Upgrade opinions - From a D40 to ??

[JohnS.]

Is it also a possibility to switch to Canon? Are there better options on the Canon market?

 

[Forkie]

I have not.

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

Don't bother with the D3000 - it's a step back from the D40. I'd consider the minimum upgrade from the D40 to be the D90 - which is the direction I'm looking to head in next.

However, the D40 is quite capable and I haven't had the issues with noise that you're talking about. I adore my D40 and would even prefer to get the D90 in addition to my D40, but realise I might just have to let it go one day. I can generally get up to ISO800 without noticeable noise and with your 35mm f/1.8 you should be getting some nice crispy sharp images.

It would be worth learning more about exposure before ditching it, you may find that you've been doing it wrong all along and that you can get an awful lot out of your little workhorse.

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.

Correct. You can get up to 1/500 on the D40.

 

[EchoingWhisper]

I used to think that noise is really bad in cameras, but nowadays, looking at 300 dpi prints of ISO 6400, I don't really feel much difference in noise between high ISO and low ISO. If you really need less noise, you could always go with a better denoise plugin.

 

[MLeeK]

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.

If you are stumped with exposure then it won't matter what camera you upgrade to, you won't see an improvement. It's time to learn exposure.
The book mentioned is excellent. Digital Photography Tips: Digital Photography School has some great tutorials to help you to learn exposure.
This will help you to understand how you need to expose for high ISO's Expose Right

There aren't going to be better options in any market-canon, nikon or sony or something else... until you learn about exposure. And at the budget you are going to get for selling a D40 you are going to get into a... d40.

 

[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.

Correct. You can get up to 1/500 on the D40.

I think you can go all the way. 1/500 with the Nikon flash. (Nikon arbitrary limit it at 1/500) If you use a flash that do not communicate with the camera or use off camera flash(es), you can go all the way.

 

[KmH]

Yep. All the way to the max shutter speed of 1/4000 with no iTTL modes turned on. (The D70 and D70s too.)

The shutter is mechanical up to 1/200, then electronic (just turns the image sensor on and off).

It sounds like the OP, like many others, is more concerned the D40 isn't the latest and greatest than actually being limited by the D40's capabilities.

Used D40's in good condition and with the 18-55 mm kit lens are selling for about $300 used.

Used D3100's with the 18-55 mm kit lens are selling for about $475 used, $535 refurbished, and $650 new;

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

 

[JohnS.]

How much would you say a used D40 with the 35mm 1.8G AF-S go for? I was thinking $400 would be fair.

A local person is selling a D80 body. I'm thinking about snagging that up. But I don't know... Is the 3100 that much of an upgrade over the D40?

I only need a body. I'm keeping my 18-55 VR.

 

[MLeeK]

The D3100 is not that much of an upgrade. It's really very basic. VERY basic. If at all I'd go the D5100. MUCH improvements from the D3100. You're keeping the wrong lens. The 35 is the better lens by far.
I am seeing the D40 bodies on ebay for about $299 max but there are no bids on it... and it ends in 15 min.

 

[flatflip]

Yea the 3100 is very basic. I was surprised that it has no bracketing, no IR remote and no timer adjustment (only 10 sec). I really didn't do my homework on this one.

I still love it. It works for me for the price. I got a good deal. I only have a 35mm lens for mine.

Sent from my iPhone using PhotoForum

 

[KmH]

Yes, the D3100 is very basic, and the D3100 is inexpensive for what it does do.

The D40 has a CCD image sensor. The D3100 has a CMOS image sensor with significantly better ISO performance compared to the D40.

The D3100 has better color depth and the CMOS image sensor not only uses less power, it can be read quicker.

You can bracket exposures with a D3100, the old fashioned way, by thinking for yourself and doing it manually.

The D40 doesn't do video, nor does it have a live view mode.

In short, the D3100 is indeed a significant upgrade from the D40.

 

[thierry]

I would go with the d3100 for reasons stated above... You can get one "Like New" for under $500 here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...rry-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

 

[djacobox372]

The D40, D3000, D200, and D80 are all CCD cameras, which make them poor low ISO performers. You will see a significant improvement in ISO performance and color quality by going to any CMOS camera (D3100, D5000, D90, D5100, D7000, D300). The differences between the different CMOS sensor cameras are more subtle, with the D5100 and D7000 having a slight edge over the others.

Personally I think the best two options right now in value for $$ are the D90 and the D5100.

 

[JohnS.]

I don't think you guys read my original post. All I can afford is what I make from selling my D40 and lens. With that being said, I ended up going with the used D80 body and I am VERY pleased with it. A lot more color in the pictures, IFM, and more focus points. Now I just need to sell my AF-S 35mm 1.8G for an 18-55 and AF 50mm and I'll be happy.

 

[djacobox372]

I don't think you guys read my original post. All I can afford is what I make from selling my D40 and lens. With that being said, I ended up going with the used D80 body and I am VERY pleased with it. A lot more color in the pictures, IFM, and more focus points. Now I just need to sell my AF-S 35mm 1.8G for an 18-55 and AF 50mm and I'll be happy.

Strange, something must have been wrong with your D40, because the D80 does not perform any better; other then having a bit more resolution. Color and noise performance is about the same as the d40.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

D80 works with with any old AF lens since 1986, not needing AF-S lenses like the D40 to autofocus