Nikon D40vs D80

[x0dyssey]

I have finally narrowed down my camera choices to these 2.. the only differences that i see are the auto focuse drive motor on the D80.. thats not on the D40.. and a different auto focus system.. other than that these are the same camera.. so my questions.. Is it wrht the extra 3~400 bucks for the D80 over th D40x for the motor? I know it adds auto focus to lenses.. but they both use the same lenses.. so im at a loss? Since it adds auot focus, the D40x will just not have auto on thoses lenses.. so is there a list of nikon lenses that are AF and nonAF so i can see what i am missing out on?

D40x,D80
Auto Focus Type Nikon Multi-CAM530 , Nikon Multi-CAM1000
Lens Thread Nikkor AF / F-mount D-Type, Nikkor AF / F-mount D-Type

Dpreview comparison here


i know there are a few other differences but those seem to be the biggest ones..

 

[PS-RagE]

In order to autofocus on the D40 the lens must be of the AFS variety

 

[Joves]

Also AF-I lenses will work with the D40. Also I dont believe that the D40 has flash commander either, for wireless flash control.

 

[x0dyssey]

ok so the remote flash is another thing that i could not find being different.. thanks!... i think ill stay with my original choice of the D80..now to find a lens that will get some good shots at the football games but wont be called a pro lens.. any 200mm compact lenses that have dimensions listed.. i think it has to be less thank 4 inches long.

thanks

 

[Joves]

There is the standard 18-200mm DX if I remember right. But Im not sure on its length though. You might hit up a local camera store and, see if they have it in stock. Or the 70-300mm as well. Also you might look at the Tamron 24-300mm I have one and, it is a great lense and, inexpensive too.

 

[V-e-l-o-c-i-t-Y]

D40 is smaller and cheaper (Pros) But it does not feature 10mpx nor does it have the ability for a Vertical Battery Grip (Found 1 for a D40x, but its Euro only), and does not feature a LCD screen on the top common on Nikon brand cameras. The D80 is basically a D200 with a few less features, more-so aimed at advanced amature photographers, the D40 is Entry level to Advanced Amature. If your not sure which one, you can go with a D40x like i did for my backup camera (D200 for main camera). Its has all the features of the D40 (Lightweight body, easy to use, very responsive) but you get the 10mpx for higher quality images. TBH i find myself using the D40x over my D200 just for ease and weight, i did order a vertical battery grip for it though (making it a bit more bulky), but both the cameras (d40x and d80) feel wounderful in your hands, are both easy to operate, and are both a good choise.

Basically it comes down to how much you plan on spending on accesories.
If you dont want a vertical battery grip with a trigger on it, dont mind buying AF-S or AF-I lenses (there are ALOT, of just AF-S type lenses from Nikkor, Tamron, or Sigma) then go with a D40 or a D40x (There are remote flash's that will work with a D40 and D40x, though i dont know if they are manufactored by Nikon)
If you do plan on purchasing other lense types, and more advanced accesories at the cost of weight, then the D80 is what your looking for.

SIDE NOTE- The D40 and D40x will work with ANY Nikon mount lense on manual settings (many photographers prefer this as they have a collection of lenses some being newer and others being older), I use a 12 year old Nikkor ED 180mm on my D40x just fine under certain settings, there is just a matter of manual focus, exposure settings, and shutter speed. If your going to use a tripod for Telephoto shots (which most people do) the D40 will suite you just fine.