Noob question about Nikon D40

oldaccount · 01-06-2007, 12:07 AM

From what I understand, the Nikon D40 is a great dSLR, that is dumbed down so as to be more more "point and shoot" than other SLRs.

Ive never touched an SLR in my life, but I plan on practicing a lot and becoming a pretty decent amateur photographer. Just as a hobby, Im not going to be taking pictures for National Geographic, obviously.

My question is, is the D40 too "point and shoot" and not enough SLR.....will a d40 leave me with not enough control over my pictures? I dont want to be stuck with a point and shoot camera that takes really good pictures.

remmib · 01-06-2007, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suareezay

From what I understand, the Nikon D40 is a great dSLR, that is dumbed down so as to be more more "point and shoot" then other SLRs.

Ive never touched an SLR in my life, but I plan on practicing a lot and becoming a pretty decent amateur photographer. Just as a hobby, Im not going to be taking pictures for National Geographic, obviously.

My question is, is the D40 too "point and shoot" and not enough SLR.....will a d40 leave me with not enough control over my pictures? I dont want to be stuck with a point and shoot camera that takes really good pictures.

Its a real DSLR and you can have full control over it. It should be a great first DSLR.

Gripster · 01-06-2007, 04:59 PM

If you can live with the 'cons' in this list, then it should be an excellent choice.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/page25.asp

From where I stand, as a first DSLR it looks great.

Kenny C · 01-08-2007, 08:38 PM

All nikon slrs have the same basic control. You can shoot in aperture (my fav) program, shutter or manual. My d2x, d70, and d80 have the same controls. You can take any of them to any level. The difference is features, megapixals (this only makes a difference if you plan on enlarging the photos. If you only want 4x6, 5x7 6.1 megapixals is plenty) and build quality. My d2x is practically unbreakable. Remember like cars these new cameras are all about electronics and there is alot to be said for build quality. No matter which camera you get make sure it's a USA not grey market and take ou the extended warranty. I have no experience with Canon but I'm sure they make great cameras.
The d40 is not dumbdown!
Kenny

oldaccount · 01-09-2007, 02:35 AM

thanks guys. Since im a noob, and I dont even know what any of the "cons" mean in the link that Gripster pointed out to me, i think this will be more than enough camera for me. If i go SLR, this will be the camera. thanks again.

Gripster · 01-10-2007, 01:08 PM

Saw a good deal on these today if you're looking to buy any time soon.

http://dealmac.com/deals/Nikon-D40-6...ed/149215.html

oldaccount · 01-10-2007, 04:23 PM

awesome. thanks for the link. I definatly plan to buy very soon.:thumbup:

Collanrf · 03-24-2007, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gripster

Saw a good deal on these today if you're looking to buy any time soon.

http://dealmac.com/deals/Nikon-D40-6...ed/149215.html

Got my D40 this weekend. as a beginner I still have to learnto use it. I tried it, Picture is really nice and clear. I got it last weekend for $530.

. out the door.

JKratty · 03-30-2007, 09:26 AM

+1 to everyone saying the d40 is an excellent camera. I shoot semi-pro freelance with a d70 -- now outdated compared to the d40 -- with superb results, and the d40 should not limit you at all.

I swear by the writings and reviews of Ken Rockwell. You can read his review of the d40 here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

As he states, your gear doesn't matter. It is all in your abilities as a photographer, which involves your ability to "see" a picture, and then your understanding of the physics of photography and how that translates through your camera's settings onto film/memory cards.

Get yourself the d40 and use the money you saved over a d80/d200 to get yourself the Nikon 18-200 VR. You'll be set!

oldaccount · 03-30-2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JKratty

As he states, your gear doesn't matter. It is all in your abilities as a photographer, which involves your ability to "see" a picture, and then your understanding of the physics of photography and how that translates through your camera's settings onto film/memory cards.

Ryan.M · 03-30-2007, 11:50 AM

I just purchased the D40 about one month ago. Such an amazing camera

Auto mode is not that bad.

mike138 · 03-30-2007, 12:09 PM

im looking at the same camera ........(and i almost have the same car as you too) .............. i wanna be just like you haha

Ghunger · 03-30-2007, 12:10 PM

I think the only one of those cons that I'd be worried about at all would be the lack of an in body focusing motor so you have to get one of the lenses with a built in motor. That limits the lenses you will be able to use with it. There are plenty of lenses available for a beginner though, so that won't make any difference until you get more into it, at which point you'd probably be in the market for a better body anyway.

BTW: I just picked up a D80 with the 18-200 VR lens. Great lens and camera combo for a multi purpose setup. JKratty's suggestion of the D40 with the 18-200 VR lens would be a great starter setup. I don't think you could get the D40 as a body only though. The kit lens should be fine to start though.

