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If you’ve ever wondered why your vacation pictures don’t look as good as those magnificent landscapes and flattering portraits seen in countless glossy magazines, chances are you just haven’t found the right camera. Nikon today introduced the new D40™ digital SLR camera that’s designed to offer consumers the ability to get higher quality, impressive looking pictures with the press of a button. While digital SLR cameras are extremely popular among professional photographers, some consumers have shied away from them because they are larger than compact digital cameras and some models can be complicated to the uninitiated user.

You’ve read all the reviews, done your research, and purchased a cutting-edge digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Now it’s time to master it so you can take great photos. Adorama Camera, the Photography People, has just published a Guided Tour of the Nikon D80 digital SLR.

In this comparison review, we’re looking at the three most prominent cameras – the Sony Alpha A100, the Canon Rebel XTi and the Nikon D80. The Canon and the Sony are both available online for under $900 with a lens and both offer dust removal and reduction features. The Sony has in-camera image stabilization – Super Steady Shot technology that moves the sensor in response to camera shake. The Nikon lacks dust technology and stabilization, but goes for about $1100 with a similar lens (it’s under $1000 for the body alone). Is there a separate niche for each of these, or is one simply a better buy?

Like most Nikon cameras, the build quality is impeccable. The S7c has an all-metal body finished in an attractive matt black with chrome trim, and has a nicely understated design. The body has a wave-like shape, with a smooth curve running the length of the front panel and reprised on the left-hand trim. The camera is thinner towards the right hand end, although it flares out again right at the edge, obviously intended to provide a handgrip…

Bottom line - I was very impressed with the D80. It can be a powerful photographic tool with its Manual, Aperture priority, and Shutter priority modes, however, even the least experienced photographer can pick it up and capture beautiful photos using the Auto, Program or one of the Digital Vari-Program scene modes. With an MSRP of US$1299.95 for the body and 18-135mm lens outfit, it’s a bit more expensive than its competitors, however we feel it offers an outstanding value for such a capable model…”

“This time we have matched the latest digital SLR cameras from Canon and Nikon. No matter what the result, there will always supporters that prefer Canon over Nikon and vice versa. Both cameras prove to be capable contenders and to check which camera matches your taste best, read our side-by-side Canon Rebel XTi and Nikon D80 review and discover what specific features and qualities have your preference. As always, our Dutch version of the Canon EOS-400D and Nikon D80 test is also online…”