Nikon D80 Digital Camera with 18-200mm Lens

The D80 is a consumer version of the Pro-sumer D200. While it has the same pixel count as the D200, it can ONLY shoot at 3 frames per second as against the D200's 5 FPS. I think that most photographers will conclude, as I did, that 3 FPS is quite sufficient.

The camera is lightning quick in capturing the required image though. There is no discernable shutter lag at all. If your first digital camera was of the compact variety, you will know what a huge benefit this is. No more missed shots of baby's expression, the kittens leaping for the string, your son scoring the winning goal etc, etc.

The viewfinder is huge, more than big enough to review accurately, the image you have just taken. You can also zoom into the tinyest portion of the image by using the navigation buttons.

It is a camera body where everything comes readily to hand and is where you expect it to be. While there is a lot to learn on this, (I wouldn't describe it as a simple camera to learn), you can use it as a point and shoot in fully automatic mode if you want to. This however would not do justice to the myriad of brilliant features which enable you to make a poor picture acceptable and a good picture great.

Since you are not using film and can quickly delete shots you are not happy with AND with a 2 Gb Secure Digital card inserted, you have hundreds of chances to practice with, this is a fantastic camera to learn the skills of composing and framing your shots.

To sum up: If you have previously only been used to a digital compact, prepare for a major and very pleasant surprise.

I cannot reccommend it highly enough