Questions for Nikon D40 users & camera fanatics!

[SharonLovesMickey]

Hi There- I am looking to move to an SLR camera and have been considering the D40 for a number of reasons, largely budget related. Why should I NOT get this camera? THANKS!

Here's what I'm looking for: a high-quality SLR for under $500. I'm looking for something I can hand my husband for point and shoot that can focus and snap a photo quickly, but that I can still play around with and may try a lens or two with. I don't need it to shoot video or do any sort of on-camera editing except possibly a b/w mode. I like to enlarge prints up to 11x15 and need something that will shoot well in low light/night as I am taking more pictures that way. Other suggestions are appreciated.

I know that there are many threads like this one so maybe you just want to point me to one. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

 

[spinetnglr]

For under $500 you can get a D40 with a decent kit lens and it would probably do alot of what you are looking to get out of it. I have one and its a great camera. I recently upgraded to a D300 but kept my D40 for those times I want to travel a little lighter. Its an easy camera to learn and if you arent planning to get alot of lenses I think you would be happy. The one thing it does not have is a focus motor in the body. Autofocus depends on lenses with the focus motor built into the lens itself. I love my D40 and would recommend it to anyone wanting to start out with a reasonably priced entry level DSLR camera.

 

[Poohbear5]

I just got a D60 with VR kit lense for $549 from Ritz Camera (in the mall, not online).
It included 2 instructional DVDs (somewhat helpful but not really worth $20), a Nikon bag, a $100 printer (works great), classes on learning digital, and a photo book ($34 value).

 

[oogieboogieman]

It would benefit you to take a good look at the Olympus E-series of cameras. You can still find some of the older 410/510's in stores at discounted prices. The newer series 420/520's having been getting very good reviews.
The 410 & 420 models do not have IS. The 510 & 520 have IS built into the bodies. The kit lenses that come with these Olympus cameras are some of the best in the industry.

 

[chris8091]

Most DSLR kits come with a good, but basic lens. Something like a 18-55mm 3.5-5.6. For the Nikons, this is a great lens, but I would not count on being able to take great low light pictures without a flash (such as Haunted Mansion). Dont get me wrong, you will be able to take low light pictures, but you will have to keep the camera still longer or even mount it on a monopod or tripod.

In order to be able to take fast moving low light pictures, you should probably invest in a larger aperture lens (2.8, 1.8, 1.4 are good). The 50mm AF-S 1.4 that is compatible with the D40 is a little expensive, but there is a new 35mm AF-S 1.8G DX that was just announced for Nikons for $200.

D40 is a great entry level DSLR that you can grow with, the only downside is in order to use the autofocus in the camera you have to buy AF-S and AF-I lenses (that have built in motors). So older Nikon lenses will work but will not autofocus, they have to be manually focused.

Some websites to get you started are FredMiranda, DPreview and Kenrockwell (add .com to the end of all).

I know this probably all sounds like Greek, but bottom line is, if you want to take moving low light pictures without a flash, then you will probably need to invest in more than just the kit lens that comes with the camera body.

I like the D40 a lot and would recommend it.

Good luck with your decision!
Chris

 

[RCDisneyFan]

Chris 8091 gave some great advice. My advice is this:

Digital camera bodies are essentially disposable - new DSLRs come out about every two years. Lenses are comparatively forever purchases - lots of people have Nikon lenses that have been working for 15-20+ years. Common wisdom is - buy the best lens you can afford followed by the camera you can afford that fits your skill sets / needs.

If I were a new entrant to the DSLR market, the D40 is a GREAT value for the price. You can get that with the kit lens plus a great (newer lens) for a total under $1000.

Another way to go if you don't want to limit yourself to using DX friendly lenses is to buy a D80 used - those can be had for under $500 (http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Prod...=&ID=72&BC=DN&BCC=3&CC=2&CCC=1&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=) but it's a bit heavier than the D40 and maybe a little more off-putting to your point and shoot folks (doesn't stop me from handing the camera over though.) So you could get that plus the 50 1.8, plus the 18-105vr for under $1000 too.

It all depends on your style, your wallet, and how far you think you want to go with photography. Good luck!

BTW...there's a site called nikonians.org - there's a forum on there for D50/70/80/90 users and there are multiple threads on there about which lenses to get for a D40 and whether one should buy a D40 versus a used D80. Might help you put some clarity around your thinking / options. http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=150 There's a separate one I haven't looked at for D40/60 users: http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=152

 

[kevrab]

About the only argument that I could give you for not buying the D40 is that it has a plastic housing that may not take much abuse. That also could be consider a good thing because it is so light it's great to take on vacations.

I am notoriously tough on equipment and I bought a rubber housing from www.cameraarmor.com to put on the D40 to protect it.

 

[bob100]

Hi There- I am looking to move to an SLR camera and have been considering the D40 for a number of reasons, largely budget related. Why should I NOT get this camera? THANKS!

The Nikon D40 was a fine camera when introduced in .. 2006 ?
There are now newer models with better image quality, more megapixels, and other features like "live view", exposure bracketing, AF tracking, etc.
You might want to consider the latest Canon models. With Canon you would also get the benefit of a wider selection of lens at less cost. Frankly, I'm surprised they still sell those old 6MP cameras like the D40 and Minolta X800
http://www.flickr.com/cameras

 

[boBQuincy]

Why not? The only reason I can think of is that it does not support the 50mm *but* Nikon just released a 35mm f/1.8 to cover that hole in their lens lineup. The D40 is getting a bit old but is still a good camera.

Of course, YesDear would be disappointed if I didn't try to steer you into a Canon, so... How about a Xsi or Xs?

 

[SharonLovesMickey]

Once again the disboard do not disappoint!!! Thank you for all the advice and suggestions. I will be taking ALL of this into consideration! I truly truly appreciate it!!