D-SLR Advice

[Devhux]

It's about time for me to consider a new camera, and I'm definitely looking to purchase an SLR this time around. (One of the main reasons is I'm looking to enroll in a photography class to improve my skills, and they highly recommend getting an SLR).

I know Zippy has the Nikon D80 and really likes it, but I'm thinking about purchasing the D40 and spending a bit extra on a good quality lens (or two). Reviews seem to indicate this is a good "starter SLR" but I figured I'd ask you guys to see what you think. D40 + a few good lenses, or D80 + the kit lens?

The main drawback I see to the D40 is the incompatibility to autofocus with older lenses, but since I'm just starting out with an SLR, that doesn't seem to be much of a drawback. Also, I'd be losing megapixels (my Minolta Dimage A200 has 8mp, the D40 has 6).

My budget is around $1200 US or so.

(For the record, I did try out the D40 in a local camera shop and found it fit my hands quite nicely -- I have small fingers).

[Markel]

I realize (at least, I certainly hope) that you are not cheapie's wife. But you might glean some information from this recent thread (http://www.gotapex.com/hardware/149832-help-me-buy-a-digital-slr-camera-for-my-wife-please.html).

[Devhux]

OK, that is funny -- both the fact that I'm looking for a camera, AND mentioned I'm going to take a photography course...... :)

I'll take a look into that thread. :)

[LPMiller]

don't worry about he MP thing, it's not that big a deal.

[ArkiStan]

Read the D40 and D80 section on this page. This guy has a tendency to get emotional and exaggerate a little, but his points are mostly true.
http://kenrockwell.com/tech/d200-d80-d70-d50-d40-5d-xti.htm

Bottom line is, the 40 and 80 aren't that much different. Go for the cheaper one and get another nice lens, but wait until you gain some good eperience and really know what type of lens you'll need. (e.g. reagardless of what your gut instinct says, NO, you do NOT need a super zoom lens)

[zippyjuan]

Some people do not trust Ken Rockwell's reviews. I don't know enough to say. I would suggest reading many of the threads here :
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1034
and maybe here: http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?conf=DCConfID3
The D80 is at the edge of your budget at list price. Does your budget include memory cards? It uses SD cards instead of the Compact Flash cards you presently have. I doubt you will need an extra battery for a while- the D80/ D40 ones last a long time. NewEgg had the best prices on memory when I got mine. Some people like the D40 being smaller than the D80 and some wish the D40 had more features. It seems to be aimed at as an intro to DSLR but with limited room for user growth. Read the forums and you will get a better idea of what might work best for you. The D40 was released after I bought my D80 so I haven't checked into it too deeply. You have probably already been searching through reviews.