Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

I recently decided to replace my Nikon D70. After a long time researching my options I set my sights on the the D80. My reasons were simple. Money (the D80 is no longer made and I got a great deal on a body only), mega pixels, and the brand. I have two extremely good Nikon lenses so changing to another brand was out of the question. I have to admit I never did like the D70 camera. It took substandard photos. The colors were never clean and vibrant, and detail was lacking. After looking at test photos on dpreview.com I knew replacing the d70 with a newer generation was the answer. When I got my new Nikon D80, I made a few tests. I took photos of the same subjects with the same lens and camera settings. What a difference. The D80's colors were smooth and bright. The shadows dark without a muddy look. Detail of course was better because of the extra 4 mps. If you have a D70 and not satisfied with your photos, try stepping up to a newer camera---you'll see a difference.

This is not a review of the camera, but of a vendor. On Time Digital is a horrible company to deal with. They put one price on their web page and tell you another when you call to place the order. The say that they have a USA body Nikon D80 for 330 dollars. It would be nice if they would honor the price they advertise. I guess it is true, there is no honor among thieves. I would/will stay away from this company. The camera, I will still try to purchase elsewhere.

I love this camera. Takes great pictures.
Just do not buy it from Photo Dynasty. Those guy are overpriced and not reliable. Choose a more reliable retailer.

I shoot western Colorado landscapes for microstock sites. I need a camera with low image noise, smooth focus, long battery life, and durability.

I love Nikon. I have had Nikon SLRs since I started shooting stock in the late 70s. They are dependable, quality instruments. The D80 is no exception. No point-and-shoot, it feels like my old F2. It takes beautiful pictures in all kinds of weather.

You will need at least one extra battery. The battery life is long--three or four 2 gig cards worth of RAW pictures, for me--but you will want this baby with you all the time.

I bought the body only, because I had the lens from my D70, but you will want a VR zoom or a fixed lens for maximum sharpness. I don't like tripods and don't use them as often as I should. The remote is useful for closeups. It helps you avoid camera shake, especially in low light.

You can't take a bad shot with this camera. It helps, however, to either take a class or buy a dvd that takes you step by step through all features.