01-06-2007, 12:07 AM	#1
oldaccount Colonel 171 Rep 2,455 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	Noob question about Nikon D40 From what I understand, the Nikon D40 is a great dSLR, that is dumbed down so as to be more more "point and shoot" than other SLRs. Ive never touched an SLR in my life, but I plan on practicing a lot and becoming a pretty decent amateur photographer. Just as a hobby, Im not going to be taking pictures for National Geographic, obviously. My question is, is the D40 too "point and shoot" and not enough SLR.....will a d40 leave me with not enough control over my pictures? I dont want to be stuck with a point and shoot camera that takes really good pictures. Last edited by oldaccount; 01-06-2007 at 02:55 PM..
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01-06-2007, 04:59 PM	#3
Gripster Captain 152 Rep 981 Posts Drives: E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (5) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	If you can live with the 'cons' in this list, then it should be an excellent choice. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/page25.asp From where I stand, as a first DSLR it looks great. __________________ *2013 M3 (E93)* - ZPP/ZCW/DCT
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01-08-2007, 08:38 PM	#4
Kenny C Lieutenant 230 Rep 502 Posts Drives: 2007 335 e90 1998 e39 540 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Oceanside, New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2025 BMW i5 e drive [0.00] 1998 BMW 540 [0.00] 2023 BMW i4 m50 [0.00] 2020 BMW M340 [0.00] 2018 mx3 40 [0.00] 2016 340 [0.00] 2013 BMW ACYIVE HYB ... [0.00] 2010 BMW X535D [0.00]	All nikon slrs have the same basic control. You can shoot in aperture (my fav) program, shutter or manual. My d2x, d70, and d80 have the same controls. You can take any of them to any level. The difference is features, megapixals (this only makes a difference if you plan on enlarging the photos. If you only want 4x6, 5x7 6.1 megapixals is plenty) and build quality. My d2x is practically unbreakable. Remember like cars these new cameras are all about electronics and there is alot to be said for build quality. No matter which camera you get make sure it's a USA not grey market and take ou the extended warranty. I have no experience with Canon but I'm sure they make great cameras. The d40 is not dumbdown! Kenny
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01-09-2007, 02:35 AM	#5
oldaccount Colonel 171 Rep 2,455 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	thanks guys. Since im a noob, and I dont even know what any of the "cons" mean in the link that Gripster pointed out to me, i think this will be more than enough camera for me. If i go SLR, this will be the camera. thanks again.
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01-10-2007, 01:08 PM	#6
Gripster Captain 152 Rep 981 Posts Drives: E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (5) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	Saw a good deal on these today if you're looking to buy any time soon. http://dealmac.com/deals/Nikon-D40-6...ed/149215.html __________________ *2013 M3 (E93)* - ZPP/ZCW/DCT
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01-10-2007, 04:23 PM	#7
oldaccount Colonel 171 Rep 2,455 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	awesome. thanks for the link. I definatly plan to buy very soon.:thumbup:
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03-30-2007, 09:26 AM	#9
JKratty In Scotch We Trust 0 Rep 76 Posts Drives: '69 Chevelle, E90 335 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	+1 to everyone saying the d40 is an excellent camera. I shoot semi-pro freelance with a d70 -- now outdated compared to the d40 -- with superb results, and the d40 should not limit you at all. I swear by the writings and reviews of Ken Rockwell. You can read his review of the d40 here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm As he states, your gear doesn't matter. It is all in your abilities as a photographer, which involves your ability to "see" a picture, and then your understanding of the physics of photography and how that translates through your camera's settings onto film/memory cards. Get yourself the d40 and use the money you saved over a d80/d200 to get yourself the Nikon 18-200 VR. You'll be set! __________________ ---------------------------------------------------- E90 335i, black sapphire metallic, terra dakota, PP, SP, 6MT, cold weather, iPod, CA, burl walnut, LeatherZ ZHP shift knob, 19" M5 reps w/ Kumho Ecsta SPT staggered, BMC drop-in, SSTT. Amen.
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03-30-2007, 11:50 AM	#11
Ryan.M Major 76 Rep 1,029 Posts Drives: E46 M3..E30 325i..72' 2002 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I just purchased the D40 about one month ago. Such an amazing camera Auto mode is not that bad.
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03-30-2007, 12:09 PM	#12
mike138 Private First Class 15 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 335i (c) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: your moms house iTrader: (0)	im looking at the same camera ........(and i almost have the same car as you too) .............. i wanna be just like you haha __________________ i do hate that enter key
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03-30-2007, 12:10 PM	#13
Ghunger Major 56 Rep 1,024 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	I think the only one of those cons that I'd be worried about at all would be the lack of an in body focusing motor so you have to get one of the lenses with a built in motor. That limits the lenses you will be able to use with it. There are plenty of lenses available for a beginner though, so that won't make any difference until you get more into it, at which point you'd probably be in the market for a better body anyway. BTW: I just picked up a D80 with the 18-200 VR lens. Great lens and camera combo for a multi purpose setup. JKratty's suggestion of the D40 with the 18-200 VR lens would be a great starter setup. I don't think you could get the D40 as a body only though. The kit lens should be fine to start though. __________________ 330i Monaco Blue, Terra /w aluminum trim, SP, PP, CA, PDC, Nav, Folding Seats, Sat Prep European Delivery Blog Picture Gallery
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