Can you guys help me finalize on a camera? Few ?'s

Lunchbucket

Lunchbucket

Premium Member
Ok I'm gonna buy a D40 or D60. I've been drooling for months and got the ok from the wife to use some of our tax return. This camera is just to take pics of my pup, tank, family, a pretty basic user but I want a good one that I can get more lenses for if needed.

I've been looking at kits with vibration reduction lenses. Are VR lenses worth it?

Can you guys suggest which to get?

D40 w/ 18-55 and 55-200mm (non-VR) $499

D40 w/ 18-55 (non-VR) and 55-200mm VR $564


D60 w/ 18-55 VR and 55-200VR $662

D60 w/ 18-55VR and 55-200 (non-VR) $609

Should I get the D40 or 60 for my use or the price? Also, should or shouldn't get the VR lenses?

Thanks I hope to order tomorrow. I've been cameral-less for about 1-2 months and it's driving me crazy.

Lunchbucket
 
I don't know about which camera, I have the Canon IS 18-55 and 55-250 and find it especially useful on the 55-250.
 
I had a D40 and I would strongly suggest going with the D60. The extra MPs add nice sharpness to those 8x10s. Not sure how big you will be printing images? It was a gift so I can't complain.

VR lenses are fine for the low cost you pick them up for. I used a few without knowing they were not VR and took great pictures. Although it is only a few $$ to pick up both lens with VR. It would be the route I'd go with.

I'm sure you will enjoy your camera either way :)
 
Re: Can you guys help me finalize on a camera? Few ?'s

I've used both the D40, D60, and both of those lenses! This is not in one of your options, but this is IMO the best combo:

D60 body, 18-55 non-VR, and 55-200 VR.

My best and sharpest shots came from my 18-55 non-VR kit lens. Looking directly at my results, the non-VR 18-55 had produced consistently sharper results than my VR lens, (possibly due to the VR version not having the ED elements??) Besides, you really don't need VR below 55mm..

VR is absolutely needed on the 55-200 lens. I've gotten more keepers on the VR version than the non-VR version. This lens is also sharp... both are plastic lens with plastic mounts and in fact, very decent performer. The 18-55 has rotating front focus ring (bad) while the 55-200 doesn't (good).

Personally I would rate my 18-55 almost up to par with my pro 17-55 f2.8 as far as sharpness is concerned, albeit it's not as fast AND it's plastic.

The D60, obviously is a body that has more features than the D40.

What else do you need to know? I can even post sample pics from both lenses if you're not convinced :)
 
I have a D40 and am very satisfied with it. I think it can be considered and entry level DSLR. One thing you need to know that may or may not make a difference is that the D40 (and I think the D60 as well) does not have an auto-focus motor in the body so auto-focus won't work on a lens that does not have an auto-focus motor built into the lens.
 
Thanks for all your help.

I can't find a 18-55 (non-vr) and 55-200 VR kit anywhere. Seems it's both VR or it comes w/ the 18-55 VR and the 55-200 non-VR which doesn't seem right.

Ok I'm upset the D60 kit w/ both lenses VR was 660 last night and today it is 696 again :( Told my wife we should have ordered it last night.

I guess here is one more option to throw in the mix

D80 w/ 18-135 lens $749
More than I want to spend but would the D80 be worth the upgrade for my usage??? I'm thinking not but thought I'd ask

Ok....so what should my final decision be? Both VR's and D60?

Both VR's and D60 for $696?? Those lenses look to be right. I know some companies put lower lenses with kits to pawn them off.

Anyone know a better price for this kit?

Thanks everyone...can't wait to order up tonight
Lunchbucket
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14576828#post14576828 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by H@rry
I have a D40 and am very satisfied with it. I think it can be considered and entry level DSLR. One thing you need to know that may or may not make a difference is that the D40 (and I think the D60 as well) does not have an auto-focus motor in the body so auto-focus won't work on a lens that does not have an auto-focus motor built into the lens.
Click to expand...


Good call. I read that on here a while ago and that is a great thing to mention if someone is looking at the D40 and D60. Just need the lenses w/ autofocus motor in them.
 
I guess here is one more option to throw in the mix

D80 w/ 18-135 lens $749
More than I want to spend but would the D80 be worth the upgrade for my usage??? I'm thinking not but thought I'd ask
Click to expand...

If your budget allows, yes the D80 is worth the extra money..but for simple family snapshot stuff, I think you're better off investing on a good tripod and/or a better glass IMO.

The D80 advantage over the D40 and D60 are:

-Has AF motor in the body so you can use manual AF lens (like the super sharp $99 Nikkor 50mm f1.8 prime)

-Has top display so you won't have to keep "chimping" on the main LCD. Also very helpful when shooting on a tripod or bright sunny days when you cannot see the main LCD. The top LCD is always visible.

