I have a D2oo w/SB600 flash and love it! I'm leaning towards D70, used D80, or possibly new D40? Does anyone have the new D40?

The D40 doesn't have the focus screw. So unless you have all AF-S lenses you won't have any auto-focus. Why not get a refurbed D70s? You can get one here for a reasonable price of $579. It's a great cam at a great price, but i'd say that if you can afford the D80 then definately do it. Also the noise on the D40 is pretty bad in my opinion especially when compared to the D80 or D70(s).
Also the D40 only had 3 autofocus points which for the way I shoot makes it totally worthless for the way that I shoot.

i use d70s as back up-back up(3rd body). i would probably go with the d80 though. that wasn't out when i bought mine.

you should go with something as close to your main body as possible in case you need to use it. if i had to shoot a wedding with a d40 i would not be happy.

I'd go with the D70s, only because you could still use your Compact Flash cards, something you can't do with the D80 and the D40.

How about another D200? The difference in price is less than $1000 for a D70s and D200 body.

Then you'll have two of the same body and can switch off...

My lord i wish i had your budget. For me a hundred dollars can make or break a purchase!

+1


True, but what about a Fuji S5? A D200 and S5 makes for a dynamic duo!

Robert's has refurb D200 bodies for $1200.

I use a D70 as a backup. I shot with 2 D70's for 2 years. The cameras are fine as primary, much less a backup. I would look for a good used D70 or D70s. If you go with a D80/D40, you will have to buy SD cards to go into them, and at that point you may as well get a new D200.

Forgive me! I forgot about the Fuji. I'd definitely get a Fuji to go with the D200...

That's the best of both worlds right there as far as Nikon goes. High MP on one and high DR & great color on the other without having to drop $7,000+ on a whole new Canon system!



You just need my total disregard for the value of money.

I appreciate all the feedback from everyone. The D80 just didn't feel good in my hands today!

Oh wow, it is funny that you would say that. Believe it or not, in the beginning the reason I purchased my F100 was because of the way it felt in my hands. I didn't need it as my N75 was doing just fine, but when I held one and looked through the large viewfinder I had to have one. I LOVE shooting with my F100 and thus the reason why my next camera is the D200. I wish I had some profound technical reason but that's the truth. And, I was surprised that I liked the way the D70 felt in my hands too.