I looked at the Nikon D60 and D80. The guy I spoke to (manager of the shop) was very helpful and really took the time to explain ish to me, but the choices I'm presented with (and the pros and cons of each) are confusing, so I'm hoping you guys could help some (I'm new to DSLR's btw, although I've been doing a lot of research and searching the archives for info). Bear in mind that I won't be maniacial about photography, but would like a better camera than my outdated P&S to take pictures with (I'll be doing a decent amount of photography at car shows, events (like the Cherry Blossom fesitval here in DC), monuments, some landscape, random stuff like that), and I would like to get a bit more creative with my photography (time lapse photos (if thats what its called), a little night shooting etc). Ok so here's what I liked and disliked about each:

Pros D60:

Low starting price (I don't want to spend a ton of money)
Small and light (easy to carry around)
Good entry level camera
10MP

Cons D60:

Plastic aperature ring
Worried I'll get bored with it and want to upgrade soon
Uses the "consumer level" lens instead of the D series lenses
Not as robust as the D80 (accoridng to the camera guy)

Pros D80:

Lots of features so I won't get bored
A step up in quality over the D60 (according to camera guy)
More robust/durable
Uses the D series lens
Metal aperature ring

Cons D80:

Bigger
Heavier
More expensive
Uses the D series lens (more expensive)
Worried the additional features aren't worth the cost

I'm hoping someone could help to rationalize all of this and maybe provide some insight on everything. I'm in a state of information overload right now (lol) but would like to try to come to some decision of whether to get the D60, D80, or wait it out a little longer. TIA!

The D80 has just been replaced by the D90. Do not buy a D80 right now unless it is heavily discounted.

They use the same lenses, the D80/D90 will just autofocus with more of them - some lenses do not have their own focus motor and must be manually focused with the D60. Mostly this affects prime (non zoom) lenses - just the type that most casual users will never own. It's not as much a problem as it sounds like, the D60 has a great rangefinder function that makes manual focusing a breeze.

One advantage for the D60 is that really old glass ("pre-AI") will mount without modification. These old Nikkors are great lenses and can be bargains. They are fully manual lenses, but that only means that you learn more using them. In order to fit on the D80/D90 or higher without damaging the camera these lenses must be modified (AI'd). No such issues on the D40/D40X/D60.

Neither camera has an aperture ring at all, that would be on the lens - although the lenses that come with these cameras ("kit lenses") do not have an aperture ring either. Perhaps the salesman meant the lens mount - which is plastic on the D60 kit lens, but really isn't a problem unless you change lenses a dozen times a day. Both cameras have metal lens mounts, plastic mounts only appear on the lenses.

You will not get bored with the D60 unless you just like playing with buttons for fun. I would not recommend anything more than a D60 for any first time DSLR owner, they are great cameras. The D80 is a bit dated now - if you like it that much more than the D60, then be sure to check out the D90.

Go with the D60 with the kit lens and don't look back. If you NEED to spend more, buy more glass (I recommend a fast prime as the first purchase, a zoom with more reach second - but that changes depending on the user's needs).

Never wait to make a camera purchase - there will always be something better on the horizon. Buy now and get out there and shoot!

D90 is out D80 will be discounted.
Go to B&H if you can. Hands on each with helpful staff. Look into Canon as well.
What is your price point (Lens and body)?

First off, you're right about the aperature ring; I just mistyped it in haste.

I was also doing a bit more research a few minutes ago and found the the D80 is dicontinued, so I guess that's out as well. Will the D60 be a hinderence in any way? I had originally been leaning towards it before I went this morning, and my gut says that its a good camera to go with...

Oy..decisions, decisions, decisions...

Price point is around $850-$900, $1000 only if I'm getting a bag and memory cards and other ish like that

Basically out the door I'd like to be at $1k.

With new stuff, not used or refurbished

This is a good option to cover your needs and later go beyond (pushing ur budget a little).

Unless you go cheaper with a lower end body from either Canon or Nikon and invest in quality glass.

Nothing wrong with the D40, D60 or D80 as a first DSLR. Just get the savings and get the right quality glass.<ul><li><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518570-REG/Canon_1901B017_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518570-REG/Canon_1901B017_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html</a</li></ul>

my only gripe with it is that they mention there is no ISO button (you have to dig into the menu to adjust it). I'm constantly changing the ISO, so this little nuisance would drive me up the wall. Other than that, it's more than adequate for a first time SLR owner, and you'll spend years growing into it! Given your budget, this will work well also.

Stick with the kit lens for now, shoot for a while, learn the basics, and eventually you'll figure out how the lens is limiting what you want to do and what lens you want to supplement with. Don't spend your entire budget right now. There are plenty of other things to spend money on, not limited to the following: bag, memory, software, computer, flash, tripod, ballhead, batteries, more lenses, etc. $1K will disappear very quickly.

Once you adjust to the DSLR you can sell the lenses and get better equipment if you so wish.<ul><li><a href="http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?whse=BC&amp;topnav=&amp;prodid=11305081&amp;ec=BC-EC877-CatHome&amp;pos=5&amp;lang=en-US">tobaditsacanon</a></li></ul>

...then it is never more than a couple of button presses away - one button press if it is the last setting changed. If that isn't convenient enough, then you can assign the "Fn" (Function) button to ISO exclusively.