D60, D80, D90 - image quality?

[BasilG]

Hi all

For an upcoming trip (one month through Thailand), I'm trying to assemble a kit with a good "performance to weight" ratio. I have a D300, and I'm really very tempted to bring that thing along. However, having a slightly smaller and lighter camera would be nice too. The D90 sounded like the perfect ticket, but it seems that the IQ is not up to snuff with the D300, and not really better than that of the 10 MP D80 (I couldn't see much of a difference in the dpreview crops anyway). So I'm considering the D80 and the D60 as well. I'm not going to shoot action, so the lousy AF system of the D60 shouldn't be too much of a deal (however, shooting wildlife in less then perfectly lit areas may be another problem).

So, the pro/con arguments are as follows:

D300: Weather sealed body, does everything I want, and more. Best image quality. Best AF. Probably best viewfinder. A bit of a brick.

D90: Expensive at the moment (because it's new), while (apparently) not delivering much more than the D80 at low ISO.

D80: Price/performance winner. Can be gotten used for fairly low prices. No dust buster.

D60: If you want small, go all the way. Needs new batteries. Worst AF system. Lots of menu-dwelling. Worst viewfinder. IQ should be up there with the D80 (can anybody who has both confirm?).

So, any thoughts anybody?

Lenses - not so sure yet. Candidates are the Sigma 10-20, and the Nikkors 18-135 DX, 70-300 VR and 105/2.8 VR Micro (or the 60/2.8 AF-S Micro to save weight & room).

BG

 

[xphotoman]

--

i have the d40 and the d60, i use the d60 more, and so far i am yet to see anyones pics from the d90 that's better than my 60, iq wise.

 

[Sunshine_boy]

I am wondering why you feel that the D60 AF system is so bad. Can you please explain why you don't like it? I find it very good and its metering is excellent too. I am buffled at your opinion of it...
--
Regards

Sunshine (Fuji F30, F31, S6500, OLY C4000Z, Canon EOS1000, Nikon D60+2 kit lenses)

 

[André BARELIER]

Unless you are a pro, and want to come back with pro quality pictures, you might look at the D60.
I have only a D40.

I'm a traveller, and have ALWAYS my D40+18-200VR with me, whatever place I am in. The D60 is the same as the D40 (weight and size), and has ADL, and 10 MP.

If you want to save you some bucks, and are fine with 6MP, you might choose a D40.

Oh, and the D40/D60 AF is not lousy at all : only 3 focus points, but AF is extremely accurate.
Don't know how old you are, but I'm 58, and weight and size matter!!!
Good luck.
André

 

[ericBlair]

reads like you've already talked yourself into a d80. in your place i'd go for a d90 (in fact, i just did) or if funds are limiting, and carry-weight is a consideration (i personally wouldn't fancy hauling a d300 in a backpack for a month), the (unlisted) d40. skip the d60 -- it's neither-nor. the d40's battery is fine; the menu-diving isn't irksome as almost everything you need is 2 presses of the info button away and the IQ is certainly up there with the d80; as is the d90's with the d300, despite rumours to the contrary.

d90 + 105/ 2.5AIS @f2.5, iso200 (all manual) jpeg, PPed in picasa.

Hi all

For an upcoming trip (one month through Thailand), I'm trying to
assemble a kit with a good "performance to weight" ratio. I have a
D300, and I'm really very tempted to bring that thing along. However,
having a slightly smaller and lighter camera would be nice too. The
D90 sounded like the perfect ticket, but it seems that the IQ is not
up to snuff with the D300, and not really better than that of the 10
MP D80 (I couldn't see much of a difference in the dpreview crops
anyway). So I'm considering the D80 and the D60 as well. I'm not
going to shoot action, so the lousy AF system of the D60 shouldn't be
too much of a deal (however, shooting wildlife in less then perfectly
lit areas may be another problem).

So, the pro/con arguments are as follows:

D300: Weather sealed body, does everything I want, and more. Best
image quality. Best AF. Probably best viewfinder. A bit of a brick.

D90: Expensive at the moment (because it's new), while (apparently)
not delivering much more than the D80 at low ISO.

D80: Price/performance winner. Can be gotten used for fairly low
prices. No dust buster.

D60: If you want small, go all the way. Needs new batteries. Worst AF
system. Lots of menu-dwelling. Worst viewfinder. IQ should be up
there with the D80 (can anybody who has both confirm?).

So, any thoughts anybody?

Lenses - not so sure yet. Candidates are the Sigma 10-20, and the
Nikkors 18-135 DX, 70-300 VR and 105/2.8 VR Micro (or the 60/2.8 AF-S
Micro to save weight & room).

BG

--
my web albums:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/theabsurdman
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74185915@N00/

 

[bluenoser23]

Wonderful pic. Eric! Sharp!
--
James
Nikon D40, Canon S3, SD800, A95 & Fuji F31

 

[Patco]

So, the pro/con arguments are as follows:

D300: Weather sealed body, does everything I want, and more. Best
image quality. Best AF. Probably best viewfinder. A bit of a brick.

