dSLR n00b status - D40 ftw?

[byt]

So I've been on the fence about getting myself one of these for awhile now and I *think* I've settled on the Nikon D40 as my starting point. Tell me I'm making the right choice! :D

I'll most likely be starting off with the basic 18-55 DX kit lens but have also been scoping out the 18-200 VR beast. *sigh* another $$$ hobby...

[wilson1]

do it!

[wilson1]

Nikon=Evo, Canon=Subies

Welcome to the Darkside..........

:D

[Vicious]

The D40 is a great SLR, and does most things quite well, or even better than some of the higher up models of the Nikon Series. I can't speak to the Canons, but I'm a Nikon guy myself.

On a side note, I do have a D70 w/kit lens (18-70mm) I'm looking to get rid of since I've picked up the D300. It's been a great camera as well.

[DaveLC2]

You know you might want to jump on that D70Â* ^^^Â* From what I understand the D40,D40x and D80 have specific lenses. The options are broader with the D50, D70, D200 etc. The D40 is a really cool camera. It is very small if not the smallest DSLR if I am not mistaken but there is no display on the top. I use the top display daily on my D50. That would kind of bother me. Have a look at dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com) to check out the different cameras and sample shots. The kit lens for the D70 (18-70) is better glass too.

Dave

[steevo8]

Sick camera. The only thing that kept me from getting one for my first slr is that I have friends with canons and the lenses for canons are more readily available.

[Vicious]

Dave is correct on this aspect, many non Nikkor brand lenses may not AF at all on the D40 due to it lacking the necessary screw drive focusing assembly. Again, offer is out there, as I haven't gotten around to ebaying it yet.



You know you might want to jump on that D70 ^^^ From what I understand the D40,D40x and D80 have specific lenses. The options are broader with the D50, D70, D200 etc. The D40 is a really cool camera. It is very small if not the smallest DSLR if I am not mistaken but there is no display on the top. I use the top display daily on my D50. That would kind of bother me. Have a look at dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com) to check out the different cameras and sample shots. The kit lens for the D70 (18-70) is better glass too.

Dave

[earlyapex aka jack ass]

The kit lens for the D70 (18-70) is better glass too.

Dave


the D70 kit lense sucks. Either that or I am spoiled by primes.

[byt]

thanks for the head's up everyone regarding the lenses. i actually came across that fact in my research as it really would cut down on 3rd party lens support. however, since i really am still a n00b i don't see this to be a huge issue initially and by the time i step up to the big boy cams, they should have all the cool gizmos i need.

just curious, how much were you looking to get for the d70 setup? my loving gf is planning on getting me the d40 so i'd need to check if she's already ordered. 8)

[DaveLC2]

The kit lens for the D70 (18-70) is better glass too.

Dave


the D70 kit lense sucks. Either that or I am spoiled by primes.


My D50 kit lens sucks more :lol: I need to pick up new lens. The Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens is what I have my eyes set on :P

Dave

[Vicious]

Was thinking 400ish, obo. Has 5674 actuations, 2nd battery, Firmware updated, Tamrac Velocity 5 bag, and all accessories that came with the Kit. I do not have the user manual available at the moment, as it's put away in storage during construction, but it can be dl'd off of www.nikonusa.com.

Just make sure you use the authorized CF cards with the camera, because the d70 is picky about what card is used if you do end up with a d70.

[bricel24]

^^^ that's a good price for your D70 Chris :shock:




Nikon=Evo, Canon=Subies

Welcome to the Darkside..........

:D



LOL @ Wilson for comparing :lol:

[Matz]

^^^ that's a good price for your D70 Chris :shock:




Nikon=Evo, Canon=Subies

Welcome to the Darkside..........

:D



LOL @ Wilson for comparing :lol:


Hey, I have all Canon cameras!

[bricel24]

^^^ that's a good price for your D70 Chris :shock:




Nikon=Evo, Canon=Subies

Welcome to the Darkside..........

