DSLR: Sony, Canon, or Nikon

[abnormal3]

the canon 40D blows the D80 out of the water.

and both those kill the sony.

I have the A100,predecessor to the A700 and it has the same Sony sensor as the D80 Nikon uses.With Nikon your not getting a better camera ,your paying for the name.The D40 is limited by what lenses it can use, unlike the D80,so it is in no way superior to the D80 unless you want a lower resolution pic.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d80%2Cnikon_d40%2Csony_dslra700&show=all

[IMASA]

However, the D40 can mount almost every lens made by Nikon, though some may not meter nor autofocus, however, these won't even mount on the D80.  I picked up a few Nikon AI-S lenses off Ebay for really cheap and they work fine on my D40X.  You can't really compare the D80 to the 40D, as the D80 is an older model and is anywhere from $400-700 cheaper when comparing body to body.  The D300 is probably a closer competitor, while the rumoured D80 replacement is probably between the XSi and 40D. 

[abnormal3]

My bad I was thinking the 40D was the Nikon D40 not a Canon .I had looked at the Nikons(D40/D80) prior to buying the A100 ,but not the Canon line and I wasn't aware they named them similar to Nikon.

[dmogx]

canon had the 10d, 20d, 30d and now the 40d..

[rancid]

the canon 40D blows the D80 out of the water.

and both those kill the sony.

yep...the D80 won't be able to compete with the 40D in a lot of areas.  Can keep up to a certain point and that's it.

I would get a camera to suit your needs.  If you are looking at a camera you need to ask yourself a few questions:

why get a DSLR?

Are you going to use the features of a DSLR?

Do you like to control what the camera does in terms of adjusting the shutter spead, F-stops, ISO's?

What type of pictures to you take?  Portraits, landscapes, pets, kids...etc.  These will have an effect on your body and lens choice.

Are you willing to learn and keep on learning?

Before you look at any of the cameras.  Jot down a few answers and start your research from there.  I've seen great pics come out of simple point and shoot cameras and yes, you can get really atrocious pics from a DSLR if used improperly.

[bioasisx]

I know what I'm looking for in a camera. I also know that P&S can be great at times, but I'm looking for more control. I've learned from film, exposed them, washed them.. the whole 9. But it was just way too expensive to con't on my own (took it in high school). And at the time, I didn't have the money to invest in DSLR... so I had to wait till now.

The reason why I put the D80 into the mix was because it's relatively cheaper then the other ones, yet still has enough features for me to play around with. And I could invest in a lens or two without haven't to save up for them.

Sony A700:
Put it in there because there should be a lot of old Minolta Maxxum lens out there fitting this camera. And I could pick it up for cheap... either locally or though eBay.

Canon 40D:
Never had any Canon products before, but most people this forum seems to love them. Want to go try one, but don't know where to.

I would have consider the D200, but my teacher said they collect a lot of dust, that's why a lot of ppl are switching them for the D300. However, I have never play with it myself, so I can't say. Plus, the D300 is just out of my price range. With that said, I saw it in Broadway for $1800, just body though... Tempting...

Thanks for all the reply though, really helpful.