Nikon D80 prices....

[BlueEyedCat]

I am getting prepared to purchase my first digital SLR. I have had film SLRs (Nikons) for over 30 years (goodness am I that old already?). I am pretty settled on the Nikon D80 but my question is....The price is now around $1,000 give or take a few bucks (body only). Since it is just about to be on the market is it wise to purchase one now or can I expect the price to drop during the next few months? And by the way, when is it supposed to be available? Also, any books that anyone can recommend for getting started in digital photography? Thanks so much.:) I am new here and new to digital photography.

Laura

[coldrain]

Since the camera is very new, and probably will enjoy a lot of success the first few months, I do not think it will go down in price soon.
If it does go down in price it will not be in huge steps... and all the while you are not able to enjoy it and capture special moments with it.

So, if you are intending of buying a new DSLR, I would not wait just for the price to drop a bit. The captured moments you miss are hard to put a price on.

[RichNY]

Not only wouldn't I expect to see a near or mid term reduction in price, even the mail order discount Internet stores are selling them for 100% retail! Based upon the supply/demand there is no reason to expect to see discounting for quite some time, and I wouldn't expect to see a price drop for over a year.

I pre-ordered mine and have it on hold until Monday. I've since decided on another camera. If you want to purchase it I can have the store sell it directly to you and ship on Monday so you don't have to wait. Otherwise it goes to the next local customer on line.

Rich

[TNB]

Also, any books that anyone can recommend for getting started in digital photography? Thanks so much.:) I am new here and new to digital photography.

Laura
Myself, I just took a trip to one of the local bookstores a couple of weeks ago. I picked up one book on compositon, another on lighting, and another on adventure/action photography. I also picked up a "Life" book on the "stories" behind the photos and some books on CS2. At the camera store, I picked up a field guide specific to my camera and a few others. I guess that I am not really that much help other than a possible suggestion on taking a trip to a local bookstore if possible and just browsing through the selection.

[BlueEyedCat]

Okay, okay, Y'all are right. I think I will look into getting one soon. Which brings me to another question...where is a good place to get one? I haven't bought cameras in so long except for a little point and shoot from Sam's Club a few years ago. Thank you Rich for the offer but I think I need to wait a week or two. So what camera did you decide to go with instead of the 80? And why? Just curious.
Thanks so much for your quick replies. I sure do appreciate it.
Laura

[jcon]

BHPhoto.com Adorama.com or Beachcamera.com All 3 are very reputable and safe.

Also, check out this thread which can be found on this site, its very helpful for internet buyers....

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14677

[RichNY]

Okay, okay, Y'all are right. I think I will look into getting one soon. Which brings me to another question...where is a good place to get one? I haven't bought cameras in so long except for a little point and shoot from Sam's Club a few years ago. Thank you Rich for the offer but I think I need to wait a week or two. So what camera did you decide to go with instead of the 80? And why? Just curious.
Thanks so much for your quick replies. I sure do appreciate it.
Laura

Laura, I decided to go with the 30D instead. The reason was that the D80 is at full $999 retail everywhere, and teh 30D is discounted to only $150 more, has a better build quality, 5fps, and performs better at high ISO. I still think the D80 is a terrific camera and had they both been discounted by equal amounts I'd probably have gone with the D80.

BTW- I tried sending you a file to the email you have listed on the board and it bounced back. Send me an email and I'll attach it as a reply.

Personally, I wouldn't trust beachcamera- they've got one of the worst reputations.

[jcon]

.......Personally, I wouldn't trust beachcamera- they've got one of the worst reputations.


Ummmmm what makes you say that, do you have any proof to back up your claim? I have purchased from them 2 times and have had no problems at all. the first time they even upgraded me to over night shipping for no reason. If you look at the thread I listed, Beachcamera is listed very high by 3 of the seller rating web sites. So, again, what makes you say they have a bad reputation? Please explain:confused: :confused: :confused:

[rawpaw18]

[QUOTE=RichNY
Personally, I wouldn't trust beachcamera- they've got one of the worst reputations.[/QUOTE]

KTIXX has quite an extensive list, The same one JCON mentioned that shows quite a different view. Posting link again

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14677

Their reputation based on three sellers ratings shows it is pretty reputable.
Did you have bad experience with them?

[rawpaw18]

Might as well ignore the previous post, my typing is very slow and jcon beat me too it.

[RichNY]

Personally I have not dealt with them. I do know people who have and have shared their experiences with me.

[swgod98]

I think buying locally is better if it's similar pricing...

[RichNY]

I agree, I'd definately buy the D80 locally as you won't find the B&Hs of the world discounting the model for a while. The only issue with the D80 is being lucky enough to find it in stock... it's hit and miss...much like the 18-200 VR lens.

[thesween]

I agree, I'd definately buy the D80 locally as you won't find the B&Hs of the world discounting the model for a while. The only issue with the D80 is being lucky enough to find it in stock... it's hit and miss...much like the 18-200 VR lens.

I got an e-mail from B&H(and their website confirmed it) last Tuesday saying the D80 was in stock. As of a few moments ago, their website lists it as out of stock.

[RichNY]

With supply being so limitted, I was really surprised that nobody here was interested in the D80 I've got on hold until tomorrow.

I'm wondering how many people here pre-ordered a while back like I did, just got lucky, or are still waiting to make a purchase?

[swgod98]

Guess I got lucky, then...got it at Best Buy with a 12% discount :D

[BlueEyedCat]

did you have to get a kit with the lens or could you get just the body? So if you don't mind, what did you end up paying for it? My local Best Buy has one in stock but it is with a zoom lens and I am starting to lean towards purchasing the body only.
Thanks.
Laura

[eduardofrances]

Well you could find the Nikon D80 at a lower price near xmas (this is more a "perhaps, maybe" than a statement)

[RichNY]

did you have to get a kit with the lens or could you get just the body? So if you don't mind, what did you end up paying for it? My local Best Buy has one in stock but it is with a zoom lens and I am starting to lean towards purchasing the body only.
Thanks.
Laura

I don't believe you can get the D80 as a kit only at Best Buy stores. (I called my local store and they didn't have it that way). I also checked online and they don't offer it except with their zoom lens :(

[swgod98]

I only went in to one of my 2342348920348 Best Buys, but they didn't have it as a body only either. They had 2 in stock and 1 on display. Not sure how long that lasted though :D

If I had a choice, I might have stuck with the body only. But, I wasn't about to pass up my opportunity at the time.

Camera was $1299 with kit lens. Reciept shows price of camera at $1143.99 + 88.66 tax.

Best Buy had sent me this coupon in the mail that was good for 1 weekend only. It just happened to be the weekend the D80 and XTi became available :D

Good luck.