Nikon D40 DSLR

I have a D40. The 6mp won't make a difference to the quality of your photos. It will only make a difference if you want to hugely blow up your photos...we're talking more than A4 so 6mp is plenty.

You'll certainly notice the difference with the shutter speed and the camera has 2 auto functions (with & without flash). It is also really easy to use so you'll be up and off in no time.

The kit lens is equivalent only to approx 3x optical zoom so if you're used to more than that then you'll notice the difference. You would get more zoom from the Sony kit lens.

I'm another D40 owner - I love it, I started using it on auto and have gradually progressed to use the manual settings and have managed to get some good shots. I would like more zoom that the kit lens provides but that's my next purchase when I have the cash. To get used to a DSLR and get comfortable with the features it's a great camera

Thanks for your reply. Do you mean I'll notice the shutter speed is better on the D40 than the Alpha 200 or better than my cybershot?

My cybershot has 5 x zoom, is 3 x much less (that could potentially be a v dense question so apols in advance, like I said, I'm a total beginner). Can you take wide angled shots with the D40 lens? Thanks again

Baby Buns, I bought the Sigma 70mm-300mm as I too wanted more zoom. The zoom on this is amazing! The lens is quite noisy but I don't think it's bad for the price. It will also auto focus.

Ooh, thanks. I was saving up for a Nikkor due to the motor issue for AF. I don't mind noise!

I'd get the Nikon.

Sony, in all honesty is more camera for the money.... But the Nikon... Is a Nikon.

When I went digital, the deciding factor for me between Nikon & Canon (the cheap choices at the time) was made for me by the fact that I could use any Nikon lens from the past 30 or more years with varying degrees of functionality. Not so with Canon.

The D40 has no onboard motor, so it wont autofocus non motor lenses, all modern lenses have it. But you still have the option to use vintage glass manually.

Get the Nikon.

I've got my on this lens as a 'catch all'

I meant that you would notice that the shutter speed of the Nikon would be faster than your Cybershot.

You'll notice a bit of difference with the zoom but I can't say how much. I went from having a camera with 12x so I really noticed it.

The kit lens isn't a wide angled lens and neither will the Sony one be either. You would have to buy a wide angled lens.

I think the best thing for you to do is go to a camera shop and have a look at the two that you like.

I think I'll go into Jessops over the weekend, it's a minfield with all of the different options. Thanks again

Sorry, I just have one more question, I've just stumbled accross a deal on Argos where you get the D40 with the 18-55 and 55-200 lens for £352. I just wondered, if I was going to increase my budget do you think I should go for this or buy a Nikon D60 (that comes with an 18-55 lens)?

THanks

You know to buy from warehouseexpress.co.uk or cameraworld.co.uk yes? jessops are crazily expensive

Jessops may seem crazily expensive but they do have a price match policy. Whatever you're buying (camera, lens, bag, memory etc) they will match the the price of any UK supplier that has the item in stock (best to speak speak to the manager first to 'check their price match policy' before pulling out the best net deals). I saved about £300 last time I went in (was buying a fair bit) but always had the option of the shop a mile away if I had any problems.

I think 6 mp is fine - spend some spondoolicks on a nice lens

Thanks, I was going to search online, I just wanted to go to Jessops to have a "play" with them.

H has a D80. He recommends the D60 as being better than the D40 if you have a bit more to spend. Try Jessops.

I have the D60 - and its great.

But..we have 2 lenses, the 18-55 and 70-200, and i am currently looking at buying an all in one zoom - 18-200 (to stop me having to switch over so many times)

i was told that theer isnt much difference between the D40 and D60 so i would assume its down to price for you

I think one of the main differences is that the D60 has 10mp, I don't know whether to pay the extra for that or buy the D40 and spend the extra money on another lens. Decisions decisions.

Are you likely to want to produce large prints? If not the 6mp would be more than adequate. You can still get a very detailed picture and zoom in on elements in a standard picture. Personally I'd get the extra lens

I am totally in love with my D40. I usually use a 50mm lens with it and have leanred loads. Are you on flickr/HPAD? If so, post there and you'll get loads more ideas and suggestions I'm sure, but I'd say go for it.

I think I'm there....I'm going to get the D40 after reading reviews about the D60 & most people seem to prefer the D40...the next thing is, which one to go for?

I can either get this one:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5606416/Trail/searchtext%3ENIKON.htm ND THEN PUT SOME EXTRA MONEY TOWARDS ANOTHER LENS (if I need one that is)

Or this one:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0561611/Trail/searchtext%3ENIKON.htm

What do other D40 0wners recomend?

Thanks again and sorry for all the q's, what I really need is someone to mkae the decision for me lol

Personally I'd get the camera with the kit lens and buy a nifty fifty with the rest. But then I'm biased.

What's a "nifty fifty"?

It's a fab lens, lovely for portraits. Won't auto-focus on the D40 though.

I think it depends on the type of photos that you want to take as to which one to go for. I bought my D40 with the kit lens and then bought a zoom lens (similar to the one on the 2nd link). I did this as I missed the zoom on my old compact (12x). I find the zoom lens especially good for photographing animals and excellent for macros.

If you don't think you'll use the zoom lens then go for the kit lens. The nifty fifty is a 50mm lens. It is a fixed focal length and is good for portraits and landcapes. It basically takes the photo as you see it.

Thanks again all. I ordered the D40 today and it should arrive next week. I've just gone for the kit lens so far and will see how I get on before buying any additional lenses.