Nikon D40 for first time dSLR?

On Apr 2, 11:51 pm, Dzny....TakeThisOut@gmail.com wrote:
> I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and-shoot' Canon S3 IS
> to the Nikon D40. Would you consider this entry-level dSLR a
> 'point-and-shoot' camera?
>
> I am concerned about blurry pictures I have had from other
> 'point-and-shoot' cameras. I would like to be able to let my wife (who
> has no experience with cameras) take a picture with ease and have
> great results. I have heard a great many things about this camera,
> such as 'it's hard to not take a great picture with it'.
>
> Would you buy it?
>
> Thanks
> -John-

I took the plunge about 2 months ago and would not look back. There is
an amazing difference between very high end point and shoots and the
d40. I am not saying it is perfect by any means and there is a
learning curve. But once you shoot a couple hundred picutres you will
never want a point and shoot again. The nice thing about the d40 is it
is very user friendly and small. My girlfriend has shot it on a few
trips she puts it on one of the auto settings and forgets about it. I
do just about everything so it can really do both.
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

<DznyNut RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
news:ggj313dm2uiefdth8of9cmqlicuc52duri@4ax.com...
>I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and-shoot' Canon S3 IS
> to the Nikon D40. Would you consider this entry-level dSLR a
> 'point-and-shoot' camera?
>
> I am concerned about blurry pictures I have had from other
> 'point-and-shoot' cameras. I would like to be able to let my wife (who
> has no experience with cameras) take a picture with ease and have
> great results. I have heard a great many things about this camera,
> such as 'it's hard to not take a great picture with it'.
>
> Would you buy it?
>
> Thanks
> -John-
>
>
John:

There are a couple of considerations. The D40 is a good buy and produces
excellent photos. It is limited by the fact that if will autofocus only
with Nikon AF-S lenses, such as the kit lens that comes with the body. If
you own older Nikon AF glass, a D50, D70s, or D80 might be desirable, as
they can use these lenses with full autofocus. At the present, most 3rd
party lenses will not autofocus with the camera either.

The D40 contains no Image Stablization (Nikon builds IS into some of it more
expensive lenses). If shaky pictures are a consideration, you may want to
consider this. Some competing DSLRs from Sony and Pentax contain IS in the
body.

Yoshi
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

On Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:51:44 -0400, DznyNut.DeleteThis@gmail.com wrote:

> I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and-shoot' Canon S3 IS
> to the Nikon D40. Would you consider this entry-level dSLR a
> 'point-and-shoot' camera?
>
> I am concerned about blurry pictures I have had from other
> 'point-and-shoot' cameras. I would like to be able to let my wife (who
> has no experience with cameras) take a picture with ease and have
> great results. I have heard a great many things about this camera,
> such as 'it's hard to not take a great picture with it'.
>
> Would you buy it?

In a sense I just did, having just purchased the recently
discontinued D50. Other than the D40 being smaller and lighter
(which I would have preferred) these are virtually the same cameras.
Like almost all "serious" DSLRs, it can be used in an Auto mode that
makes it about as easy to use as a Point'n Shoot. But it also has
the advantages you'd expect from a DSLR. Much faster response,
meaning that unlike most P&Ses, the delay from the time you press
the shutter release until the picture is taken is very short and you
usually will get the shot that you wanted. With a P&S, if the
subject is moving there's a good chance that the shot will not turn
out as well as expected. DSLRs also can get good shots in low light
conditions that P&Ses couldn't, without using a flash. In this
regard, even though the D40 is an "entry level" DSLR, its low light,
high ISO performance is as good as or better than many other more
expensive DSLRs. Also, even though I've only so far used my older,
slower Nikkor lenses, the D50 focuses *much* faster and much more
accurately than any of the P&S cameras I've used before, and that
includes some pretty good ones.