D90: Expensive at the moment (because it's new), while (apparently)
not delivering much more than the D80 at low ISO.

D80: Price/performance winner. Can be gotten used for fairly low
prices. No dust buster.

D60: If you want small, go all the way. Needs new batteries. Worst AF
system. Lots of menu-dwelling. Worst viewfinder. IQ should be up
there with the D80 (can anybody who has both confirm?).

So, any thoughts anybody?

Yes - I think you nailed the pros & cons pretty well.
I have the D80, and never shot the D60, and you probably already know
this, but you can compare the IQ here:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM

Lenses - not so sure yet. Candidates are the Sigma 10-20, and the
Nikkors 18-135 DX, 70-300 VR and 105/2.8 VR Micro (or the 60/2.8 AF-S
Micro to save weight & room).

Not as sharp as the lenses you mention, but I'd hate to be without the
18-200 VR as a one-lens travel solution. For a 2-lens kit, my 70-300 VR goes,
as well. When travelling heavy, I add the Tamron 90mm, Nikkor 35 f/2, and
my 50mm f/1.4. I have not yet had the pleasure of using the 10-20 for more
than a few test shots, but most speak highly of it.

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

 

[PerL]

Hi all

For an upcoming trip (one month through Thailand), I'm trying to
assemble a kit with a good "performance to weight" ratio. I have a
D300, and I'm really very tempted to bring that thing along. However,
having a slightly smaller and lighter camera would be nice too. The
D90 sounded like the perfect ticket, but it seems that the IQ is not
up to snuff with the D300, and not really better than that of the 10
MP D80 (I couldn't see much of a difference in the dpreview crops
anyway).

I would say that the IQ of the D90 is extremly close to the D300 and the difference between the D80 and D90 is about the same as betweeen the D80 and the D300.

So I'm considering the D80 and the D60 as well. I'm not

going to shoot action, so the lousy AF system of the D60 shouldn't be
too much of a deal (however, shooting wildlife in less then perfectly
lit areas may be another problem).

So, the pro/con arguments are as follows:

D300: Weather sealed body, does everything I want, and more. Best
image quality. Best AF. Probably best viewfinder. A bit of a brick.

D90: Expensive at the moment (because it's new), while (apparently)
not delivering much more than the D80 at low ISO.

D80: Price/performance winner. Can be gotten used for fairly low
prices. No dust buster.

D60: If you want small, go all the way. Needs new batteries. Worst AF
system. Lots of menu-dwelling. Worst viewfinder. IQ should be up
there with the D80 (can anybody who has both confirm?).

So, any thoughts anybody?

Lenses - not so sure yet. Candidates are the Sigma 10-20, and the
Nikkors 18-135 DX, 70-300 VR and 105/2.8 VR Micro (or the 60/2.8 AF-S
Micro to save weight & room).

BG

--
http://bonusphotography.wordpress.com/

 

[cmvsm]

You'd be hard pressed to see the difference in IQ between any of the cameras that you mentioned. I'm not sure why this would even be factored in to the equation. And yes, that does include the D300.

I'd say that your choice needs to be based off of price and convenience. The D80 is at an all time low in terms of pricing, and has much of the same feature set of the D90. Since you already have the D300, I'd say that the D80 is your best bet in terms of price versus performance.

You did however state that you are going to be shooting wildlife in low light situations. The D90 bests the D80 in terms of speed and high ISO performance. By now, its pretty clear that the D90 shines at ISO3200, if you would need that type of sensitivity. Being able to check shots via the larger LCD has been invaluable for me. Of course, to get these three features over the D80, you'll be paying a bit of money for them.

I'd say go with the D80.

 

[RAL131504]

My experience with nikon's 3 dx sensors is that one should pick either the 6 mp or the 12 mp. For my money that would be the choices. The D90 is definitely better than the 10mp sensor cameras and basically equal to the 300. Get your hands on one and try it for yourself and you should be able to easily see the difference. Don't just trust what someone has posted on the web (me or anybody else).

 

[Waldo_O]

reads like you've already talked yourself into a d80. in your place
i'd go for a d90 (in fact, i just did) or if funds are limiting, and
carry-weight is a consideration (i personally wouldn't fancy hauling
a d300 in a backpack for a month), the (unlisted) d40. skip the d60
-- it's neither-nor. the d40's battery is fine; the menu-diving isn't
irksome as almost everything you need is 2 presses of the info button
away and the IQ is certainly up there with the d80; as is the d90's
with the d300, despite rumours to the contrary.

d90 + 105/ 2.5AIS @f2.5, iso200 (all manual) jpeg, PPed in picasa.

Yes, anybody that thinks the d90 is incapable of sharp, excellent output needs to take a look at a couple of your shots with that lens Eric, great job

Your fine examples certainly have raised my interest in the 105/2.5 AIS, that much I do know, who really needs auto metering anyways...

Keith

 

[de_klaas]

Very nice (natural) skin tones. It is however a bit oversharpened imo.

