So I've been doing my research on SLRs and looking to purchase my first one. I've been leaning towards the Nikon D40 since its priced reasonably and I own a 35mm nikon slr as of now. Can anyone list their most important pros vs cons for the camera? I've been reading reviews and I can be spared the techno-babble. Bottom line is that I'm looking for a reliable SLR that can take great photos. I'm not professional photographer or anything. Just expanding on a hobby, any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks guys

 

If you're just looking for the basics, this is it. What lens do you currently have with your slr? The D40 doesn't have a AF motor in it, you have to buy lenses that have the AF in them.

Damn did I get that right?


Here I found what I was trying to think about

Lens compatibility: Notice that with D40, autofocus function will not work for non AF-S/AF-I lens. If you already have non AF-S/AF-I Nikon lenses and want a backup or replacement camera, you will be better off buying D50, D70s or D80. If you buy the D40, it will be convenient to stick with AF-S and AF-I type lenses. I'm not sure why Nikon choose this route for the D40 (whether to enable smaller size camera or from now on Nikon will only make AF-S lens compatible camera). There are a lot of good Nikon AF-S lenses (price range added: low, medium, high) that are fully compatible with the D40 such as:

- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S DX VR (M)
- Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR (L)
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR (M)
- Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF AF-S DX (M)
- Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S (H)
- Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX (H)
- Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S (H)
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (H)
- Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro (M)
- And several other expensive prime tele/zoom lens like 200-400mm, 300m, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm.

 

i read this guy's review on the D40 and he is really all about it. Saying its a better choice over the D60 and lots of other models. anyone know how legit this dude is?

 

Did I miss the link? I drink sometimes, so I might have....

 

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

ken rockwell. he says the D40 is better than the D40x/D60

i know myself and i feel if i were to get the D40 i would be happy...but only for so long. eventually down the road i would upgrade and get a higher level camera but i'm thinking about just skipping the D40 and opting for something 'better' like the D60 or possibly the Canon Rebel XTi or XSi (not really sure about the differences between those two) i know i'm going to still be learning while using whatever camera i get so might as well get a good one no?

 

Personally I would recommend spending a little more for the D80 body only (~$600 street price). Therefore you don't have to worry of needing a motor inside the lens. Right now D80 is best bang for the buck.

 

i actually just ordered the D60 with 18-55 VR lens. I paid 575 for it, now I see the D80 going for 785. I am so tempted to cancel that order and just man up and get the D80 but its out of my price range. I figure for the next year or so i'll be content with the D60, upgrade to the 15-200mm VR zoom lens if i want and if i really decide this is something i want to take to the next level i'll step my game up to the D90 or something in that price range...but thats looking to be about 2-3 years down the line.

 

congrats