I got to open up a brand spanking new D80 today... overall impressions are very good. I'll have to test it out with some better lenses. the new 18-135 lens is pretty cool too... a really nice usable range (like a 28-200 film lens)

pics of the unboxing are up here

working part time at a camera store has it's upsides

 

I'll be interested to hear your impressions of the D80 and the lens after some quality time with them.

 

I plan on testing it as best I can tomorrow night when I'm working. I'll put it head to head against the D70s.. we'll see how the new features and everything stack up!

 

I too will be waiting for your impressions.
(Hoping to see if it'd make a good Christmas gift for my teenage daughter.)

 

my initial impressions are extremely positive... just like the first time I used the D70 or (to a lesser extent) the D200. it just feels like the next step. The D200 is much more of a semi-pro model... no full auto modes and much different and less intuitive interfaces. (the D200 is not less intuitive if you're used to pro bodies, but going from a D70 to the D200 would have a definate learning curve). With the D80 I definately get a feel that this camera will be completely adequate for about 3-5 years. That's saying something these days! The update from the D70s to the D80 makes the 20D-30D upgrade seem like canon must be kidding around. The big screen (2.5" I think) really feels big on the D80 also. here's the picture for reference.


I'll say based on initial impressions I'd take the D80 over the 30D... the only thing higher up on my list would either be a D200, D2xs or 5d. Of course the beauty of working in the camera store a few nights a week is that I get to play with these completely before I ever spend dime one. I'll let you know if anything changes after I play with it more tonight.

oh, and for the reference... the D80 uses SD cards and not CF... in case that is a determining factor for anyone.