Hi everyone!
I've been saving up for my first DSLR - done my research, etc and I've decided to get a Nikon D40. I haven't quite saved enough yet but DH says he'll pay for the balance. He thinks I should get the D40x instead of the D40.

In my research, there are only 3 differences between the 2 models.
1. D40's 6MP vs. D40x's 10 MP
2. 2.5 frames per sec vs. 3 frames per sec
3. D40's lowest ISO setting is 200 vs. D40x's 100

Everything else is the same.

Question:
Which should I get? Are the upgrades worth the price difference of around $170+? I'm thinking with the price difference , I can get an extra lens, or other accesories with the D40 instead of getting the D40x.

Any ideas? Am I overthinking this? I've been researching so much, my head is spinning! LOL.
Thank you so much!

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*JOY*

Go for the X. I personally can't imagine not having an ISO value of 100. The pixels thing isn't a big deal unless you are into making really big prints. Guess not knowing what you are going to be taking pics of, it's hard to tell if the frames per sec would be important to you....but if you do sports, pets, kids, fast moving, I would say it would be worth it also. (I have the D-80). Assume you've been to these sites, but if not, you might want to read what other D-40 people are discussing. HAVE FUN!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1034

http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcf...conf=DCConfID3

http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcf...1&viewmode=all

I'll go the opposite of Doris... especially in regards to the ISO.. The D40 sensor is just SO much better than the D40x that the ISO 200 is actually much better than ISO 100 on the X. With a higher ISO, you will also take crisper shots because of a higher shutter speed and less camera shake.. with better results than ISO 100 on the X.

I'd buy the D40 personally and save the money on a better lens. In fact, I'd buy the D40 used and save even more! The D40x improved a couple things and took a step back in a few others...
The D40x is 95% the same as the excellent D40, with the following changes:

1.) ~$200 more expensive than the almost identical D40

Put that ~$200 towards the new Nikon 55-200mm VR or the SB-400. Bouncing the $129 (list) SB-400 flash makes a huge difference in photo quality indoors, and megapixels don't.

2.) Slower default ISO: only ISO 100 compared to D40's ISO 200. This can lead to images blurred from subject or camera motion or reduced depth of field as mentioned above. The higher-speed sensor of the D40 allows excellent results at ISO 200 while the less sensitive sensor of the D40x requires ISO100 for the same thing.

3.) Slower 1/200 flash sync, down from the excellent 1/500 of the D40. This reduces flash range outdoors, makes it difficult to get sharp flash shots of sports action, and reduces battery life with flash.

4.) Larger files sizes clog hard drives, memory cards, waste backup CDs, and take more time to transfer, copy, backup and archive. You'll get fewer photos per memory card, which isn't much of an issue today, but waiting for all the other things is. The MP difference is only really important with cropping and 6MP is plenty for that.

Just my 2c's... If you can find a used D40x (rare) for the same price, I'd go with that.. but all-in-all, I'd just buy the D40. Keep in mind that with either the D40 or D40x you are sacrificing a ton of used lens options out there since they won't work on this drive (no drive screw)... may not be an issue for you but just thought I"d mention it.

BTW, I own a D50 (backup) and a D80 (main) and love them both..

Pesto that is really great info. I have the D80 and could probably use some tips from you on bouncing my flash, etc.

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Serena Thomas

Thanks for the replies!

Thanks for the links too Doris! And Pesto, I really appreciate the detailed explanation.
I'm leaning towards the D40 too and maybe get the SB-400 flash. I take a lot of indoor photos of my kids.

BTW, what is ISO anyway?

Oh, and Pesto, I read at another thread a suggestion to get UV filter to protect the lens. what brands are good?

__________________
*JOY*

ISO is a number that represents the sensitivity of the cameras sensor and how it reacts to light. Just like film, the higher the number, the less light is typically needed to make an exposure. However, the downside is that the higher the ISO, the more likely you will have noise in your image which is a result of how the processor works.

The D40 has a better processor in the camera that processes less noise than the D40x. Thus, you will get similar results from a ISO 200 with the D40 than you would ISO 100 with the D40x... but with less noise and camera shake thx to the higher ISO.. make sense?

The ISO 100 is a marketing ploy by Nikon here... people think the lower number must be better.. but its not thx to the processor!

UV filter.. I would skip it. Instead by a circular polarizer to put on the lens. The UV filter really doesn't do anything except protect the lens glass from scratches. The polarizer will help you do 2 things: Cut glare when taking photos of the water and get really nice blue skies. If you have use a circular polarizer, you just want to be sure that you know if your lens turns the front to focus or not - the better lenses do not turn. This allows you to control how you use the CP - some times you are going to want to turn it to avoid water reflections (see the bottom of a pond) while other times you might want that reflection to appear (trees reflecting in the water)... CP's cost between $15 and $150 .. I'd get one in between around $40 or so.. B&H, Tiffen and Kona make good ones... Hoya are generally cheaper but not bad. Stay away from quanteray and the like sold at places like Ritz camera....

Thanks!

__________________
*JOY*

Welcome.. good luck and let me know if I can help further!

Oh.. and I should mention that everyone will tell you something different so in the end.. go with what you want too... Both of great cameras.. but in my technical (and professional) opinion, the D40 is a better deal at the moment unless you find them near the same price new.

Good Luck!!