Looking to buy my first DSLR, need some advice.

[PerfectlyFlawed]

A little background, I own a 35mm Maxxim that I don't use much anymore due to the cost of film and processing. I need a digital camera and want to get a decent DSLR. I'm looking at Used Nikon | D40 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens or Nikon D5000 DX-Format 12.3 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Kit - Refurbished - by Nikon U.S.A. with Nikon 18mm - 55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX (VR) Vibration Reduction Wide Angle Autofocus Zoom Lens, - Refurbished - by Nikon U.S.A. . I'm trying to decide whether it's worth the extra $200 for the newer camera. I plan on general use and probably not gonna print anything over 8x10 or 10x13.

This guys selling one..
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/buy-sell/200959-nikon-d40-good-price.html

Super good price too!

And i would also recommend adorama.com or B&H photo...:thumbup:

 

[ghpham]

Why did you choose these 2 models?

KenRockwell.com is where I came up with these two.

What I meant is how you came to these only two choices? You've read about them on Ken Rockwell site and that is fine, but what make you attracted to these two in the first place? Ken review a whole lot of other camera's as well. Can't really help you if you just flat out give us the two choices without stating your requirements. If I had to make a choice between the two without knowing anything else, I'd take the D5000 since it's a newer model and is much better than the D40. You can use LiveView for taking pictures and it has a tiltable screen.

You do realize that neither one of these camera's have focusing motor in the camera's body, hence you will be limited to number of lens?

 

[krue]

I read the article on which camera he recommends which turns out to be the d5000 because they don't sell the d40 new anymore, so that's where I got it. If there's a better choice for ~$500 let me know, I'm not locked in stone here.

 

[ghpham]

Krue, Best Buy still sells the D40 if you want to buy it. Between the two, I would recommend the D5000 because it have the tiltable LCD and you can take pics using LiveView (much like a P&S). Is your criteria solely the money? are there any other criteria??

 

[Atlas77]

KenRockwell.com is where I came up with these two.

Sorry but KenRockwell is not a valid photography source for me. It may be to others but you have to look at his opinions like a little grain of salt compared to other credible sources.

Just my 2 cents.

Ken may be opinionated and like to speak like his opinions are fact but he has some great pages on nikon equipment.

Oh no, I agree with you. He has some good pages and useful information. I go to kenrockwell all the time to read up on Nikon gear. I just don't think its a credible source for a "new" photographer to get their information.

 

[krue]

Krue, Best Buy still sells the D40 if you want to buy it. Between the two, I would recommend the D5000 because it have the tiltable LCD and you can take pics using LiveView (much like a P&S). Is your criteria solely the money? are there any other criteria??

Money is one, ease of use is another, 'cuz this will be "our" camera and my wife needs to be able to use it without a whole lot of technical stuff. Not saying she's not smart, just verrry impatient. Of course picture quality counts too.

 

[Dao]

I want a good camera at a decent price that doesn't take a genius to operate. I have the minolta so I wouldn't mind being able to use those lenses, but I haven't seen a minolta dslr.

See if you can find you lens on this list.

Minolta Sony alpha lens database - Dyxum.com

 

[ghpham]

Both of these cameras are easy to use...that is if you just put them on the auto mode. If your wife is used to a P&S it might be better to get the D5000 since she can use LiveView to focus (though it's a bit slower than the viewfinder). If the extra 200 is too hard to stretch, then by all means go with the D40.

 

[Rosshole]

You do realize that neither one of these camera's have focusing motor in the camera's body, hence you will be limited to number of lens?

While this is true, it really isn't that much of a limiter.

 

[KmH]

You do realize that neither one of these camera's have focusing motor in the camera's body, hence you will be limited to number of lens?

OMG! That's so right! You'll only be able to choose from the following short list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nikon_compatible_lenses_with_integrated_autofocus-motor
Nikon Nikkor: 54 lenses

Wide-Angle

• AF-S DX 10-24mm 1:3.5-4.5G ED
• AF-S DX 12-24mm 1:4G IF-ED
• AF-S 14-24mm 1:2.8G IF-ED
• AF-S 17-35mm 1:2.8D IF-ED

Mid-Range

• AF-S DX 16-85mm VR 1:3.5-5.6G IF-ED
• AF-S DX 17-55mm 1:2.8G IF-ED
• AF-S DX 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED
• AF-S DX 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED II
• AF-S DX 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR
• AF-S DX 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5G IF-ED
• AF-S 24-70mm 1:2.8G IF-ED
• AF-S 24-85mm 1:3.5-4.5G IF-ED
• AF-S 24-120mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED
• AF-S 28-70mm 1:2.8D IF-ED
• AF-S DX 35mm 1:1.8G
• AF-S 50mm 1:1.4G

