Question:
Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options. This would be a camera I will grow into, after hearing reports of buying n60’s and selling them 3 or 4 months later to get an n70… Its very new, so where can I gget it on line, and for what price? Ritz camera has them listed for $479 which might include a 20-80 lens, not sure. Are they available anywhere now? do you think this is a good "grow into camera"? thanks mark
Response:
Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options.
Depends. The deliberate weakness of the N80 is lack of access to the massive body of existing manual focus Nikon lenses. Covered by the F100, many $hundreds more. Covered by the N70. Other than that it is fantastic. Make your own prediction regarding your future. However. Even if you don’t want MF lenses, you will want two AF Nikkors. The 28-105, and the 70-300. They go for about $600 total. If you’re not planning to pay $600 for lenses, you’re wasting your money on the N80. Earl F.
Response:
xx skrev: Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options. This would be a camera I will grow into, after hearing reports of buying n60’s and selling them 3 or 4 months later to get an n70… Its very new, so where can I gget it on line, and for what price? Ritz camera has them listed for $479 which might include a 20-80 lens, not sure. Are they available anywhere now? do you think this is a good "grow into camera"? thanks mark
The F80 has a few goodies that the F60 doesn’t have, that’s true. However, several of the traditional Nikon strengths are absent, and the most important is that old, manual lens metering support is absent, too. So, there will be people that still will think that the F70 solve a few problems for them with older lenses, where the F80 isn’t as supportive. Given that onle very few photographers actually *need* even what the F60 can offer in way of advanced features, I wouldn’t worry much about the F60 (which I own) is "too unsophisticated". The performance difference between a really good P&S and a SLR is mainly with the operator, not with the camera. That said, I believe that given the choice between a new F80 and a new F60, the F80 may have benefits that clearly outweigh the small price difference, like DOF and adjustable ISO setting. But comparing to a F70, a F100 or better/older may be misleading, as the lens compability span is different for nearly every Nikon model today. I hasten to add that this is because Nikon tries very hard to keep a wide lens compability window, at the same time as new lens designs and constructions come up all the time – not necessarily because they want to annoy their customers and bereave them of money. — Anders Svensson
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options. This would be a camera I will grow into, after hearing reports of buying n60’s and selling them 3 or 4 months later to get an n70… Its very new, so where can I gget it on line, and for what price? Ritz camera has them listed for $479 which might include a 20-80 lens, not sure. Are they available anywhere now? do you think this is a good "grow into camera"? thanks mark
The N80 is not out yet – or only just came out. It would be a "grow into" camera. If you haven’t tried any SLR I would suggest you do before buying one. Nikon has a "feel" as do Canon, Pentax and the other brands. In Nikon, weight is equated with quality, Canon builds strong cameras that are also light. Pentax cameras fit well into the hand. While it is true that you can trade in or sell a camera that does not fit your style – I’ve been through four systems in 34 years – it’s well worth trying the major brands out first. — Digital Photo restoration in Chapel Hill N.C. http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/magor/tony NEW — The Secrets of Area 53 Revealed The Teleconverter Page & The Night Gallery Before you buy.
Response:
Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options. This would be a camera I will grow into, after hearing reports of buying n60’s and selling them 3 or 4 months later to get an n70… Its very new, so where can I gget it on line, and for what price? Ritz camera has them listed for $479 which might include a 20-80 lens, not sure. Are they available anywhere now? do you think this is a good "grow into camera"?
