Is now a good time to buy a Nikon d80?

I'm wondering if I should get a d80 now or if I should wait for what Nikon will release next. I could easily wait, but does anyone know when that will be?





Also what is wrong (if anything) with buying from a discount online site (http://www.stop4camera.com/shop/Product.鈥?/a> so long as they offer a warranty? I've read about some problems with hot pixels, but besides these defects, what do you need a USA warranty for (vs grey market)? Last time I purchased a digital camera, I tested it and the competition in store, but found the bargin online. I would like to do that again.





Also any suggestions on what Nikkor lenses should be avoided and why (some people complained about the kit ones)? I'm shooting for an overall budget max of $1200 so I think the 18-200mm VR is out.





And lastly, is a $200 price difference with the d40x worth going for it instead of the d80? Thanks|||Please check http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Sto鈥?/a> before completing your purchase.





The one thing we can GUARANTEE is that the day after you buy your D80, they will come out with a D80s. This is totally dependent upon YOUR purchase, though (at least that has been MY experience), so don't bother waiting. If you want the D80 as it is now, buy it now. Today's BEST camera will be tomorrows 98% as good camera. The D80 is already so good, that you probably won't even know what they added to the new model.





I confess I've owned a D200 for a year and a half and they didn't come out with a new model, so I'm happy about that.





Nikon DOES make "firmware" upgrades available on-line, which you download to your computer, put on your memory card and then upload to your camera, so don't fear being left in the dust.





I can't say what lens to avoid, but I can ease your fears about the kit lens. A couple of years ago, this was a problem for both Nikon and Canon, but they have addressed it by improving the quality of their kit lenses. You can safely buy the 18-55 or the 18-135, which costs about $230 more than the 18-55. The 18-135 will put you right up against your maximum budget, though.





As far as the D40X vs. the D80...





While the D40x is limited to AF-S lenses, this is not a real handicap if you don't already own any Nikon lenses. Every lens Nikon makes will probably be AF-S or whatever they replace that with. (See http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/niko鈥?/a> for a list of AF-S lenses.) The D80 can use practically ALL Nikon lenses ever made with the "F" mount. The D80 has many more metering zones than the D40, so those two factors would make it a better purchase for you.|||i/m not know much about nikon because i rather use canon 400d its better i guess (^.^)





btw..i think it better to buy from company not from other seller for full quality products.





http://bunchofplayer.blogspot.com|||Just do it!





Listen to Dr Sam.





Do not buy grey market. Nikon will not fix them, even for money instead of warranty. So get the US version if you live here. Stay away from the scam Internet dealers. Check www.resellerratings, or just buy from www.bhphoto.com or your local big box retailer or camera store.





I have the D80 with the 18-135 kit lens. It is a decent lens, not stellar, but for the range and price it is pretty good. Just don't plan on shooting architecture on wide angle and you'll be fine!