Super-Zoom

• AF-S DX 18-105mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED VR
• AF-S DX 18-135mm 1:3.5-5.6G IF-ED
• AF-S 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6G DX VR IF-ED
• AF-S 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR DX II

Telephoto

• AF-S DX 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED
• AF-S DX 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G VR IF-ED
• AF-S 70-200mm 1:2.8G VR IF-ED
• AF-S 70-200 mm 1:2.8G ED VR II
• AF-S 80-200mm 1:2.8D ED
• AF-S 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6G VR IF-ED
• AF-S 200mm 1:2G VR IF-ED
• AF-I 300mm 1:2.8D IF-ED
• AF-S 300mm 1:2.8D IF-ED II
• AF-S 300mm 1:2.8G VR IF-ED
• AF-S 300mm 1:2,8G ED VR II
• AF-S 300mm 1:4D IF-ED

Super-Telephoto

• AF-S 200-400mm 1:4G VR IF-ED
• AF-I 400mm 1:2.8D IF-ED
• AF-S 400mm 1:2.8D IF-ED
• AF-S 400mm 1:2.8D IF-ED II
• AF-S 400mm 1:2.8G VR IF-ED
• AF-I 500mm 1:4D IF-ED
• AF-S 500mm 1:4D IF-ED
• AF-S 500mm 1:4D IF-ED II
• AF-S 500mm 1:4G VR IF-ED
• AF-I 600mm 1:4D IF-ED
• AF-S 600mm 1:4D IF-ED
• AF-S 600mm 1:4D IF-ED II
• AF-S 600mm 1:4G VR IF-ED

Macro

• AF-S Micro 60mm 1:2.8G IF-ED
• AF-S Micro 105mm 1:2.8G VR IF-ED
• AF-S DX Micro 85mm 1:3.5G ED VR

Teleconverter

• AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III
• AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E II
• AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
• AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E II
• AF-I Teleconverter TC-14E
• AF-I Teleconverter TC-20E

Nikon notes:

1. ^ abcdef Will only mount original Nikon Nikkor AF-S and AF-I lenses (without modification). Not recommended for use with Nikkor DX lenses.

Sigma: 46 lenses

Fisheye

• 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye HSM
• 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Diagonal fisheye

Wide-Angle

• 10-20mm 1:3.5 EX DC HSM
• 10-20mm 1:4-5.6 EX DC HSM
• 12-24mm 1:4.5-5.6 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM
• 14mm 1:2.8 EX HSM RF APO
• 17-35mm 1:2.8-4 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM

Mid-Range

• 17-70mm 1:2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM
• 17-70mm 1:2.8-4.5 DC HSM "for Nikon Only"
• 17-70mm 1:2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
• 18-50mm 1:2.8 EX DC HSM MACRO
• 18-50mm 1:2.8 EX DC HSM "for Nikon only"
• 18-50mm 1:2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
• 18-50mm 1:3.5-5.6 DC HSM
• 24-70mm 1:2.8 EX DG HSM
• 30mm 1:1.4 EX DC HSM
• 50mm 1:1.4 EX DG HSM

Super-Zoom

• 18-125mm 1:3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM
• 18-200mm 1:3.5-6.3 DC
• 18-200mm 1:3.5-6.3 DC OS
• 18-200mm 1:3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM
• 18-250mm 1:3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

Telephoto

• 50-150mm 1:2.8 APO EX DC HSM
• 50-150mm 1:2.8 APO II EX DC HSM
• 50-200mm 1:4-5.6 DC OS HSM
• 55-200mm 1:4-5.6 DC HSM
• 70-200mm 1:2.8 APO EX DG HSM MACRO
• 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 DG
• 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 DG MACRO "With Built-in Motor"
• 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 DG APO Macro
• 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 DG OS
• 100-300mm 1:4 APO EX DG HSM
• 120-300mm 1:2.8 APO EX DG HSM
• 300mm 1:2.8 EX DG APO HSM

Super-Telephoto

• 50-500mm 1:4-6.3 APO EX DG HSM
• 80-400mm 1:4-5.6 EX OS
• 80-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 EX DG APO OS
• 120-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 DG OS APO HSM
• 150-500mm 1:5-6.3 DG OS APO HSM
• 300-800 1:5.6 APO EX DG HSM
• 500mm 1:4.5 EX DG HSM APO
• 800mm 1:5.6 EX DG APO

Macro

• 150mm 1:2.8 APO EX DG HSM MACRO

Teleconverter

• TELE CONVERTER APO EX DG 1.4x
• TELE CONVERTER APO EX DG 2.0x

Tamron: 14 lenses

Wide-Angle

• 10-24mm 1:3.5-4.5 AF Di-II LD

.

