quality, I just don't get on with Nikons. I much prefer Canon.
Most camera shops will let you try a few DSLRs if you are serious about buying one. So go in and ask, and make sure you get the camera that is best suited to you.

 

[Dubie]

Thanks for more great advice......

I have a Nikon n60 and that's why I am looking at nikons. I guess both are top of the line cameras. Someone had compared them to the Honda and Toyota of the camera world!

 

[WDodd]

If you already have a Nikon and thus Nikon/Nikkor lenses to go with it that might be the way to go.

 

[dangergoinoff]

Someone had compared them to the Honda and Toyota of the camera world!

Are Honda and Toyotas considered top of the line in North America?

 

[kundalini]

I was set on getting a Canon XTi because a couple of friends and my brother had them. I already had a Canon film SLR, so I was ahead of the game with lenses that would work. I did a lot of research and the D80 kept piquing my interest. Finally I went to a local shop and put those two in my hands. For me, the D80 just felt better. I also tried the D200, but my budget, which was already overextended, made me pull back. But instead of the 18-135mm, my preference was to go with the 18-55mm and a 55-200mm.

All that garble was to say, put 'em in your hand and see what fits. They all take good pictures. Beg, borrow or steal yourself a memory card for each (Nikon=SD, Canon=Compact flash) and take them for a test drive.

 

[kundalini]

Beg, borrow or steal yourself a memory card for each (Nikon=SD, Canon=Compact flash) and take them for a test drive.

I'm not advocating any illegal activity.

 

[Sweetsomedays]

I LOVE my D80. As soon as I held it, it just fit perfectly. I have big hands for a a chick and all the other camera's felt small.
I went the 18-55 rout and picked up the 55-20 VR and am very very happy.

 

[Maitha Mazrouei]

wow nikon D80 is really the best but as the other said you should try other brands of DSLR . . .

wish you all the best