Should I buy the NIkon D80 Know or wait..........?

Question

I heard that the nikon d90 is coming out and that the nikon d80 is going to be lower in prices. The Nikon d80 cost around 730 -799 for just the body, so how much would it cost when the nikon d90 come out? Should I wait or just buy the nikon d80 now?

Answer 1

Ya know, I'd get the D80. Yeah, there's probably gonna be better technology coming out here in a bit, and the D80 may cost a bit less as well, that's the nature of the beast. I've no special formula or insider information as to the drop in price point, but I'd say that $50-$100 less would be reasonable. Honestly, it may not be much, the D80 is already at a very reasonable price for what it offers. Plus, you're probably going to be waiting for the D90 to hit the shelves before you see a significant drop in price, and that could (and will) be months after the press release that hasn't happened yet.

My biggest concern is the whole not-making-pictures-in-the-meantime thing. I mean, photographers are supposed to make images, that's why we exist and that's how we improve. If we all sat around waiting for the newest technology or the lowest prices, well, we'd never make those pictures for which we're so famous, ya know? My advice would be to get a camera and make pictures -- if you're strapped for cash, then go with the D40 and use the money that you save to buy a nice introductory book and maybe a nicer lens if you can. Either way, don't waste your time waiting for technology, it'll always keep you waiting.

Oh, by the by, I'd disregard the link given by the answerer above. You're simply not going to find a D80 for $350 unless it's very well used and appears as such. Websites that sell these cameras for so cheap are scams -- they'll bait-and-switch you or take your cash and run. My favorite reputable sites are http://www.adorama.com, http://www.bhphotovideo.com, http://www.ritzcamera.com, and http://www.amazon.com. If you're ever in doubt, check out http://www.resellerratings.com, which gives customer reviews of various online stores -- it's pretty easy to spot the scam sites.

Answer 2

Get the D80, i own it.

You can get the body here for $359

http://photodynasty.com/catalog/product_...

It's really the lenses that make it hit $700-800.

My recommendation is to purchase a vibration reduction (VR) lens to go with it. It makes a huge improvement over  the standard lenses.

You can get the 55-200mm with Vibration Reduction for $179.

http://photodynasty.com/catalog/product_...

Here is a link to some pictures i have taken with my D80.

http://www.photography-cafe.com/gallery/...

Also read upon Vibration Reduction here:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/image-st...

Good Luck.

Update:

Firstly my answer is not misleading, the 18-135mm kit lens that comes with the D80 costs nearly $300 to buy seperately, check Amazon you dufus. This is the main reason why most D80 kits are selling for over $700. The lens that comes with most kits are not even the Vibration reduction lens either.

Secondly: If the person doesn't trust the site she can go buy it somewhere else, my comment was not about finding the D80 body as cheap as possible, my comment was mainly pushing towards buying the body seperately so you don't end up with a useless kit lens that is not worth $300.

The D80 is worth it, my pictures speak for themselves. I also have comparison pictures for the Standard lens as opposed to the VR lens. All the top Photography magazines have put it to the test.

As for the comment about only by from a reputable dealer, this comment makes no sense. The site offers a one year warranty. Best Buy is a reputable dealer to most people and people pay high prices, but how many people end up exchanging products. Quite a lot. Just because a product is more expensive at one place does not make it more reputable. A 1 year warranty is standard even at a place like Best Buy unless you pay the extra for the 4 year warrantly.

A classic example: A reputable car insurance place, Safe auto quotes me $130 a month full coverage on an Audi A6.

Online through Encompass i get full coverage for $45.

You see people are so used to getting shafted by the system that when a good deal comes a long people make stupid comments like you,,,,oh its not reputable because it seems to good to be true. Well go and pay your $1000 and enjoy it, while i pay the $350 and get a VR lens and laugh at you in the process.

Answer 3

Wait !!!!!!!!!!

Definitely wait, as the D700 and D90 make their debut, prices should drop by a couple of hundred to flush out remaining stock. Keep checking B+H Photo and others for a month or two after the D90 hits the street.

EDIT: Buy from a reputable dealer ! The other answer is misleading. Make sure that $359 includes a USA warranty, instruction booklet and that it is not a "remanufactured" piece. You know that old saying...'If it sounds too good to be true..."  Live by it and research your purchase thoroughly .

EDIT: Thanks for the back up Capt. !!! Looks like were both getting the big thumbs down from our friend...

BTW, personal attacks are pretty weak coming from someone with a 9% best answer rating... and looked at your photography and well....

Sure they "offer" a warranty, but is it included in the $359 ? Yeah, didn't think so. Hey I've only been at this as a part time profession for ten years, what the heck do I know, right ?