The one big difference between the D40 and D50 is that the D40
doesn't have an internal motor used to focus older Nikkor lenses,
and if I didn't already own several old Nikkor AF lenses I would
have chosen the D40 over the D50. This means that with a D40 you'd
be limited to using the more modern lenses that have built-in
focusing motors. These lenses focus more quickly and silently that
the older lenses that are mechanically coupled to focusing motors
within the camera.

As for getting blurry pictures, it depends. If you were getting
blurry pictures from the other P&S cameras you used because you were
unable to hold the camera steadily, you might still get blurry
pictures with a D40, although they'd probably be much less blurry
because the D40 could take good pictures with much higher ISO
levels, which would allow blur-reducing faster shutter speeds. But
under better shooting conditions (more light) or if you use a
tripod, the D40's pictures should be blur-free and sharp, much
better than you're used to seeing from a P&S unless you just compare
small 4" x 6" prints. With large prints, or when closely examining
images on a computer's monitor, the D40's images should be much
better. You can verify this by downloading full sized images from
camera review websites such as dpreview.com or steves-digicams.com.
They should all have D40 images to download, but if they don't have
any for the specific P&S cameras you've used before, there should be
many similar P&S cameras that you could substitute.
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

"Hal Lowe" <hallowe.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:uqf413lk4758oetskdqekfb78iutomesi4@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:51:44 -0400, DznyNut.RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
>
>>I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and->
> Definitely step up. You'll be glad you did. I have a D80 and
> absolutely love it. You can use all of the features or use it as a
> point-and-shoot. Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed with
> your pictures.
>
> The great part for me was beging able to use all of my other lenses
> and my SB600 flash.
>
> Whatever you decide, best of luck and happy shooting!
>
> Hal Lowe
>
The point is, with a D40 he won't be able to use all his other lenses in
autofocus mode, unless he has a collection of Nikon AF-S glass. The D40 will
only work in manual focus with non AF-S lenses. While this is not a
consideration for a new buyer who only intends to use the kit lens, it is a
serious point for anyone who intends to build a system.

Yoshi
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

ASAAR wrote:

> The one big difference between the D40 and D50 is that the D40
> doesn't have an internal motor used to focus older Nikkor lenses,
> and if I didn't already own several old Nikkor AF lenses I would
> have chosen the D40 over the D50. This means that with a D40 you'd
> be limited to using the more modern lenses that have built-in
> focusing motors. These lenses focus more quickly and silently that
> the older lenses that are mechanically coupled to focusing motors
> within the camera.

You can use non-AF-S lenses. You can even use old (AI or AIS) manual
focus lenses. You just don't get autofocus (and don't get auto-exposure
or metering with the AI[S] lenses).

The focusing screen isn't too good for manual focusing, but the AF
confirmation spot works fine (although it's inconveniently located).
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

<DznyNut DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
news:ggj313dm2uiefdth8of9cmqlicuc52duri@4ax.com...
>I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and-shoot' Canon S3 IS
> to the Nikon D40. Would you consider this entry-level dSLR a
> 'point-and-shoot' camera?
>
> I am concerned about blurry pictures I have had from other
> 'point-and-shoot' cameras. I would like to be able to let my wife (who
> has no experience with cameras) take a picture with ease and have
> great results. I have heard a great many things about this camera,
> such as 'it's hard to not take a great picture with it'.
>
> Would you buy it?
>
> Thanks
> -John-
>
>
The D40 is a fine camera, but if the pictures are blurry due to camera
movement you may want to buy VR lenses for it or consider the Pentax K100D.
It has a decent price and built in anti shake feature.
John
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

On Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:51:44 -0400, DznyNut DeleteThis @gmail.com wrote:

>I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and-shoot' Canon S3 IS
>to the Nikon D40. Would you consider this entry-level dSLR a
>'point-and-shoot' camera?
>
>I am concerned about blurry pictures I have had from other
>'point-and-shoot' cameras. I would like to be able to let my wife (who
>has no experience with cameras) take a picture with ease and have
>great results. I have heard a great many things about this camera,
>such as 'it's hard to not take a great picture with it'.
>
>Would you buy it?
>
>Thanks
>-John-
>
>

Hi John,

Definitely step up. You'll be glad you did. I have a D80 and
absolutely love it. You can use all of the features or use it as a
point-and-shoot. Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed with
your pictures.

