What camera is better? Nikon D60 or D80?

I want to get a camera that takes smooth, clear pictures but am not sure which is the better buy, any other suggestions for a camera?

Define "Better". Here are the differences.

D60:

Sensor Cleaner, 10 MP, 2.5" LCD screen to display all information as well as photos, 3 points of focus, 3 frames per second maximum shooting rate, pentamirror viewfinder

D80: 10 MP, 2.5" LCD screen (displays photos and menu only), separate LED status screen, 11 points of focus, 3 frames per second maximum shooting rate, pentaprism viewfinder (brighter and clearer than pentamirror system), Remote Commander capability (able to remotely trigger SB flash units such as SB600 and SB800), internal body motor (able to auto-focus certain older AF lenses).

D60 cannot focus AF lenses such as Nikon's 50mm f1.8 D lens. To autofocus with a D60, you require an AF-S lens, which has its own focus motor built into the lens. The only advantages that D60 has over D80 is a "No Flash" mode that not only forces the flash off, but tells the camera to go into high-iso mode to get better photos without the flash, as well as the sensor cleaner system.

Contrary to popular belief, you can use all lenses on these cameras and image quality will still appear to be excellent.

Hope that helps you some

Each has its merits.

If I was considering these two cameras, I'd sit tight for a month or two, as Nikon is due for a new release to replace the D80. They are not announcing anything yet, but everyone knows it's got to be right around the corner. Once it comes out, there would be no reason to buy the D60 if you think you are ready for the D80 now.

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ssanman12, the D200 has a CCD sensor. The D300 has a CMOS sensor. So-called analog lenses are just fine on a digital SLR. In fact, they might be better because the cropped image on the smaller sensor is only from the "sweet spot" of the lens.

Both are good cameras, the D80 is a little better. It depends how many pixels you want. You also want a CMOS processor. I use a D200 to shoot concerts in almost no light. The D40 is not as good in low light. Be sure to use digital lenses with them . Analog lenses will work, but the picture will not be as good.