Nikon Digital SLRS.

Thoughts on the substantive differences between the D40 / D60 / D80 and D90?

Intended as a gift. Is the D90 worth the extra money over the D60?

Vistek offers a great deal on a D60 with two lenses which is what I'm leaning towards right now.

http://www.vistek.ca/store/DigitalSLRs/235932/nikon-d60-kit-wafs-1855-f3556-g-dx-vr-55200-f4056-g-vr-dx-ifed-le.aspx

For a bit more money I could step up to this:

http://www.vistek.ca/store/DigitalSLRs/239303/nikon-d90-kit-afs-dx-18105mm-f3556-g-ed-vr-nikkor-zoom-lens.aspx

Or I could just mix and match on my own.

D90
http://www.vistek.ca/store/DigitalSLRs/239300/nikon-d90-body.aspx

+

55 - 200 mm Nikkor 4.0 - 5.6
http://www.vistek.ca/store/CameraLenses/221195/nikon-afs-55200mm-f4056-g-ed-dx-nikkor-zoom-lens.aspx

Or this one, which looks pretty versatile as a starter lens for an SLR

http://www.vistek.ca/store/CameraLenses/235835/nikon-afs-1855mm-f3556-g-vr-dx.aspx

I'm not a Nikon guru so I don't know what the exact differences between the models are but, unless they're total photography buffs, you probably don't need something with ALL the bells and whistles. Just make sure it's easy to use and has the basic features that makes a DSLR worthwhile; put the focus on the lenses. (Har, joke!)

xtine wrote:I'm not a Nikon guru so I don't know what the exact differences between the models are but, unless they're total photography buffs, you probably don't need something with ALL the bells and whistles. Just make sure it's easy to use and has the basic features that makes a DSLR worthwhile; put the focus on the lenses. (Har, joke!)

But they are photo buffs. They just haven't had an SLR in a long time.

I'm thinking D80. Semi-Pro, so it has some bells and whistles. But it's just been replaced by the D90, so prices are coming down.

thewalrus wrote:

xtine wrote:I'm not a Nikon guru so I don't know what the exact differences between the models are but, unless they're total photography buffs, you probably don't need something with ALL the bells and whistles. Just make sure it's easy to use and has the basic features that makes a DSLR worthwhile; put the focus on the lenses. (Har, joke!)

But they are photo buffs. They just haven't had an SLR in a long time.

I'm thinking D80. Semi-Pro, so it has some bells and whistles. But it's just been replaced by the D90, so prices are coming down.

The D80 seems like a good choice then ESPECIALLY if the prices are coming down! Whatever you don't spend on the camera is more money for lenses and accessories!

Also, if you have a lot of lenses and accessories, I recommend this: http://www.shootsac.com/ It won't hold the camera itself but it's great if you need to carry stuff with you.

I looooove it. (Although I'm sadly lacking in lenses to fill it.)

xtine wrote:

thewalrus wrote:

xtine wrote:I'm not a Nikon guru so I don't know what the exact differences between the models are but, unless they're total photography buffs, you probably don't need something with ALL the bells and whistles. Just make sure it's easy to use and has the basic features that makes a DSLR worthwhile; put the focus on the lenses. (Har, joke!)

But they are photo buffs. They just haven't had an SLR in a long time.

I'm thinking D80. Semi-Pro, so it has some bells and whistles. But it's just been replaced by the D90, so prices are coming down.

The D80 seems like a good choice then ESPECIALLY if the prices are coming down! Whatever you don't spend on the camera is more money for lenses and accessories!

Also, if you have a lot of lenses and accessories, I recommend this: http://www.shootsac.com/ It won't hold the camera itself but it's great if you need to carry stuff with you.

I looooove it. (Although I'm sadly lacking in lenses to fill it.)

yeah. for sure. This is for my parents, so hopefully even if I just get them a basic kit - D80 + one versatile zoom would be good for a start. then they can add lenses whenever they'd like.

I thought you had a Canon DSLR?

Though Nikons are perfectly fine cameras, again if you have bought into the Canon EOS system, just stay with it and save your pennies for more Canon gear.

Oh sorry I see you want to buy a gift. If they have Nikon gear already than yes you have some nice choices, each will do a credible job to any photo buff, it just comes down to dollars & cents. If they do not have Nikon gear, by all means consider them but as I said you have Canon gear so I'd still suggest you buy Canon as you are more educated on its system and can lend advice to them after you give them the gift.

Unfortunately I've just spent all my money on Leonard Cohen tickets for my parents, so no digital SLR in the near future. Oh well. But thanks for the advice (ps. domestic cars suck).

might as well stick with Canon if you ever do buy it. That way you can lend them lenses [and borrow theirs]

thewalrus wrote:thanks for the advice (ps. domestic cars suck).