Nikon D80 vs D40x - DPChallenge Forums

04/15/2007 09:33:55 AM · #1

I wanted to buy a DSLR and have been looking at the Nikon D80 and the D40x. I basically want it to play around with and to learn about photography. Up until now I've had a Canon Powershot A95.

Do you have any suggestions as to which one is better? Should I buy a basic kit or buy the body and the lens separate? Is the kit lens ok for a beginner? Or would you recommend something different?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

xXxscarletxXx

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

04/15/2007 09:35:11 AM · #2

D80 for sure

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

04/15/2007 09:47:56 AM · #3

As far as the other question, I consistently noticed that there is a great value in purchasing the kit rather than buying the camera and lens seperately. This is good assuming that you like the lens in the kit.

marbo

Nikon D5000

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

04/15/2007 09:51:47 AM · #4

The 18-135mm kit lens i got with my D80 is excellent. Very sharp and great range.

darnok

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

04/15/2007 09:53:49 AM · #5

The D80 is a much better camera than the D40x. One major disadvantage of the D40 and D40x is that they don't have a focus motor built in. This means they will only have auto focus with AF-S lenses. The D80 is also larger than the D40x and therefore more comfortable to hold.

The kit lens that comes with the D80 is decent. It is wise to supplement it with a fast prime, the 50mm f/1.8 being a good candidate here.

TJinGuy

Nikon Coolpix 2100

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/15/2007 12:15:48 PM · #6

If you are just starting out in the DSLR world, I see no reason to spend $1200 on a high end camera. I would recommend the D40 (6MP version). It is way cheaper and has all the features you will need for at least a while. Spend the extra money one a couple lenses if you want. I am not exactly sure what the AF-S lens lineup looks like but you can always run 3rd party lenses.

Louis

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

04/15/2007 12:20:16 PM · #7

I take the opposite view, in that if you are just starting out with a DSLR and you can afford it, get as much camera as you can. Don't start out on the low end, because you won't immediately learn the features of the camera that can make for better photographs.

_eug

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/15/2007 12:23:40 PM · #8

The D80 and the D40/D40x are two different classes of camera. The D40 was created to be Nikon's ~~cheapest~~ entry level dSLR. It's a consumers camera where the D50/D70/D80 are all prosumer's cameras. The D40 has been limited in many ways including the fact the it only has 3 focusing points. The D50 and D70/D70s have 5 and the D80 has 11.

It all depends on how much you want to spend and whether you think you're going to stick with it. Ultimately, it's about the lenses anyway. The bodies are like computers these days. You'll need to replace them every 3-5 years, but the glass will be useable for as long as you own it.

I started with the D50 last year, when it was the entry level camera in the line. I'd never have picked the D40 for myself, but there is a market for it. My next camera WILL be the D80. You have to ask yourself, "Am I the person the D40 is marketed for?"

Nikolai1024

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

04/15/2007 12:25:50 PM · #9

One good thing I heard about D40/D40x is it has built in gude/tutorial. So you can learn about camera features right in the camera. It will also give you sample images of how certain setting will affect your picture. Not sure if this any value to you but it is for you to decide. Go to the store and play with it.

Of couse you have to buy AF-S lenses. (18-55 and 55-200VR is a good start)

Nick

TJinGuy

Nikon Coolpix 2100

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/15/2007 12:26:21 PM · #10

Originally posted by Louis:

Well then why not suggest a D200 or D2Xs. They have superior feature sets.

Back to reality. I totally agree about the lenses being the big issue. So why not consider all the brands before locking on one. If you bought a Canon, someday you could have one of these. And if you went Pentax, you could have one of these super cool lenses.

Message edited by author 2007-04-15 12:28:48.

shanelighter

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

04/15/2007 12:27:47 PM · #11

I'd take a look at the Canon Rebel, affordable and great image quality. If you can stand the way it fits in your hand and not marriend to the idea of a Nikon, I'd say this is the way to go. The kit lens is garbage though, so you'll just want the body.

In my opinion, you're not losing anything on the Rebel you'd get on a 30D let's say that is that important, especially to someone just starting out. The main difference is the body, which is less robust.

option

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

04/15/2007 12:33:45 PM · #12

Originally posted by TJinGuy:

And if you went Pentax, you could have one of these super cool lenses.

Pancakes are pretty damn sweet. I'm ashamed that I don't own one yet...

Louis

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

04/15/2007 12:36:18 PM · #13

Originally posted by TJinGuy:

Originally posted by Louis:
I take the opposite view, in that if you are just starting out with a DSLR and you can afford it, get as much camera as you can. Don't start out on the low end, because you won't immediately learn the features of the camera that can make for better photographs.

Well then why not suggest a D200 or D2Xs. They have superior feature sets. Back to reality...

Absolutely. If the OP can afford either of these, they should certainly get one. Nothing unrealistic about that at all.

Message edited by author 2007-04-15 12:37:50.

hsolakidis

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

04/15/2007 12:49:19 PM · #14

What's wrong with you people? You recommend the D80 to a beginner? By the time he gets to know his camera it will be obsolete anyway.

Lenses are the best way to spend your money. Go for a D40, or if you feel brave enough to read the manual, a D50, as they are still available. D50=Â£300, D80=Â£700. 2.5 times better? Don't think so.

Megapixels, scmegapixels. Consumerism will be the end of us. :-)

Harry

_eug

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/15/2007 12:58:45 PM · #15

Originally posted by hsolakidis:

What's wrong with you people? You recommend the D80 to a beginner? By the time he gets to know his camera it will be obsolete anyway.

