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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> D40x over D40 worth it?
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07/09/2007 01:47:07 PM · #1
Im excited because afterwork today Im finaly going to buy my camera. I originaly didnt want to spend over $700 with all acces. I see if I were to spend about $100-$150 more I could get the Nikon D40x over the D40. Im looking to do a lot of photography in the future. Is it worth it to do the extra 4 pix or start saving and just buy better lenses with the D40. Also, I'm looking to blow up some descent size prints, 18x and maybe larger. Will the D40 do those, I assume with a better than kit lens?
Thanks in advance.
07/09/2007 01:51:22 PM · #2
I would say its almost like the 350 versus the 400D, but they have alot more differences.

Cant tell ya what todo but i figured id drop you my resolution chart.
07/09/2007 02:06:35 PM · #3
yes. IMO

edit - oh, lens. You have to get one with an internal focus motor, as the d40 series does not have them.

Message edited by author 2007-07-09 14:07:26.
07/09/2007 02:08:16 PM · #4
I am a huge Nikon fan, however the D40 and D40X are both much smaller cameras then the D50, D70S and D80 & D200.

They still have the same sensor size 23.6 x 15.8 mm (a major factor)as the bigger bodies, but are not built to withstand any kind of rigorous handling. They feel very much like a digicam, except that the sensor size is larger and it has interchangable lenses. (i would be concerned that if you mount a fairly large lens on it, the balance you feel might be terrible)

that being said, they are a lot of bang for your buck. Especially the D40X. So if it is between the D40 and the D40X, take the D40X without hesitation...however a much better choice would be the D80... it is well worth the extra $250 or so.
07/09/2007 02:17:35 PM · #5
Originally posted by wavelength:

yes. IMO
edit - oh, lens. You have to get one with an internal focus motor, as the d40 series does not have them.

Might not sound like a big deal but you would not be able to use 3 of the best and affordable lenses in AF mode - the 50 1.8, the 85 1.8, and 60 2.8 Micro.
Or the lusted after big bux 85 1.4.

I couldn't live without my $100 50 1.8.
07/09/2007 02:32:30 PM · #6
Originally posted by rswank:

Originally posted by wavelength:

yes. IMO
edit - oh, lens. You have to get one with an internal focus motor, as the d40 series does not have them.

Might not sound like a big deal but you would not be able to use 3 of the best and affordable lenses in AF mode - the 50 1.8, the 85 1.8, and 60 2.8 Micro.
Or the lusted after big bux 85 1.4.

I couldn't live without my $100 50 1.8.


Not to mention the budget-minded Tamron SP series with their lusted-after sharpness on the cheap.
07/09/2007 02:42:36 PM · #7
The D40 is a decent camera however if you plan to take photography seriously, It will show you it's limitations rather quick.

07/09/2007 02:44:28 PM · #8
No cheap 70-300 for you, either :-)
07/09/2007 02:55:32 PM · #9
I'm not an expert â€Â¦ THIS Guy is â€Â¦
He's saying he highly recommends this camera. If this is your first SLR, go for it!
The important part is learning about how to use these things and all about lenses â€Â¦ and even the limitations of this camera will teach you something (the whole "you can't use this lens or this lens deal).
Whatever you do â€Â¦ Please make an effort to use manual mode to force yourself to learn.
Good luck!

Message edited by author 2007-07-09 14:56:37.
07/09/2007 03:56:54 PM · #10
Originally posted by metatate:

I'm not an expert â€Â¦ THIS Guy is â€Â¦
He's saying he highly recommends this camera. If this is your first SLR, go for it!
The important part is learning about how to use these things and all about lenses â€Â¦ and even the limitations of this camera will teach you something (the whole "you can't use this lens or this lens deal).
Whatever you do â€Â¦ Please make an effort to use manual mode to force yourself to learn.
Good luck!


I'd recommend buying a well cared for used D70/D70s for less money than the D40x body.
07/09/2007 04:16:00 PM · #11
Yes this will be my first SLR camera and Im sure there is a lot to learn about them. I know the Nikon D40 &40x dont have an internal motor, but wont those lenses still work for these cams but manual focus? Ive looked for some used cams on b&h and by the time I get a lens,cards, bat, etc its more than I can afford. I thought about the Canon 350D but Im a big guy with big hands. It doesnt feel right. If anyone knows someone selling a better cam in good shape, please let me know.
07/09/2007 04:20:04 PM · #12
Originally posted by Gmit:

Yes this will be my first SLR camera and Im sure there is a lot to learn about them. I know the Nikon D40 &40x dont have an internal motor, but wont those lenses still work for these cams but manual focus? Ive looked for some used cams on b&h and by the time I get a lens,cards, bat, etc its more than I can afford. I thought about the Canon 350D but Im a big guy with big hands. It doesnt feel right. If anyone knows someone selling a better cam in good shape, please let me know.


Id definatly try to get out to a Ritz Camera or somwhere where theyll let you touch them. Best Buy is good for this but the cameras usually arent powered. I picked up a D40 and my fingers felt uncomfortable beteen the lens and the grip.

