I'm looking to begin a photography hobby?

And I'm currently looking for cameras. I believe I have enough skill with photography and I have become bored with P&S's. I also do not really want to blow all my budget on a camera, because I plan on buying lenses. I found this Nikon D80 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...amera.html for $450. I know it is an old camera, and for more advanced users but should I consider that camera over a Canon Rebel ti2 or a Nikon D5100?

Since you sound as if you have some experience with framing, composition, etc., but this will be your first full controllable camera, I'd recommend a newer model because so many advancements have been made since the D80 era.

I shoot Canon and always recommend their products for this companies attention to detail and very high quality. I own the XS and the t1i. If you're at all interested in video consider the t3 or the t1i
as alternatives to the d80. If stills are your only concern the XS will suit you nicely also.

However the most important thing you can do for yourself is gain a knowledge of the relationship between shutter speed, ISO, aperture and light. These are the four main elements that will capture a nice image that's well lit and then of course there's focus.