Hey. Keep the personal attacks out of this. ;)

Originally posted by hsolakidis:

Lenses are the best way to spend your money.

We agree.

Originally posted by hsolakidis:

Go for a D40, or if you feel brave enough to read the manual, a D50, as they are still available. D50=Â£300, D80=Â£700. 2.5 times better? Don't think so.

Megapixels, scmegapixels. Consumerism will be the end of us. :-)

Yet you recommend the most consumer camera in the lot. IMO it's hobbled. It's a toy. I wouldn't recommend a D40/D40x to anyone if they asked me. I would recommend the D50, but you can't get them from B&H anymore and that's the only place I'll send people. Prices and service are to good to go anywhere else.

option

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

04/15/2007 01:01:04 PM · #16

Nothing to do with megapixels, the D80 and D40x are the same in that regard. When I bought my camera a couple months ago, I went with the advanced model over the entry level, and I'm glad i did. The K100D (D40/40x in this case) is an excellent little camera, but I would have outgrown it already.

You have to evaluate your own skill as a photographer and your willingness to learn and improve. If you shoot all the time and are committed to being the best photographer you can be, then absolutely get the best camera you can afford. If photography is just a casual thing for you, go for the entry level model, and you'll be happy with it for a long time to come.

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/15/2007 01:02:24 PM · #17

Well the D40/x is very small. I can barley get my fingers between the lens and the grip.

The D80 tends to mis expose due to its meter being a peice of junk. Read the reviews ask d80 owners. But ive heard a couple just ev -0.7 and that takes care of it anyways.

yakatme

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

04/15/2007 01:09:43 PM · #18

Originally posted by hsolakidis:

Megapixels, scmegapixels. Consumerism will be the end of us. :-)

Harry

THIS is the quote of the day.

hsolakidis

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

04/15/2007 01:30:41 PM · #19

I didn't mean to offend anyone, we 're all friends here.

Seriously, as I'm getting more and more into photography, the less I drool over new bodies. I have a normal lens and a telephoto at the moment. But now I want a wide one, a macro would be nice, This 18-200 VR looks good, and then the f2.8 zooms give you "that" depth of field, also some lights, an IR filter, a decent bag, a flash or two, a nice Manfrotto tripod, a focusing rail for those 5x macro shots.... and the list goes on. I think most people think along the same lines. Sure, if you can afford a D80 or even a D200, go for it, but don't compromise on the rest of the stuff just to get the body of the moment, because that's all it is.

Harry

TJinGuy

Nikon Coolpix 2100

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/15/2007 01:50:58 PM · #20

After reading through all this again, it occurs that we have not really answered raspberry's questions and have gotten into a D40 vs D80 war that is beneficial to no one. So here I go

Originally posted by raspberry:

Any modern DSLR will do. It could be something as new and expensive as a D80 or as old as a Canon 10D. All will give you great results and all have lots of support. Since you have asked for info on the D40x and D80, I will assume that you are caught in the advertising that surrounds these cameras. They are both 10MP and besides being made by Nikon and sharing some lenses, they have nothing else in common. If you are set on a 10MP Nikon camera then go with the D80 period. If you are looking for a good DSLR, then there are lots of good choices.

If money is an issue you should consider the D40, D50, Canon Rebel XT and Pentax K100D. All are great cameras and all will leave any P&S in the dust. And all will cost around $500. The kit lenses with all these cameras are fine but you will probably out grow them pretty quickly and should think about saving some money to buy a 2nd and 3rd lens early on.

If money is no problem then look at the D80, Canon 30D and Pentax K10D. These are all very similar to their cheaper siblings but with prosumer feature sets. If you buy one of these cameras, skip the kit lens and buy several lenses to cover your use.

DjFenzl

04/15/2007 01:52:13 PM · #21

You're more likely to "outgrow" the D40 than the D80 so I'd recommend the D80.

raspberry

04/15/2007 03:15:49 PM · #22

You guys are really great! Thanks so much for your helpful opinions and advice.

I have always been interested in photography and really love taking pictures. I am out pretty much every day and I take my camera everywhere. And I plan on continuing that way. I am a beginner but really want to take it a bit more seriously. I definitely want to learn more, experiment and improve so I can become a better photographer. My feeling is that I want something to learn on but don't want to outgrow it too fast. :-) I'd want a camera that I could learn a lot from.

The camera doesn't have to be Nikon - I'm still open. I have been looking at Nikon because several people I know have said it's a good brand (and are owners). They have recommended either the D40x or D80 for me to start with. I was also thinking I might be able to borrow some lenses from them while I am learning. :-) That way I can figure out what I want to buy for myself.

I live in Finland and the D80 with the kit lens I saw at about 1000 euros right now. Just the body is the same price. The D40x kit with 2 lenses is about the same (100 euros more). And the D40x with just the kit lens is about 850 euros. I could also get it from the US but would prefer to get it here in Finland. (btw 1 euro is about 1.35 dollars right now)

In general about price, I would prefer to get something over the "entry level" model if think it would be useful for me and I could learn more from it. :-) I just don't know if, because I'm a beginner, if that means I should play on something less expensive first and then get something better later once I know what I am doing. Or if I should just get something a little better right away because I have time and the initative to learn. Or if I should initially get a less expensive body and focus on the lenses. or... :-)

Rebecca