D3000 to D80?

[julieanne]

Hi everyone,
I bought a dSLR earlier this year. Unfortunately, I seem to be doing the majority of my research after I've purchased my camera. I took the advice of my mother and didn't consider buying a used camera, and bought the d3000 (it was the only one in my price range).
I'm thinking about doing some switching up, and getting a d80 instead. I know it's not the newest model, but it looks like I could buy one for a similar price to what I could get by selling my d3000 kit.
The reasoning behind wanting to switch has to do mainly with lenses. I want to start doing portrait work with kids, families, and pets (after I get a little more experience). I have a 50mm 1.8 lens, but I'm having a hard time getting the manual focus quick enough to get the shots. I couldn't afford the 1.4 AF-S that would work with my camera. I also take photos at work of field day and various different activities, as well as things that I do in class. I take indoor and outdoor pics of my nephew, but there will be a few years before he's doing sports.
So. I have a camera, but it isn't fully compatible with most lenses. I know people say that you get what you pay for, but I hate feeling like I'm limited because of my camera body.
Based on that information, would it be a good idea to switch to the d80? Or should I stick with the d3000 and keep plugging away at manual focus? Or should I use the d3000 until I can save up to get the d90? Or something else all together? I'm going to the store tomorrow to get their thoughts, but I thought I'd ask here too. Thanks in advance.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

how bout the 35mm f/1.8? It's not terribly long, yes, but for $200, it's a gem of a lens. never leaves my camera.

[OsmosisStudios]

The D80 uses the same AF system and same sensor, so it's a lateral move image quality wise. It does have some up-spec features, like the built in AF motor but also with the master flash.

[AndreiV]

Hi own a D80 and I love it. D70s and so forth have an f-mount type meaning it can use the AF system in the lens of any old lens. So with the 50mm f/1.8 (which I own) will autofocus. I started with a D80 and have two of them and I love it to death, the only reason I havent upgraded is I personally have no reason to. But as posted before you should check out the 35mm f/1.4 lens. Its a DX lens so there is no crop factor (50mm=75mm on DX cameras).

Id say save for the D90 since its the latest and greatest (leaving the old D80 in the dust) buy the body because you already own a 50mm and its a great lens to use forever.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by AndreiV

f-mount type meaning it can use the AF system in the lens of any old lens

*BUZZZ* Incorrect. F-mount just refers to the mount itself. There are plenty of manual lenses (AI, AI-s, E, et al.) that are f-mount and won't autofocus.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by AndreiV

Its a DX lens so there is no crop factor (50mm=75mm on DX cameras).

*BUZZZ* Incorrect again. A DX lens still have the focal length multiplier. It'll just severely vignette on FX or 35mm film cameras. See here

35mm * 1.5 = 52.5mm
50mm * 1.5 = 75mm

[julieanne]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The D80 uses the same AF system and same sensor, so it's a lateral move image quality wise. It does have some up-spec features, like the built in AF motor but also with the master flash.

This is basically what the guy in the camera store said. He said that moving to the D80 was basically a lateral move, with maybe a small step up. He said that the images at ISO 800 and up had a lot of noise on the d80, but not on the d3000 (due to better technology). But, the d80 would give more options than the d3000.

So, I think I'm going to stick with what I have for now, work on the manual focus, and save to upgrade maybe around March of next year (tax rebate, woo!). By then I should have read enough and have figured out enough of what I need/want to have as far as cameras and lenses go. I may upgrade the camera body, or I may go ahead and get the fancier lens...I guess I'll figure that out as I shoot more.

Thanks for the help everyone!