Sherman Banks
TPF Noob!
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- Feb 24, 2009
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One thing I fail to understand about Nikon's product line is why they offer affordable DSLR's which lack a $20 part (AF motor) which then forces budget minded shoppers to buy their most expensive lenses vs. their more affordable lenses if they want auto-focus.
Let's face it, Nikon moves millions of these units and most of those buyers don't use anything more than the 18-55. That $20 a body makes a big difference when dealing with this volume. But there are the serious amateurs on a budget who suffer because the lenses that do work are all pricey and the older AF lenses don't autofocus on their bodies. I think they should have at least added more than 3 AF points, and added "x" versions with AF motors that could come at a cost to make up the cost on the production (although there was already a D40x, but it should've had an AF motor too).
At the end of the day though, business is business and Nikon's going to do what it has to do to move units. My guess is that they see the popularity in DLSR photography now, and make these entry level DSLR's to get people into the game, have them buy a couple lenses, and when they feel it's time to upgrade, they're gonna stick with Nikon because they've already invested in glass. And the next logical step in the progression is double the price of the first investment. Who knows if this is what they actually intended to do, but it would make good sense from a business standpoint.
Needless to say, I still like Nikon, and I like Canon too. If I could have a 5d or a D700, I'd probably opt for the 5d so people could see my big ass grey lens. Let's face it, black is too subtle.