Here is the truth about wine, women, and cameras: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! I strongly recommend you go to a store and try out any camera you’re thinking of buying. Load a film (get the 12 exp. cheapos) and go shooting around the store. See if it is something you’d like to have for a while. -dan
Response:
hey mark, i was in the same boat as you about a month ago. after doing the requisite internet research, i walked into the store thinking that i wanted a rebel 2k. when i finally got the thing into my hands, it just felt kinda cheap and the back didn’t seem properly aligned on its hinges. that kind of build quility is an instant turn off to me. in addition, the corners of the viewfinder were hidden by the construction of the eyepiece – i really had to strain to see them – not fun. the nikons just felt at home in my hands – the ergonomics and solidity of the n60 just spoke to me. in addition, the weight seemed to add a margin of security to the camera as well, though that might be an illusion. you ultimately need to do the camera store test drive if you haven’t already. just make sure to go in with an open mind. after doing more research, i discovered that the n80 would in fact be a better camera to start off with for the sole reason that it has DOF preview. photographers far more knowledgable than i told me that DOF preview is a critical learning tool – who am i to argue? i also like the ability to manually set the iso speed, multiple exposures, remote shutter release, etc., but that’s beside the point. it won’t meter with MF lenses (which seems like a marketing move more than anything from what i’ve read), but so what – i don’t have 1000s invested in old lenses already and i’m not about to wade through the gruesome consumerism of eBay to buy any. i have an n80 pre-ordered with CWO and I just bought a 50mm f/1.8. you’d probably be better off learning with a 50, which adds about $100 more to your initial investment of ~$470. everyone says ditch the 28-80 lens, except for the camera salemen – what does that tell you? what i guess i’m trying to say is that the n80 seems like a camera you will really grow with and keep around a lot longer than an n60. i look at it like this – you might save $170 now, but you’ll probably keep an n80 around at least twice as long as an n60 – so the n80 is the more sound investment. at least, that’s how i always justify buying my more expensive toys. sorry for the rambling, but it’s late now . . . brian. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options. This would be a camera I will grow into, after hearing reports of buying n60’s and selling them 3 or 4 months later to get an n70… Its very new, so where can I gget it on line, and for what price? Ritz camera has them listed for $479 which might include a 20-80 lens, not sure. Are they available anywhere now? do you think this is a good "grow into camera"? thanks mark
Response:
Now where where you when I asked a similar question a few weeks ago??? Anyway, I bought the F60/N60, and I just had my first roll of 200 developed yesterday. Hmm. Some of the shots I took came out great, but I did take one where I thought I had zoomed right in on the subject, only to find that the subject was a lot smaller on the print than I remember them being on the viewfinder. Weird. I’ll put it down to being more my doing than the cameras. It’s a fantastic hobby, and I’m glad I bought this camera as opposed to the Minolta 404Si I was considering. But there is just so much to learn… Dallas P.S. What’s DOF? Degree of Freedom? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hey mark, i was in the same boat as you about a month ago. after doing the requisite internet research, i walked into the store thinking that i wanted a rebel 2k. when i finally got the thing into my hands, it just felt kinda cheap and the back didn’t seem properly aligned on its hinges. that kind of build quility is an instant turn off to me. in addition, the corners of the viewfinder were hidden by the construction of the eyepiece – i really had to strain to see them – not fun. the nikons just felt at home in my hands – the ergonomics and solidity of the n60 just spoke to me. in addition, the weight seemed to add a margin of security to the camera as well, though that might be an illusion. you ultimately need to do the camera store test drive if you haven’t already. just make sure to go in with an open mind. after doing more research, i discovered that the n80 would in fact be a better camera to start off with for the sole reason that it has DOF preview. photographers far more knowledgable than i told me that DOF preview is a critical learning tool – who am i to argue? i also like the ability to manually set the iso speed, multiple exposures, remote shutter release, etc., but that’s beside the point. it won’t meter with MF lenses (which seems like a marketing move more than anything from what i’ve read), but so what – i don’t have 1000s invested in old lenses already and i’m not about to wade through the gruesome consumerism of eBay to buy any. i have an n80 pre-ordered with CWO and I just bought a 50mm f/1.8. you’d probably be better off learning with a 50, which adds about $100 more to your initial investment of ~$470. everyone says ditch the 28-80 lens, except for the camera salemen – what does that tell you? what i guess i’m trying to say is that the n80 seems like a camera you will really grow with and keep around a lot longer than an n60. i look at it like this – you might save $170 now, but you’ll probably keep an n80 around at least twice as long as an n60 – so the n80 is the more sound investment. at least, that’s how i always justify buying my more expensive toys. sorry for the rambling, but it’s late now . . . brian. Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options. This would be a camera I will grow into, after hearing reports of buying n60’s and selling them 3 or 4 months later to get an n70… Its very new, so where can I gget it on line, and for what price? Ritz camera has them listed for $479 which might include a 20-80 lens, not sure. Are they available anywhere now? do you think this is a good "grow into camera"? thanks mark
Response:
Dallas skrev: Now where where you when I asked a similar question a few weeks ago??? Anyway, I bought the F60/N60, and I just had my first roll of 200 developed yesterday. Hmm. Some of the shots I took came out great, but I did take one where I thought I had zoomed right in on the subject, only to find that the subject was a lot smaller on the print than I remember them being on the viewfinder. Weird. I’ll put it down to being more my doing than the cameras.
Don’t be put down by the fact that now when there is a F80 around, the F60 is "dead". There are also F70, F90x, F100, F5, FM10, F3 and D1 to choose from plus one or two APS models, all using Nikkor SLR lenses in one of several guises, and each of these cameras have their own peculiar advantages and drawbacks. The F60 still scores high in "ease of use" and solidity. The F60 is a competent camera, and as it has a full manual mode, there are no real limitations for anyone wanting to experiment. The basic "P&S" cabability is there too and the two or three things that a advanced hobby photographer could want (and is lacking) can be worked around. — Anders Svensson
Response:
Yes, most definitely! Also don’t neglect the opportunity to get an N70 on clearance really cheap. I know of professionals who use the N70 (and, presumably, now the N80) because it is so versatile and such a good performer. I’d be inclined to avoid the cheap zoom lens that normally comes with it, though, and get a Nikon 50-mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens instead. Sharper and faster.
