Nikon D40 question

[Kathie]

My nephew's wife has a new baby and is really starting to get into photography with her P&S. So, of course, like most of us, she now wants a different camera and is looking at the D40 because of the affordability. I have heard mixed reviews about the lenses you are limited to with that model. Anyone have one and care to jump in? How limited will she be, and do you wish you had a different camera? Guess I am wondering if it is a great starter camera, but one she will outgrow as well?

Would really love having some info from some of you in the know. ;-) THANKS

[katrinak]

I don't have it, but the BIG thing is that she can't get a 50mm with autofocus...and with a new little one that wouldn't be good!

[rsowers]

Now, I could be wrong, but I think they actually came out with a 50 mm with autofocus that is compatible with that camera. My friend just bought one and was so excited because she previously hadn't been able to get. She has the f1.4. She likes it quite a bit and uses it to take pictures of her little ones.

[Kathie]

Oh, I didn't think of having her just do a search of lenses that are compatible. Thanks!!!

[dstnd2be]

I have a D40 and that is my complaint. The lenses that I can find that autofocus are very $$$$$. If you find something different let me know.

[Amy L]

I had one and that was the major issue for me. So I spent more on a better camera body so I could spend more on better lenses. The photographer's sickness, I'm afraid!

I thought they were phasing out the D40 as a starter camera? I think the D90 would be a much better purchase in the long run.

[audrey77]

If she is just starting out- this will be a great camera for her...

It is very light and small- the lack of an internal focus motor is what makes that possible. SO, she would have to use lenses with internal motors in them- which there are a lot.

I started with the kit lens, and then the VR lens (check my signature).

I then manually focused a 50 mm 1.8 (before the 1.4 lens with an internal motor came out).

I did buy a Sigma 30mm 1.4 HSM which has an internal motor in it. I got more serious, after going fully manual mode, and upgraded to a D90.

Personally, I would tell her to get the D40, and take a year or two to learn how to use it (in manual!) and then upgrade to the latest and greatest pro-sumer model available at that time. ;-)

[audrey77]

Originally Posted by Amy L

I thought they were phasing out the D40 as a starter camera? I think the D90 would be a much better purchase in the long run.

The D90 is like more than double the price of a D40 with a kit lens right now... Body only too.

[hendon]

I had the D40X and just really didn't like it. No specific reason - you know when something just doesn't feel right? Also had the problem with the manually focusing 50mm which became a BIG issue for me. I upgraded to the D80 and fell in love with it straight away! Wish I'd gone with it from the beginning.

[rsowers]

I talked to my friend who has the D40, and she said to get the D90. She got the D40 as starter DSLR and wishes she would have gotten the 90.

[Melissa6169]

How about the new Nikon D3000? AND it's affordable.
I haven't done a whole lot of research on it, but the little I have it seems pretty easy for a beginner.
(I think this is taking the place of the D40, but don't quote me)

[roxygirl78]

I spent weeks on this and I just got the D3000, it is advertised as the replacement for the D40 (499 at amazon right now). Same lens issues as the D40, but unless you have a slough of lenses that you can't use from another camera, you only have to worry about paying a little more on lenses when the time comes. You can always compare prices to be sure of the cost effectiveness, for this camera you need the AF-S lenses. I totally love focusing manually, there's this little skip in my heart when the picture clears up and you get just what you are looking for. I'm actually considering getting the manual 50mm just for the challenge of it!

It is half the price of the D90 and I don't know if I will out grow this camera too fast, but it is a chance I had to take because money really was an issue and I wanted a camera now. A lot of photographers keep this camera for their light camera so the ability to sell it down the road body only is totally there. That way you can keep the kit lens when you upgrade down the road. So far I'm totally happy with it no complaints.

So I say, the D3000 is a high end low end camera with enough perks to keep things exciting until a D90 is in reach. Hope that helps give you info on the D3000.

[Melissa6169]

Thank you Michelle for the D3000 input.
I can't understand why Nikon would not put AF on their lenses?
They must have known people didn't like that feature w/ the D40, why go and do it again?

(I like manual focus, but sometimes it seems I have to have something quicker or maybe it's sometimes I don't want to think about it...hmmm laziness maybe? )

Costco had the D3000 kit w/a bonus lens (18-200mmVR) and card reader for $699.00.

I always liked Nikon, had my heart set on a Nikon DSLR years ago, but got talked into a Canon XT. The Canon and me never got along! he he

[roxygirl78]

yes, it does seem that they would have learned from the D40 mistake, but I guess they just needed to keep it toned down. I decided to skip the costco deal because I could use the $200 towards my 50mm which is a lens that I really want. I'm having to be very frugal these days...darn it all to heck!

I do want to clarify though, the camera will auto focus if you get the right kind of lens, but you have to get an AF-S lens.

[DonnaNJ]

The purpose in them doing that is to keep the price down :-( Both my daughter and neice have the D40 and love it.. The 3000 is the new version.. If the 3000 isn't much more expensive I would go for that. Either way if she gets into photography she's going want to upgrade eventually and then she'll go to a whole other level. I started with the D50 which was previous to the 40 and even though I have a D200 now I still use the D50 as a backup and quick snapshots.

[Melissa6169]

Thank you Michelle...I'm going to certainly look into the D3000.
(my husband is going to kill me 'cause of all the headaches of my last DSLR...and now I want to dive into another....ha ha)

Originally Posted by roxygirl78

yes, it does seem that they would have learned from the D40 mistake, but I guess they just needed to keep it toned down. I decided to skip the costco deal because I could use the $200 towards my 50mm which is a lens that I really want. I'm having to be very frugal these days...darn it all to heck!

I do want to clarify though, the camera will auto focus if you get the right kind of lens, but you have to get an AF-S lens.

[audrey77]

I don't think the whole auto focus thing was a mistake on the part of Nikon. Not having that motor in the camera makes it MUCH lighter to hold, and easier for smaller hands to grip. Plus, they're been making lenses with the motor in them, so it's not essential to have it in the camera itself. The past 50mm was just an old lens, but a goody ;-)

[Melissa6169]

Ahhh...I get it Jen...makes sense. It also helps drive the price down a bit I'm sure.

I'm certainly going to look into the D3000, as I think it might fit my hands (they are sooo small) a little better than my Canon did. I held it this morning in Target and it for sure feels lighter.

Thanks for the input; it always helps!

[katrinak]

Is she willing to look at another brand?

[sweetpeony]

Jim Roetzel, who leads our photo walks for CVPS, said "the best camera is the one you have with you". After all, you create the photo, the camera is just a tool.

So don't sweat it too much, choose 'good enough', and go out and play!