:D



LOL @ Wilson for comparing :lol:


Hey, I have all Canon cameras!


you got PWNT by the Doc :lol:

[RgistRdShowoffIX]

I did some research for school a while ago..

Wilson's right. xD Mitsubishi owns Nikon Corp. ahahahah
http://www.mitsubishi.com/php/users/category_result_member.php?company_id=00000004&lang=1

[wilson1]

I did some research for school a while ago..

Wilson's right. xD Mitsubishi owns Nikon Corp. ahahahah
http://www.mitsubishi.com/php/users/category_result_member.php?company_id=00000004&lang=1


never doubt the darkside...........


:lol:

[UCB]

The kit lens for the D70 (18-70) is better glass too.

Dave


the D70 kit lense sucks. Either that or I am spoiled by primes.


Yeah pretty much every review Ive read said the D70 Kit lens is top notch for what it is

[wilson1]

The kit lens for the D70 (18-70) is better glass too.

Dave


the D70 kit lense sucks. Either that or I am spoiled by primes.


Yeah pretty much every review Ive read said the D70 Kit lens is top notch for what it is


Bryan is right though, he's spoiled with those awesome prime lens.
I never knew how sharp the pics were until i started shooting with my primes, and 2.8 lens again.

[wilson1]

but for what the D70 kit lens is, it is very good.

I would suggest getting a 18-200 Nikon ASAP.

:D

[byt]

Vicious,
Thanks for the sweet price on the D70 but it looks like the D40 order was already placed!

Wilson,
Damnit stop making me drool over that 18-200 vr....

[Vicious]

Good choice, you'll love it I'm sure. And the 18-200 is a great carry around lens as Wilson indicates. Good for most everything.



Vicious,
Thanks for the sweet price on the D70 but it looks like the D40 order was already placed!

Wilson,
Damnit stop making me drool over that 18-200 vr....

[mtsevovii]

^^^ that's a good price for your D70 Chris :shock:




Nikon=Evo, Canon=Subies

Welcome to the Darkside..........

:D



LOL @ Wilson for comparing :lol:


Hey, I have all Canon cameras!


same here :lol: i like them canons.

[earlyapex aka jack ass]

The kit lens for the D70 (18-70) is better glass too.

Dave


the D70 kit lense sucks. Either that or I am spoiled by primes.


Yeah pretty much every review Ive read said the D70 Kit lens is top notch for what it is


I guess it's good for what it is, but it's far from sharp. Plus a decent 35mm prime lense is pretty cheap and I can tell you I notice a very large difference with the photos shot with the kit lense and my f/2D AF 35mm prime. You can pick them up for under $300 nowadays.

Here is a decent comparison:

D70 kit lense:

http://www.bryanmedway.com/thelightneverforgets/albums/arizona/arizona02.jpg

f/2D AF 35mm prime:

http://www.bryanmedway.com/thelightneverforgets/albums/exp/ireland01.jpg

Notice the difference in sharpness overall, specifically in the grass and trees.

[RgistRdShowoffIX]

Brian's rite. There's a drastic difference when using prime versus telephoto. Primes have the wide aperture and the kit lens telephoto has the zoom. The sharpness is actually the best at the apertures the prime lenses are at.


=] my eyes are set on the 18-200 VR next and then the 35 or 28 mm prime :D

[Vicious]

Yup, there is a big difference between a prime and a telephoto, but for what it does, generally, the 18-70 is quite a well received and highly praised lens for it's category.

Btw, since you went with the D40, there is a mod you can do to force it to meter with pre-AI, AI, and AI-S lenses

http://www.alternativemicrosystems.com/D40/

It looks like it's pretty complex and involves taking apart a scavenge lens and your camera and hardwiring in the chip to force aperture control, but if you are mechanically inclined . . . ;p

[byt]

^^ that's a bit too hardcore for me at the moment. :lol:

if all goes well i should be receiving the camera in the mail next week. i can't wait!