Personally, the key thing. I repeat, key thing, that the F65 does not have is a spot meter. All the other things are secondary to this. If the F65 had a spot meter, I would easily recommend it as a beginner's camera for poor students .
I disagree with DOF preview being critical (or single-dial control for that matter), after all, many such as myself lived with the F70 which had no DOF preview and a single dial. But if I didn't have a spot meter... well, then I probably wouldn't have a clue about exposure as all I'll be seeing is average weighted measurements.
As for build quality, well, the F80 and F65 both don't seem to be that ruggedly built (compared to say F70 & F90)
Note: F65 is clearly not as bad a camera as the F60 was.
I disagree with DOF preview being critical (or single-dial control for that matter), after all, many such as myself lived with the F70 which had no DOF preview and a single dial. But if I didn't have a spot meter... well, then I probably wouldn't have a clue about exposure as all I'll be seeing is average weighted measurements.
As for build quality, well, the F80 and F65 both don't seem to be that ruggedly built (compared to say F70 & F90)
Note: F65 is clearly not as bad a camera as the F60 was.
Originally posted by YSLee
F80 if you have the cash. Getting something too low end is only if you're not into photography whatsoever.
....
No DOF preview, cheapo plasticky mount, single dial control are among the reasons I don't recommand the lower end cameras.