The Nikon D40, D60 OR D80?

Question

which one would you choose and why?

Answer 1

First of all they are all very very good cameras.

Ken Rockwells site is a good place to start. Also look at purchaser reviews on store sites like ritz or best buy. Look at sites like DPreview.com . Go to store that have them and see how they fit your hand. Which is most comfortable and which has controls easy for you to get to. Think about the weight of each one.

That said the D60 give you a number of things you want. It has newer firmware and image processors, designed for the 10 mp sensor. It has an "Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control ". Nikon not putting a system on the D40 to deal with dust is one of the biggest drawbacks I see to the D40 ( though I think its still a great camera for the money) If you change lenses dust will get in and the camera needs a system to deal with it. With the D60 you get a VR lens. That will help with low light situations ( they may offer that now with the D40 but originally it was not) . The D60 has Adaptive Dynamic Range. Nikon calls it "Active D-Lighting," it lets you save some highlights that my otherwise be lost.

The weight listed for the D40 and D60 are both 1 lb 1oz without the battery. And the body dimensions are about identical. So while the D80 is larger the D40 and D60 are almost identical at approximately 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches

If you can afford it I'd stay with the D60 if not I'd go with the D40 and you still will have a great camera at a great price. And for many people the cheaper camera may let you get a good lens or a good flash, they could not get otherwise. So evaluate your needs. I have a D40 and a D300 and still often find I grab the D40

You may be able to find a used D80 at a good price. that may make it an option

Answer 2

Go to

kenrockwell.com   and check out the Nikons

especially the D40

Answer 3

I would chose the D40, It's a small DSLR, less bulkier than the D60 or D80 and less expensive, D40 would work great for portraits of people and scenery, if you want to photograph anything else like sports or any thing like that I suggest the nikon D300.

Answer 4

IZ:  "I would chose the D40, It's a small DSLR, less bulkier than the D60 or D80...." The D40 and D60 have the same exact body. How can one be bulkier than the other?

Anyway, I'd really consider the D80. There are many people that bought the D40, then realized it was too little of a camera for them. Sure it's very light, but I'd rather have an in-body motor, much more AF points, and a sturdier construction.