Response:
<See http://www.CovingtonInnovations.com for address says… Yes, most definitely! Also don’t neglect the opportunity to get an N70 on clearance really cheap. I know of professionals who use the N70 (and, presumably, now the N80) because it is so versatile and such a good performer. I’d be inclined to avoid the cheap zoom lens that normally comes with it, though, and get a Nikon 50-mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens instead. Sharper and faster.
Thanks guys.. still dont know… with no cable release on the n60.. I’ve kinda ruled that one out… the n70 is good, and for me, having no prior Nikon experience, the n70’s layout is not that weird… the n80, I cant find yet, and him going on a trip in 2 weeks… might wait a week and check around again… I have $0 invested in other lenses, so the manual/auto issue is of no importance… if I cant find an n80 by trip time, I’ll get the n70… Mark
Response:
Dallas, My apologies – I guess I missed your earlier thread. I’d say enjoy your n60 and go take some pictures. While you’re out there snapping away, I’m still sitting here with a lens and no body, reading newsgroups. 
Brian. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now where where you when I asked a similar question a few weeks ago???
Response:
I am from the UK and still waiting for the F80/N80 (It’s F80 in the UK) to tried the F70/N70 I personally did not like it’s interface (messy) but it felt like a dream to handle…..As others have said don’t commit to any camera until you have seen it and tried it. Good luck. Malcom.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options. This would be a camera I will grow into, after hearing reports of buying n60’s and selling them 3 or 4 months later to get an n70… Its very new, so where can I gget it on line, and for what price? Ritz camera has them listed for $479 which might include a 20-80 lens, not sure. Are they available anywhere now? do you think this is a good "grow into camera"? thanks mark
Response:
there’s not cable release on the N70 either.
The N70 has an expensive electronic release instead of a cable release. The N80 ships ready for a cable release but (from what I have heard) also can accept an electronic release. I don’t know how that would attach. – David Before you buy.
Response:
what about nikon n70 ? – anup mishra. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hey mark, i was in the same boat as you about a month ago. after doing the requisite internet research, i walked into the store thinking that i wanted a rebel 2k. when i finally got the thing into my hands, it just felt kinda cheap and the back didn’t seem properly aligned on its hinges. that kind of build quility is an instant turn off to me. in addition, the corners of the viewfinder were hidden by the construction of the eyepiece – i really had to strain to see them – not fun. the nikons just felt at home in my hands – the ergonomics and solidity of the n60 just spoke to me. in addition, the weight seemed to add a margin of security to the camera as well, though that might be an illusion. you ultimately need to do the camera store test drive if you haven’t already. just make sure to go in with an open mind. after doing more research, i discovered that the n80 would in fact be a better camera to start off with for the sole reason that it has DOF preview. photographers far more knowledgable than i told me that DOF preview is a critical learning tool – who am i to argue? i also like the ability to manually set the iso speed, multiple exposures, remote shutter release, etc., but that’s beside the point. it won’t meter with MF lenses (which seems like a marketing move more than anything from what i’ve read), but so what – i don’t have 1000s invested in old lenses already and i’m not about to wade through the gruesome consumerism of eBay to buy any. i have an n80 pre-ordered with CWO and I just bought a 50mm f/1.8. you’d probably be better off learning with a 50, which adds about $100 more to your initial investment of ~$470. everyone says ditch the 28-80 lens, except for the camera salemen – what does that tell you? what i guess i’m trying to say is that the n80 seems like a camera you will really grow with and keep around a lot longer than an n60. i look at it like this – you might save $170 now, but you’ll probably keep an n80 around at least twice as long as an n60 – so the n80 is the more sound investment. at least, that’s how i always justify buying my more expensive toys. sorry for the rambling, but it’s late now . . . brian. Looking at getting into SLR photography, after owning a digital point- and-shoot. I’m looking at the Nikon N80, something good, with updated electronics and plenty of lens options. This would be a camera I will grow into, after hearing reports of buying n60’s and selling them 3 or 4 months later to get an n70… Its very new, so where can I gget it on line, and for what price? Ritz camera has them listed for $479 which might include a 20-80 lens, not sure. Are they available anywhere now? do you think this is a good "grow into camera"? thanks mark
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