My new toy - Nikon D80 - It's a stocking stuffer for myself!

On Thursday, (Dec 20th, 2007), I purchased something I had been eyeing for over 2-3 years now. A DSLR. When I first felt the need to buy a DSLR, the Nikon D70s was the most popular one. At the time, I didn't have the funds to purchase it. Since then, Nikon has released a whole slew of new cameras - D40, D40x, D80, D300.

After researching, reading reviews, asking for opinions, reading some more reviews and watching tons of You Tube videos, I made up my mind to buy the Nikon D80. As far as I know, Canon doesn't have an equivalent camera. They either have the XTi which is lower/cheaper or they have the 40D which is a bit too much and out of my budget. The D80 is the perfect fit for me - the prosumer.

I'm extremely happy with the purchase. I've taken about 150 shots so far. Aside from the weight, the camera feels great. The buttons are in the right place, the grip is very comfortable, feels secure and the construction is sturdy. Not going to comment just yet on image quality since I am not proficient with all the settings/controls just yet...right now, the photographer is the problem not the camera...haha!

Instead of paying for the default kit lens which is so so and then upgrading later... I opted to upgrade right away. I got the Nikon AF-S 18-200 VR. Great lens with vibration reduction. For now, it's wide angle enough and telephoto enough as well.

Now if only I could get some sunny days, where I could go for a walk and take some great shots. It has been gloomy here in Ottawa for what feels like months.

I will start reading articles and books on how to take better photographs, so stay tuned for tips, tricks and of course lots of pictures.