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Nikon D40
- Thread starter Alexx
- Start date
Deadmanwalking
Member
It is kind of hard to answer the question when I'm not sure what you are upgrading from... I think the first question you need to address is why are you looking at the Nikon in the first place, if its because you already have nikon lenses than I can understand the reason you are focused on Nikon. BUT remember that the D40 does NOT have focus drive motor, so any Nikon auto focus lenses you have that do not have the motor built in will only be manual focus.
To be honest, I think you might want to consider other entry level DSLRs... If I were going to have to pick from all the manufacturers entry level cameras, the Nikon wouldn't be my first pick (and I am a Nikon owner so don't think I have anything against Nikons). I have no experience with Canon so I can't say they are better or worse, but we do have both Nikon and Sony DSLRs in my house and I would take a Sony a200 over a Nikon D40 in a heart beat. The prices of the two cameras are very close, and if I were on a tight budget I would be swayed by the fact that a Sony kit lens is an 18-70 and a Nikon kit lens is a 18-55... the Sony has 10mega pixels vs Nikons 6... the sony has image stabilization built into the camera so the cheapest Sony or Minolta lens you put on the camera will have that image stabilization compared to Nikon which only exists in the more expensive lenses...
The only real downside I see of the Sony over the Nikon is the Sony uses CF memory while the Nikon uses SD... CF is generally better but most people don't already have it while SD cards are likely already in your house from use with other point and shoot cameras.
But both camera take good pictures. both will do everything a person starting out needs... the only difference is the Nikon will cost you more in lenses that you add on later.
To be honest, I think you might want to consider other entry level DSLRs... If I were going to have to pick from all the manufacturers entry level cameras, the Nikon wouldn't be my first pick (and I am a Nikon owner so don't think I have anything against Nikons). I have no experience with Canon so I can't say they are better or worse, but we do have both Nikon and Sony DSLRs in my house and I would take a Sony a200 over a Nikon D40 in a heart beat. The prices of the two cameras are very close, and if I were on a tight budget I would be swayed by the fact that a Sony kit lens is an 18-70 and a Nikon kit lens is a 18-55... the Sony has 10mega pixels vs Nikons 6... the sony has image stabilization built into the camera so the cheapest Sony or Minolta lens you put on the camera will have that image stabilization compared to Nikon which only exists in the more expensive lenses...
The only real downside I see of the Sony over the Nikon is the Sony uses CF memory while the Nikon uses SD... CF is generally better but most people don't already have it while SD cards are likely already in your house from use with other point and shoot cameras.
But both camera take good pictures. both will do everything a person starting out needs... the only difference is the Nikon will cost you more in lenses that you add on later.
RiversideBunny
New Member
Alexx, the Nikon D40 is an excellent camera. If you can't get a D60, the lastest, then by all means go for the D40.
It's my estimate that 98% of the cameras used at Walt Disney World are point and shoot cameras. The D40 is superior to them.
You'll have to consider lenses, however. Once you move into the realm of cameras that have interchangeable lenses you can easily spend as much or more on the lenses.
Focal range, lens quality, and low light capability (maximum arpeture), and price come into play.
How much zoom do you need- what range for WDW and other kinds of shots. One lens may not do it all. Lenses are like eating potato crisps- you can't eat just one.
Also, you'll probably want to add a separate external flash unit.
I think you want to learn more about photography. The D40 is a good place to start.
Good luck.
It's my estimate that 98% of the cameras used at Walt Disney World are point and shoot cameras. The D40 is superior to them.
You'll have to consider lenses, however. Once you move into the realm of cameras that have interchangeable lenses you can easily spend as much or more on the lenses.
Focal range, lens quality, and low light capability (maximum arpeture), and price come into play.
How much zoom do you need- what range for WDW and other kinds of shots. One lens may not do it all. Lenses are like eating potato crisps- you can't eat just one.
Also, you'll probably want to add a separate external flash unit.
I think you want to learn more about photography. The D40 is a good place to start.
Good luck.
WDWFigment
Well-Known Member
All of the pictures in the first post of this thread were taken with a D40: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=397751
I wouldn't recommend the D60 even if you had the money for it. The improvements of the D60 over the D40 are negligible at best, and definitely do not justify the increased cost.
For what it's worth, you may want to wait to purchase the D40 if you can. Rumor has it that Nikon is going to announce its replacement soon (the D60 is the D40x's replacement, not the D40's). That means two things: 1) the cost of the D40 will drop; and, 2) you may want to just get that newer camera, which will likely be comparably priced.
PhotoDave219
Well-Known Member
Never buy old tech. The newer Nikons have great high ISO/Low noise capabilities.
RiversideBunny
New Member
You may also want to consder the Canon Rebel cameras.
XT, XTi, XSi.
Good luck.
XT, XTi, XSi.
Good luck.
WDWFigment
Well-Known Member
Now are you saying this in regards to D40 versus D60, or D40 versus its upcoming replacement? If the latter, I agree.
If the former, the D60 is newer than the D60, but it's the same generation (it's basically a slightly modified D40x). Moreover, the only (meaningful) improvements it offers over the D60 are better active D-lighting (which can be better accomplished in post) and a sensor cleaner. There are several disadvantages to it, namely worse high ISO performance and a lower flash sync speed. Unless you are reckless with the camera or can't clean a sensor by hand, I wouldn't recommend getting the D60 for the sake of the sensor cleaner.
PhotoDave219
Well-Known Member
I was actually comparing the D700/D3 series against the D2 series.