nhice

<p>Bill, I am in the Boston area and I usually buy from Hunts Photo, the main store is in Melrose, but they have other stores including downtown on Comm Ave, and Manchester, NH(no sales tax). Service is hit or miss, but the prices are generally good and selection is very good. Check their website for prices before you go, because their price will vary, also check out B&H and some of the others, they will match their prices, but you do have to ask.</p>

I don't know if you are still looking, one of my favorite places is Castle Island in Southie. Great old fort with the ocean one one side and industrial parks on the other. While your there grab a bite at Sullivan's, that alone is worth the trip

I bought a D80 about a year ago, and I admit most of my life my cameras have been set on Auto, even though I have

taken numerous classes. Let me say that it is a great camera and takes unbelievable pictures, most people would

never notice the 2MP difference. I have learned a ton shooting with it, and not only about the camera but lenses as

well, most people would be extremely happy with the camera. Lately I have switched from auto to "M"and raw, the

problem is the well documented metering problem with the D80, sometimes off as much as a full stop or two. Some

of this is probably operator error, but much of it is the camera, it makes me wish I had spent a few hundred more for

the D200.

 

There is a ton of great information on this site and responses to your post, IMHO things to consider, the D80 is a

great camera, certainly less expensive than the D300 but if you want to turn pro some day I think it will limit you. At

that point the camera will be worth a fraction of what you paid for it, so it either becomes your backup camera, or you

sell it for 1/2 of what you bought it for and chaulk it up to experience.

 

I would consider a used D200 and something like the 17-55 f2.8 for a little over $2,000 you have a great setup, then

you will find out what you need as your shooting. You'll have a money left over for either a zoom or wide angle and a

flash, when you figure out what YOU need. The D200 will make a very respectable back up for your wedding

buisness, and it also uses CF cards unlike the D80.

 

Good luck and happy shooting,

 

John