Upgrading from D40

[fan1080]

Hi everyone,

I've had my D40 for about 2 years now so I'm thinking about upgrading. I really enjoy the D40, but I'm interested in something else for a few reasons:

1. Ease of changing settings.
2. Is there something that is better at high ISO noise reduction than the D40.
3. Even though there are more choices for lenses now, most are more expensive than the non-autofocus motor in lense options (such as the 50, 1.8).

I will be staying with Nikon. If you had the choice of all models up to the D300, with the considerations I've listed, what would you choose and why?

Thanks for your input.

 

[tiger95]

I am getting ready to make the same move. And it is 99.999% that I am going with the D90. The main reason being cost. I am looking at a package from Adorama, that has the D90, the kit 18-105VR and the 70-300 VR for $1589. The D300 body alone is in the $1800 range.

That is not to say the D300 isn't worth it, it is just that I want to get the most bang for my buck.

 

[annnewjerz]

I just upgraded from the D60 to the D90 after also considering the D300, if that helps at all. Like PP, I wanted a more capable camera but didn't have the budget to spend quite as much as the D300 body was going for. I got the D90 body only from Amazon for under $900 and have been REALLY happy with it thus far. The easier controls were SO EASY to use this weekend while we were in DC, much easier than entering into the menu each time.

Good luck!

 

[spinetnglr]

I upgraded from the D40 to the D300 in January after using the D40 for about a year and a half. The D300 does have a pretty extensive menu structure but have found that putting the settings I frequently change in the My Menu option makes them very easy to find and access. It takes some learning to get familiar with all the options of the D300 but I am enjoying the learning process alot and still have tons to learn. Whichever body you upgrade to I am sure you will be happy with it if you were happy with your D40.

 

[fan1080]

Henry's just opened a store here. I dropped in to see what they had. I looked at their used gear, they had a D80 and D200 in stock. Held them both and wow, the D200 is awesome.

Prices, IMO, are pretty good. The D80 was $619 and the D200 was $869. I'm leaning towards the D200, it was really nice.

They also offer a used warranty, for about $130 for the D200, $119 for the D80. I know extended warranties tend to be a rip off, but used I think it might be a good idea. From what they were telling me, it covers pretty much everything, even over-seas, just buy a replacement and take the receipt back to Henry's.

Anyway, if anyone else has any thoughts about the D200, or other camera, and extended warranties for used gear I would like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks.

 

[annnewjerz]

Henry's just opened a store here. I dropped in to see what they had. I looked at their used gear, they had a D80 and D200 in stock. Held them both and wow, the D200 is awesome.

Prices, IMO, are pretty good. The D80 was $619 and the D200 was $869. I'm leaning towards the D200, it was really nice.

They also offer a used warranty, for about $130 for the D200, $119 for the D80. I know extended warranties tend to be a rip off, but used I think it might be a good idea. From what they were telling me, it covers pretty much everything, even over-seas, just buy a replacement and take the receipt back to Henry's.

Anyway, if anyone else has any thoughts about the D200, or other camera, and extended warranties for used gear I would like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks.

Just as an FYI----Best Buy has new D200's for less than $700 including shipping and taxes. $869 for the D200 seems a bit steep. Also take into account that the D200 takes CF cards (not SD), maybe a different battery (haven't checked) and from what I read, D200's do very poorly on battery life compared to most other Nikon DSLRs, so most sites seem to recommend getting an extra battery (or two).

 

[YesDear]

I had a D20 and loved it. However, from a technology standpoint, I would buy the D90 over the D200. Much better IQ at higher ISO's and more bells and whistles for about the same price. The D200 is built better than the D90 but all the things Ann said were also true if moving to the D200.

 

[fan1080]

Thanks everyone, great advice, as always. That's what keeps me coming back here.

As of today, and my current research, looks like I will probably go with the D90.

 

[handicap18]

The D90 is a great camera. I almost went with it when it first came out, but I fell in love with the D300 and went with that instead. Got a pretty good deal ($1485, which is still only about $15 less that what amazon has it for now). I am beyond thrilled with my D300 and have zero regrets.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with the D90. Its sensor is the same as the D300's. High ISO performance is better than very good.

Either way you can't go wrong.

 

[fan1080]

Thanks all.

I bit the bullet tonight, bought a D90.

AWESOME

Man this thing is amazing. Can't wait to get out and see what I can capture with it. When I get some shots taken with it I'll post some.

Thanks again.