Considering a Nikon D60

[Singletracklovr]

Found a D80 package with the lens I want for $749. Seems like a good deal to me. Thoughts on the D80 vs the D60? Worth the extra coin?

749 sounds like a good deal for new.
I did a quick google for Nikon D80 Digital Camera w/ 18-135mm Lens Kit and found 799 at B&H and 769 at Buy.com.

Please keep in mind that I am not a professional photographer, but I am looking for a bit of forward compatibility if at all possible with respect to lenses and such.

Neither am I. The d80 is not considered a professional camera.

I am assuming that this is because of the fact that the D60 has no internal motors for AF?

YES! Not having a internal motor drive for the lens focus is a very big deal, IMO.

hth

[atomicmoose]

749 sounds like a good deal for new.
I did a quick google for Nikon D80 Digital Camera w/ 18-135mm Lens Kit and found 799 at B&H and 769 at Buy.com.

I'm going to talk with the Mrs about this one then.

YES! Not having a internal motor drive for the lens focus is a very big deal, IMO.

hth

And the D80 does in fact have an internal motor drive, correct? (I am on Nikon's site now researching this camera.)

[Singletracklovr]

I'm going to talk with the Mrs about this one then.

And the D80 does in fact have an internal motor drive, correct? (I am on Nikon's site now researching this camera.)

Yes the d80 does have an internal motor drive.
The d80 has so many advantages over the d60 it would be hard to list them all.

Good luck with getting your Kitchen Pass with the misses...haha

The vignetting on the 18-135 only occurs at 3.5 to 4.5. Seldom get it at 5.6
Its a known issue that can be worked around or even used once aware of it.

Ah, that explains why I haven't seen vignetting on this lens. I've never used 18mm with the lens wide open.
I use 18mm for outdoor shots, like the picture posted, where I want everything in focus so a typical camera setting for me is f16-f22

[atomicmoose]

Yes the d80 does have an internal motor drive.
The d80 has so many advantages over the d60 it would be hard to list them all.

Good luck with getting your Kitchen Pass with the misses...haha

Fantastic! Thanks