Yet another camera purchasing question :)

[poisomike87]

Hello my name is Michael, I have a couple of questions that I would like your opinions on.

I currently have a Nikon D40 camera that I purchased when they first came out. I have been shooting with the kit lens since I have purchased the thing.

I want to take the next step and move up to a more advanced setup. I am a pretty broke college student so money is scarce. Have a set budget of 800 dollars that I want to use to upgrade my setup which I plan on doing around October.

My ultimate desire is to have some decent glass and a nice camera body.
I have not really bought into any camera brand so I am open to purchasing Nikon, Canon, Etc..

If I stay With Nikon I am going to need to replace my 18-55mm kit lens because there is a scratch on the rear element that interferes with photos taken in bright light.

I have been looking at purchasing a refurbished D80 that adorama has for sale at 599.99 and a pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S.

If I just upgrade glass I will probably purchase some of the AF-S lenses that Nikon has currently (55-200mm AF-S VR, 35mm f/1.8G AF-S, and a new 18-55mm kit lens)

I have been watching Ebay for Nikon DSLR’s and have spotted some good deals, hopefully when October rolls around there may be good listings as well.

What do you guys think? I know that a good rule of thumb is upgrade the glass before the body but the D40 is getting pretty limited for me as of late.

Like I said I am not married on a camera brand. However I used Nikon as an example because that is what I am familiar with.

__

I take all sorts of photos from landscapes to portraits. I also like to try neat stuff with exposures. my favorite thing to photograph is lightning. every time it storms im on the front porch trying to stay dry snapping away.