The D90 will be a nice upgrade from the D40, but if I were you I'd wait to get a D300. After using a D200 so long it just feels uncomfortable to use anything smaller. It seems so much easier for me to hold the D200 still compared to my old D50.

Is that worth 2x the price? I dunno.

 

The thing is I just rented a new apartment and my girlfriend, Jessica, and I are moving at the end of the month so there will lots of things that need to be bought and paid for and then after we get all settled we will be saving any extra money to put towards a car that can make it to Tampa without overheating. So needles to say I'm gonna be broke for awhile after we move, which is why I wanted to do the upgrade now while I have the finances available. If I wait it will be a loooong time before I am able to upgrade and if I start doing paid shoots, which I hope to soon, or who knows maybe events/weddings then I predict that I will start to feel limited with the D40.

If I did decide to go with the D80 I would try and buy a quick portrait lens to go along with it but so far it looks like I would only be able to afford a Nikkor 50mm 1.8D AF, Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D AF, or Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 HSM. I would take the Sigma because I would prefer the zoom over the primes so my two choices are:

1- D90
2- D80 w/ Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM

Keep in mind that I do have a 18-105VR and a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 AIS(manual focus/meter).

I'm pretty much decided on the D90 because the high iso and hd video, I know alot of people don't really like video on an DSLR but I think it would really be nice to have.

I'd still like to hear your opionions if you have any since I'm not 100% decided yet.

 

I think you'll be satisfied with the D90...for awhile lol.

If you really are serious about photography being your job, you'll be upgrading again soon anyways. It's only a matter of time

 

Well yea I hope to haha, but I keep telling myself that I will upgrade again when I make enough money with photography to justify it.

So far here are my stepping stones so far:

Panasonic Lumix FZ28 (P&S) > Nikon D40 (Entry level) > Nikon D80/D90 (Mid level) > ? (Pro level)

 

You will love the d90. It is a noticeable step up from the d40. I am more than happy with mine. The d80 isn't much of an upgrade from a d40 go with the d90 you will love it.

 

Take a loan, go D3s that way you dont have to keep upgrading lol. Wish I could do that lol.

But really I would go D90, I like my D80 but would love if it was a 90

 

Yeah and in the end, you'd be paying WAY over what it's worth, more than likely...

 

Haha oh yeah! Only thing you should take a loan on is a house and a car.

Or best buy has no interest for 2 years as long as you pay in full within 2 years on DSLRs 999+.

 

d90....My kit lens has been fine and making me money as you know. The lenses will come with due time. Get that big dog first!!!

 

True.

Granted, these cameras are hitting close to being as much as some cars ESPECIALLY when you start to add in legit lenses, then yes, we are talking about some BMW's, Audi's, etc... lol