D80 vs D40 dilemas

[hbui]

I was just about set to buy a D40 (my entry into the world of dSLR) but just today, I got an opportunity to buy a brand new D80 w/kit lens 18-133mm...for $750...This is about $200 more than I expected to shell out for a camera but a little research suggest that I'm getting for good deal. I mainly use the camera for family, friends and vacation pictures. I don't do macro, landscape or anything like that...just casual photography. Reason I'm going dSLR is because I want great IQ and a little flexibility. What do you guys suggest? For my needs, a D40 is more than enough but for this deal, would you guys jump on it?

 

[virtuamike]

That's a hell of a deal on the D80. I'd go for it.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Just make sure this isn't a scam.

 

[hbui]

I wouldn't say I know this guy but we knew each other through friends. I've seen the camera and it looks brand new...Made in Japan imprinted at the bottom. Feels decently heavy enough...When looking at a camera, how migh one tell if its a fake or not? I've haven't taken any pic yet. Heard so many horror stories about only scam as far as dSLR. is there such a thing as a D80 imitation?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I HIGHLY doubt that there is such a thing as a fake DSLR. When I said scam I meant be careful ordering online from retailers that advertise prices that are really low. I think you're good to go.

 

[TerryMathews]

Problem with Nikons isn't fake, it's gray market. If you buy a D80 that was intended for retail channels in say Mexico, you can only get service (not even just warranty service, but service in general) in Mexico. A Nikon US repair center won't touch it.

Of course, there are non-Nikon repair centers and less rule-abiding repair centers but Nikon requires the camera serial for parts sales, so it's hard for a depot to cover up a gray camera. The region is encoded into the serial. Read http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=006fSg

 

[Deadtrees]

Without a doubt, go with D80.
D40 does NOT have built in AF motor which will give you headaches when you go for new lenses.

 

[IeraseU]

That D80 deal is too good to pass up. Heck, $750 body only would be a fantastic deal on a D80, but with the 18-135 included it's a no brainer.

 

[jmagg]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
Problem with Nikons isn't fake, it's gray market. If you buy a D80 that was intended for retail channels in say Mexico, you can only get service (not even just warranty service, but service in general) in Mexico. A Nikon US repair center won't touch it.

Of course, there are non-Nikon repair centers and less rule-abiding repair centers but Nikon requires the camera serial for parts sales, so it's hard for a depot to cover up a gray camera. The region is encoded into the serial. Read http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=006fSg

 

[hbui]

thanks for the info guy.s...guess I'll go for the D80 just for the heck of it but I'm sure I won't use many of it's great features...Always room for learning a guess

 

[troytime]

thats a good deal, assuming there's nothing wrong with the camera and lens

i got mine (exact same kit) for 1050 at circuit city (normally 1300)