Canon 40D VS Nikon D80
This is always the rub when choosing between Canon & Nikon. It is difficult to make a very tough decision on which DSLR camera to take, an old Nikon D80 or the newly released Canon EOS 40D. After some further researching, I finally decided to go for the Canon 40D.
Nikon D80 or Canon EOS 40D，the truth is these two are not at the same level comparison… Canon 40D is at the better level and I should really be comparing to Nikon D200 or even D300. Although Canon 40D is a little expensive, but it really has some features that Nikon D80 doesn’t (There will be other differences but these are just a few):
1. 6.5 and 3 fps continuous shooting (D80 has 3fps only).
2. 14 bit files (D80 has 12 bit)
3. Live view and live view simulation (more useable than the D300; D80 doesn’t have this at all) - great for macro and landscapes
4. Low noise and good definition at all ISO - considerably better than D80. The Canon EOS 40D stands up well against the Nikon D80 in terms of noise when both are using their default image settings and best-quality JPEG modes.
5. Custom settings, c1,c2 and c3 (not on the D80) - very useful to set up and switch between different types of shooting
6. Free software - DPP and EOS Utility being the most useful - also zoom browser, very handy (you would have to buy the Nikon software separately if you wanted it).
VS 
Another thing that is nice about Canon is that your non-DX lenses (like the 10-22mm and 17-55mm) can be used on a crop camera like the 40D and later on a full frame camera like the 5D. The 5D has its limitations but at roughly $2000 it is much more affordable for many photographers than the $5000 full frame D3 from Nikon.
The 40D is a relatively recent camera but that is not true with the D80. I would expect Nikon to produce a replacement for the D80 sometime this year that is closer in performance and features to the 40D, and maybe even better.
Tags: Canon, Canon 40D, digital SLR, Nikon, Nikon D80