Nikon D40 or D60?

[MistyD]

I am wanting to get a DSLR and I'm torn about which one to get.

The D40 is 6.1 megapixels and the D60 is 10.2. Since I'm sorta new to the DSLR world is it worth the price difference for the D60?

I will be using the camera just for family pics, candids and the like. Nothing professional by any means!

I would love to hear opinions of those more knowledgeable than me!

Another question... I want to use it at Disney this December. Is the kit lens, 18-55mm, decent enough? Or should I get a different one?

Thanks for helping this newbie out!

 

[frugal_mar]

What is your budget? Unless you are doing huge enlargements or a tremendous amount of cropping, the D40 would be a fine camera.

You may want to look at an external flash, the SB600 would be a great addition to either camera. Having the flash really helps to achieve better picture quality.

One trip, I did with the 18-135 lens on my D80 it was pretty good. The 18-70 is also a good lens with a bit more reach than the 18-55. I hear that many will use the 18-55 and the 55-200 lenses and that covers a lot of the range.

Again, it may come down to your budget. Either camera would serve you well. Did you think about the D80 - the prices are coming down on that camera with the addition of the D90?

 

[YEKCIM]

You might consider picking up the 55-200VR, in addition to the kit lens. You can get both plus 4GB SD card from Buydig at present for $450 + $220, or $670 total. As frugal_mar suggested, the D80 is currently a pretty good deal at $783 including the 18-135mm kit lens and 4GB SD card. For comparison, I paid $800 for the D80 body-only a little less than a year ago, and that was a pretty good deal at the time. The D80 is more full-featured and has an in-body focus motor, which would give you a little more flexibility in terms of lenses, particularly the very good and very inexpensive 50mm f/1.8 which will not AF on the D40/D60.

Hope that helps.

~Y

 

[garate55]

Since you are new to DSLR then I believe the D40 would be a great starter camera. I have also purchased a D40 about a year and a half ago. I love it, although I bought it with the bigger 55-135mm lens.

You can get great quality pictures with a 6.0MP camera, photos you can get with a DSLR end up being better quality than with a similar MP point and shoot.

Here are some examples:
My trip report.

 

[crazydadguy]

Since you are new to DSLR then I believe the D40 would be a great starter camera. I have also purchased a D40 about a year and a half ago. I love it, although I bought it with the bigger 55-135mm lens.

You can get great quality pictures with a 6.0MP camera, photos you can get with a DSLR end up being better quality than with a similar MP point and shoot.

Here are some examples:
My trip report.

All those were taken with a D40? Very nice pics! I cant wait to get mine next week now!!

 

[KristiA]

I got a D40 a few months ago and love it. I think I got a really good deal on mine. It was the Target model and the only one left so they gave it to me for about $450. It came with standard 18-55 lens but also came with 55-200 lens. It has been really fun to use.

 

[garate55]

Yes, all those were taken with my D40(untouched).
My wife also took some photos with her Canon P&S but I don't think any of those made it to the trip report.

 

[annnewjerz]

I was just faced with this decision a little less than a month ago and went with the D60. If you click the link in my signature, you will be taken to my album and you can take a look at my pix, all of which were taken with the D60 over the first two weeks of having it.

I really think you will enjoy either camera you have (especially if you just plan on using it for family photos, pictures at sporting games, etc.). That being said, I got a really good deal on the D60 that they weren't offering on the D40, which is why I went with it.

I also upgraded to the 18-200mm VR Nikon lens as my new kit (walk-around) lens. It is GREAT. It isn't the sharpest at the 18 or the 200mm lengths but I have been really satisfied for all of the shots in between (and even most at the ends of the lens).

Good luck and enjoy whichever you choose!