D80 vs D40x

It's no secret that I am in the market for a digital camera. More specifically, I'm looking at digital SLR (dSLR) cameras. It all started while watching TV in Portland where I saw a TV ad for the Nikon D40x. The ad explained how Nikon gave D40 cameras to some average people in Georgetown, SC and then collected their photos. They turned out some pretty good photos, demonstrating that anyone can produce great results with a dSLR.

So, I was intrigued. I actually became more intrigued with the D40x, since it offers a higher resolution more frames per second in continuous mode. I've been nearly set on the D40x since, until I read some reviews on dpreview.com. My logic, based on dpreview.com reviews goes like this:
1. I have a coworker that has a Canon Digital Rebel XTi and loves it.
2. The Nikon D40x and Canon Digital Rebel XTi are considered similar.
3. The Nikon D80 blows the Canon Rebel XTi out of the water.

So why wouldn't I want the better camera, right?

So, here's a quick comparison:

• They offer the same resolution, 10.2 mega pixels.
• They both offer SDHC support (high capacity SD cards).
• They both offer a 2.5 inch LCD monitor.
• The D80 offers an addition status display on the top of the camera. The D40x will display the same information, but on the back of the camera, which isn't as convenient.
• They basically have all the same shooting modes with one exception. The D40x has a child mode which the D80 does not have.
• The D80 is slightly larger and heavier than the D40x.
• They both shoot at a rate of 3 frames per second.

I realize that this is not an all inclusive list of differences. These are the features that I find most important. I was tempted to go for the D80 because of the additional display screen, but after weighing the options, I don't think that the additional display screen is worth the extra money. Also, I am frequently on-the-go and would rather have the lighter smaller camera.

I also talked to a kid at Best Buy today. Okay, sure, maybe that is not the most authoritative source, but he has a Canon XT and has taken multiple photography classes in college. He says that his camera has all the features he has ever needed and suggested that the more expensive D80 is probably more for the professional or professional wanna-be.

I realize I have been researching this for weeks, but I am feeling really good about the decision to go with the Nikon D40x. I think it will be my Christmas present and sadly, that is a long time to wait.

Nikon Wallpaper

Okay, so I'm still infatuated with the Nikon D40x. I've just set the wallpaper on my computer to that of the Nikon D40x on a countertop. It's not my countertop, nor my car keys, but that's a very nice camera.

Panasonic FZ18 announced

Panasonic announced another new camera today.  Dpreview.com has a full review.

Major features include:

• 8.1 Megapixels
  
• 18x optical zoom
• 3 frames per second bursts (up to 7 images)
• compatible with SDHC

While the features look real good, the kicker for me is the 3fps.  Don't get me wrong, 3 fps is good, but I want something that will maintain that rate for longer that 2.5 seconds.