Nikon d40 or Olympus E-520?

[KKJUN]

Well, after reading a thread, that was complaining about noobs (http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-beginners-forum-photo-gallery/187647-i-know-im-new-tpf-all-but.html), I feel a little guilty making this thread, but anyway:

I'm planing to buy my first camera in the next few weeks. My budget is around 420€/600$. It looks like I'm having two options right now:

1.) Get a used Nikon d40 off ebay, probably with two lenses and accessories for probably around 400€.

or:

2.)Borrow a little bit of money from my parents and buy a Olympus E-520 on amazon. It's 460 €, but it used to be 850€ (if you want to check: http://www.amazon.de/Olympus-E-520-SLR-Digitalkamera-Bildstabilisator-Kit/dp/B0019JNMJC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=ce-de&qid=1261697637&sr=8-1)

Which option would you recommend? I'm more leaning towards the Olympus-option, but i'm a little worried about the huge dischount (why would they give it?).

 

[KmH]

As long as Amazon is fullfilling the order I wouldn't worry to much about it. I'd get the E-520 and a warranty.

What are inventory taxes like in Europe? They may be overstocked and seriously need to move some product.

 

[Kofman13]

i have an e-510 which is pretty much same as 520 and i love it

 

[KKJUN]

thanks for the input guys. any other oppinions?

 

[VltnDennis]

I've used my friends e520 and i dont like how it feels on my hands. Im a nikon owner and i love my d40 especially now with the battery grip. If feels so much better in my hands

 

[JMack]

I've been shopping through new and used DLSRs and I have to agree, after just holding several different cameras I just don;t like the way that the Olympus feels in my hands. Probably going with a Nikon D40 or D40x.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

The D40 is going to give you much better noise performance across the board. I'd skip the Evolt.

 

[Don Kondra]

LOL

We have been through this before

If you need slightly better high iso performance, go for the D40

If you want the additional features of live view, auto sensor dust cleaning, auto focus in body, 10 vs 6 mp, image stabilization and a slightly larger screen go for the E-520.

Cheers, Don

 

[KKJUN]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I will get the Olympus, even if it has worse performance, considering it is new and has a warranty (and I tried the e520 of a friend of mine. the feeling isn't THAt bad).