Thoughts on Nikon D40 DSLR

2009-02-28 13:39:28

#1

zeidmaan: Member; +234|6678|Vienna

so I decided to buy a camera since my old Olympus doesn't work any more. I was thinking 150ish to 200€ for a good point-and-shoot with as much manual settings as possible. But today I see a special offer in a shop, a Nikon D40 with a 18-55 mm lens for 299€. After some googling it seems that its the cheapest DSLR but its quite good. There are some complaints about it not beeing compatible with old lenses but that doesnt affect me. Also people complain that the lens that comes with the camera is nothing special, but for this price Im not expecting miracles.

Its more than I was thinking of spending but I can manage it.

Since my knowledge is limited I have 2 questions:
is it better to get the cheapest DSLR or for roughly the same price one of better normal cameras?

and what are your thoughts on D40? Does anyone have it?
I searched the forums and I saw it get recommended couple of times, specially by crazeD.

Here is a review:

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras … 56779.html

Thanks

2009-02-28 13:47:18

#2

jaymz9350: Member; +54|6841

I would definitely go for the D40 over any point and shoot. My wife just got a Canon Rebel XS (not that much better than a D40) to replace our decent point and shoot and I wouldn't touch the point and shoot for anything now.

2009-02-28 13:50:44

#3

kylef: Gone; +1,352|6757|N. Ireland

My brother's got one - here's his flickr.

2009-02-28 14:18:59

#4

zeidmaan: Member; +234|6678|Vienna

jaymz9350 wrote:
I would definitely go for the D40 over any point and shoot. My wife just got a Canon Rebel XS (not that much better than a D40) to replace our decent point and shoot and I wouldn't touch the point and shoot for anything now.

Im definitely leaning towards the D40 unless there is some big flaw with it.

kylef wrote:
My brother's got one - here's his flickr.

Some great pictures there, although he sure likes to photograph walls and doors
Is he happy with it?

2009-02-28 14:48:56

#5

kylef: Gone; +1,352|6757|N. Ireland

Haha yes. He's very happy - although he's spent so much on lenses (about £1000 in total!!) that he's trying to cut back a bit now. But it's a fantastic camera, he loves it.

edit: btw haven't seen you here in a while - nice to see you back.

Last edited by kylef (2009-02-28 14:51:47)

2009-02-28 18:35:44

#6

ghettoperson: Member; +1,943|6913

I've got a D40, it's a great entry level camera. Only thing you need to watch out for is that when you're buying new lenses you need ones with the AF motor built in, otherwise you're just stuck with manual focus. Which isn't a huge deal, but can be annoying. Lenses with an AF motor are a bit harder to find, but do exist. When I decide I really, really need a new lens, I'll probably sell it on, although the 18-55 on there right now does me fine for most stuff.

2009-03-01 03:56:55

#7

Shakez: Member; +39|6434

If I would buy a new one, I'd definitely go for the Nikon D40 or D60.
They do their job very well. So if you're looking forward to buy the D40, go for it.

2009-03-01 04:41:21

#8

zeidmaan: Member; +234|6678|Vienna

ghettoperson wrote:
I've got a D40, it's a great entry level camera. Only thing you need to watch out for is that when you're buying new lenses you need ones with the AF motor built in, otherwise you're just stuck with manual focus. Which isn't a huge deal, but can be annoying. Lenses with an AF motor are a bit harder to find, but do exist. When I decide I really, really need a new lens, I'll probably sell it on, although the 18-55 on there right now does me fine for most stuff.

Yeah I've read that about the lenses. But its doubtful I'll be buying any in near future.
So far I've found nothing but praise for the camera. At the moment 90% chance for buying it

Special_Op wrote:
If I would buy a new one, I'd definitely go for the Nikon D40 or D60.
They do their job very well. So if you're looking forward to buy the D40, go for it.

I saw the D60 in the shop as well but its too pricey for me atm.

2009-03-01 04:58:56

#9

unnamednewbie13: Moderator; +2,053|7035|PNW

Canon EOS 5D Mark II w/ Rode Stereo VideoMic w/ Dead Kitten

...perhaps some other time.

2009-03-05 06:27:30

#10

zeidmaan: Member; +234|6678|Vienna

Bought it

https://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/zeidmaan/nikonbox.jpg

I have a feeling its going to take me some time to learn how to use it

2009-03-05 08:41:48

#11

ghettoperson: Member; +1,943|6913

Sweet, nice one dude! Get yourself a lens hood (HB-45) and you can look more pro like me!

2009-03-05 12:25:10

#12

some_random_panda: Flamesuit essential; +454|6654

I'm fairly sure my friend has one. It's a nikon with a large aperture, but might not be the same number. Excellent picture quality even in dim light, though, and doesn't need flash.

2009-03-05 14:10:28

#13

kylef: Gone; +1,352|6757|N. Ireland

18-55 is a nice all round lens to play with. First step: switch away from automatic and don't look back!

2009-03-05 15:12:19

#14

max: Vela Incident; +1,652|6831|NYC / Hamburg

kylef wrote:
First step: switch away from automatic and don't look back!

Truth

_{once upon a midnight dreary, while i pron surfed, weak and weary, over many a strange and spurious site of ' hot xxx galore'. While i clicked my fav'rite bookmark, suddenly there came a warning, and my heart was filled with mourning, mourning for my dear amour, " 'Tis not possible!", i muttered, " give me back my free hardcore!"..... quoth the server, 404.}

BF2S Forums Thoughts on Nikon D40 DSLR

jaymz9350 wrote:

kylef wrote:

ghettoperson wrote:

Special_Op wrote:

kylef wrote:

Board footer