About to buy the Nikon D40.........questions?

So i just found out today that i am getting hooked up with a new camera through my sisters company. I'm beyond pumped since i still struggle with my 5 year old Sony point and shoot and its starting to die on me.

I would love to get a DSLR, especially since i'm movin out west and will be traveling and seeing some cool stuff. I am a decent photog, took a few courses in college and currently use my Nikon N80 with a couple of lenses.

So my questions are:
1) Is this a good choice for a "starter" DSLR? Should i consider the Rebel?

2) Can i use the lenses from my N80 with the D40?
If so this will pretty much make my decision cause i've got a wide angle and then a 35-200 that would be nice to "re-use".

Thanks for any suggestions - going to B&H on Monday to pick one up.......:biggrin:

Does that model have a Starry Night Baker Stoke setting? :cool:

From Nikon's site:

N80
Usable Lenses: AF-D, AF-I and AF-S Nikkor lenses provide full AF and metering operation. AI-P lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder and full metering operation. AI lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder.

D40
Compatible Lenses*: Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Type G or D AF Nikkor:
1) AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported;
2) Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus
3) PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus
4) Other AF Nikkor*¹/AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
5) Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster
6) IX Nikkor lenses cannot be used
*¹ Excluding lenses for F3AF

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Originally Posted by dbp

From Nikon's site:

N80
Usable Lenses: AF-D, AF-I and AF-S Nikkor lenses provide full AF and metering operation. AI-P lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder and full metering operation. AI lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder.

D40
Compatible Lenses*: Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Type G or D AF Nikkor:
1) AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported;
2) Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus
3) PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus
4) Other AF Nikkor*¹/AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
5) Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster
6) IX Nikkor lenses cannot be used
*¹ Excluding lenses for F3AF

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Thanks man i've got a Tamron AF-D so looks like i should be good to go if i got it.....

The important thing about the D40 vs the D80 (and any other Nikon SLR) as far as lens compatibility goes is that the D40 doesn't have a motor to drive the lens focus in it.

This means that you are limited to lenses that have a motor in them if you want autofocus. Nikon calls this AF-S or AF-I. The difference between AF-S and AF-I is that you can grab the focus ring and override AF-S.

I'm not sure what Tamron would call this. Nikon's AF-D will *not* get you autofocusing with the D40. You'll have to turn the ring to get every shot focused. This will be a gigantic pain in the ass.

If you are going to go with the D40 you should definitely get lenses with the motors in them so you can autofocus. The 18-200 VR would be my #1 recommendation for a single do-it-all lens, but it is a bit pricey. I'd generally stay with Nikkor (Nikon) lenses over off-brands like Tamron and such. They're better built and maintain their resale value better.

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Originally Posted by SaSSafraS_LTK

The important thing about the D40 vs the D80 (and any other Nikon SLR) as far as lens compatibility goes is that the D40 doesn't have a motor to drive the lens focus in it.

This means that you are limited to lenses that have a motor in them if you want autofocus. Nikon calls this AF-S or AF-I. The difference between AF-S and AF-I is that you can grab the focus ring and override AF-S.

I'm not sure what Tamron would call this. Nikon's AF-D will *not* get you autofocusing with the D40. You'll have to turn the ring to get every shot focused. This will be a gigantic pain in the ass.

If you are going to go with the D40 you should definitely get lenses with the motors in them so you can autofocus. The 18-200 VR would be my #1 recommendation for a single do-it-all lens, but it is a bit pricey. I'd generally stay with Nikkor (Nikon) lenses over off-brands like Tamron and such. They're better built and maintain their resale value better.

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Hmmm interesting point thanks......


Anyone else have anything to contribute - i am buying a camera this afternoon..........??
?

If you want to use AF-D buy a D80

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Originally Posted by cj001f

If you want to use AF-D buy a D80

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B&H lists just the body at $800 but it seems like the prices are all over the place.........should i trust this place at all?..... http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prod...?prodid=679296

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Originally Posted by Raps

B&H lists just the body at $800 but it seems like the prices are all over the place.........should i trust this place at all?..... http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prod...?prodid=679296

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$329? LOL. Do they also sell Magnetbox, Sorny, and Panaphonix?

After a quick Google, they seem to be a bait and switch operation. I would say stay away.

I do love my D80. I think it was a perfect first DSLR for me.
.02

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Originally Posted by dbp

$329? LOL. Do they also sell Magnetbox, Sorny, and Panaphonix?

After a quick Google, they seem to be a bait and switch operation. I would say stay away.

