Nikon D40 or another DSLR?

[hillview]

For Christmas DH is getting me a DSLR.

I used to use old F2s. Then I moved to P&S. I now want a DSLR. I am considering a D40. $ isn't a main driver (eg I can get a more $ one if needed) however from what I have read the D40 seems like a good choice. I am not totally tied to a Nikon but it is what I know .

My questions:
- anything significant I am giving up with the D40 -- it came out several years ago and while I can't find anything that says it is out of date I'd love some feedback
- is there another camera that I should strongly consider (aside from people who just prefer canon etc) I am open to another brand
- what accessories do I need (I am thinking memory card, a faster charging flash, another lense, a bag) -- any suggestions?

The primary use for this camera will be family photos including at some point sports shots of my kids at soccer games etc. As well as DISNEY of course!

TIA!
/hillary

 

[charles.headlee]

Bottom line up front: Biggest thing you would give up with a D40 over something more current would be vibration reduction in the lens. There are other things coming on current models, like built in image manipulation features that the D40 lacks.

Definitely look at current Nikon and models from other manufacturers.

I finally bought a D40 (mine) a few weeks ago. We have a D60 (hers)purchased a year ago. D40 was much less, and the major differences are the sensor and kit lens. D40 = 6 MP and the lens is non-VR, D60 = 10 MP with VR lens. There are some internal features the D40 lacks, but I don't notice them. I also don't notice much difference between the 6 and 10 MP sensors. I'm sure there is, but it isn't at all obvious. The VR lens in the D60 kit does make a difference unless your using a tripod.

Reason I wanted a D40 was price ($450) and sync speed. (In theory) The more pixels you cram into a sensor, the more light or longer time it takes for the sensor to respond. The D40's fastest flash sync is 1/500; the D40X and D60 are 1/250, and whatever replaced the D60 is 1/200.

Note that this series of Nikon DSLR only does AF with newer lenses which have the AF motor in the lens. If you have old lenses, they will mate up, but won't AF. Not sure if the pro end Nikon digitals drive the focus from the camera body though.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Another thing to think about is Video and ISO. One of the newer models is the D5000. It has Live View on the LCD Screen, does video (but doesn't autofocus while doing so,) and a higher ISO than the D40. Just a thought.....

 

[Icemann]

Check dpreview.com their you can do a side by side of different cameras to see what has what. I bought a D40 this summer and the kit lens have VR,both the 18-55 and the 55-200.The wife use's that now I just bought a D3000 that's the replacement for the D40 + D60 so I've been told.You have a tuff decision to make Good Luck

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I have a D40 that I purchased last spring and I like it, but if money weren't the determining factor I would have preferred a D90.

 

[wenrob]

Bottom line up front: Biggest thing you would give up with a D40 over something more current would be vibration reduction in the lens.

This is not true. Vibration reduction is in the lens for Nikon so it has nothing to do with the camera and everything to do with the lens. You simply choose a lens with VR over one that doesn't. VR is nice to have but it shouldn't be the be all end all when it comes to lens choices IMHO.

Personally I would choose a more up to date camera for not too much more. Technology moves at lightening speed, why take a step back? I don't know enough about the newer models (I have a D90) but you might want to look into in body focusing so you have a wider choice of lenses. As to lenses you'll want a few or more, lol. Just study up on them, determine your style and go from there.

 

[WDWFigment]

This is not true. Vibration reduction is in the lens for Nikon so it has nothing to do with the camera and everything to do with the lens. You simply choose a lens with VR over one that doesn't. VR is nice to have but it shouldn't be the be all end all when it comes to lens choices IMHO.

Personally I would choose a more up to date camera for not too much more. Technology moves at lightening speed, why take a step back? I don't know enough about the newer models (I have a D90) but you might want to look into in body focusing so you have a wider choice of lenses. As to lenses you'll want a few or more, lol. Just study up on them, determine your style and go from there.

Agreed in full. I loved my D40, but there are more cost effective options now given the D40's age. I'd look to the D5000 or D3000 if you're looking at entry level Nikons.

