I ain't got either..but if I was buying into the Nikon system I'd go for the D80..ButIf the D70 is Better then buy that..Both are Better than the D50.....D80 would be my Preference..Good Luck..

MrScary (DennisR)Swansea, Wales. UK.

Http://www.pbase.com/dennisrhttp://community.webshots.com/user/mrscarecrowhttp://www.russ4to.KMD5DImages.photoshare.co.nz..

Hmmm...but naturally the d80 is much newer, so it's better, or is that debatable? but as a beginner in DSLR, is it worth investing in the D80 or should I stick to the cheaper older models? I dont mind second hand...i just cant really afford to develop my own stuff anymore...i will be shooting urban hotos. I live and attend a univeristy in the city...soo...its easiest and I feel most comfortable in. I also shoot night shots..

Thanks..

It's hard to go wrong with any of the 3 cameras that you listed, I have a d50 that I have taken literally thousands of pictures with. I've been nothing but happy with the performance I've seen with it. My close friend has a d70 and the pictures he takes are great. Of course the d80 being a 10mp camera, and newer, has more to offer, but at what price? If price is the primary concern, you can buy an older model and spend some extra coin on some really nice lenses and still take jaw dropping pictures. You'll probably spend less time and money going that route than buying the newest thing you can find..

Everyone's an idiot sometimes, I just advertise...

Apart from the number of MP (which is you correctly say isn't much of an issue at the sizes you will be printing) the more recent offerings have better software/processing in the camera and so give better noise reduction etc. Thus the D40 is said in various reviews to have slightly better image quality than the D50, even though the cameras have the same sensor..

The D50 is now available at knock-down prices (because it has been 'superseded' by the D40, although many people seem to prefer the extra features of the D50 (such as the second LCD display on the top and the wider compatibility with older Nikon lenses) and is a real bargain. The D80 has come down too of course. If I were in your position and had the money I'd go for the D80....

One possibility: if you are travelling by air anywhere soon you can get VAT-free prices at the airside tax-free Dixons outlets. They carry a limited range of stock but DO (at least the ones I looked at last week) carry both the D50 and the D80; the D50 for <300, and the D80 (with 18-55 lens) for about 580..

Good luck.

Mike..

I would go for value for money and get a D50 body only then add an 18-135 lens..

I picked up a Nikon refurbished D50 last month from Tecno (no refurbs at the moment. I just checked. They go fairly fast) for 220. You will get a used body and lens with maybe some extras for around 250-280 on Ebay and there are some reconditioned there for around 280-300 with the 18-55 lens..

If you can get a body only the 18-135 is much better lens than the 18-55. You should get one on Ebay for 160-180..

So for around 380 or less you will get a kit that would cost you about 660-680 with the D80.

Chris Elliott.

*Nikon* D Eighty + Fifty - Other equipment in Profile.

Http://PlacidoD.zenfolio.com/..