looking for first dslr

[kjmdrumz3]

I have done quite a bit of searching and must say that I am most attracted to the D40X. Ideally, I would like to grab the new D300, but can't justify spending $1800 on the body only to my wife ;) I have always been attracted to photography, but have never been able to afford anything more than a point n' shoot. My wife's father has the D80. He hasn't done much with it, but won't sell it to me. No doubt that I will have absolutely no problems picking up dslr photography but I want to make absolutely sure this is for me before I invest thousands. The camera would be a "do-it-all" type of deal. Indoors, outdoors, action, still, nature, etc. I just LOVE taking pictures. I found a D40X kit with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses for $840 at Adorama.com. Checked them out and they seem to have pretty good reviews. I have also seen bunches of pictures taken with a D40X and they look great! This is basically my "new to dslr" camera and I want it to be a jack of all trades. Doesn't neccesarily have to be a master of any. Any tips or hints? Thanks -Adam

[TheWengler]

A couple things. I don't think the features the D40x adds to the D40 is worth the extra cost. I would get the D40 and put the extra money towards other needs. Also, you probably want the 55-200 VR lens which probably isn't the one you're getting in the 2 lens kit you mentioned.

[Rooz]

save some money and get the d40 kit plus the 55-200VR. unless you're printing photos at A3 size, you won;t notice the difference and with the money you save you cna pick up a bunch of other accessories.

[fionndruinne]

Well, the D40 isn't necessarily a jack of all trades, because there are some features it lacks compared to many slightly higher-tiered entry level cameras. But it is pretty masterful at what it does do, which is take very high quality photos easily and reliably. I never cease to enjoy using it.

But, as you'll no doubt hear from other people too, the D40x model is not worth the upgrade in pixels for its $200 over the D40. A 6MP DSLR is plenty large and sharp enough for 11x14 prints and above, unless you like to crop your work a lot. I would say you could get the D40 with kit lens plus the 55-200mm VR (the second lens of the kit offered if that is the better option - some two-lens kits sell the older 55-200mm non-VR which is not worth buying, as the VR version is so much better) for about $150 less than the kit you're looking at if you shop around.

You may find the D40 limiting; you may not. It depends on where your passion takes you. It is considered easily one of the best starter DSLRs, and if you plan on eventually upgrading (say to the D300), buying this camera is a wise move to learn with and hone your craft. Lens options are there, but may be more costly, as you'll find a Sigma EX with HSM, somewhat "EX"pensive and more pro-oriented, is sometimes the only option for a lens that fully supports the D40. However, Sigma EX models are very value-priced for what they are, and certainly there's no reason to complain about buying a more rugged, well-put-together lens. Plus, Nikon has a good range of more consumer-oriented, but good quality, AF-S lenses which will autofocus, mostly in the telephoto arena (the 18-200mm VR is a standout, as is the 70-300mm VR).

[erichlund]

I have done quite a bit of searching and must say that I am most attracted to the D40X. Ideally, I would like to grab the new D300, but can't justify spending $1800 on the body only to my wife ;) I have always been attracted to photography, but have never been able to afford anything more than a point n' shoot. My wife's father has the D80. He hasn't done much with it, but won't sell it to me. No doubt that I will have absolutely no problems picking up dslr photography but I want to make absolutely sure this is for me before I invest thousands. The camera would be a "do-it-all" type of deal. Indoors, outdoors, action, still, nature, etc. I just LOVE taking pictures. I found a D40X kit with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses for $840 at Adorama.com. Checked them out and they seem to have pretty good reviews. I have also seen bunches of pictures taken with a D40X and they look great! This is basically my "new to dslr" camera and I want it to be a jack of all trades. Doesn't neccesarily have to be a master of any. Any tips or hints? Thanks -Adam

If you have Costco near you, they have the D40x kit with both lenses for about this price, and it IS the VR version. At least the Costco in Fullerton CA has that setup. Worth checking out it this is the way you decide to go, because most kits with both have the non VR version, and that's just not nearly as good a deal.

