Stuck between two choices

[dark72]

Hmm its so hard to find a D40X body now
Was just looking around at sim lim yesterday, even if you find one, it will be with the kit lens, dont think you will be able to get the body itself only..

Joel

You should try out the B&S section for a D40 or D40x/D60 body. Might have to wait around for a good deal. Depends on your luck sometimes people need the cash urgently so they sell at a slightly lower price. You gotta wait for these 2 different items in the B&S Section. Anyway, it shouldn't be that difficult to find a 18-70. All the best

 

[mivecdohc]

Is it advisable to get a 2nd camera body or lens? Thanks!!

Joel

 

[gsv13]

just remember d40/d60 you cannot use prime lens ..u really have very narrow choice for lens .

most of my friends have regret the buy .better u buy d80...if you have very restricted budget maybe you go for a used one with less shutter count .d80 now is going for 700-800 range .

cheers
Sudhir

 

[Six-GHz]

I play with bicycles too.. didnt know cameras also have so much poison too! haha.
But would you have gone with a D40X or maybe D60 body instead, as what swiftee said?
Joel

Yeah, played with bikes too... those days the Kuwahara and Mongoose BMX-es rules! Modding bicycles cost quite a lot then. But fast forward to today, a dSLR will drain your pocket money faster than anything - IF you so wish!

I didn't regret getting a 6-megapix D40. It's more than enough for everyday shots. The only thing was I mixed hobby with family snaps, and soon I ran out of willing subjects! :what:

If you have this genuine interest in pursuing this hobby as a lifelong pursuit, then yes, a D80 would offer you more flexibility in the long run. Happy hunting!

 

[mivecdohc]

Thanks everyone for all your opinions. Tied between the d40 or d60, I eventually bought myself a 2nd hand d40x body with a new 18-70mm Lens. Very happy with the performance so far heh

Cheers,
Joel

 

[mivecdohc]

Yeah, played with bikes too... those days the Kuwahara and Mongoose BMX-es rules! Modding bicycles cost quite a lot then. But fast forward to today, a dSLR will drain your pocket money faster than anything - IF you so wish!

I didn't regret getting a 6-megapix D40. It's more than enough for everyday shots. The only thing was I mixed hobby with family snaps, and soon I ran out of willing subjects! :what:

If you have this genuine interest in pursuing this hobby as a lifelong pursuit, then yes, a D80 would offer you more flexibility in the long run. Happy hunting!

Sounds scary bro! Drain away all my pocket money, now i got two hobbies to juggle, haha

 

[k9sparx]

I would advise you to go for the D80 instead of D60 or D40. No doubt they are newer, but I feel they are still a step behind from the D80.

1. It has the AF motor which gives you a larger variety of lenses that you are able to auto-focus with. (especially good if you intend to buy 3rd party lens as they are mostly cheaper than the Nikon original lenses. You don't want to find yourself in a position where you MUST buy the Nikon just to auto-focus.)
2. It is selling rather cheap now and is strong enough to last you for the next few years I think. D40x can last long, but its lifespan is suppose to be shorter. If you don't shoot so much, I think its still alright. Even if you shoot a lot but maintain it well, it can also last.

Please correct me if I am wrong. ;p

 

[Simon_84]

Thanks everyone for all your opinions. Tied between the d40 or d60, I eventually bought myself a 2nd hand d40x body with a new 18-70mm Lens. Very happy with the performance so far heh

Cheers,
Joel

how's the 18-70mm performance in the night?
shutter speed way slower than in the day i suppose?
even the 18-55mm vr got faster shutter speed than the 18-70mm at night.
but be it day or night the AF lock and focusing for 18-70mm is the fastest among all the kit lens.
do use tripod for the 18-70mm at night for best results.

 

[mivecdohc]

how's the 18-70mm performance in the night?
shutter speed way slower than in the day i suppose?
even the 18-55mm vr got faster shutter speed than the 18-70mm at night.
but be it day or night the AF lock and focusing for 18-70mm is the fastest among all the kit lens.

yeah, the 18-70mm focusing is pretty fast i must say. But seems that i keep getting unexposed photos and eventually blurred photos due to slow shutter speed to get a photo exposed enough.
Well.. guess i haven't fully understand my new found buddy yet

Joel

 

[nic67]

I now own a D80. However, if one is tight on budget, I suppose a D40/40X/60 would still be a viable option, as the truly important lenses from Nikon are the ones with built-in motor, like the versatile DX-S 18-200 VR.

These in-built focusing motors are first and foremost quiet and fast, as compared to lenses using the body motor which tends to be loud and slower. Almost all VR lenses have built-in motors, the lens ranges (18-55, 18-200, 55-200, 16-85) are the most sort after ones.

Even third party lenses, Sigma especially are even emulating their own lens in-built motor (aka HSM, Hypersonic Motors), with ranges (10-20, 17-70,18-50,18-125, 18-200, 15-150, 55-200, 4.5, 10, 50), with specialized APO lens, with OS (Optical Stabilization, equivalent to Nikkor VR) in some models. It seemed that even Tamron is now working hard in producing their own version of lens in-built motor, as announced early this year.

Thus, IMHO, not having the body motor is really no big loss, the reason for me buying the D80 is the grip feel, not the motor, due to the size of my hand.

 

[HelloSeattle]

To me both the D40 and the D60 are not really worth the cash. The D40 would most likely be a let down to you as time pass with the camera. To me there are only 2 cameras from nikon that would do fine. And that would be the D80 and the D300. With the D80, you would have more control over your camera than the D40.