Nikon D40x

[fullcirclea]

I am ready to upgrade to DSLR I have been using a pentax PZ10 with a 35-200 zoom for years
I use the camera mostly for travel and indoor photos.
So I like the Nikon D40x but I have seen so many different options for sale my idea is to get a kit with the 18-55 lens for now and upgrade to a longer lens later.
B&h has it used and Crutchfield has it new with a Nikkor lens
what do you think is the better option? I havent heard of Nikkor is it a product for overseas? what is the difference? I am not sure about buying a used camera was thinking to get it new? New egg has it reconditioned
any advice for a 1st time DSLR er?

[fionndruinne]

The two-lens kit which includes the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm VR is a good deal; the latter lens (the VR version) is a good addition. If money's tight, though, the 18-55mm is pretty decent. And if money's tight, you ought to go with the D40 rather than the 'x' version.

[Visual Reality]

Nikkor = Nikon.

[btuner]

d40x is on its way out, just stick with the d40

[fullcirclea]

Size ( because I use it for travel )is a factor so is price I see there are not to many D40x around plenty of d40's I wanted 10 mp because I have a 5 mp p&s and am not to impressed with the colors one of the reasons I stuck with film for so long

why would you recommend the d40 over the d40x?
and why are they out?

Idont want 2 lenses I'd rather use the 18-55 till I can get a one long zoom like my old one. I find I am too clumsy to switch lenses in the middle of a tourist crowd.

[ssil2000]

Size ( because I use it for travel )is a factor so is price I see there are not to many D40x around plenty of d40's I wanted 10 mp because I have a 5 mp p&s and am not to impressed with the colors one of the reasons I stuck with film for so long

why would you recommend the d40 over the d40x?
and why are they out?

Idont want 2 lenses I'd rather use the 18-55 till I can get a one long zoom like my old one. I find I am too clumsy to switch lenses in the middle of a tourist crowd.

Hi there,
first off nikkor is nikon, just the lenses fall under nikkor brand.
as for d40 vs d40x vs 5mp p&s... you need to forget about the p&s, you cannot compare a 5mp p&s with a 6mp dslr, its like comparing apples and oranges. the only real reason to look at d40x is if you plan on making very large prints from your photos, the d40 with 18-55 is great deal and you will not be dissappointed. the one main downside of the d40 d40x and d60 is the lack of internal focus motor, basically this means any non af-s or af-i lenses will be manual focus only. an example of this is the nikkor primes (50mm 85mm 35mm etc) for new nikkor zooms this is not an issue as they are all (if not all most) af-s.
now as for second lens the 55-200vr (vr is vibration reduction) is a great entry level tele, due to the dx format the 55-200 picture angle is equivelent to that produced by an 80mm-300mm lens. if you need more info i am sure you can google "dx-format dslr"

if you are not convinced d40s can take high enough quality images have a look at this thread (http://dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28957) and i think you will be plesantly surprised :)

hope this makes sense and helps you with your purchase. :)

Sergio

[fullcirclea]

Wow the photos in the thread are good! OK,OK I will have a look at the D40 ;)
af lenses are not an issue with me because I have never owned a Nikon before so I would buy new or used but not anything that wouldn't work. I like the 18-135 lens, what do you think?
It sounds as though I will have to relearn everything I know to shoot with a DSLR, can anyone recommend an online tutorial? Thanks !

[WestCoast]

why would you recommend the d40 over the d40x?
and why are they out?

The D40x is not "on its way out." Both it and the D40 will be sold widely for at least another year or two.

If you don't do a lot of cropping, I'd recommend the D40 over the D40x (6 and 10 megapixes, respectively) because it's a good $100 cheaper and there aren't any significant differences between the two. More megapixels will allow you to crop more and still maintain good IQ, but it won't change the inherent photo quality. What WILL change your photo quality tremendously will be going from your old compact to a DSLR. The D40 and D40x will have approximately the same image quality.

Agreed with fionn that the D40 with the kit lens and the 55-200 mm VR is a good setup for somebody new to DSLR photography.

[fullcirclea]

Just wanted to say thanks for the tips. I purchased a D40 last weekend with the kit lens and I must say my photos of the band in a low lit bar came out pretty good. I am pleased with my purchase. Thanks again! :)

[bass7858]

hi all,
bought a d40x a couple weeks ago. got the 2 kit lenses. however, i did not get the vr version of either. no probs...i have a decent tripod/monopod and have taken some decent pics i'm proud of.
the kicker is...today i went into the local family owned non corporate camera shop. i had in mind picking up one of the 50mm f/1.8 lenses. already knew it would not auto focus on the 40 series. all the internet shops had them listed....but were either out of stock or had what they were selling labeled as "grey" or imported, with non standard warranty. hmm.
anyway got one at the local dealership...with 5 yr warranty... went home and some serious fun for a couple hrs!! no prob focusing it....its clear as a bell.
what really gave me alot of enjoyment was putting the camera in the manual mode.....then making the adustments the meter recommended. did not take a bad pic. did make a some clunkers this eve right at dusk. mostly because of hand held/ longer shutter times. i'm learning though.
here would be my suggestion....and i admit to having no real experience.
get a d40-40x body......forget kit lenses....buy u a 50mm f/1.8 and have yourself some serious fun learning your camera. no the auto focus wont work. but if u can see at all its really fast to focus. and u will take some darned near incredible pics right off the bat.
having said that the 2 kit lenses are ok. they take nice pics too. they just dont pop like the pics u can take with the 50mm.
u can prolly get a d40 body and the lens for about $500-$550. maybe cheaper if u REALLY dig.
just a novice opinion.