I wonder. Has anyone actually done the math to figure out what a 6mp crop is from a 10mp image? By that, I mean this. Say you've mounted your 55-200VR at 200mm and you shoot the 10mp image. Now you crop out the center 6mp. What size lens would you need on the D40 to get that crop? I understand that there is also a quality of pixel issue, but given equivalent pixel values, it would be interesting to know how much additional reach I'm getting for that money.

[kjmdrumz3]

After hours of research (just ask the wife lol), and me being a newcomer from p+s's, I think I want to go with the D40. I have seen some great-looking photos come out of the D40's. I would ideally like to get the body only and get 1 or 2 quality lenses, but the problem I am having is that I can't find them body-only. Should I just go ahead and get the cheapest kit (18-55mm) and add 1 lens to it? $480 from Amazon.com for the D40 and 18-55mm lens. I figure that any lens(es) I add to the collection would also come in use if I chose to upgrade the camera. Any suggestions?

[erichlund]

Let me make this suggestion. Right now you don't know what you want in a second lens. How can we possibly tell you what you need, if we don't know what you want to shoot?

Set aside some money for another lens, but don't buy one yet. Get the camera and kit lens. I'm not sure it's easy to find the D40, body only, but I could be wrong. Use the camera for a few weeks, like through the Thanksgiving holiday.

While you are using it, decide whether you need more length (need a telephoto), or you can't get close enough (need a macro), or need to fit more in (need an ultra wide angle). This will lead you to your next purchase.

[kjmdrumz3]

Let me make this suggestion. Right now you don't know what you want in a second lens. How can we possibly tell you what you need, if we don't know what you want to shoot?

Set aside some money for another lens, but don't buy one yet. Get the camera and kit lens. I'm not sure it's easy to find the D40, body only, but I could be wrong. Use the camera for a few weeks, like through the Thanksgiving holiday.

While you are using it, decide whether you need more length (need a telephoto), or you can't get close enough (need a macro), or need to fit more in (need an ultra wide angle). This will lead you to your next purchase.

That's exactly what ran through my head as soon as I posted my last response! :D
I'm thinking I might pick up the kit tomorrow so I can use it at Disneyworld next week. Even out of the box it should out perform the wife's p+s 7.2MP, correct?

[TheWengler]

I'm pretty sure the D40 isn't available body only. For me the first noticeable difference between an SLR and a P&S is the depth of field control. If you understand how to use DOF then that will help a lot.

[kjmdrumz3]

1. I'm pretty sure the D40 isn't available body only. 2. For me the first noticeable difference between an SLR and a P&S is the depth of field control. If you understand how to use DOF then that will help a lot.

1. No, it isn't. Just read that.
2. I'm the type of person that tends to pick things up really quickly. I immerse myself in it. I think with some hands-on, and maybe a guide (magic lantern) I shouldn't have a problem getting some decent pics. At least decent enough to let her SEE that it is worth the investment. Hell, she'll probably end up using it more than me anyway. I often call her a "picture wh***" (not in a bad way lol). That girl won't go anywhere without her camera! :)

[Rooz]

make sure you practice with new new cam b4 you take in on hols. the d40's inbuilt help guides are excellent to get you started but there's nothing better than practice, practice, practice.

[kjmdrumz3]

make sure you practice with new new cam b4 you take in on hols. the d40's inbuilt help guides are excellent to get you started but there's nothing better than practice, practice, practice.

Agreed. I tend to learn better from seeing/hands-on over reading anyway.

[kjmdrumz3]

Should be getting it today!!! I am sooo excited. I haven't been this excited in a long time! The wife has just made me extremely happy! Hope to be joining in on the picture posting fun shortly. Special thanks to everyone on this board who has shared their knowledge (novice to professional) to people like me looking to make the dSLR jump! :D

[WestCoast]

If you're looking for a good consumer-grade telephoto and really need/want the 10 megapixels, you might want to consider the D40x without the kit lens ($550 on Amazon.com) and the Nikkor 70-300 VR lens ($470 on Amazon.com). The lady at the local camera shop told me that Nikon is offering a $100 instant rebate when one purchases this lens with either a D40, D40x, or D80 (runs from 11/18 through 12/31). I'm not sure if Amazon.com (or anybody else) will honor that offer, but your local Nikon-authorized dealer probably will.

