How is this camera compared to D80: Can any experts throw some some light on this.
1648792
The A-700 is one year newer than the D-80, it's 12 megapixels to the D-80's 10 MP. The A-700 uses a CMOS, the Nikon uses a CCD. CMOS uses less battery power and usually gives better low-light, long exposure (night) photos with less noise than CCD sensors. The A-700 has the new 900K pixel LCD screen, the D-80 has the older 230K pixel LCD. The list of differences is too long to detail out here, read up on the cameras at DPReview. The most fundamental difference of course if the lens mount. As it's always been since the beginning of D-SLR's, people who already have a collection of SLR film camera lenses for a particular brand will probably buy whatever digital camera body will accept the lenses they already have; People who own a collection of Minolta MD and "A" mount lenses will probably at least consider the Sony A-100 or A-700 cameras before they would start from scratch by switching to Nikon, Olympus, Canon or Pentax. There are lots of old Minolta Rokkor MD mount "prime" lenses out there that were made with very high quality glass; these can be used (with manual focus and exposure) on the Sony A-100 and A-700 by adding a simple $35 adapter ring to the lens mount. Canon owners who already have a bunch of "L" series lenses are for-sure going to buy a Canon D-40 or 400. If you already own Nikon-mount lenses, you will probably want to consider the new Nikon D-300. It looks similar in specs to the Sony A-700 and probably uses the exact same sensor (it's a 12 MP CMOS). Or, there's the D-80 which is probably going to be $400~$500 less than the D-300.
430268
I didn't notice any differences in either direction. The lock feature is a good idea for "professional use" in the field. Most people won't need it. I personally like to have it. It will get "smooth" after 3 to 6 months time.On a different subject; I have since returned my D600 due to the dust/oil problem. I have also tried 4 more D600s from different sellers. All had the same issue. Keep an eye on your, but not to wet clean it yourself since it'll void the warranty. I'll wait and try the D800 next, again, left AF focus problem.
512489
I shoot event (moving) and museum exhibits (static) and have nothing but praise for Nikon. The D800 has made my work MUCH easier. The three dimensional (51) focus is dead on most of the time, and it is fast. More importantly, color temperatures are much more accurate than my old D3x. In mixed lighting the D800 is just a better "guesser" than older bodies. I personally don't know anyone who had the focus problem, but most of the folks I know we smart enough NOT to buy the D800 until the reviews were out and the problems fixed. Moral of the story, "If you want to be the first in line... expect some problems."
1617912
Just purchased this camera and it is on it's way. I agree that white disc problem is an issue for some, but after viewing hundreds of threads and pictures, the dynamic range just can't be beat. I tend to shoot nature scenes and family most. I don't often shoot city lights, etc. I have a Nikon D70 that can't come close this camera in low light situations. I agree that the D70 has a much higher IQ, but most of my stuff is web based or 4x6 prints. The firmware fix should only improve the camera's performance. To say this camera is deeply flawed might be a over statement.
165052
Check out the D300s - if it's beyond your budget, get the D90, not the D300- It's outdated. The D90 is an awesome camera. I have it. With the extra cash left, you can buy a lens ;)
599007
I shoot with both the D800 and a D4s and since getting the D4s, I have shot maybe 30 frames with the D800. The low light capability of the D4s blows the D800 out of the water. Megapixles don't always mean a better, cleaner image.
1674316
Not at all. I think that if you have used any recent Nikon for a year, you will have no problem stepping up to the D7100. It's very similar, menu wise and you will enjoy the user defined settings, the dual memory slots, etc. The biggest problem I had moving up from a D80 was the zoom in and zoom out buttons on the back were reversed, and I had to read up on all the new focusing modes and settings. It's a great camera.
356702
I Have upgraded from D300. I find the D=600 to be a good camera with full frame capability which is what I wanted to get. I would recommend it.
1645973
Thanks Conway, I was so happy to see your post it gave me the push to order the Nikon D700 today from B&H.; This is my first full frame camera and I just wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision. I was mostly leaning toward the Nikon but had to consider the Mark 2. Thanks again for your help.
1680732
It's OK, but you are looking at f4.5 rather than 1.4 or 1.8 with a prime. Plus, you get a sharper image with a prime. If you are a pro, stick with the prime. You will probably get fewer keepers on a camera like a D800 if you are looking for details. For casual its fine.
1790347
I've been flipping back and forth between the SD800 and the A710. And, your pics are now making me lean towards the A710. Two must-haves for my first digital camera are a view finder and image stabilization. Just one question for you, cjw333. I noticed that a couple of your motion shots were blurry. Was the stabilizer on? Thanks for sharing your photos. They're awesome.
1044998
I just went through the same decision process, in fact I literally bought the D60+ lens kit and returned it (package unopened) for the D80 (body only) + the fabulous 18-200 VR lens. Why? 1) I wanted the additional metering controls vs. the D60 and in fact used all of them on my recent trip to the Hoh rain forest. 2) Keeping to my budget, I opted to spend the money on the 18-200mm VR, and yes, I used its FULL RANGE without having to change lenses. A great way to go when outdoors and taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves (e.g. deer twins walking right towards us while on the trail!). 3) Quickly realizing the super-zoom wasn't going to get me a FAST lens, I was able to pick up the 50mm f/1.4 right before my travels (which would NOT have AF working with the D40 or D60). If I had the $$$ I might have opted for a D300 and picked up the D40/60 for a lightweight second body, but as the only Digital SLR that I'll be using for the next couple of years, and the small price difference, I am extremely happy with my purchase.
422100
If money is not a factor, the D60 is a better camera. However, the D40 is so much cheaper for only slightly less functionality, so the price difference is hard to justify. If you want to spend more money, go for the D80 instead of the D60.
356710
I would suggest getting the D610 instead at this point. All those folks that claimed that there Was no serious problem with the sensor on the D600 now have to explain why Nikon has a new model out in just one year. And it only has one area of improvement- the shutter. The shutter was the suspected culprit. Hmmm...
1548081
I have a D80 and it is working great on that. I can't keep up with all the numbers, but the I think the D50 and D80 basically share the same DNA. The D80 has a few more bells and whistles ($$$) but that's about it.
1361717
Do not know about the D80. I have a D5100. Regardless you have to use hand focus not auto.
1946228
Check out the D300s - if it's beyond your budget, get the D90, not the D300- It's outdated. The D90 is an awesome camera. I have it.With the extra cash left, you can buy a lens ;)