The great part for me was beging able to use all of my other lenses
and my SB600 flash.

Whatever you decide, best of luck and happy shooting!

Hal Lowe

http://www.cafepress.com/halogos (unique logo t-shirts, mugs & more)
http://www.halowe-graphics.com/photo.html (digiPhoto)
http://www.1and1.com/?k_id=7391019 (web hosting)
http://www.halowe-graphics.com/tinc?key=0TmhZVQ5&formname=web_email
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

Yoshi wrote:
> "Hal Lowe" <hallowe DeleteThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:uqf413lk4758oetskdqekfb78iutomesi4@4ax.com...
>
>>On Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:51:44 -0400, DznyNut DeleteThis @gmail.com wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and->
>>
>>Definitely step up. You'll be glad you did. I have a D80 and
>>absolutely love it. You can use all of the features or use it as a
>>point-and-shoot. Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed with
>>your pictures.
>>
>>The great part for me was beging able to use all of my other lenses
>>and my SB600 flash.
>>
>>Whatever you decide, best of luck and happy shooting!
>>
>>Hal Lowe
>>
>
> The point is, with a D40 he won't be able to use all his other lenses in
> autofocus mode, unless he has a collection of Nikon AF-S glass. The D40 will
> only work in manual focus with non AF-S lenses. While this is not a
> consideration for a new buyer who only intends to use the kit lens, it is a
> serious point for anyone who intends to build a system.
>
> Yoshi

Essentialy, it seems that Nikon is inadvertantly marketing the only
manual focus only (with currently available and second-hand AF lenses,
at least) DSLR on the market.
Perhaps a Katzeye focusing screen would be a good addition, at least
then mf will be a lot easier?
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

Your pictures will not necessarily improve regardless of what camera you
use.
The biggest improvement in picture quality comes with some understanding of
exposure, the light range the sensor can capture, composition and realizing
that nearly all of the images you see in magazines have had some form of
post camera processing, i.e. Photoshop, to optimize the image.
Nikon is a great company with high priced lenses. It is ahead of the curve
with regard to in-camera image processing but behind the curve in image
stabilization and sensor protection/cleaning. I would expect these features
to show up in the next generation of Nikon dSLRs because that is where the
market is.
While I am a lifelong Nikon user I believe someone in your position would be
better served by the Pentax dSLRs or the Sony dSLR. I cannot wrap my head
around the 4/3 system although these are very capable machines as well.
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

On Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:26:54 -0500, David Dyer-Bennet wrote:

>> The one big difference between the D40 and D50 is that the D40
>> doesn't have an internal motor used to focus older Nikkor lenses,
>> and if I didn't already own several old Nikkor AF lenses I would
>> have chosen the D40 over the D50. This means that with a D40 you'd
>> be limited to using the more modern lenses that have built-in
>> focusing motors. These lenses focus more quickly and silently that
>> the older lenses that are mechanically coupled to focusing motors
>> within the camera.
>
> You can use non-AF-S lenses. You can even use old (AI or AIS) manual
> focus lenses. You just don't get autofocus (and don't get auto-exposure
> or metering with the AI[S] lenses).

Good point. There would still be limitations, but a D40 owner
wouldn't be limited by not being able to use the lenses. I imagine
that my old 60mm Micro Nikkor might be a reasonable lens on the D40,
but I wouldn't be too interested in using the old 75-300mm zoom on
it. I was pleasantly surprised to see that both of these lenses
(which are AF AiS lenses) meter and focus very nicely on the D50.


> The focusing screen isn't too good for manual focusing, but the AF
> confirmation spot works fine (although it's inconveniently located).

