Is the Nikon D80 worth getting over the D40?

I'm in the process of buying a DSLR camera and after much thought I had decided upon the the Nikon D80. It's priced at about 1,000 and I haven't got the money for it just yet. Recently I was reading up on them and saw an article comparing the D80 and D40 and found myself wondering if I should just settle for the D40 for the much cheaper price. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the D80 is worth the cash or if they are similar enough for it not to matter much. What are the distinct differences between the two? Does anyone have a personal experience with one or both? The article I read was written by Ken Rockwell (a reputable source?) and i have the link below. I would really appreciate any help. This is my first dslr camera and I have been lusting for it for months.

Sorry the link for the article is:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80.htm

You don't need to "settle" for the D40 ... it is a fine camera.

Back at you with Ken:

http://kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-...

The D40 will get you going until you get enough cash flow to buy a D300 or D3

The Nikon D80 is definitely my Fav. Amazing!!! But unless you have the extra cash, I would go for the D40. The PICS are very sharp, the colors vivid.

Nikon D40 Compared to Nikon D80


The Nikon D80 is the D40鈥檚 bigger brother and targets enthusiasts who are after a step-up from an entry-level DSLR. In fact that鈥檚 being a bit mean as the D80 is a very powerful camera. Over the D40, it boasts higher 10 megapixel resolution, improved build quality, a far superior viewfinder with optional grid-lines and a depth-of-field preview, a sophisticated 11-point AF system with autofocus support for non AF-S / AF-I lenses, quicker 3fps shooting, accurate feedback from the battery, an upper screen for shooting information and direct control over popular settings.

It is without a doubt a superior DSLR and indeed one of the classiest models on the market right now. Unless you prefer the D40鈥檚 smaller and lighter body, and slightly friendlier approach the D80 is well worth its higher price.

If this is your first dslr, I would definitely recommend going with the D40. You could take the $500 that you save, and buy some nice lenses, or an external flash. (Nikon Speedlight) If you get the D40 from Amazon, it is only $450, with a 18-55mm lens.

The main differences I know of are that the D80 has more megalpixels, which I don't think is too big a reson to buy the D80 unless you are a professional. Also, the D80 has a motor built in the camera, so it can auto-focus with any lens, where as the D40 does not have a motor inside it, so it is limited to Nikon AF-S and AF-I lenses. This should not be a big problem unless you already have lenses that you want to auto-focus with the D40. If you do not, than stick to buying from Nikon's large collection of AF-S and AF-I lenses. note: Nikon D40 can still operate other lenses, just you will have to manual focus. Last of all, the D80 has a screen on the top for showing you aperture, shutter speed, etc. If you are used to the on-top screen, than not having it on the D40 could be quite annoying, if you are not used to using that screen, than I do not believe it would be a big problem not to have it.

I wish you luck,
zlh

ps. cnet review of d40: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/...
cnet review of d80: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/...

Edit: By the way, the D40 is considered to be the camera of choice until you can afford the D300 or D3.
http://kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-...