The D80 has just been replaced by the D90. Do not buy a D80 right now unless it is heavily discounted.

They use the same lenses, the D80/D90 will just autofocus with more of them - some lenses do not have their own focus motor and must be manually focused with the D60. Mostly this affects prime (non zoom) lenses - just the type that most casual users will never own. It's not as much a problem as it sounds like, the D60 has a great rangefinder function that makes manual focusing a breeze.

One advantage for the D60 is that really old glass ("pre-AI") will mount without modification. These old Nikkors are great lenses and can be bargains. They are fully manual lenses, but that only means that you learn more using them. In order to fit on the D80/D90 or higher without damaging the camera these lenses must be modified (AI'd). No such issues on the D40/D40X/D60.

Neither camera has an aperture ring at all, that would be on the lens - although the lenses that come with these cameras ("kit lenses") do not have an aperture ring either. Perhaps the salesman meant the lens mount - which is plastic on the D60 kit lens, but really isn't a problem unless you change lenses a dozen times a day. Both cameras have metal lens mounts, plastic mounts only appear on the lenses.

You will not get bored with the D60 unless you just like playing with buttons for fun. I would not recommend anything more than a D60 for any first time DSLR owner, they are great cameras. The D80 is a bit dated now - if you like it that much more than the D60, then be sure to check out the D90.

Go with the D60 with the kit lens and don't look back. If you NEED to spend more, buy more glass (I recommend a fast prime as the first purchase, a zoom with more reach second - but that changes depending on the user's needs).

Never wait to make a camera purchase - there will always be something better on the horizon. Buy now and get out there and shoot!

Vorsprung durch Technik