 

[hillview]

Thanks all! Ok I went to dpreview -- thanks Iceman! I am now considering the D5000. Costco has it at $824 with 2 lenses. Does this seem like a good package?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...11480706&ec=BC-EC877-CatHome&pos=9&lang=en-US

Other thoughts?
/hillary

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Another one for the Nikon team

 

[WDWFigment]

Thanks all! Ok I went to dpreview -- thanks Iceman! I am now considering the D5000. Costco has it at $824 with 2 lenses. Does this seem like a good package?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...11480706&ec=BC-EC877-CatHome&pos=9&lang=en-US

Other thoughts?
/hillary

For that amount of money, you may also want to look at the Canon T1i. It has very favorable reviews.

 

[hillview]

For that amount of money, you may also want to look at the Canon T1i. It has very favorable reviews.

Thanks for the reply! Interesting. Are there specific reasons why you'd suggest the Canon?
/hillary

 

[Marlton Mom]

I agree with Wendy and 'Fig' and I would move up to a Nikon D 5000. My Nikon D60 only has 3 focus points and they drive me crazy with their inaccuracy!

Go forward, technologically speaking, if you can determine you're getting more bang for the buck when compared to an older camera model that is on sale and in the process of being phased out.

Watch out for Costco! You really have to check the lenses they are offering versus the ones you can get online from places like B and H.

From my experience, places like Costco and "retail", store based outfits make their profit by selling you a package with inferior grade lenses.

Often times, shopping online can find you a better grade of lens for around the same price!

Look online for a package that includes lenses that have Vibration Reduction (VR), which minimizes image blur caused by camera shake.

Also consider lenses that have An ED glass element that minimizes chromatic aberration. ED glass has a Nano Crystal Coat that (supposedly) drastically reduces flare ensuring finely detailed, clear images.

I have these lenses and they are the real deal. Very often, indoors, I am able to shoot without using the flash (flashes are Harsh!)

Remember Photography is capturing LIGHT and the lens does the burden of that work. Anything the camera does afterwards is secondary if the lens isn't as good as it can be...

Just my 2 cents..... Good luck!



Marlton Mom

PS. Nikon Glass ROCKS!!!

 

[hillview]

The costco "deal" includes:
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Image Stabilization)

AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED (Image Stabilization)


Sounds like the ED glass you mention with the VR lense for one of them (think the other one is a kit lense). In addition both are Nikkor/Nikon lenses.

Also includes a 4gb sd disk.
Thanks!
/hillary

Thoughts?
/hillary

 

[Marlton Mom]

I checked your deal online at the second letter of the alphabet and the H letter. I don't know if this is legal so I'll put it like that...
I saw this after I dropped it in a cart:

# NID50002LKZ

"Please note the lower price for the Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR & 55-200mm Lenses is $744.90"

I have this lens configuration so this is great glass.

With this online store you have to drop the stuff in a cart to see the real "low" price they are offering. I have no idea why but that's what they do...

Check this place out and see what you think. I have used them for 11 plus years and I highly recommend them. Never had a problem.

Smoochies,
Marlton Mom

PS I am only a devoted customer!

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I would not get a D40 the camera is like 5yrs old. Sounds like you should get the 3000 or the 5000.
The no AF motor isn't that big of a deal. Accept it makes the 50mm 1.8 manual only. But now they have a new 50 1.4 with AF-s(this means the focus motor is in the lens)!

Stepping up to a D90 is another option, however now you are getting into something pretty heavy....descisions, descisions..

I own a d80 BTW

 

[hillview]

With this online store you have to drop the stuff in a cart to see the real "low" price they are offering. I have no idea why but that's what they do...

Check this place out and see what you think. I have used them for 11 plus years and I highly recommend them. Never had a problem.

Smoochies,
Marlton Mom

PS I am only a devoted customer!

WOW thanks!! That is a great deal. I have not ordered from that website but I have seen it mentioned several times.
Thanks!
/hillary

 

[ukcatfan]

If you are not set on a brand, you really should check out the Pentax K-x. It has really good specs for the price. I would argue that it is the best bang for the buck going right now. I have had a Pentax K100D for over three years and have been very happy with it. I am seriously thinking that the K-x will be my next upgrade. Plus, it comes in black, white, red, or blue