I just bought the Sony A100 with two lenses and an extra battery for about $950.00. All previous Minolta lenses fit this camera. Image Stabilization is in the camera so you are not paying for it each time you buy a lens. Just got it yesterday but so far I'm impressed. It is 10 mp. I think its worth a look.

The new D40x is only compatible with AF-S style lenses, I believe. I'm just about ready to buy the D80 because it is closer to the D200 at a lower cost.

I posted to this thread earlier this afternoon and it didn't appear to stick. The D40/D40X can only autofocus with the AF-S lenses because there is no autofocus motor in the body. The D80 is more versatile in that it's not limited to just AF-S lenses.

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I bought a Niko D-80, I am happy with the camera but for the price I paid, I could have bought the Cannon and a good macro lens, I think. Is the price tag of the D-80 worth it in the long run? I was talked out of buying the the D-40 because the lady said that it is not compatable with some of the other lenses made by other companies. Is this true? Or was it just a gimmick to shell out the extra cash on the D-80?

I am asking now because I am thinking of returning the D-80 and going with a smaller megapixel camera and more lenses for about the same cost.

Thanks,
Joey

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The new D40x is only compatible with AF-S style lenses, I believe. I'm just about ready to buy the D80 because it is closer to the D200 at a lower cost.

From the D200 up, all but pre-AI lenses in general and a few other specific lenses work fine. Pre-AI lenses can be modified to AI standards. They can be used in full manual mode - no metering on some bodies. The few lenses made for the F3AF don't work with any.

I have a substantial arsenal of glass purchased for the Nikon F3, that is now fully back in service. The only problem was with the 28mm PC-Nikkor shift lens, though later models do work. It works - sort of. Since it is a preset lens, one can tell the camera body what f-stop you will be using and it seems to meter properly. The shift is pretty much useless. Everything else from the 24mm to the 600mm mirror-lens work fine.

While an alternative focusing screen with micro-prism grid is available, I have no problem manually focusing upon the standard screen. There is a electronic rangefinder built in, that assures me that I am indeed in focus. Metering is limited to manual and aperture priority modes, which suits me fine, and is as accurate as with the DX zoom I bought. The sharpness of the old manual lenses is stunning!

This is my fourth Nikon digital camera after the CP990, CP5k and CP8400. Digital technology was clearly in it adolescence when I bought the Coolpix cameras. I expected 18 months to two years use and then replacement. The D200 is a fully mature camera that I could live with for much longer. I would love to have its guts in a CP8400-style package. Since the Coopix line as been downgraded, it was really the only choice.

I have no regrets in going for the D200 on its own or in preference to the D40-80 series. In comparison to the other cameras, my recommendation would be to hold off a few months until you can save up the difference. I feel that the D200 sets the baseline for acceptability with a dSLR, specially if you have old glass or experience with manual focus lenses. It also provides you with the advantage of buying them at fire-sale prices, and getting the fabulous quality of Nikkor primes. I don't miss autofocus at all, and really am not even aware of the act of focusing. However, I have done it before a number of times. :-)

I do have the alternative of dropping back to the zoom, when the quality of the primes is not essential. Mostly use it for daylight work, since it is an f-3.5-5.6. The primes range from f-1.8 and up, making them very nice for low light work.