Gizmodo Gifts
Uno mas day left. Most of the big name stores are running low on the point-and-shoot inventory, but there is a good chance the DSLRs are still available, if you want to shell out the cash. If you are going to pick any DSLR, the Nikon D80 is a must.
This 10.2 megapixel camera can do it all and is surprisingly good for being a sub-$1k DSLR. It has a 2.5-inch LCD. The ISO range is from 100 to 1600 and the shutter speed range is from 1/4000 second to 30 seconds. Expect to pay $800 to $900 depending on the store, but it is a top notch gift on this Xmas eve. [Nikon]
Nice Nikon ad.
actually, thats ISO 100-3200.
and don't forget the added cost of memory cards, filters, lenses, what not that you might want : D
@kevjohn: What's even better is the Canon ad above the comments. But I agree with you.
@fixepah: LOL
IMHO, this is just a biased AD. The real best sub-$1000 slr is the Canon XTI. just got it from costco for $670 with a canon m610 printer. beat that nikon
@vicsells: You see that word at the top? The one that begins with "A"?
Has Nikon fixed that nasty overexposure problem inherent in the D80?
@vicsells: I'd have to disagree. I'm a canon guy myself, but the Nikon bodies have really come a long way. I'd say the XTi is the best camera for the money, but as for sub $1000 camera, the d80 has a definite edge. Although since it's also possible to get a 30d for about 900 now, I think that's another good choice in the sub $1000 category
I love my XTi and my pics come out great. it has all the features i want or need. you can't go wrong for the price.
@vicsells: You must have small hands. The XTI feels like a toy when I hold it. The D80 feels much better to me.
Either one can outperform the abilities of most amateur photographers.
Yeah, interspersing advertising on the site like postings is er... a little... weird, ethically speaking, but oh well. Brave New World and all that.
It's all about the glass. And for that, you will look at Zeiss, Leica. Forget the pansy poseurs!
Canon vs Nikon, Mac vs PC - the religion wars continue. How about we switch that religion war to Christian vs Jewish vs Muslim vs Mormon vs …
After all, it is the season for religious wars, both domestically and internationally.
Merry festivus!
@vicsells: I disagree. I own both the digital rebel xti(first dslr) and I was happy with it until my friend convinced my it would have been better to spend the extra money for a d80 with a 15-135mm lens. And like he said, It was worth it. It has better features, better feel, and takes nicer photos. I dont think ill shoot my xti ever again, it will just be a safety backup
bodies mean nothing when it comes to SLR cameras. most people could get by with an entry level body (d40/50 or an XT/XTi) and an 18-55 lens. if you have a limited budget and want to grow with the camera, invest in the glass. I saw open box D80's at newegg for $590
There is no comparison between XTI and D80 - basically they are in different class. XTI is like a toy - poor built, very low quality LCD, and it do not get you the traditional SLR layout. XTI IMO is similar to D40 - something that for beginner, for someone doesn't want to spend a whole lot, or someone that just stick with the package lens. D80 is far better in term of quality - and very similar to 40D. What I trying to say is that please compare product in a similar class - you just simply can't compare a Civic with a G35. Some people may be very happy with the Civic; but just please don't try to convince other that it is better than a G...
Canon has purposely crippled their low-end bodies for years (the last good body was the EOS3) in order to not hurt the sales of their 1D series. Nikon has always had better bodies, but somewhat inferior sensors. However, it's the D300 that sets a new bar. It has the same metering and autofocus as the D3.
Wow, for a minute there I thought we might actually be getting an article relevant to a "gizmo".
Heads up guys PMA 08 is in a month and it is rumored that nikon is announcing a d80 replacement which will ship shortly after. I was going to get a D80 in a week but i'm waiting now. All I want is a cheaper af-s 70-200 f/2.8
@achung123: Yeah but dude, "better" is subjective. I could've bought a G35(7), but for the price of my Si, I now have money for X-Mas, two vacations for a family of four (anywhere), toys, etc. Everyone goes about 60-65 on my freeway, G35 or not. Civic, for me, is better.
I've been banging away with my Nikon D80 for 14 months now and it's frabulous, I've put over 10k pics on it. The so called over exposure problem isn't a problem, it's just a point-of-view, the camera firmware and the photographer don't always agree on what the exposure should be. After a couple of days you move around it like any other quirk and life goes on. If that's the only reason you're not going to buy the D80, spend 10 minutes looking at the D80 photographers group on Flickr and then tell me there's a problem.
Strangely enough, I wouldn't touch a Canon dSLR simply cos I can't figure them out. On the other hand I love my Canon Ixus point and shoot and wouldn't touch a Nikon point and shoot for the same reason, I can't figure the menus out.
It really is a Mac vs PC type thing with Nikon the classy small company pounding away at the bigger goliath and still taking market share away. D300 will be my next camera, that LCD is to die for.
I have the D80, but i must say, the Canon 40D is so much better. Insanely fast 6.5fps, live preview, 3" LCD, and easier bracketing mode. However the D80 beats the pants out of the XTI. So if you can find a D80 for cheap like $600, it might be worth it if you don't care about the above.
@Maxwells_Nylon_Hammer: Clearly, you have not used a 5D or 1D with L glass.
@iomatic: Clearly not if I'm shooting a D80. They're not quite in the same league.
But now we're back to a fanboy religious war and no one wins them. :)
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