Personal computing discussed
Moderators: renee, Dposcorp, SpotTheCat
ludi wrote:As others have mentioned, the D40 and other bodies in the same "line" have some limitations to at least be aware of. The more you know before you buy, the better as every body and system has its own set of tradeoffs.Looking around on local Craigslist over the past few weeks, I see more D40s than any other type, usually in the $300-$350 range for a body, one lens, and basic accessories. Any comments on, or landmines to watch out for, with this model in particular? Any other models I should be looking for instead?
ludi wrote:Just about any DSLR, new or used, that you're likely to run across fits that description. For sure anything including the D70 generation and later (about 6 years). New bodies do add capabilities, but digital cameras have been pretty good for quite a while.I don't have thousands of dollars availlable to spend on photography gear at this point, but I do have opportunities while hiking and traveling to take some amazing pictures, and would like to have a camera that can record reproduction-worthy images. If I can do that for under $500 then I'll probably pick up something in January or February.
crazybus wrote:There's nothing wrong with the D40's image quality at lower sensitivities. I've used one quite a bit and it's a fine camera. Limitations include autofocus only with generally pricier AF-S lenses, fewer advanced options, and three selectable AF points. If you're used to a higher end Nikon these caveats may be particularly frustrating, but otherwise it's not bad as far as cheap DSLRs go. I've never had autofocus problems with it in decent light. Nevertheless, I wouldn't spend much on one now.
SpotTheCat wrote:The D3000 is really slow. I think it has the same processing speed as the D40, but more "features" to slow it down. I think this might be a case of less is more. The D3000 also has worse high ISO performance than the D40 for some reason.
Even at ISO 800, images have an acceptable amount of noise.
rogthewookiee wrote:I would not get a D40, the biggest problem with them is they have a horrendous auto focusing system. A camera that takes blurry out of focus pictures is worth nothing.
It's not so much that the D40 has a "horrendous" autofocus but rather the autofocus, and a number of aspects of the camera, are simply aged.
And generally, as a beginner, don't expect to make prize winning images off the bat; ANY modern DSLR, including the D40, is capable of taking amazing pictures, but it is up to the photographer to use the camera to its full potential.
ludi wrote:Nice. (Un)fortunately, I just made a final lump-sum payoff of a secured auto loan today. But if that deal holds until after payroll next Tuesday, I'm on it.