[kjmdrumz3]

If you're looking for a good consumer-grade telephoto and really need/want the 10 megapixels, you might want to consider the D40x without the kit lens ($550 on Amazon.com) and the Nikkor 70-300 VR lens ($470 on Amazon.com). The lady at the local camera shop told me that Nikon is offering a $100 instant rebate when one purchases this lens with either a D40, D40x, or D80 (runs from 11/18 through 12/31). I'm not sure if Amazon.com (or anybody else) will honor that offer, but your local Nikon-authorized dealer probably will.

Thanks for the info. I think I'm gonna go with the D40 kit with the 18-55 lens for now. Can always upgrade glass later with the saved money, and I have seen some beautiful shots come out of a D40!:cool:

[fionndruinne]

Congratulations on the camera! It's really quite easy to pick up and use, but I'd recommend setting it in P mode (programmable auto) instead of full auto, where you can't control flash (or ISO sensitivity when auto-ISO is on). Use the exposure compensation button to fine-tune exposure (often -0.3 makes better photos with the D40 - it overexposes slightly in auto modes). I'd also recommend picking the focus area yourself, rather than using the default focus mode (which uses the "closest subject" in its focus points to focus on). I use single-area AF all the time, and use the four-way controller to select which of the three points I want to use. It's extremely handy. Also you might want to turn off auto ISO. I programmed the Fn button on the side of the camera to control ISO speed, so I can quickly change it for different situations. As is always the case (when you know what you're doing), you can make better judgments than your camera's auto mode can.

Magic Lantern guides are good - I'd even recommend getting deep into the Nikon manual. It's really informative. When all is said and done, this is a camera that's easy to learn. It just may seem a little overwhelming at first.

[kjmdrumz3]

I just read a review on the D40 that I haven't read yet. It said that not only can you change the settings, but the LCD actually shows you what they are for. Priceless, IMO, to a novice like myself.

[fionndruinne]

That's right, just highlight a setting then hold down the magnification(-) button. There's a lot more info than one might expect.

[kjmdrumz3]

Picked up the camera this evening. Ordered a D40, 2gb card, camera bag from Circuit City. We get to the store to pick it up and guess what? The camera bag isn't the one I ordered. She double checks, and tells me it's the exact same one.....it's not. But then I notice that the box says "D40X" on it. I get curious. After she got done scanning everything into the computer that we picked it up, i ask her if I can look in the box to make sure everything is there. She says that it's fine. I go straight for the body......D40X!!! I asked her to repeat the total to me so I know everything is good. She says $562 and change (including tax)! I got the D40X kit for the same price as the D40. $496 and change for a brand new 10.2MP D40X. I'll take the cheaper bag. I'm not saying a word :p

[Rooz]

yeeee haaa !!!!!! great stuff. i love hearing stories like that.
congrats !

:D

[kjmdrumz3]

yeeee haaa !!!!!! great stuff. i love hearing stories like that.
congrats !

:D

You know, I've always been an honest person when it comes to money. When I was a teen I always cashed my paycheck at a local convienence (sp?) store. One time the guy gave me $200 too much. I gave it back. Circuit City.......they won't miss it. Apparently the camera was inventoried as a D40 cause they scanned it once when I ordered to set it aside, and again when pickup was confirmed. Someone got lazy, and I got the reward ;)

[fionndruinne]

Something tells me an electronics giant like Circuit City won't go without winter heat for that mistake, so it's all good!

I'm jealous though... you've got a D40x, 2GB card and bag for $20 more than I bought my D40 for.:mad::p

Enjoy!

[kjmdrumz3]

Something tells me an electronics giant like Circuit City won't go without winter heat for that mistake, so it's all good!

I'm jealous though... you've got a D40x, 2GB card and bag for $20 more than I bought my D40 for.:mad::p

Enjoy!


Yeah, I'm sure they will find the money lost between the cushins :p
I couldn't believe it.....still can't. Brand new D40X with 18-55 lens for $496. Beat that!!! lol.
I've been taking pics all night, soon as the battery charged. I'm not quite as lost as I was when I first turned it on, and I have already realized the value of a good tripod!!!