I went to a ritz just to look talked to the girl ended up using and shooting with every camera in the store. The D200 by far felt the nice in size and weight.
07/09/2007 04:39:25 PM · #13
This is good advice. The hard part is finding someone you can trust. Ebay has been giving me the hose lately - 2 bad ebayers in a row so I'm not sure I can recommend that. I will probably sell my D70 in the near future and I highly recommend it as a starter - if you can't find one and decide to go this route give me a shout.

Originally posted by rswank:


I'd recommend buying a well cared for used D70/D70s for less money than the D40x body.
07/09/2007 04:44:08 PM · #14
Im going to Hawaii in 3 weeks so Ill be making my purchase this week for sure so I have time to use it and get to know it. Ive had someone tell me that Cameta Camera on ebay has been a good store, but not much used for cams. they do have a lot of used Nikon lenses though for good deals it looks.
Thanks for the info guys. It just depends on how much my pocket wants to let go.
07/09/2007 04:45:47 PM · #15
This seems to be a great deal â€Â¦ but the guy has one bad feedback for not sending an item! This could be a steal â€Â¦ unless â€Â¦ well â€Â¦ that's ebay for yah! â€Â¦ the 18-70 is a good lens â€Â¦ hmmâ€Â¦ sorryâ€Â¦

d70

EBAY example

edit â€Â¦Ã‚ bad ebayer??

Message edited by author 2007-07-09 16:53:39.
07/09/2007 04:55:12 PM · #16
My Dad uses Cameta's store and loves it.

Originally posted by Gmit:

Im going to Hawaii in 3 weeks so Ill be making my purchase this week for sure so I have time to use it and get to know it. Ive had someone tell me that Cameta Camera on ebay has been a good store, but not much used for cams. they do have a lot of used Nikon lenses though for good deals it looks.
Thanks for the info guys. It just depends on how much my pocket wants to let go.
07/13/2007 05:59:27 PM · #17
I have and use the D40x and love it. It is likewise my first DSLR. I do have PHOTOS HERE online. If you have some questions in specific, I can try to help as I have the camera you are questioning on buying. Brandon
08/17/2007 12:56:34 PM · #18
Hi all,

I am an amateur and just bought a D40.

I have been using the kit lens only and eventhough it delivers great image quality, I feel it is short on aperture and zoom lengh.

I have been reading and hearing a lot of the XTi and before I buy my first lens, I was thinking that maybe it would be a better idea to switch to Canon because I will be able to buy cheaper lenses. But now I think that even for Canon one needs the expensive glass to get "pro-looking" photographs, and so changing does not feel too apealing now.

My first pictures with the D40 are at: //www.flickr.com/photos/amaynez

I want the camera for travel/family, and ocassionaly for photography for the sake of it.

Does anyone have some thoughts that might help me?

Thanks a lot,
Armando.
08/17/2007 01:09:27 PM · #19
Originally posted by amaynez:

But now I think that even for Canon one needs the expensive glass to get "pro-looking" photographs, and so changing does not feel too apealing now.


Not true, you just need to make wise decisions on which lenses to buy. Unfortunately the D40(x) takes a lot of those choices away from you.
08/17/2007 02:20:31 PM · #20
I would get a D50 or D70s mainly because of the lens issues. My cheap nikon 70-300 or excellent nikon 18-200 wouldn`t work on a D40or(x). Also i would miss the top lcd display and larger size.
If your interested in infrared the D40, D50 and D70 are all good, but not the D40x, D80 or D200.
08/18/2007 12:27:26 PM · #21
Originally posted by Gmit:

Yes this will be my first SLR camera and Im sure there is a lot to learn about them. I know the Nikon D40 &40x dont have an internal motor, but wont those lenses still work for these cams but manual focus? Ive looked for some used cams on b&h and by the time I get a lens,cards, bat, etc its more than I can afford. I thought about the Canon 350D but Im a big guy with big hands. It doesnt feel right. If anyone knows someone selling a better cam in good shape, please let me know.

If you rely on manual focusing, I suggest getting something like this:
//www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Katz-Eye-Focusing-Screen-for-the-Nikon-D40-D40x--prod_D40.html
08/18/2007 12:56:40 PM · #22
If you are not shooting sports then may i suggest the slow but wonderful Fuji S3 Pro that can be had for a very cheap price these days. That gives you 12 MP and a Nikon mount.

The D40 and D40X are really just P&S camers that can take some newer plastic AFs lenses.. If you have ever seen the 17-55 DX on a D40 body it is rather funny.

D70s is a great camera too, the wife has one, it's brilliant!
08/18/2007 01:25:01 PM · #23
I was gonna get a d40 til I actually felt one in my hand. They are really small and light. Not sure how good they would fare in a fall. I opted for a d50 it felt much better in my hand , had more lens options as well as menu. I really like my camera. I am not gonna lie I wish I had more money to get a top of the line model but I figure I can always upgrade my body later. but I suggest you go to a camera store hold the camera take a few pictures and decide yourself.
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