-Faster FPS

As for the 18-55 VR version, it is also very good. If you can get a good deal on both lenses with VR, get them. Another option for you would be a D40 body ($295 used on Adorama) and a Nikkor 18-200 VR lens (about $500). With this lens, you won't have to switch between the 18-55 and 55-200 and possibly miss a shot, or get some dust on your sensor. Just a suggestion though...
 
Ok point taken better lenes and triopod would probably suit me better than a bigger camera for my needs.

I'd be nice to use the 80 and the 50mm 1.8 prime but I think that might be in over my simple budget and mind

I can't find that used D40 body? Link?

Should I maybe look at getting a used body instead of new and then buy a lens or two? Think that would be better option?

Sorry for all the questions but I would like to make sure I get the right camera and deal for me.

Lunchbucket
 
I recently got my first DSLR a few weeks ago. I got this exact package... http://www.adorama.com/INKD40KR.html?searchinfo=INKD40KR&item_no=1

It is a refurbished unit but it is nikon refurbished(a huge difference then a camera store repair unit) Also you get a 90 day from nikon im sure i would notice if something wasnt right in the first 90 days of ownership. When i got my camera in the unit was perfect! Not one speck of dust on the entire contents of the box. Read the reviews from others that got the exact package. I was sold after i read them.

Maybe you can also throw one of these in... the price and customer photos seem killer.
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-50mm-Ma...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236728694&sr=8-10
 
Ricunger - Thanks for the suggestions.

Well still not knowing what to do. Thinking back to the D40 two lens kit or the D60 two lens kit with as many VR's as possible.

So should I spend the extra $100 bucks and get the D60 w/ both VR's or save and get teh D40 w/ 18-55 (non-VR) and 55-200VR?

For my use, experience, etc should I save the $100 or get the D60?

Thanks
Lunchbucket
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14581278#post14581278 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lunchbucket
Found

D40 x w/ a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens for $389.95 used

What lens should I get then?

I'm emailing to see if this includes all the battery, charger, usb cable, etc. I'm guessing so but thoght I'd check

Lunchbucket
Click to expand...


That's a good deal. Can't go wrong with B&H. Also, there's nothing wrong with used bodies and especially lenses - 95% of all my equipments are pre-owned and I'm very happy with them.

You can get that package and add the 55-200 VR for $199. DO NOT get the 70-300 non-VR unless you're strictly going to use it on a tripod.

Unless you demand more AF points, faster FPS, AF motor, and all those advanced features, a D40 will suffice. I was very happy with my D40, 18-55 and 55-200 combo and at the time it had everything that I needed to do my work. You can always use the D40 as your backup body if you decide to upgrade.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14582093#post14582093 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lunchbucket
So should I spend the extra $100 bucks and get the D60 w/ both VR's or save and get teh D40 w/ 18-55 (non-VR) and 55-200VR?

For my use, experience, etc should I save the $100 or get the D60?

Thanks
Lunchbucket
Click to expand...

Save and get the D40 with 18-55 non-VR and 55-200 VR. The D60 does NOT offer substantial upgrade over the D40 (in fact, they are very much the same except for the extra MP on the D60) Take the $100 you saved and invest on a quality tripod and ballhead. Camera bodies come and go but tripods and lenses are used for life. I wouldn;t worry much about the body... the D40 is perfectly fine.
 
xtm - Well thanks for making some strong real world sense in this crazy world I know not much about :D Very true lenses and tripods are forever and bodies can be changed. Who knows in a couple years I might want the newest and greatest as I'm in photography more or maybe I can pic up a D3 for cheap then.

Well that used D40X is gone. I guess I'll go w/ the D40 kit as talked about above.

What is a ballhead?

I have some HOT leads on selling some of my reef stuff so I can offset more of this camera. Gonna order tonight.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH EVERYONE FOR THE HELP!
Lunchbucket
 
Just placed my order for 2 x 4 gb cards and the D40 w/ 18-55 and 55-200VR lens!!

Should be here Wed of next week it says! Can't wait!!!

Thanks again
Lunchbucket
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14589678#post14589678 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lunchbucket
Just placed my order for 2 x 4 gb cards and the D40 w/ 18-55 and 55-200VR lens!!

Should be here Wed of next week it says! Can't wait!!!

Thanks again
Lunchbucket
Click to expand...

Nice. I like the D40 best out of the D40/40x/60. I've had a D40x for about a year and what you've got on order is EXACTLY what I would have recommended.
 
xtm - Thanks I like the sound of that...Nikonian :D Now I need to read and reread lessons here

tyoberg - Why you like the 40 best? Seems like the 60 should be better but guess not?

Well glad I made the right choice!

Lunchbucket
 
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