Nikon D40 - What's the story here?

Lionsden

Hi,

The names Leo and I'm new to the boards. I've been considering getting my first DSLR... a Nikon D40, that was till I came here! I've been reading alot of reviews in magazines and around the web and they've pretty much all been good (see here http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opinions.asp?prodkey=nikon_d40)..... that is till I tried the boards here. Not much good to be said about the D40....."Tripe" being one word that stuck in my head. What's the story?

Fajitas!

Well...

I guess we're all biased, because we all 'know' what a modern dSLR does...and should do.

Not saying it dosn't but:

It dosn't have in camera autofocus, which means you have to spend extra money on lenses if you want autofocus and (I stand to be corrected here) if you upgrade to another Nikon, you won't be able to use the same lenses.

Besides that, there's only three autofocus points. Compared with it some other models nine autofocus points. These make autofocusing easier and faster.

It's got a fairly low resolution. It's newer brother, the D40x makes up for this though. (Resolution is the megapixels).

Now, it does have a really advanced metering system.

If you really wanted a Nikon, I'd say go for a D50 if you could find one - it's the older version, but much much better. In my opinion, the D40 is aimed at people who don't have a clue about cameras, and just want a DSLR without the research behind it.

CrowdedHouse

The D40 is a good camera but the biggest gripe I have about it is that you can only use AF-S type lenses on it(i.e. lenses that have a built in motor)

This means that,for example,you won't be able to use the excellent and cheap 50mm 1.8 lens on it(it wont auto focus)

So if you are going to take up photography as a hobby you might be ruling yourself out of trying/buying all the non AF-S lenses.

Like Fajitas said I think the D50 is a better option or maybe a used D70/s or save for a D80,these will give you more flexibility in the long run.

Canon is probably more popular among the regulars here so they might be biased

Paulw

Considering it's your first dSLR, you should also look at the Canon EOS 400D. I gather it's in the same price bracket. It supports all the Canon EF and also the EF-S lenses. You can also buy Sigma and Tamron lenses for it too. Loads of extras, and it's a very good introduction to the SLR side of photography.

melekalikimaka

its got feck all focus points and no motor, apart from that its grand, if you can live without go for it, but i really doubt you'll be happy with it 2 months down the road

dalk

Isn't the D40x going to be sold for the same price as the D40 was? Review

Lionsden wrote:

Not much good to be said about the D40....."Tripe" being one word that stuck in my head. What's the story?

Just a little perspective. Who's opinion should you consider? A well respected and fairly non-partisan site like dpreview, or the opinion of an anonymous poster on boards who sums up a camera as "tripe"?

Fajitas! wrote:

It dosn't have in camera autofocus, which means you have to spend extra money on lenses if you want autofocus and (I stand to be corrected here) if you upgrade to another Nikon, you won't be able to use the same lenses.

It doesn't have an in camera autofocus motor for older lenses. The D40/D40x can only use AF-S lenses. These lenses have a focus motor built in. Nearly all of Nikons digital only lenses (including Pro glass) are AF-S. And lots of the full frame lenses are AF-S too. AF-S lens work on lots of Nikon's bodies (last 10years). AF-S' been around since the late 90's I think.

So it is a limiting factor, but its not like you only have the choice of a few lenses. Also third party lens manufacturers like Sigma do produce lenses that are compatible with the D40x.

Personally i would read the reviews, but i would have to get my hands on the camera to judge it properly. All the cameras in that price point (and you should really look at the 400d as well) will produce excellent results. For me it boils down to ergonomics. How does it feel in your hand? How responsive is it? Are the buttons in comfortable places? etc

richieg

I agree you need to get the 2 in your hand and try them out, that's what I did and went with the D40 because the grip felt better. If you are a starter like i am it helps you with your shots and makes learning a little easier.
A lot of the people here have a good bit of experience and therefore look for more features

Lionsden

Thanks for the advice. I haven't decided yet what I'm going to get. Doing the research first and short-listing before going into a shop to try them out..... don't want any fast-talking salesman steamrolling me into anything! On that point, are there any good camera shops in the midlands that would have a good selection on site to try?