Nikon D40 vs D40x - Page 2 - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

DigiScrapaholicMom · #9 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

Joy,get the D40X! A friend of mine just got one

It's AWESOME!

Tracey R (Haley64) · #10 (**permalink**) 02-22-2008

Now I am the one confused by researching so much!

My son's girlfriend just got the NikonD40X, so I have gotten to hold it and I liked how it felt (and sounded lol)

I am looking at this camera package at RitzCamera

I comparision shopped at amazon trying to put together the similar package and can't find it cheaper anywhere else $950.00 with the two lenses one with VM.

I need a flash and am looking at this one
It is about $100.00 more at Ritz but they said they would honor a different sites price if I bought it through them.

Now my next issue is what type of memory cards should I buy?
Which are the middle of the road for this camera both on speed writing and durablity?

Back to add a few more questions...
Will I be happy with these two lenses for a average use photographer?
Is the ability not to have the auto focus in the camera so I can use the other lens going to affect me later, besides the price difference I will encounter?
I do not have any old lenses laying around so it's not like I need to match them up with my new camera.

Oh yeah almost forgot I don't have any memory card reader slots on my computer....sssoooooo to get the photo's from the camera unto my computer do I just use the USB cable to download them?

How do I know if a certain circular polarizer will fit onto my lens?

(leaving this space empty incase I have more questions! LOL)

Pesto any clues and info you can offer at this point are greatly appreciated!

Pesto126 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

Ok.. here we go..

The Nikon D40 is a very nice "intro" DSLR. The thing you "lose" by buying the D40 (or D60) is the fact that you cannot use any older lenses. The D40 doesn't have an internal screw drive motor for powering lenses... so you are forced to use the newer lenses that have a motor built into them. This means that you will never be able to upgrade to the better lenses (and you lose out on a huge used market - I buy all my lenses used from other professional photographers). Other than that.. it is a very nice camera.

The kit... well... I always avoid kits because the lenses they include are typically inferior to what you will really want later on. Having said that... you'll probably be fine with what is included. If you are coming for a P&S world, you'll notice some difference. However, once you get a hold of a pro lens.. you'll never want to go back. Keep in mind the price difference though... the pro 17-55 lens I use on my camera cost me more than the price of the whole kit..... USED! I paid around $950 for the lens.. it retails for over $1200 new. So, it is all a matter of how much you can afford.

The flash is awesome... it is basically the top of the line Nikon flash and I use this on my camera. The model that is one step down is also great (and about $100 cheaper) but doesn't allow you to remotely control other flashes... if this isn't important to you, I'd be the SB-600 and save some $$$... I use my SB-800 to remotely trigger and talk with other SB-800 flashes and other strobes for a studio setup... much improved over the built in flash.

Just so you know... I highly recommend the now discontinued D50 over the D40... you can find a lightly used D50 in the used market for around $375... couple that with the 18-70 F3.5 for $200 used and you have yourself an awesome setup... or you could buy the 18-200 VR for around $600 used and for the price of your kit.. you'd have a complete 1 lense setup that is better quality glass than the kit lenses..

As for memory cards, you'll need SD cards for the D40 - you'll definitely want to get a high speed card... you'll notice the difference if you shoot RAW with the camera and take 3-4 photos in a row. I like Kingston and Sandisk.. buy them (and other things) at newegg.com and read the reviews. I buy all my PC equip from newegg... they are the best online company out there. I'd recommend buying a card reader from them too.. can be found for only $15 or less and it is so much easier than using the camera and USB cable.. you also save your camera battery that way too.

Polarizers/UV protector will depend on the size of the lenses... you can find out the info online and then you'll want to get a good one - the quality of these vary greatly from the lowly Quanteray from Ritz camera to the awesome B&H... prices vary accordingly of course... welcome to an expensive hobby.

Good Luck... and as always.. let me know if I can answer any other questions (or spend your money for you!)..

Tracey R (Haley64) · #12 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

I am taking in everything you said pesto but are you also saying that the packages don't have as good of glass quality in the lenses?

you'd have a complete 1 lense setup that is better quality glass than the kit lenses..

Darn this is hard, do you just want my credit card and you can make up my mind and surprize me! LOL

Pesto126 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

Well.. I just had typed a huge message to you.. then accidetnly hit Back and lost it!! Ouchy..

So.. here is the shortened version..
Yes - the glass is the most important thing because at the rate of digital advances, the body is a replaceable item almost yearly... where good quality lenses from 20 years ago are still coveted and used on today's body.
So - I'd recommend you skip the D40 and buy a used D50 (or D80) and a better quality used lens... the kit lenses for the D40 are really not that great and although I'm sure you will take great pictures with them... the resale value on them will be very small and the quality of better glass is just so much better.

I was able to find some great used deals for your review... I use this site to purchase all my used equip and it is very reliable. check these out:

D80 - almost new! $725: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/617827
18-200 VR - very nice range.. $600: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/618385
D50 - might be sold? $375: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/599481/0#5267624

Just some ideas... and.. I'd love to spend your money for you.. I do it for all my friends!

Tracey R (Haley64) · #14 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

Oh wow I am so sorry and hate that when long posts go off into nowhere land!

Ok I have spend hours looking through things again and rethinking my options!

My lack of a longer response is due to being overwhelmed with info, right now I couldn't make a decent sounding question if I tried! LOL

edited to add: I few days ago I actually placed my order but it was denied due to my credit limit on the card I used. So ya see, I am thinking this is something telling me not to go with the package deal! LOL So instead of a researched impluse buy...I now have to think a little more!

Pesto126 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008

Sorry... don't mean to add so much info to the thought process but it's like watching people go into a Best Buy store and buying a PC from a store salesperson... they say they just need a PC for email and web surfing and wind up walking out of the store spending $1500...

dpreview.com is an ok resource for looking at things.. but it has gone downhill in recent months (wonder if amazon.com buying it out had anything to do with it?)..