Upgrade opinions - From a D40 to ??

[JohnS.]

I really want to upgrade from my D40. I feel so limited with it... I think that's part of the reason why I hardly shoot now. I just don't really like using it. The image quality isn't really TOO great and the ISO noise level even at 400 is noticeable and gets exponentially worse the higher you go.

Do you guys think it's worth to upgrade to a D5000? I was thinking about selling my D40 + 35mm AF-S 1.8G to fund a used D5000 body off bhphotovideo. Or is a D80 better? The only money I have for an upgrade is what I would get from the D40 + 35mm.

Thanks in advance .

 

[Dao]

I think it really depends on what limit you from obtaining the photos you want.

 

[JohnS.]

I'm not sure. I mean by no means am I a pro or do I think of myself as knowing how to use a DSLR to it's full potential. I shoot in manual only to force myself to try to understand how all the settings work together depending upon the shooting situation. But I feel like the D40 is limiting me. Maybe it's just me... Maybe I would enjoy using a newer camera that's better than the D40. I'm not sure... That's why I'm seeking advice.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

D40 to a D5000 is not that much of an upgrade. For improved ISO, clear veiwfinder, the fact you can auto-focus AF lenses, and a long list of other things at least step up to a D7000

 

[JohnS.]

Like I said, the only money I'll have for an upgrade is what I'll make from selling my D40 and 35mm. D7000 is way too far out of my range.

 

[MLeeK]

an upgrade is going to cost you out of pocket. Somehow I doubt you can get enough out of a d40 and 35mm for a D5000 even. I'd save some $ and at the VERY least a D5100.
You just aren't going to find much improvement in the D5000.
The D40 is quite capable if you learn how to expose properly for using high ISO's.

 

[JohnS.]

I've always been stumped with exposure. Is there anywhere I can read to explain it better?

If I can learn to do better with my D40, I'd be willing to stick with it and try. But I feel like it'd be easier to just go to a better camera lol.

 

[Overread19 7]

Have you read Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson? That is the go-to book for learning exposure that many recommend.

 

[JohnS.]

I have not.

But getting back to upgrades... What do you guys think? 3/5000 aren't worth it? 3100/5100 minimum?

 

[jwbryson1]

I shot with my D40 for about 2 years before I upgraded to my D90 which is my current camera. I kept the D40 because I find that it takes really fantastic photos, is lightweight and great for carrying with me on hikes and other active pursuits. It's also got a 1/250 sync speed which is better than many of the more expensive bodies.

If you are looking to upgrade, what about a used D90? I've had mine for about 2 years now and I am constantly learning new things on it, how to use it better and more effectively and how to use it with multiple off camera flashes. There is a lot I'm still learning and I don't feel "underequipped" with my D90 at all.

Just my $0.02. YMMV.

 

[Overread19 7]

I'd strongly recommend getting hold of a copy; as the others have already said if you've got problems with exposure (or even just a lack of confidence) then those problems will only carry over onto any new body and any gain you get will be diminished. Also an idea of what lenses and lighting gear you have and what you like to shoot would help - might be that a new lens/flash might well open up many more doors and improve quality a lot lot more than the new body will.

 

[flatflip]

I highly recommend that book too.

I love my 7000 and my 3100. I had a 5000 and a 40. Loved them both. The 5000 is better than the 40 and the 3100.

Google "vs" for any two models for a spec overview.

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[flatflip]

I'm curious what lenses you'll keep. I sold a n afs 35mm lens and really missed it. I bought it again for a loss of $30.

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[JohnS.]

I have an 18-55 VR that I prefer to shoot with over my 35mm for the zoom and I also have an SB-600.

I really like the 1.8 bonus but with the SB-600, it's really almost not necessary. I don't go anywhere that doesn't allow flash photography so I don't have that issue. Although the DoF/bokeh is really nice with 1.8, it seems overexaggerated sometimes and I'd rather stick with 1 lense as an all-around lense that I can walk around with and shoot whatever.

 

[Dao]

It's also got a 1/250 sync speed which is better than many of the more expensive bodies.

From what I read, you can go much much faster sync speed with D40 because of the electronic shutter.