Coming from a Fuji S5100 that can manual focus albeit rather
abysmally, much worse than the S9000, the D50's manual focusing is a
pleasure to use, even in dim light and without looking at the
confirmation dot. I'm curious to know where a more convenient
location would be, since the green confirmation dot is easily seen
in the viewfinder. Superimposed over the image?
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

ASAAR wrote:
> On Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:26:54 -0500, David Dyer-Bennet wrote:
>
>>> The one big difference between the D40 and D50 is that the D40
>>> doesn't have an internal motor used to focus older Nikkor lenses,
>>> and if I didn't already own several old Nikkor AF lenses I would
>>> have chosen the D40 over the D50. This means that with a D40 you'd
>>> be limited to using the more modern lenses that have built-in
>>> focusing motors. These lenses focus more quickly and silently that
>>> the older lenses that are mechanically coupled to focusing motors
>>> within the camera.
>> You can use non-AF-S lenses. You can even use old (AI or AIS) manual
>> focus lenses. You just don't get autofocus (and don't get auto-exposure
>> or metering with the AI[S] lenses).
>
> Good point. There would still be limitations, but a D40 owner
> wouldn't be limited by not being able to use the lenses. I imagine
> that my old 60mm Micro Nikkor might be a reasonable lens on the D40,
> but I wouldn't be too interested in using the old 75-300mm zoom on
> it. I was pleasantly surprised to see that both of these lenses
> (which are AF AiS lenses) meter and focus very nicely on the D50.

And for some areas of photography, the auto-focus is extremely desirable
(I first typed "absolutely necessary", but people *did* take photos of
race cars, and birds in flight, and football games, and so on, before
auto-focus); but it bugs me when an incorrect statement, like that
camera can't use those lenses, gains currency.

>> The focusing screen isn't too good for manual focusing, but the AF
>> confirmation spot works fine (although it's inconveniently located).
>
> Coming from a Fuji S5100 that can manual focus albeit rather
> abysmally, much worse than the S9000, the D50's manual focusing is a
> pleasure to use, even in dim light and without looking at the
> confirmation dot. I'm curious to know where a more convenient
> location would be, since the green confirmation dot is easily seen
> in the viewfinder. Superimposed over the image?

Slightly off-center and superimposed, would be my ideal choice.
Off-center so it didn't interfere with any after-market screens with
focusing aids in the middle. It could be activated there by mounting a
manual focus lens, maybe. (Not sure exactly what the camera can tell
about the lens; it can certainly tell a non-cpu lens, and those are
manual focus, so that would be a start, anyway.)

When you're concentrating on the middle, the dot location is definitely
peripheral vision, or a long eye-track away. And if you wear glasses,
it may be obscured if you don't center your eye carefully behind the
viewfinder.
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

On Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:51:44 -0400, DznyNut DeleteThis @gmail.com wrote:

>I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and-shoot' Canon S3 IS
>to the Nikon D40. Would you consider this entry-level dSLR a
>'point-and-shoot' camera?
>
>I am concerned about blurry pictures I have had from other
>'point-and-shoot' cameras. I would like to be able to let my wife (who
>has no experience with cameras) take a picture with ease and have
>great results. I have heard a great many things about this camera,
>such as 'it's hard to not take a great picture with it'.
>
>Would you buy it?

Yes.

But have you thought about waiting for the D40X ???
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR? 

On Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:51:44 -0400, DznyNut wrote:

> I am about to make the 'jump' from the 'point-and-shoot' Canon S3 IS
> to the Nikon D40. Would you consider this entry-level dSLR a
> 'point-and-shoot' camera?

D40 is a great camera. Keep in mind though that after you get a
DSLR you will want more lenses and once you get a few you become
wedded to the brand. So by choosing the D40 you are almost certainly
choosing the Nikon path for years to come (and this, IMO, is not a
bad choice; just a piece of info to weigh before saying "I do").

And of course go to a local photo shop to try a camera before you
buy it, as you may find that the best choice on paper just does
not feel right in your hands.

Have fun! You will enjoy whatever DSLR you end up buying.

--
Alex
 >> Stay informed about: Nikon D40 for first time dSLR?