Mid-Range

• 17-50mm 1:2.8 SP AF XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] (A16NII)
• 17-50mm 1:2.8 SP AF XR Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF]
• 28-75mm 1:2.8 SP AF XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)(A09NII)

Super-Zoom

• 18-200mm AF XR Di-II (A14NII)
• 18-250mm 1:3.5-6.3 AF Di-II LD Aspherical Macro NII
• 18-270mm 1:3.5-6.3 AF Di-II VC LD Aspherical [IF] Macro
• 28-300mm 1:3.5-6.3 AF XR Di VC

Telephoto

• 70-200mm 1:2.8 AF Di LD MACRO
• 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 AF Di LD Macro (A17NII, with built-in motor)

Macro

• 60mm 1:2 SP AF DiII LD (IF) Macro
• 90mm 1:2.8 SP AF Di MACRO Model 272E

Teleconverter

• Tamron SP Pro 1.4x
• Tamron SP Pro 2x

Tokina: 1 lens

Wide Angle

• 12-24 1:4 AT-X 124 PRO DX II

] Kenko: 9 lenses + 3 lens extension tubes

Teleconverter

• Teleplus Pro 300 1.4x
• Teleplus Pro 300 DG 1.4x
• Teleplus Pro 300 2x
• Teleplus Pro 300 DG 2x
• Teleplus Pro 300 3x
• Teleplus Pro 300 DG 3x
• Teleplus MC4 AF DG 2x
• Teleplus MC7 AF DG 2x
• Teleplus K1.5 AF DG 1.5x

Lens extension tube

• AUTO EXTENSION TUBE SET DG 12, 20 and 36mm
• EXTENSION RING UNIPLUS TUBE DG 12
• EXTENSION RING UNIPLUS TUBE DG 25

 

[Derrel]

You do realize that neither one of these camera's have focusing motor in the camera's body, hence you will be limited to number of lens?

OMG! That's so right! You'll only be able to choose from the following short list: long list snipped for brevity's sake

Yeah, that short list plus something like over 300 different Nikon lens models and variants made between 1959 and 2010, which will all mount onto a Nikon D40,D40x,D60,D3000,or D5000, and which will have automatic diaphragm control, and which will manually focus and which will actually shoot images without ANY modification to the lens or camera. So, you know, that $75 200mm f/4 or that $99 135mm f/2.8 telephoto or that $79 55mm f/3.5 Micro-Nikkor macro lens, or that $900 400mm f/3.5 ED-IF Nikkor, or that $129 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E zoom....and 295 or so additional Nikon-made manual focus lenses models..all those affordable but older manual focusing lenses that still work fine (~30 million of them) will also confuse your choices if you buy an entry-level Nikon body. So, you'll have to figure out which lenses out of 51 years worth of manual focus lenses you mighty want to pick up for a song from garage sales, Craigslist,and pawn shops.

 

[Kerplunq]

You do realize that neither one of these camera's have focusing motor in the camera's body, hence you will be limited to number of lens?

OMG! That's so right! You'll only be able to choose from the following short list: long list snipped for brevity's sake

Yeah, that short list plus something like over 300 different Nikon lens models and variants made between 1959 and 2010, which will all mount onto a Nikon D40,D40x,D60,D3000,or D5000, and which will have automatic diaphragm control, and which will manually focus and which will actually shoot images without ANY modification to the lens or camera. So, you know, that $75 200mm f/4 or that $99 135mm f/2.8 telephoto or that $79 55mm f/3.5 Micro-Nikkor macro lens, or that $900 400mm f/3.5 ED-IF Nikkor, or that $129 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E zoom....and 295 or so additional Nikon-made manual focus lenses models..all those affordable but older manual focusing lenses that still work fine (~30 million of them) will also confuse your choices if you buy an entry-level Nikon body. So, you'll have to figure out which lenses out of 51 years worth of manual focus lenses you mighty want to pick up for a song from garage sales, Craigslist,and pawn shops.

See, when I was in this situation, looking for a first time DSLR. I ended up going with a D60 for that reason. Auto mode for the girlfriend, if she wanted to use it. And the fact that almost any old school manual len will bolt on. The fact of manual, forces me to learn the more advanced settings.

Now what you have to ask yourself, is what do u want to get out of your investment? How much are you willing to spend on the body and glass? Is this a learning tool? How easy is it to find used or new add-ons for your model? Have you researched other models and what they have to offer?

I hope this helps you out a bit. I'm still new to everything myself...but so far its been a fun ride.

 

[ghpham]

Thank you for the list. My mistake

Now as for the manual focusing lens, I doubt a beginner would have to patience to try autofocus.

 

[krue]

Any other suggestions, how does Sony stack up to Nikon?

 

[dragon12]

sony is pretty good, not as good as nikon tho. but on the birght side you can use minolta glass