What is the right choice?

JAW · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:55 am Post subject: What is the right choice?

Ok, i'm on a [fairly] strict budget and i need a DSLR. I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, though if you have other ideas i'd be happy to hear.

Right now i'm stuck betweeen the Nikon D40 & the D40X. There's an £100 difference in price (approximately) which is a large factor. The D40 is about £300 (just right) whereas the D40X is about £400. My question is; is it worth the extra £100?

I'm going to want this camera to last a for a while and i'll probably be buying different lenses for it later.

Info on the D40

Info on the D40X

What do you think? All advice appreciated!

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Meercat · Just Over Average User Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 100

Your lens choice will be limited with either as they won't autofocus with the AF lenses - a fact that I wasn't that bothered about when I bought my D40, but quickly changed my mind (should have listened to hamish). The lens choice issue nudged me towards upgrading after 8 months of use.

However, if that doesn't deter you then the only thing to think about is how large prints you might want to make - that is where the pixel difference will be noticed. Is it worth a £100? If making larger prints is that important then it could be. If not, then I'd put the £100 towards a better lens than the awful 17-55 that comes with both cameras.

For your budget, the D40 is a great camera though. You can get some fantastic shots with it. I think the D40X price is too close to the D80 price to warrant it. You get a lot more camera with a D80.

bluebomberx · Quite High User Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Posts: 134

Do you already have Nikon glass? If not, check out Pentax. They are compatible with all previous Pentax K, KA, KAF and KAF2 mount lenses and have built-in image stabilizer.

Hamish · Forum Veteran Joined: 29 Sep 2006 Posts: 1011

The differences between the D40X and D40 are:

* 10 megapixel sensor
* Lower base sensitivity (ISO 100 vs ISO 200)
* Auto ISO option includes ISO 200
* Faster continuous shooting (3 fps vs. 2.5 fps)

10MP isn't important if you don't crop. 6MP is fine. I've enlarged prints from my D50 to 30" x 20" and they look okay.

If money were tight and I was buying a Nikon I'd look for a D50. It's able to AF with screw type lenses, has more AF points for composition, and feels a (little) bit more like an SLR than the tiny D40/D40X. It'd be worth considering IMO.

However, if I was choosing between the two then I'd probably go for the D40 instead of the D40X. You could pick up a cheap strobe flash and get a set of Ebay slaves, or a better lens with the £100 saved. Better to spend money on decent lenses. New cameras come along all the time, whereas lenses last a long time.
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JAW · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your help meercat. Are AF lenses the standard ones most places sell then?

If you think the D40 or D40X are bad choices what would you reccomend instead for near the £300 mark?

Meercat · Just Over Average User Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 100

I'd agree with Hamish - look for a D50.

Or even a 2nd hand D70.

JAW · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your help everyone.

How much does a d50 retail at? (and how much could i get one for on ebay/cheapest retailer?)
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Meercat · Just Over Average User Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 100

D50 doesn't retail anywhere much anymore as it was discontinued a while back.

Here's a main body on Ebay from someone claiming to be an official Nikon dealer. Would leave you with enough left over for a lens. I'd check the warranty with them first. If its full manufacturer's warranty you could be in business.

Hamish · Forum Veteran Joined: 29 Sep 2006 Posts: 1011

JAW - any AF lens will pretty much work with current DSLRs except from the D40. The difference is:

AF-S lenses have a motor in the lens.

The older AF ones use a screw focus where the motor in the camera drives the AF.

The D40/D40X doesn't have the motor and screw attachment so doesn't AF with non AF-S lenses. They will still work, but you'll have to manually focus. It's a shame as there are a lot of great prime Nikon lenses that won't AF with the D40. Hopefully Nikon will update a lot of their older prime lenses with AF-S but they haven't yet.

Whatever camera you're thinking of, I'd try and have a play with them first. Make sure that the camera feels good in your hands. Have a look at Nikon & Canon and compare them to the Pentax you've been borowing. Having a camera that feels right is like a bike that feels right. You'll use it and enjoy it more.
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JAW · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:11 am Post subject:

Yeah it's definitely a good idea to try before you buy. Mind you i am a gambler in that respect; i brought my kona stinky without ever having ridden it before but i love it. If the D50 is discontinued i won't be able to see/try it before i buy it, i suppose.

Hamish · Forum Veteran Joined: 29 Sep 2006 Posts: 1011

JAW · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject:

JAW · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject:

Hey quickly need your help guys! What do you think of this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/As-new-Niko...PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm thinking of going for it and it ends tonight. Any second opinions quickly???

Cheers!
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Hamish · Forum Veteran Joined: 29 Sep 2006 Posts: 1011

Worth a bid at the very least. Kit lens isn't the best but you could easily get something else that's better with a wee bit of pocket money.
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Meercat · Just Over Average User Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 100

Lot of bidders, so the price could rise dramatically by the end of the auction.

Looks a bargain at the moment though.