I do love my D80. I think it was a perfect first DSLR for me.
.02

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Wow, yeah thanks - i figured. It is gonna be real hard to resist moving up to the D80 when i get to the store i think..........

Can you afford it? Is it a bit of a stretch or a real stretch?

Buy as much camera as you can afford. You will not be let down. You already have a decent lens for it, so buy just the body.

I don't know about you, but I never buy "beginner" type stuff. I always end up replacing them really fast, and regretting not starting out with the mid grade quality.

That said, I started with a D200, mostly because of the sealed body. Not to tempt you or anything.

If there is any question, definitely do not even pick up the D200, or you will be screwed.

Also, buy the battery grip for whatever camera you get. It is very worth it. These things eat batteries compared to their film couterparts.'specially if you like to look at the LCD like I do.

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Originally Posted by warthog

Can you afford it? Is it a bit of a stretch or a real stretch?

Buy as much camera as you can afford. You will not be let down. You already have a decent lens for it, so buy just the body.

I don't know about you, but I never buy "beginner" type stuff. I always end up replacing them really fast, and regretting not starting out with the mid grade quality.

That said, I started with a D200, mostly because of the sealed body. Not to tempt you or anything.

If there is any question, definitely do not even pick up the D200, or you will be screwed.

Also, buy the battery grip for whatever camera you get. It is very worth it. These things eat batteries compared to their film couterparts.'specially if you like to look at the LCD like I do.

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Thanks for the advice. Not sure how much i will be stretching it with the D80 since it is on my sisters company dime. She said around $500 sounded ok so not sure if i could sell them on $400 more........maybe if i chipped in a couple hundred it could work?

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Originally Posted by Raps

Thanks for the advice. Not sure how much i will be stretching it with the D80 since it is on my sisters company dime. She said around $500 sounded ok so not sure if i could sell them on $400 more........maybe if i chipped in a couple hundred it could work?

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What will you be using the camera for? (work wise)

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Originally Posted by Pura Vida

What will you be using the camera for? (work wise)

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I will be shooting product shots - just basic stills with a white board in the background........so i'm sure the D40 would be ok but after a few shoots i will be taking this to CO with me and using it skiing, biking, camping etc...

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Originally Posted by Raps

Thanks for the advice. Not sure how much i will be stretching it with the D80 since it is on my sisters company dime. She said around $500 sounded ok so not sure if i could sell them on $400 more........maybe if i chipped in a couple hundred it could work?

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show her af-s lens prices vs. used af-d. sold!!!!

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Originally Posted by warthog

show her af-s lens prices vs. used af-d. sold!!!!

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Heh - exactly. You recoup the purchase price difference in one used lens.

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Originally Posted by warthog

show her af-s lens prices vs. used af-d. sold!!!!

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Ok so if i understand all this correctly.......the D40 only takes AF-S lenses which are more expensive since they have their own auto-focus thing in them as opposed to the D80 which takes both AF-S and AF-D lenses which are cheaper because they don't need the lens to have a separate engine in it to run the auto focus?

Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Raps

Ok so if i understand all this correctly.......the D40 only takes AF-S lenses which are more expensive since they have their own auto-focus thing in them as opposed to the D80 which takes both AF-S and AF-D lenses which are cheaper because they don't need the lens to have a separate engine in it to run the auto focus?

Thanks.

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In a nutshell. But, remember we are talking used, and we are only talking about Auto Focus ability. The lens will technically work, i.e. take pictures, but they will be manual focus only.
All the new DX lenses are AF-S (I think). Those are the ones designed to be used with the D40, D80, D200, D300, etc. Used lenses are a different story.

If you are just shooting product, manual focus only is ok I guess, but would really limit you anywhere else.

Any new lens you buy will be a DX, but you would have to pass up a sweet deal on an older AF-D lens if you found one.

Just plop down the $300 out of your pocket- you will be happier.

Still cheaper than having to pay for the whole thing.

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Originally Posted by warthog

All the new DX lenses are AF-S (I think).

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All of the DX are, but some great, cheap full frame lenses aren't. Like the 50f1.8. Some other, very good, range lenses are much cheaper in AF-D - compare the 80-200 vs. 70-200. Almost a grand difference.

Ok so i just got back from B&H and i am giving myself a few more hours to decide.........i don't think i can justify getting the D80. I can get the D40 kit with 18-55mm lens for $499 or the D80 with no lens for $875. Unfortunately the lenses i have with my N80 are a 28-80mm and a 70-300mm and have nothing in the sub 28mm range. So i could use those with the D80 body.... However, that extra $375 is a pretty big difference for me that i can't really justify at this time. So i think i am going to get the D40 for now and if i want something more i can always sell it. Now one more question - do i get the basic D40 or the D40x for $100 more with 10.1 mp
instead of 6.1 mp - thanks.

