need some advice....please :)

[TIGGER1981]

I've been trying to do some research on SLR cameras...and I think I'm more confused than ever
A Co-worker of mine has a Nikon D50 and loves it, she let me try it out and I really liked it. I would love to get into photography, I just need to find a decent starting point.

I've been trying to figure out the difference between the D40 and D40x.
Ive seen some packages that have a 18-55mm lens or both 18-55mm & 55-200mm lens. They seem to be hovering in the $500 range which is doable.

would I be alright with just the 18-55mm lens or would I be better off with the two of them.

Is there a store/website that you trust over the other? Ive seen allot of negative feedback from allot of stores.

Thanks for ANY and ALL input...

 

[AndrewWG]

I've been trying to do some research on SLR cameras...and I think I'm more confused than ever
A Co-worker of mine has a Nikon D50 and loves it, she let me try it out and I really liked it. I would love to get into photography, I just need to find a decent starting point.

I've been trying to figure out the difference between the D40 and D40x.
Ive seen some packages that have a 18-55mm lens or both 18-55mm & 55-200mm lens. They seem to be hovering in the $500 range which is doable.

would I be alright with just the 18-55mm lens or would I be better off with the two of them.

Is there a store/website that you trust over the other? Ive seen allot of negative feedback from allot of stores.

Thanks for ANY and ALL input...

I have no input on the Nikon line other than that they all are quite nice and I would probably go for the two lens kit to start. You will probably want something longer than 55mm and will probably regret not having the 55-200.

As far as online retailers, beachcamera.com and B&H photo seem to get the highest honors on here. They are both VERY reliable sellers. I don't know of aperson who has had a problem with either one of them.

 

[Groucho]

The D40x is basically just the D40 with 10mp instead of 6. I wouldn't pay extra unless you found it for nearly the same price. The D40x also probably has slightly worse low-light performance, the Sony 10mp isn't quite as good as the Sony 6mp in this regard. (Both cameras use Sony sensors, like most Nikons.)

 

[YEKCIM]

Main difference between D40 and D40x are that the D40x has a 10MP sensor and the D40 is 6MP. There are some two lens kits going for pretty good prices right now -or- you may also want to consider the 18-135mm lens instead, as it offers a good bit more range than the 18-55 w/o a lot of lens changing, which is what you might be faced with, with the two lens (18-55 + 55-200) kit, although you'd give up some overall reach on the telephoto end. Keep in mind, too, that the D40/D40x require a lens with focus motor in-body in order to AUTOfocus. Honestly, the only lens I ever hear anyone mention as a deal-breaker on that issue is the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 which is a good, fast lens, but will not AUTOfocus with the D40/40x. It will manually focus, however.

As far as retailers, you cannot go wrong with B&H. Beach/Buydig are also top-shelf online retailers.

~Y

 

[ukcatfan]

Be aware that the D50 and D40/D40x/D60 are very different cameras in terms of feel and capabilities. The D50 felt great in my hands and I came really close to buying one. The D40 feels like an overgrown p&s and I do not like its feel at all. Also, IMO that focus motor and 50mm combination problem is a real deal breaker for the budget minded. There are other prime lenses that would work well for low light shooting that do AF, but they are not budget priced lenses like the $100 50mm. Then if budget minded is not your main objective, look at the D80.

Kevin

 

[TIGGER1981]

Thanks for all the info!

I was just looking at B&H...has anyone bought used cameras/lenses?

 

[TIGGER1981]

just wanted to double check with someone...how does this look? priced alright? auto focus will work?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485841-REG/Nikon_9419_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

 

[ukcatfan]

just wanted to double check with someone...how does this look? priced alright? auto focus will work?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485841-REG/Nikon_9419_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

Yes, that lens will AF on the D40. It is a pretty well respected lens. The question you need to ask yourself is are you concerned about low light shots. That lens is no better at low light than the regular kit lens. If low light is important, then you need to be willing to spend ~$400 on the right lens to do it or look at a different camera.