[mtbykr]

Picked up the camera this evening. Ordered a D40, 2gb card, camera bag from Circuit City. We get to the store to pick it up and guess what? The camera bag isn't the one I ordered. She double checks, and tells me it's the exact same one.....it's not. But then I notice that the box says "D40X" on it. I get curious. After she got done scanning everything into the computer that we picked it up, i ask her if I can look in the box to make sure everything is there. She says that it's fine. I go straight for the body......D40X!!! I asked her to repeat the total to me so I know everything is good. She says $562 and change (including tax)! I got the D40X kit for the same price as the D40. $496 and change for a brand new 10.2MP D40X. I'll take the cheaper bag. I'm not saying a word :p



I guess then it's no surprise that the Circuit City in our town went out of business.....looks like they don't run too tight a ship!:D

[Texan_Eagle_Scout]

Never mind it looks like you already bought...

Either way the the comments are still valid:

I don't want to talk you out of a DSLR because they are fantastic cameras. I would be shooting one myself if I had the money to buy the one I want with accessories.

But to avoid spending "thousands" as you said, what about an advanced point-and-shoot like the Canon S5-IS. I have the S2 model and it has served very well as a "do everything" camera. I have all the manual settings my wife's Nikon D50 has, and often I am able to do things she can't. Check the reviews on this site and filter the results for "over 10x zoom"

It travels well, and the battery life is fantastic, it uses AA batteries, it has a hot shoe for flashes (the S5 that is), the flash can be used on a Canon DSLR, memory cards are cheap, it records video with stereo sound, and it can take phenomenal pictures with the 12x zoom (a 35-430 35mm equiv if I recall).

The negatives will include, no interchangable lenses, fewer ISO speeds, and the fact that it's not a DSLR, which in the right hands can and will take better photos, but only if the knowledge to operate the camera is there. The S2-S5 is almost no learning curve to use out of the box until you get into the advanced funtions.

[WestCoast]

Wow, good for you!... (even if it's bad for Circuit City). :p

[OldOlympus]

Congrats on the new camera and the great deal!

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I thought I'd post my question here so I didn't create another thread that would clog up the forum...

I'm looking to upgrade from my 6-yr old 3MP Olympus P&S to a dslr. I have a max budget of $800 (with lenses) and mostly shoot landscapes and wildlife. Definitely an amateur photographer, but not afraid of practicing or taking time to learn a camera.

I've narrowed my choice down to a few cameras but can't decide which direction I should go as I plan on enlarging my photos and framing them.

Choices
Pentax K100D and K10D - Have not seen these yet, but like the feature sets. Will the K100D provide enough MP, since I want to enlarge photos?
Rebel XT and XTI - Felt a little small, but like the camera overall.
Nikon D40/D40x -Great feel, but will MP on D40 be large enough?

Would it be better if I focus on getting a less expensive camera and choose a nicer lense, or pick a better camera and get the standard kit lense?

Very overwhelmed, so would appreciate the advice!

[Rooz]

Choices
Pentax K100D and K10D - Have not seen these yet, but like the feature sets. Will the K100D provide enough MP, since I want to enlarge photos?
Rebel XT and XTI - Felt a little small, but like the camera overall.
Nikon D40/D40x -Great feel, but will MP on D40 be large enough?

Would it be better if I focus on getting a less expensive camera and choose a nicer lense, or pick a better camera and get the standard kit lense?

Very overwhelmed, so would appreciate the advice!

the k100/ xt/ d40 will print up to A3 size. anything up to say an 8x12 and the differences are not even noticeable between the d40/ 40x. once you go over 8x12 you may start picking up on some small differences if you try really hard.

definately focus on less expensive body and better glass. work out what you want to shoot, what your budget is and what features are importatnt to you first then pick the one that feels good/ comfortable to hold and use for yourself.

[fionndruinne]

I'd say definitely get an inexpensive body and a couple of good lenses. If you go the Nikon route, say the 70-300mm VR for wildlife (unless you can afford something better, i.e., lower-light capable) and the Sigma 10-20mm HSM for landscapes.

[OldOlympus]

Thank you for the advice! I am leaning towards the Pentax K100D Super and kit lens. I think it has the most features I'm looking for and with the current rebate, it won't break the bank.