When I researched my first DSLR purchase (D80) last year, I learned that higher resolution isn't very imortant. It has some advantages, but it is marketing more than anything else.

I'd take what Ken Rockwell says with a grain of salt, but he makes some valid points comparing the D40 and D40x.

I don't think buying a lesser body is too big of a deal. It seems like serious photographers are always upgrading their bodies. It is the glass where you really don't want to scrimp. If the D40 seems to be holding you back, you can save up and trade for a D200 or whatever down the line.

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Originally Posted by dbp

When I researched my first DSLR purchase (D80) last year, I learned that higher resolution isn't very imortant. It has some advantages, but it is marketing more than anything else.

I'd take what Ken Rockwell says with a grain of salt, but he makes some valid points comparing the D40 and D40x.

I don't think buying a lesser body is too big of a deal. It seems like serious photographers are always upgrading their bodies. It is the glass where you really don't want to scrimp. If the D40 seems to be holding you back, you can save up and trade for a D200 or whatever down the line.

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Thanks for the link. Looks like the D40 for now is the smart call - then down the road if i want to step it up i will save for the D200 and sell the D40. Thanks for the advice, headin back over to B&H to seal the deal. Any fun extras i should go for? Whats this battery grip you were talkin bout warthog?

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Originally Posted by Raps

Thanks for the link. Looks like the D40 for now is the smart call - then down the road if i want to step it up i will save for the D200 and sell the D40. Thanks for the advice, headin back over to B&H to seal the deal. Any fun extras i should go for? Whats this battery grip you were talkin bout warthog?

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Get a SB-400 or SB-600 those should be fun.
:smile:

No remote commander mode on the D40 for using a Nikon CLS flash wirelessly

Thanks for all the advice fellas - trigger pulled on the D40 - it looks great and damn light for a SLR. Chargin up the battery tonight so i can shoot tomorrow - i love new toys :biggrin:

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Originally Posted by Raps

it looks great and damn light for a SLR.

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Its all that plastic!

J/K- congrats. You will love it.

It looks like they don't make a vertical battery grip for that camera. If they do it will probably be called the MB-D40. I don't think that camera eats batteries like the D200 does. Also, the size of the camera allows vertical shots with ease, where the D200 does not.

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Originally Posted by warthog

Its all that plastic!

J/K- congrats. You will love it.

It looks like they don't make a vertical battery grip for that camera. If they do it will probably be called the MB-D40. I don't think that camera eats batteries like the D200 does. Also, the size of the camera allows vertical shots with ease, where the D200 does not.

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I have a D40 and a D200. The D40 gets probably 2500 shots per charge. Haven't really run it it down so not sure. I charge it maybe once a month. D200 gets maybe 350 shots for me. I charge it after a day of shooting and have a spare battery. I personally don't like the size of adding a grip on to the D200.

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Originally Posted by Shepherd Wong

I have a D40 and a D200. The D40 gets probably 2500 shots per charge. Haven't really run it it down so not sure. I charge it maybe once a month. D200 gets maybe 350 shots for me. I charge it after a day of shooting and have a spare battery. I personally don't like the size of adding a grip on to the D200.

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Meh- I like it. It ain't that big and heavy. The camera just seems better balanced with it on. Some of my bigger lenses- 80-200 2.8 would be unpossibly weird to shoot with without it.

Plus, it makes it look like a much more pimp camera, which impresses the ladies. I am only seeing positives.

For those who own the D40, what case do you guys have? I didn't buy any yet but have been searchin around for a good one - not too bulky but enough protection.....thanks

I would look at the slingshot 100 if you haven't yet. With a smaller camera like that, you could stuff a lot into that bag. The 200 and 300 are probably overkill for that camera.

http://www.lowepro.com/images/produc...uip_left_N.jpg

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Slin...ot_100_AW.aspx

I have a D80 and I just bought this little bag:

http://www.lowepro.com/images/produc...er_100_4_n.jpg

It's the perfect size for the camera and a few lenses.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Back...ekker_100.aspx

I roll a Tamrac Adventure 7 backpack for my D70s. It has camera, etc. storage in the bottom compartment and the top can be used for more paraphernalia or something else.

I have a bag for mine that's similar to amyzilla's. I haven't had a ton of time to play around with my D40, but so far I love the few shots I've taken. Can't wait for Halloween to get some kick ass night shots.