Kevin

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

just wanted to double check with someone...how does this look? priced alright? auto focus will work?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485841-REG/Nikon_9419_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

The autofocus works w/ this lens and this lens has a better focal range than the 18-55. Swapping lenses is a pain. The 50mm f1.8 and other prime lenses won't autofocus on this camera BUT you can still use it, you'll just have to manually focus. It you can't afford or don't want to spend the $$ for the D80 (which will autofocus w/ prime lenses), this is the kit I would get.
B&H is good. Beach cameras is good. I also ordered from Adorama a couple of times and J&R music a couple of times,and all of them have been really good, fast shipping and no hassles. I have also ordered from these sellers through Amazon.com and never had a problem.
Cameta is a good seller that sells on Ebay and Amazon as well. They sell new and refurbished cameras. I ordered a couple of small things from them and they were quick and reliable as well. I would avoid the no name sellers from Amazon marketplace. I've heard horror stories of people getting grey market goods.

 

[ukcatfan]

This has been mentioned elsewhere, but I do not believe on this thread. Almost all of the DSLR manufacturers are releasing new models in the coming month or so. You might want to wait and also consider other brands.

Kevin

 

[kmadams]

Thanks for all the info!

I was just looking at B&H...has anyone bought used cameras/lenses?

FYI, we just bought a used D50, for a very good price. Since you like that model (it is one of Nikon's best) maybe you should look for a used one? I prefer the D50 to the D40.

 

[DVCRon]

Just my opinion FWIW. If you don't want the trouble of changing lenses then perhaps you shouldn't be considering an dslr. That's the biggest advantage of having one as far as I'm concerned.

I would save up the extra money and get the camera that doesn't have lens limitations, especially if it something you'd like to grow with a keep for awhile.

I've used B&H, beachcamera and buy dig and never had a problem with them.

 

[labdogs42]

I'm no help with the camera choice, because I have Canon cameras. The only help I can offer is another vote for Beach Camera. I have had great experiences shopping with them in the past. I also think an 18-135 lens might serve you better in the long run than the two lenses that you'd have to switch out.

 

[nitroy2k]

Thanks for all the info!

 

[TIGGER1981]

Thanks everyone for all the input! now...back to my research!

 

[ukcatfan]

Just my opinion FWIW. If you don't want the trouble of changing lenses then perhaps you shouldn't be considering an dslr. That's the biggest advantage of having one as far as I'm concerned.

When did the OP state that?

Kevin

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

When did the OP state that?

Kevin

Actually, I said swapping lenses is a pain; but I meant it in the context of why should you have to swap between the 18-55 and the 55-200 when you can get the 18-135 and not have to swap? Imo, there is very little that can't be photographed w/ the 18-135 handheld (other than low light shots), and should the OP need a longer focal range, she can then get the better 70-300VR when she can afford it. And w/ the D80 the faster prime lenses work. Actually they work on all the others (D50, 200, 300, 3) as well, so the idea of getting a used D50 would work also.
I swap lenses all the time, but, especially when traveling, I try to limit all the stuff I have to carry around. That's why I encourage the 18-135 vs. swapping between the other 2 choices. I think the other poster misunderstood what I meant.
DSF

 

[ukcatfan]

When did the OP state that?

Kevin

Actually, I said swapping lenses is a pain;

My point exactly. I was wondering why that poster was telling the OP that they should consider a p&s b/c they thought changing lenses would be a pain. The OP never said that, so why offer them advice like that? We are here to help, not confuse people.

Also, FWIW I have heard that the 18-135mm is optically superior and has a better build quality than the 18-55mm.

Kevin

 

[DVCRon]

My point exactly. I was wondering why that poster was telling the OP that they should consider a p&s b/c they thought changing lenses would be a pain. The OP never said that, so why offer them advice like that? We are here to help, not confuse people.

Also, FWIW I have heard that the 18-135mm is optically superior and has a better build quality than the 18-55mm.

Kevin

I was trying to help, not confuse people. I was just trying to add "my opinion" on the other post, not the OP, that suggested not changing lenses.

 

[ukcatfan]

I was trying to help, not confuse people. I was just trying to add "my opinion" on the other post, not the OP, that suggested not changing lenses.

That is fine. Being a new member, you did not not know that DisneySuiteFreak already has a DSLR and is not in the market to buy one.

Kevin