But that's not what I wanted to ask. I wanted to ask about the noise in the background. Is it there in RAW as well or is it a JPEG-compression thing?
--
http://www.klaastuin.nl

 

[Patco]

Don't
just trust what someone has posted on the web (me or anybody else).

Correct. Compare the D40 & D80 shots here yourself:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
Some might be surprised how well the D80 does up to ISO 1600.
Certain others might be disappointed ;-)

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

 

[RAL131504]

If I go to the link provided, no shots show up, only the comparator page. Here are links to the best example of high iso real world low light I know of. If you can't see the difference, enjoy whatever you have. Unfortunately, the lady retired from this service so they do not have this shot with the D90, only the fake china doll image and the well lit still life high iso samples which look much better in the d80 than the low light one here does I agree.

D80
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D80/FULLRES/D80INI1600.HTM

D40
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/ND40/FULLRES/ND40INI1600.HTM

D90
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D300/FULLRES/D300INI1600nr_normal.HTM

Still the best method is to try all three out for yourself with your methods and equipment. Then you see which you prefer. You cannot be sure of anything (even these I suppose) on the net. You don't know what has been done to them. If you do your own tests, then you know which you like best. The shots above come the closest to what I have found in my own comparisons and I actually believe the D90 is slightly better than the D300 at low light high iso.

 

[Patco]

If I go to the link provided, no shots show up, only the comparator
page.

Well, yes, that's right. Once on the Comparometer page, you have to select
the cameras you want to compare in the "Select First Camera" & "Select
Second Camera" boxes. Unfortunately, I can't do that part for you.

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

 

[Cedarhill]

I shoot a D60 and a D80. Honestly, I can't tell the difference between the two as far as image quality goes. I believe they use the same sensor. The matrix focus system on the D60 isn't as good as it is on the D80, but I like to use spot focus anyway. The D60 is smaller and lighter, but the D80 has several nice convenience features that are missing on the D60. Right now, the price of the D80 has plummeted since the D90 came out. That one might be your best value.

 

[Patco]

D90
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D300/FULLRES/D300INI1600nr_normal.HTM

Not that there is all that much difference, but the link you give is for the
D300 picture, not the D90.

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

 

[sachinn]

I'll chime in since I have a different opinion on this than some of the above posters. It depends on if you're:

1) Prioritizing IQ: I'd suggest using your D300 which you're considering, for reasons you already stated.

2) Prioritizing weight: I'd suggest the D40/D60 plus one of two lens combinations, the 12-24 + 18-200 (if you're an ultrawide junkie) or the 16-85 + 70-300 (if you're a sniper).

The D80/90 options don't seem to be choosing a priority, but rather hedging and going halfway between. Of course, that might be exactly what you want to do.

--
Sach
'You don't take a photograph, you make it.' -A.

 

[UltimaOnliner]

I have a D40x and D90. I appreciate the importance of having light camera equipment, but IMHO, I would reassess whether or not the D300 is too heavy for you.

Perhaps if you purchased a camera carrying system that would let you carry your camera equipment onto your waist, rather than your shoulder or back, the weight of the D300 would not be too bad.

I use the Lowepro Off Road Camera Beltpack:
============================

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Road-Camera-Beltpack-Black/dp/B0000AE6C6/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

This lets me carry my gear onto my waist, so that my low back is spared all weight.

There is an even more "extreme" carrying system from Lowepro:

Lowepro Street and Field Shoulder Harness
===========================

-- http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Street-Field-Shoulder-Harness/dp/B00009R8AF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1225090539&sr=1-1

Or for just strapping on single units to your belt strap:

Lowepro Street and Field Deluxe Waist Belt
===========================

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Street-Field-Deluxe-Waist/dp/B00009R88O/ref=pd_bxgy_p_img_b

The Street and Field series (above 2) is the ultimate in light-weight, on-the-fly use, and low back sparing designs. You just strap on individual case units to the harness.

If you just want to carry the camera body and one lens, then just attach a single camera body case and lens case to your strap system.

There is no finer or truer example of "form follows function" in this regard.

If you still believe the D300 is just too heavy, then I would recommend the D90. High ISO capability is wonderful to have even if you don't shoot in the dark, just to be able to get those 1/500s shutter speeds at ISO 3200. I shoot frequently between ISO 1600 and 3200 and am totally pleased with this result, especially when compared to my D40x.

The video feature, even with its rolling shutter problem is wonderful to have for use "just in case". It will let you capture video without having to carry another video camera. This should be good news for somebody who wants to minimize their carry on a vacation.

'A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-
one percent of the people may take away the rights of the
other forty-nine. '
-Thomas Jefferson

'Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding on lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb disputing the vote.'
-Benjamin Franklin

 

[BasilG]

I am wondering why you feel that the D60 AF system is so bad. Can you
please explain why you don't like it? I find it very good and its
metering is excellent too. I am buffled at your opinion of it...

3 AF points is not exactly a lot... very unflexible. I mean, compared to the D300, the D60's AF system really is the bare bones minimum.

BG