I took this photo at Corning Ford. I was playing around with night shooting. Did I mention how much I love my camera? I do that a lot.
Donny borrowed it a while back and liked it more then his own. Will he admit that? It took me a while to get it back. I feel the same way about his iPhone. Anyway… If you are in to photography and have a budget under $900.00 for the camera body then I would recommend the Nikon D80. It’s one step above my D70s, nearly the same camera, only it’s a 10.xMP, so it’s a little better.
My camera, lenses, and batteries all together ran me under $1800.00 when I bought it a year or so back. Right now you can get the D80 body for $900.00 and a good lens for about $600.00 more. 1500 for a killer camera setup that will make you look like a pro every shot is a good deal in my book!
If money is no object then you might as well take it a step further and buy the Nikon D200. It’s a little out of my budget, but it is a Killer Camera. I promise you that one will put a dent in your pocket book. I still think the D80 is the best bang for the buck. Donny may disagree! We’ll find out soon I’m sure 
I like your camera better than mine for sure. In fact, I kinda want to borrow it again this weekend.
D200 is what I’ll likely purchase next. Unless a certain girl decides to throw in the lens I want with the D100 she has for sale. That lens is amazing.
Any time! Cause you da’ main man!
John,
I was going through some old files this morning, and I came across the invoice for my Nikon D1. Purchased on January 4, 2000, the cost for the body and a spare battery was $5154.00.
I had already purchased four Nikon lenses, a Tamrac carrying case, and an IBM Microdrive in anticipation of the arrival of the camera. That was another $3000.00.
At the time, I thought this was a real bargain.
The camera is in perfect condition and continues to take superb photographs, so I do not envision replacing it. Then again, one never knows what I may do.
- David
David,
I retired my D1 and gave it to my son Brian. Another benefit of upgrading from the D1 to the D70s, D80, or D200 is that all you have to replace is the body, everything else is compatible. You already knew that, I’m just mentioning it in case someone else were to stumble in to my blog and read this. I know, it’s not very likely
I won’t pretend to know half as much as you know about photography, but, I’d still recommend that you upgrade to the Nikon D80 body. It would be a fairly inexpensive upgrade. Oh and you could leave the speed light on your D1, because the built in speed light on the D72s or the D80 is superior.
John,
That would not be an upgrade. It would be a severe downgrade. The D70/D80/D100/D200 cameras are consumber-level cameras intended for novice users. The D1/D2 cameras are professional cameras that have many pro-level features not found on the consumer cameras.
Do not misunderstand: The D70/D80/D100/D200 cameras are very nice cameras. They simply do not offer what I prefer in a camera.
They are certainly smaller, lighter, easier to use, and their CMOS imagers are not prone to lint attraction like the CCD imagers on the D1/D2 cameras. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a solid SLR with good features and excellent imaging capabilities.
If I were ever to buy a new camera, it would be a D2-series camera–probably a D2H.
- David
All I can say is this:
I just sold my D1x on eBay. Today, actually. I never intend to buy more than a D200 from now on.
Of course, one’s plans always change.
Donny,
If only one could be certain that what one says today will be true tomorrow. [G]
If only one could learn never to say, “never”!
I have not learned this, certainly.
- David
I gave my D1 to my 13 year old. I own both and it’s not even close!
Yes PRO and SEMI-PRO, I know!
If you do a search on eBay..
The Nikon D1 body is going for ‘under’ $300.00 used in excellent condition. <– That speaks for itself
Donny,
I want one really bad. Buy 2 and give one to me.
John,
Those D1s on eBay are from newspapers and have over a million shutter clicks and accumulated wear. McAllister Camera sells new and used pro gear and is getting $2500 and up for pristine D1 bodies.
Apart from the lack of pro features, the D70 – D200 cameras have CMOS imagers. That is what really sets the pro and consumer Nikons apart.
- David
I’ll tell Brian; He will be be excited!
I wish I had your ultra wide angle lens. One of these days I will invest in one. Right now I’m stuck standing back and cropping. LOL!
He should be excited to have such a fine piece of equipment!
My 24-120mm wide-angle-to-medium-telephoto zoom is easily my favorite lens. It can easily cover a variety of situations with ease and without the necessity to change lenses.
My second favorite lens is my 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor. The most compact Nikon Micro-Nikkor lens for portrait, copy work, and field close-up applications Close Range Correction (CRC) system provides high performence at both near and far focusing distances Continuous focusing from infinity to life-size (1:1)
I have a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S Zoom-Nikkor. This is a great lens for those long shots. It is particularly well suited for nature photography.
I also have a 50mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor. I rarely use it, although it is a great, quick, sharp lens.
My brother has a 14mm super-wide-angle lens for his Canon digital SLR. It is an amazing lens. I long to add a 14mm Nikkor to my collection.
- David
I would like a nice 14mm lens as well. That would come in handy for sure.