If you are looking for something smaller than the d300 but with more capabilities than the d60, than yes the d90 will probably be your best bet. The thing you have to realize about the d80 is that it is very old technology, as far as cameras go. Nikon has made some huge changes to their camera line in the last year. If the D90 will have any of the same technology as the D300/D3, than this is going to be an amazing camera. It won't have the frame-rate of the D300, but if it automatically corrects chromatic aberration like the D300/D3 does, it will really be a great deal. The rumored specs I saw online say: 12 megapixels, Live View, video mode (necessitating a built-in mic), HDMI out, optional GPS, and a new 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens. Live view will be great, especially with the 18-200's manual focus over-ride, and will really let you choose your exact subject to focus on. Not sure if I am too excited about the video mode though. If you want video, buy a video camera or use your point and shoot. The one spec that wasn't mentioned that I am interested in is how many autofocus points it has. The D80 has 11 focus points. Not bad, certainly better than the D40, but the D300 has 51 with a really sophisticated autofocus to choose the best ones, or you can manually choose them. If this feature shows up on the D90 it will definitely be a great alternative.

P.S. sorry for the long-winded response

 

Oh really, I didn't know that...

 

correct, the D300 is still the DX cropped sensor. The D700 and D3 are full format FX sensors.

 

I appreciate the long response...

I share your sentiments. The D80 is almost 3 years old, and despite it being a good camera, it is dated. I really got into using different focus points when I started shooting DSLR's, so I'm curious to know how many focus points the D90 will have. I hate waiting!

 

That's why you should just get a D300 and be done with it.

 

Haha. Damn thing is so big man. I have used the D200 on many occasions and love it. I want something a little more compact though.