pentax k10D or nikon d40

[gokenin]

I was wondering what your opinions are between the two cameras? I am looking for something that obviously will be built up from here so am looking for ideas about the future, right now I am looking at the K10d with only the 18-55 lense or the D40 with the 18-55 and the 55-200mm lense any opinions?

 

[Master Mason]

My personal opinion only here, but with those 2 choices and with no other information, I would chose the pentax.

I don't like the fact that a lot of Nikon lenses can't be used as designed on the d40.

But there are other conciderations. If you planning a long term stratagy, where you want to build up a lens collection, and evenutally upgrade your body, then the Nikon becomes more of an alternative.

 

[YEKCIM]

If you go with the Nikon setup, be sure and get the 55-200VR. You might also consider the 18-135mm Nikkor instead of the 18-55mm, and add a long zoom (55-200VR or 70-300VR) at a later date. The 18-135 is very versatile and is a very sharp lens.

~YEKCIM

 

[handicap18]

The K10D and the D40 aren't really in the same class. If your looking at the K10D, then the Nikon D80 is more comparable.

I've been a long time Nikon user (going back to the late 80's) and was not happy when Nikon introduced the D40. I thought it wasn't really a great idea to not include an internal focus motor in the body. I still don't like the idea, however, sales are saying the people really don't mind it. I've come to like it more as time has gone by.

The D40 takes great images. There are many many happy users out there. There are approximately 30-40 AF-S Nikkor lenses (including 5 that were just announced, though they are on the expensive side) that will auto focus with the D40 and another 20 or so 3rd party lenses (Sigma, Tamron & Tokina). Any other Nikon mount lens will fit on the D40 and you can take pictures with it. Some, like the AF lenses, will not auto focus, but will manual focus and will still be able to use the in camera meter system. Others, like the much older AI lenses, will not auto focus or use the meter system. Though with the AI lenses (AI designates them as manual focus) only the very expensive dSLR's will be able to have the meter system work. You can use these lenses, but will have to manual focus them.

If your looking to get your foot in the door and think your going to make the commitment to one company for long term useage and have upgrades over the coming years, then I like the Nikon.

Not that Pentax isn't any good. Far from it. They have a great selection of lenses that have been made over the years. They make great camera's. Overall, I prefer Nikon.

 

[Groucho]

Like Handicap18 says, they are very different classes of camera. The D40 is strictly entry-level, no top LCD, no DoF preview, no in-body focus motor, designed for first-time users, etc, etc. The K10D is advanced, with no scene modes, more dials and switches, backlit top LCD, unlimited continuous shooting, weather/dustproofed, in-body image stabilization, etc, etc. Nothing against the D40, but the K10D is a much more capable camera.

But, I doubt you'll see the K10D selling for as cheap as the D40 any time soon, for obvious reasons. The D40 really should be compared to the K100D.

I'd write more detail but my wife and son are awake now, so we're heading to the monorail and back to Disneyland.

 

[Anewman]

As Kyle mentioned it is not exactly a fair comparison, kinda like comparing a corvette to a corrolla(different classes).

Anyways, in this comparison the K10d is obviously the better setup. The only reason I would consider the D40 over it would be if there was a lens that you had your heart set on which is only available for Nikon.

 

[gokenin]

I understand that I am basically looking at two very diffrent cameras but to be honest I am looking for a camera that I will have to a few years at least if I make the move to an SLR I want it to be one that I will be able to learn with and one that has the ability for me to be using it still in a few years as well. With the addition of various lenses bought through the years but am looking for a body that has staying power basically. I dont know if that makes any sense to people

 

[Groucho]

I think that most any DSLR has staying power - they all have great image quality, more limited by the lens than the body. The D40 is definitely entry-level and designed for first-time DSLR users, and has a decent feature set for entry-level but certainly not at all what you'd find on the K10D (or D80 or 30D). If you are comfortable not having "scene modes", the K10D is probably going to last you longer than the D40.

Note also that the K10D, like the D80/30D, is larger and heavier than the entry-level cameras... that may factor into your decision, depending on how your priorities line up.