Switching to Nikon.

ChrisMClark

ChrisMClark

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After asking about upgrading my Olympus set-up, it was suggested that owing to the rather expensive glass, and small sensor that I could look at switching to a 1.5 brand. I'm looking at Nikon, and looking for a suitable trade off for my E-420. I'm looking mostly now at the D40 twin zoom kit. It's only 6.1mp but I rarely print anything larger than an 8x10 anyway. Can anyone give an opinion on the D40, besides the lack of a built in AF motor as this doesn't bother me.
 
Have a look at DP reviews, they are very comprehensive and its Ken Rockwells favourite camera!

I have a D60 which is similar, and like it a lot, theres really not much you cant do with it - it even has a rangefinder for non autofocus lens, so as you say that isnt really an issue.
 
My father got a D40 from santa this year with the kit lens and as you can see i have the D90.
It is hard to tell between them on the pc what shot came from either camera. I have also found that a lot of lens companys i.e, Sigma, Tamron are doing 2 versions of there lenses to help the D40/D60 users as my father has a lens the same as mine with barr his has the motor built in.

I would go for it as it is an ace wee camera only thing is it's kinda small but pop a battery grip on and i think you would be well pleased.

Hope this helps.
 
In your shoes I would hang on to that 420 and keep it as a terrific lightweight travel outfit.Your previous post suggested that the move to another brand is prompted by the cost of upgrade glass.That being the case I would suggest looking at Canon.There is no doubt that Nikon kit glass is better value than Canon but the upgrade path from then on gets seriously steep.Canon L lenses like the 17-40,100-400 and 70-200s are very much cheaper than their Nikkor counterparts.
That being said the current crop of Nikon bodies are more feature rich than the Canon lineup.
The Nikon D40 is definitely not a step up from your Oly and although you may not need to print bigger than 10x8 at the present you will definitely want to print that killer shot you will eventually take at at least A4.I would take a look at the D80 if you want to pursue the Nikon path or the 450D and the
40D if going for Canon.
With apologies for confusing the issue.
Pete.
 
It's a decent wee camera, getting a bit long in the tooth now, but it does the job. There are some cheap D80 models kicking about now and that would (and indeed was) my choice for an entry into the Nikon system. If you go for the D40/40x/60 you may find yourself becoming irritated by the lack of the af motor as it somewhat limits your choice of lenses.
 
i went for the D40x at first but found it limiting with lenses, using a 50mm only manually, things like that that are irritating, camera was great though

it just depends on how you want to go and what lenses you want to use
 
I don't really mind the lack of AF.

I tend to use a lot of manual lenses anyhow (28mm f/2.8 AI-S, Nikkor Micro 55mm f/2.8 AI-S etc).

I don't think the AF thing is a big deal breaker now as plenty of lenses do have AF, for example Tokina 12-24 and Tamron 90mm.. both now have motors for D40 owners.
 
It's all good points, as I said I rarely use AF anyway. The D40 will keep me going, but I will eventually be upgrading that and using a second body anyway. I think the D40 will suit me just fine for now at least.

Thanks for your help everybody, I'll just go order it :p
 
Well there's a D40 twin zoom kit on it's way to me now...:lol:

Time to sell the Oly :(
 
I do like someone who can make a decision. Less than ten hours from the first question to the order - good man, I'm sure you will enjoy your new toy!

:thumbs:
 
Flash In The Pan said:
It's a decent wee camera, getting a bit long in the tooth now, but it does the job. There are some cheap D80 models kicking about now and that would (and indeed was) my choice for an entry into the Nikon system. If you go for the D40/40x/60 you may find yourself becoming irritated by the lack of the af motor as it somewhat limits your choice of lenses.
Click to expand...

Quoted for truth, the lack of af motor might not seem like a big issue, but it is. AF-S or AF-I lenses are the only ones that will auto-focus, and even then its slow with a d40. I wouldn't recommend upgrading to a d40, it would be a perfect beginner camera but one you will definitely outgrow in about 6 months. (like me)

Do'h! You just bought one, that'll teach me to read the whole thread...
 
I, too, have a D40, along with a Sigma zoom lens as well as it's standrad kit lens . . . and love them to bits. Okay, so it may not be the latest all-singing all-dancing camera crammed full of cutting edge technology, but for a casual user like me I can't go wrong with the D40.
Good choice, you won't be disappointed. :)
 
The D40 is also the only new Nikon you can buy that you can hack the flash sync to up to 1/4000 :bonk:
 
Flash In The Pan said:
It's a decent wee camera, getting a bit long in the tooth now, but it does the job. There are some cheap D80 models kicking about now and that would (and indeed was) my choice for an entry into the Nikon system. If you go for the D40/40x/60 you may find yourself becoming irritated by the lack of the af motor as it somewhat limits your choice of lenses.
Click to expand...

I could not agree more. If I were you I'd find a good secondhand D80 and enjoy. It does just about everything you'll need - and does have the AF motor. Still wish I'd stayed with the D80 rather than upgrade to the 300 - not that the D300 is not not great, just feel it was not that much of a value jump.

I also suspect that you may be limited by a D40 a bit too quick.

Chris
 
I went for the D80 option and find it a great camera I think it will be a while before I feel its holding me back :thumbs:
 
ChrisMClark said:
Well there's a D40 twin zoom kit on it's way to me now...:lol:

Time to sell the Oly :(
Click to expand...

I feel as if I'm at least partially responsible for this decision ;), but I think that it's a good one - congratulations Chris :)! It's just a pity that your E420 has to go to make way for the Nikon :(, as it really is great as a lightweight (daylight use) travel camera.

Still, there is a recession on, I suppose ;).

(Again) Welcome to the Darkside! Hope you're as happy here as I have become :).
 
Grab the bull by it's horns and all that :D

The Oly was good for it's size in terms of travelling, but then it's only as small as the bag you carry it in. The small size also did my nut in at times as I found it could be quite tricky to grip properly. I had a play with the D40 before I bought the Oly, as well as the 450D and preffered the Nikon, so it should be the right move. I already have a friend at work (who also has an E420) who's interested in my 55-200 and maybe my flash gun, so it shouldn't be too hard to shift!
 
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