D40X upgrade path

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browno

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I'm looking to upgrade from a D40x, that I've had from new, and have added some nice lenses to. I've been looking at a variety of options, and thought I'd consult a more informed opinion.

My brother has just bought himself a D700 (but he'll be using it professionally), and I really like the feel of the pro kit, but being strictly amateur, don't really need to spend thousands!

I've found as I've upgraded my lenses that I'm getting more limited by the body, particularly just having 3 focus points on the D40x. I've been eyeing up options such as either a used D80 or D90 (don't really need video, so I guess the 80 would do the job?), or going up a level to a used D300, which I guess isn't much more money than a D90.

I am favouring a D300 at the minute, but am wondering if for my needs that a D200 might give me what I need, or would I be wanting to upgrade quite quickly?

The main use will be family shots, but I'm also into my cars - so motorsport is of definite interest - this is one area I've found the 40x focus system quite limiting, especially if there's a catch fence that I want to blow out of focus in the foreground - it always focuses on the fence, whereas when I've tried a D80 it seemed much smarter.
 
go D90 or D300/300s. The higher ISO is much nicer on the D90 compared to the D80. The D80 is basically the same generation as your D40x with a bit more features. The D90 is the next generation. Of course the D7k is the next generation yet and brand new. All of the above will be perfectly fine with the lens set you have now. If you bump to a D700, you'll have to consider which of your lenses are dx only and the csot to replace.

thanks
rick
 
I'm in the same situation as you. I feel like I'm being held back slightly by my D40. Don't get me wrong, it's a great camera but the lack of AF points and quite a lot of noise above ISO 400 is starting to get a bit annoying.

The D90 has been looking like the ideal next step for me. Everyone that I've spoken to and from what I've read on here seems to suggest that it is a fantastic body. The only thing putting me off slightly is the fact that it is going to be obsolete very soon (already listed as discontinued on Nikon's Japan site). That has caused me to start thinking about the D7000, but it is obviously quite a lot more expensive the D90, and it's in very limited supply on the second hand market at the moment too.

To be honest I hadn't really thought of the D300 so I'm off to have a look at prices of them now!
 
Vote for D300 here. The D200 is a great camera, but apart from the build and functions wont give much of an upgrade over the D40 in terms of IQ.
The D300 has a better sensor, better screen, better build, plus all the extra functions of a "prosumer" dslr.

Will be a huge step from the D40x but one that one take long to get to grips with.
 
I have a d300 and its brilliant :) lots of settings and at the low end of pro very good.


However... For a similar price you might want to consider a d7000 too. Both are great cameras and crop ones.

For a bit more the d700, but the lenses become a bit more of a problem (have to make sure they are full frame and are usually a little more expensive). But having said that, your brother has one, so perhaps a bit of lens swapping...

Have you gone to a store and tried them? They have the d300s (pretty much the same as a d300 - but with video) to handle. Try them all for weight and if your card fits in them, the store may allow you to try some shots too. Then you can evaluate at home and decide which is better for you before parting with the dosh.

A colleague here upgraded from a d40 to d7000 and loves it.
 
Ive gone:

D40
D5000

and looking at D7000 very soon.

There is a negligible difference in the D40>D5000 move. D40> D90/D7000 makes much more sense. Id also consider a D300s as others have said. I prefer the slightly smaller body (D7000) for when I don't want to take the grip out and have it as small as possible particularly for travel.

I'll be making the jump soon I think, hoping for the prices to drop a little though.
 
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