D50 vs D80

[Dr. WooD]

I'm currently using a Canon S2. I mostly take nature, and surfing pictures. I've almost beat myself to death over which camera to buy. I know the D50 is an older model, but it seems everyone who has one loves it. The only place I can find them has been on ebay. I'm not to keen on buying from there, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

I've also read everything on here about you D80 users. Everyone seems to love them too.

I guess my dream camera would be the D2Hs, but I don't see that happening unless I hit the lottery.

I'm thinking both cameras can use the same lens. I just don't want to get a 50, and in a year be wishing I'd bought the 80.

The lens I'm thinking I want is the Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5, or the Sigma equivalent. That would be down the road a bit, depending on which camera I buy.

[yokolok]

It's really a difficult decision to make. But as some say, it is the indian and not the arrow that makes great pictures...

If you think that there is a strong possibility of you outgrowing the D50 in a year or so, then go for the d80, or even the d200...the d80 definitely has more functions...

I am quite happy with my d70s...but had i an option (like yourself - winning the lottery) then, would have gone for the d200

HTH!

[NaturesPixel]

I just traded up from the D50 to the D80.. even tho i had only had my D50 for 6mths.... i felt that the D80 offered more for me...i do do a lot of stock photography as well as birds.. so i felt that the 10.2px over the 6.1 px was better for me cropping wise and still get a decent print size... Have you looked at the D40x ???

[mikem12188]

And so Leisa, what is the early verdict on the upgrade? is it everything you hoped for or are there some disappointments?

[NaturesPixel]

mmmm its better than i expected.. :) there was more features about the D80 that i had forgot that the D50 didnt have.. eg: backlight on the top LCD ( i now dont have to carry my mini maglight around... to see the top lcd screen)

umm the extra AF points really come in handy... the DOF preview button i have started to use also... ohh and the added ISO is great!!! the extra control dial.. and the 7 extra buttons really come in handy.. not having to waste time going thru menu..

[november]

mmmm its better than i expected.. :) there was more features about the D80 that i had forgot that the D50 didnt have.. eg: backlight on the top LCD ( i now dont have to carry my mini maglight around... to see the top lcd screen)

umm the extra AF points really come in handy... the DOF preview button i have started to use also... ohh and the added ISO is great!!! the extra control dial.. and the 7 extra buttons really come in handy.. not having to waste time going thru menu..

I totally agree with you :)
The D80 has so much more to offer. I did a LOT of research before I took the decision. The D80 won over all. I love how easy it is to find quickly the settings. Images are so sharp and bright, love the colors that come straight out of this camera. I think the new D40x is a great camera too, although I prefer the size of the D80.
Maybe this will help:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80/vs-d70.htm

[Dr. WooD]

I went with the D80 body, the Nikon battery grip, and a Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 lens. Cant wait till it arrives Wednesday.

[Saralonde]

It's coming Wednesday? We expect pictures Thursday :D ;) ! Congrats on the purchase.