how important is feel?

I was checking out a camera store in downtown Toronto today (I don't live here, tho..) and for the umpteenth time I picked up a D80, hoping to like it... but I just didn't. I like my D40, the only complaint I have with it is how it doesn't have an AF motor. The D80 to me just feels foreign, heavy, cumbersome... and I REALLY tried to like it.

Here's the weirdest part. Just for kicks, I picked up a D300 - and it felt right at home in my hands.

What is going on?!?

I know how lots of people/reviews commented on how the D80 is a 'photographer's camera'... how it felt so right, etc etc. But I've never felt this way with a D80, and the first time I go and pick up a D300 (never even tried a D200), it feels fine. How does feel affect your decision in making a purchase, or taking pictures?

brian

Just don't go picking up a D3... this could get expensive!
--
Quinn

Fell is very important, so start saving!
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Dan
London, Canada
http://www.flickr.com/photos/d_bolger/
gear listed in profile

Since your camera is like an extension of yourself ergonomics, "feel", weight are all very important. It you don't like the feel of a camera in your hands, it really doesn't matter what great features it has.
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LayneC

How a camera feels is very important. The more you like how it feels and are comfortable with it, the more you'll use it, the more you'll enjoy using it, and the more of a natural extension of you it will become.

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Albert-O
Colorado
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Please visit me at
http://www.berto.zenfolio.com

If you want to take thousands (or tens of thousands) of shots with something, you really do want to be on a solid footing with it. That includes a good feel for handling.

How important is it? Well... that's hard to say, but it's not something I'd ignore if I thought I had found a poor fit.

The advice someone else gave was: 'Don't pick up the D3.' -- good advice. (Because you're more likely to find it incredible, feel-wise, and that thing is pricey!)

.
Re: how important is feel? . . . . I'd say very.

If you like something - you'll use it more & enjoy using it.

Personally feel wise - I like the D40, D50 (haven't yet been able to try D300 or D3) & suprisingly to me - the 40D.

It's sweet if you can get what you want the first time - it costs less in the long run . . .

HnewY everyone ! ! !

--
(c) fastglass

i have a d70s and my dad has the d80, although the screen and IQ are great it feels small and uncomfortable. i eventually financed a d300 cause it feels like a rubber tank and its solid, when you put it down on a table or something it feels like a brick

Well I didn't like the D80 when I played with it either. Maybe if I hadn't fallen in love with the feel of the D200 previously? But even though I'm ready for an upgrade from my D50 but I'll pass on the D80 and hope what ever comes next not only meets my needs but feels good too and oh yes -- is affordable. I wish the D300 wasn't so expensive, but I'm having a very hard time convincing myself, and until I can do that I know I have NO chance of convincing the CFO in the house.
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Brooks
http://bmiddleton.smugmug.com/

Brian,

As others have said feel is critical.

When I first used my D80 it was OK, but did feel a little unbalanced. However since I added the grip it works a whole lot better for me. Makes all the difference in my case.

Might be worth trying one in this config if you are still undecided?

Cheers
TC

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Trevis Lawton
Perth, Western Australia

see my portfolio at http://www.illogical.com.au/quikpix/gallery.aspx?puser=trevisl

My d70 was love at first touch. 11,000 photos later I am still in love.

Don't buy a camera that you don't like the feel of. It will only cost you money later on when you buy the camera that you really lust after. Lenses I don't even have to see to know that I like the feel and view they give. This can be an expensive hobby / profession.
Claude

When I was trying to upgrade from my D70 to the next dSLR, I was in-between the D80 and D200. I grabbed the D80 on my hand, but it just did not feel right. I did not even give it a try by taking some snap shots with it.

I then tried the D200, and fell in love instantly. It was the ergonomic (others also pointed this out), and the weight. To me, FEEL is quite important.

In summary, "feel" is one of the most important factors that dictates on my dSLR selection. I now have a D300, and it just weights a little bit more but I LIKE it. I now even use it with the 70-200mm VR, and still enjoy taking pictures from both of my D300 and D200.

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Regards,
Frankie