Extreme Beginner

[manaheim]

That's where my knowledge falls apart, I'm afraid. I've not had personal exposure to the D40. However, you can compare them on a site like http://www.dpreview.com .

 

[dEARlEADER]

Well thinking about it, what exactly is the difference with the D40 and D60. If I made say another 100$ investment, would I be getting some of the more high-end features of the D80, with the simplicity of the D40?

After testing Nikons, there's no way I could ever get anything else, especially since I have also tried Canons and Sonys...

Im probably making a complete assumption, but like I said, complete beginneer

The D60 has a larger screen, the D300's expeed image processing, a vibration reduction lens, better white balance adjustments, and the 10 meg D80 sensor which can be helpful for cropping

The D40 has 1/500 flash sync speed that you might enjoy.

edit: the D60 also has active D lighting which is very useful for contrasty scenes

 

[ncstater1919]

I can get the D60 with the 18-55mm VR lens, for 600$ which is what i was going to pay for the 2 lenses with the D40... and then if i really do enjoy photography, then i can probably save up for the 55-200mm lens or buy a used lens. Would you guys suggest a used lens?

 

[dEARlEADER]

I can get the D60 with the 18-55mm VR lens, for 600$ which is what i was going to pay for the 2 lenses with the D40... and then if i really do enjoy photography, then i can probably save up for the 55-200mm lens or buy a used lens. Would you guys suggest a used lens?

Nothing wrong with used lenses..... but the 55-200VR is a gem for what it is.... and it's dirt cheap..

ps- you should be aware that D40/60 does not have an internal focusing motor. If you never get past the 18-55 and 55-200 combo this won't be an issue for you. Otherwise, with some lenses (non-afs) you will have to adjust the focus yourself. Some people like this and some people piddle their pants at the thought of focusing a lens.

D80's are cheap right now and you may also want to consider that.....

 

[manaheim]

Just make sure you get your used lenses from a reputable source or can seriously inspect it before you buy. (or ideally, both) (have someone more experienced than you look at the lens for you)

 

[ncstater1919]

alright awesome thanks for the advice, I'm probably going to end up testing the D80 at wolf camera and see how that goes. Yea I do not plan on ever going past 200. so that shouldn't be a problem. I think thats all my questions for right now, but I'm sure once i end up getting my camera, i'll be asking some more questions.

 

[tomhooper]

Yea I do not plan on ever going past 200. so that shouldn't be a problem.

Until you get the "bug" like I did 35 some odd years ago. Good luck and keep that shutter clicking.

 

[manaheim]

God I picked up a D40 for the first time today. Hoooooooly crapstick that was a tiny camera. I think I saw a smurf carrying it around. SHEESH.