Nikon D80 or D90?

sophos9

sophos9

Messages
884
Name
Dave
Edit My Images
Yes
I'm torn, I want to upgrade from my D40 - must haves are body auto focus and auto bracketing plus more autofocus eyes which puts the D80 and D90 in range

Second hand D80's are affordable and cheapest price I've found on the D90 is £618.

Problem is, what will I get extra with the D90? I really dont care about the video capabilities...

Can anyone help?
 
Both are a good upgrade from the D40, it would depend on just how much the difference in price was going to be, bearing in mind you're talking a brand new D90 with 2 years warranty versus a secondhand D80 with no guarantee....
 
in all honesty i don't think theres a great difference in price between the d80 and d200 from what i've seen so i'd go for a d200 in that respect

however the high iso capabilities of the d90 would definately sway me as well as the other bits and bobs and what fitp has just said :)
 
Thanks for the replies...

So second hand D80's are around £300ish, D90's are £618 cheapest so it will cost me an additional £318 for a D90 with 2 years warranty - thats a fair bit of cash...

Functionally, there does not seem to be a drastic difference, bigger screen, video, live preview, higher ISO etc?
 
sophos9 said:
Functionally, there does not seem to be a drastic difference, bigger screen, video, live preview, higher ISO etc?
Click to expand...

Higher ISO is the biggest difference (very usable ISO 1600, up to 3200 at a push) along with the improved sensor (derived from the D300). I would choose a D90 over a D80 every time.
 
as said before I'd be considering a secondhand D200 verses a new D90, for me I'd only go for the D90 if I was going to be shooting in low light a lot...
 
So looking over, the main features seems to be the 3inch screen, better ISO performance and light meter presentation...

Decisions?

Light meter performance - not fussed, as long as it performs OK
Better ISO performance - I cannot think of a time I last shot over 200 ISO, I've got low light lenses for that stuff :thumbs:
3inch screen - nice to have 0.5inch difference

Also seems that the D80 shares the same image sensor as the D200 which is good news however can see on a like for like comparison that there are pros/cons for each.

I will use this dslr for amateur togging, urbex and family stuff so want something that produces good results, I've got some pretty good results out of the D40 however the immediate things I feel lacking on is megapixels, no autofocus motor and no autobracket for HDR.

So the D80, D90 and D200 will give me all of that (and in the D90/D200 lots more) - pricing for me is what gives. If I was getting return on the investment then it would be a D200 for sure. If I had more money to play with then I think it would be a D90 and I also have the option of the D80 + £300 lens too (18-200 VR?)

Decisions? :(
 
If it's between an D80 and a D200 I'd get a D200 for the sake of a hundred quid, the better build quality, weather proofing and controls make it a bargain.
 
I haven't seen a D200 for sale on here or a while. How much are they knocking about for? I guess the other alternative is to hold out for the replacement of the D300 to come out and then grab a bargain D300!!
 
I can't speak for the D80 as i've never owned one.

I had similar frustrations as you with the D40x and went to the D90.

Don't underestimate the value of the high ISO performance and upgraded sensor.

If you have low light lenses coupled with the D90's ISO performance, you can achieve handheld shots in near darkness (i've done this with the 18-200VR) which will broaden the range of what you could do, especially indoors (urbex or otherwise). As for the sensor, I have been blown away by the quality and colour performance of the D90.

Yes it is more expensive, but it is the latest camera. I don't think you would find yourself wanting to upgrade again quickly. For example, for me the D300 would add next to nothing for me.
 
I went from a D70s to a D80.

I had the D80 for 2 weeks, sold it, and got a D90.

For me the advantages were

- better/more accurate exposure
- 3" screen
- higher ISO performance
- better colours

I realise the 1st and last point are subjective.

In terms of lens, the bundled 18-105 VR is a great all round lens.
 
Larger screen higher ISO and HD video recording are main differences. whether worth the extra money it's totally up to you.
 
I've bought a D80 for £310 - year old with sub 1K actuations... I'm probably going to get the 18-105VR lens too and see how I get on. I can live with the display size and no HD recording. Can only judge the sensor quality once I get it against the D40.

Worst case, if my capability and learning of photography ends up needing more than a D80, I'll upgrade then :)

Thanks for all who input!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top