I want to buy the Nikon D40

[emmabelle]

I've been wanting a D SLR for awhile, but bought a Canon SX100 instead, it's a great camera, but it just doesn't have the sharpness that I want, so I starting looking at the Nikon D40 since I have a 50mm lens and an 80-205mm lens from my old Nikon. I know that they would have to be manually focused and it would be difficult at best, but hey at least I could try and use them. I went to the store and tried out the camera's and liked the Nikon the best anyways, it just felt better in my small hands. I found it for sale for $499 at B and H with an 18-55mm lens. Now I just don't know if I should buy it? Play devil's advocate for me.

 

[MICKEY88]

BUY IT !!!

 

[MICKEY88]

DON'T BUY IT !!

send the money to me for my new camera...

 

[mabas9395]

Mickey88 is correct.

 

[Furgus]

Yes he is.....


I would buy it, heck I would like one for my wife, but she loves her little SD750....yes I have a Canon in the house...... I feel so much shame.....

 

[emmabelle]

I knew that I could count on you guys to help me advance my addiction.

I have been taking extra shifts at the bank I work for just to avoid the guilt of having bought the sx100 and now already wanting a better camera. (I've only had it a month). My son's happy that I want to buy a new camera, he's going to Europe with his school in seven weeks and he's hoping to take the sx100 with him.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

My advice: First, make sure you that you are saving adequately for your retirement and whatever life goals you have (college for the kids, a house, etc). Make sure that you have an adequate emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses. Pay off all debts except your house and possible cars. After that, spend whatever money you have however you'd like. If that's a nice camera, great.

 

[emmabelle]

My advice: First, make sure you that you are saving adequately for your retirement and whatever life goals you have (college for the kids, a house, etc). Make sure that you have an adequate emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses. Pay off all debts except your house and possible cars. After that, spend whatever money you have however you'd like. If that's a nice camera, great.

I have a husband to pay for those things. Doesn't it go my money is my money and his money is my money?

 

[Gdad]

Not sure what your looking to spend but they also have it with the 18-135 kit lend for $150 more. That is the lens my wife used on her D40 and now D80- worth the upgrade if it is in your budget.

 

[YEKCIM]

Not sure what your looking to spend but they also have it with the 18-135 kit lend for $150 more. That is the lens my wife used on her D40 and now D80- worth the upgrade if it is in your budget.

What he said. The 18-135 is a sharp lens and is the equivalent of a 28-200mm lens on a 35mm film camera. I have one and like it a lot.

~Y

 

[emmabelle]

Not sure what your looking to spend but they also have it with the 18-135 kit lend for $150 more. That is the lens my wife used on her D40 and now D80- worth the upgrade if it is in your budget.

I was thinking about that one.

Do you ever use non AF S lenses on the D40?

 

[Suburbanmom]

I have the 18-55 kit lens (which takes greats photos) and would trade it for the 18-135 in a heartbeat.

 

[emmabelle]

I have the 18-55 kit lens (which takes greats photos) and would trade it for the 18-135 in a heartbeat.

Do find that you can't get the photo's that you want with the kit lens? If I hadn't just bought the Canon sx100 I wouldn't mind spending the extra $150, but I just feel guilty spending another $750. For some reason $500 doesn't sound as bad. I know, it makes no sense.

 

[YEKCIM]

...I just feel guilty spending another $750.

$662.50 shipped, from B&H, if that makes any difference.

~YEKCIM

 

[kmadams]

How about a used D50? That way it would work with your old lenses. My son just picked up a gently used one for $325!

 

[Gdad]

It makes sense- You can always upgrade the lens later.

I have never really used anything with the D40 aside from AF-S lenses.

If you are interested Adorama had a Demo D50 kit for the same price- then the existing lenses you have would autofocus. I have bought used/refurbished/demo cameras from them in the past and they are just like new with a 90 day warranty.

 

[Suburbanmom]

Do find that you can't get the photo's that you want with the kit lens? If I hadn't just bought the Canon sx100 I wouldn't mind spending the extra $150, but I just feel guilty spending another $750. For some reason $500 doesn't sound as bad. I know, it makes no sense.

I am satisfied with the photos I'm getting, but I would like just a little more reach. Someone mentioned the D50. I really love mine and if it would make the lenses you already have work with the autofocus, it sounds like a great idea. Just a thought.

 

[MICKEY88]

if you decide to buy a demo camera, and it only has a 90 day warranty, you might want to check into either a mack or square trade warranty...

 

[ryley26]

I want to thank you guys for all the info I've been reading the last week or so. I'm also going to purchase my first Slr camera and it will be the d40. I will not be making large prints so I can't justify the 10 mp of the d40x. I spoke with a retailer and he said the d60x will be out soon and to wait because the price on the d40 and the d40x will drop. I,m hoping with the drop to pick-up the etra lens you guys have been suggesting thanks Rich

 

[YEKCIM]

I would think the D40 + 18-135 + 70-300vr would make a very nice package that would cover a lot of range in just two lenses, with some overlap (not a bad thing, IMO). A nice low-light lens like the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 would be a nice addition, as well.

~Y