Would You Recommend A Nikon D40?

[ASIAN JUL]

Hm, I tried to find a similar thread but.. I failed, so I don't know if it exists and I'm just a moron.. or if there isn't one. I want to start off small with a DSLR. I've used other peoples' DSLRS before, just don't have one of my own. I used a Canon Rebel film SLR for a photography class in school (ya know, the whole take the pictures, develop them in a dark room bit) but once that class was over, I sold it because the obligation to go out and develop the film at Ritz was annoying. Well, anywho, so I'm basically a newbie at photography and just wanted to know if the Nikon D40 was a good entry level DSLR camera to start with? Thank you

XO,AJ.

[97TurboDSM]

i think there are better options in that price range, especially if you buy used.

[Big_Jim]

I had a Nikon d40. Great camera, but you're very limited with lens options. I bought it in May, and just sold it. Whats that, 5 months of ownership? There was a couple things i didnt like about the camera, only 3 AF points, and for lens' the AF motor had to be built into the lens.

I just bought a d80 body, and I couldnt be happier.

[ASIAN JUL]

Originally Posted by 97TurboDSM

i think there are better options in that price range, especially if you buy used.

Anything specific you would recommend?

[97TurboDSM]

are you looking for nikon specifically? a used D50 would be a great choice or like Jim said, a D80 is another good choice.

[ASIAN JUL]

Nope, I like Nikon & Canon both, I was just told Nikon D40's would be good because it wasn't a huge monetary investment and a good way to start out. But I'll check out the D50 and D80 - thank youuu

[97TurboDSM]

sure thing. used Canon XTi, 20D, 30D, are good choices too in roughly the same price range.

[i like rice]

Skip the entry level bodies and go straight to the prosumer bodies (ie Canon 30D, 40D; Nikon D70, D80). You'll quickly grow to hate the erognomics and cheap plastic on the entry level bodies. Most that get into photography will upgrade within a few months due to the entry level's small viewfinder, lack of a 2nd wheel, and flimsy plastic build.

[ASIAN JUL]

Originally Posted by i like rice

Skip the entry level bodies and go straight to the prosumer bodies (ie Canon 30D, 40D; Nikon D70, D80). You'll quickly grow to hate the erognomics and cheap plastic on the entry level bodies. Most that get into photography will upgrade within a few months due to the entry level's small viewfinder, lack of a 2nd wheel, and flimsy plastic build.

D90 too or no go?

[97TurboDSM]

D90 is an incredible camera. if you want to, and can afford it. do it. go big or go home?

[jspek]

want my d50? LOL I'm up grading soon.

[i like rice]

Originally Posted by MyCarIsFTL

D90 too or no go?

If you can afford it, sure, but I'd suggest a used body and spend the money that you saved and put it towards glass. A good lens > a good body.

[namdoogwerdna]

Originally Posted by 97TurboDSM

i think there are better options in that price range, especially if you buy used.

Originally Posted by Big_Jim

I had a Nikon d40. Great camera, but you're very limited with lens options. I bought it in May, and just sold it. Whats that, 5 months of ownership? There was a couple things i didnt like about the camera, only 3 AF points, and for lens' the AF motor had to be built into the lens.

I just bought a d80 body, and I couldnt be happier.

Originally Posted by i like rice

Skip the entry level bodies and go straight to the prosumer bodies (ie Canon 30D, 40D; Nikon D70, D80). You'll quickly grow to hate the erognomics and cheap plastic on the entry level bodies. Most that get into photography will upgrade within a few months due to the entry level's small viewfinder, lack of a 2nd wheel, and flimsy plastic build.

I'm going to have to disagree with these guys a little bit. I have been shooting with the D40 for about a year and I love it. In my opinion, if you start out with something crazy it's going to take you a while to learn all of the features. I will upgrade eventually, but the D40 has been fine and I don't think that my skills have exceeded the capabilities of the camera yet. Until that happens, I'll stick with the D40.

Here are a few sample shots to give you an idea of what it's capable of:












If you're a beginner like me the D40 works just fine. IMO it's more important to be able to properly compose and expose a shot then to spend a trillion dollars on equipment and then be lost when you don't know how to use half of it. Just my 2 cents.

Originally Posted by i like rice

If you can afford it, sure, but I'd suggest a used body and spend the money that you saved and put it towards glass. A good lens > a good body.

Very true, invest in some quality glass, you won't be disappointed.

[i like rice]

Originally Posted by namdoogwerdna

I'm going to have to disagree with these guys a little bit. I have been shooting with the D40 for about a year and I love it. In my opinion, if you start out with something crazy it's going to take you a while to learn all of the features.

The prosumer bodies won't offer much difference as far as image quality. The difference will be the ergonomics, making adjustments quicker and easier. Add in a larger, brighter viewfinder and it'll make things easier for a novice.

[namdoogwerdna]

I understand what you're saying, I just don't think the D40 is that bad. I've shot with some of the other cameras that were mentioned here and they are great, but the D40 really isn't that hard to adjust as far as aperture and shutter speed are concerned. ISO and other details can't be adjusted as quickly but it's not impossible.

[whitezenki]

I love my Rebel XT, I probably wont sell it ever.

But I want a 40D bad....

Like REAL bad.

[Big_Jim]

i just didnt feel comfortable using a d40... im a big guy, the camera disappeared in my hands....

[namdoogwerdna]

haha thats a good pic. i like that it is small. its so much lighter and easier to carry around than the bigger stuff. to each his own i guess.

[tredvento]

buy a used d50 or d70 and nice glass for it

[i like rice]

Originally Posted by Big_Jim

i just didnt feel comfortable using a d40... im a big guy, the camera disappeared in my hands....
[IMG.]http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/jimennis/bigjimcamera.jpg[/IMG]

yeah, that is small lol

my rig is about the size of my whole head