Nikon DSLR Questions

External Since: Jul 08, 2006 Posts: 106

Now that I'm retiring within the next few months, I'd like to finally
devote more time to my photography and really learn how to use a good
camera. I presently have a Panasonic FZ7, but would like to step up to
a DSLR.

I'm somewhat familiar with film SLR's, having used one many years ago,
but never getting into all of its features (due to lack of time). I
have my eye on the Nikon DSLR's and am asking for opinions on which
model might suit me best, between the D40, D40x, and the D80.

I was at Circuit City today, scouting these models out, and I see that
the D40 and D40x are physically a bit smaller than the D80. I'm not
sure if the LCD is the same on all 3, but I really liked the layout and
LCD of the D80.

Most of my photos would be outdoors -- nature, wildlife, landscape and
some sports. I like that the D40 has DOF preview, which (I think) the
other two models don't have.

One thing that I'm not clear about is whether or not any of these
cameras have image stabilization. Also -- is the Auto Focus in the lens
on all three models -- or in the body?

I expect that the included 18-135 zoom lens, would fit my needs well, at
least at first.

Any thoughts on which of these models to choose? And any
recommendations on where to get it at the best price? (Online or
Brick-and-Mortar -- It doesn't matter to me.)

Thanks!

External Since: Aug 26, 2005 Posts: 419

<BRH> wrote in message news:wLudnXqS6obigjTbnZ2dnUVZ_tGonZ2d@comcast.com...
> Now that I'm retiring within the next few months, I'd like to finally
> devote more time to my photography and really learn how to use a good
> camera. I presently have a Panasonic FZ7, but would like to step up to a
> DSLR.
>
> I'm somewhat familiar with film SLR's, having used one many years ago, but
> never getting into all of its features (due to lack of time). I have my
> eye on the Nikon DSLR's and am asking for opinions on which model might
> suit me best, between the D40, D40x, and the D80.
>
> I was at Circuit City today, scouting these models out, and I see that the
> D40 and D40x are physically a bit smaller than the D80. I'm not sure if
> the LCD is the same on all 3, but I really liked the layout and LCD of the
> D80.

>
> Most of my photos would be outdoors -- nature, wildlife, landscape and
> some sports. I like that the D40 has DOF preview, which (I think) the
> other two models don't have.
Sorry, you are wrong. The D80 is the only one of these which has DOF
preview.
I must tell you though that despite over 50 years of trying, I still have a
hard time
telling much from this feature. The view through the viewfinder darkens so
much
that I can't tell about DOF.
>
> One thing that I'm not clear about is whether or not any of these cameras
> have image stabilization. Also -- is the Auto Focus in the lens on all
> three models -- or in the body?
Image stabilization is implemented in the lens.
Auto focus is implemented in the body.
>
> I expect that the included 18-135 zoom lens, would fit my needs well, at
> least at first.
>
> Any thoughts on which of these models to choose? And any recommendations
> on where to get it at the best price? (Online or Brick-and-Mortar -- It
> doesn't matter to me.)
>
> Thanks!
As for which one - well it boils down to what you want to do.
The D40 has fewer megapixels, but what it does have will work for sizes up
to 11x17.

The choice between the D40X and the D80 depends on how you value the various
small differences between the two.

Online, the best place to get one is B&H Photovideo in New York. They may
be
a little higher, but they deliver the merchandise. Local stores in my area
will match
the B&H retail price, but the sales tax can be more than the shipping cost.

Sorry, I can't comment on the18-135 zoom. My 18-70 lens is quite good.
Since I
already own an 85mm f1.8 and an 180mm f2.8, there is little need for me to
get
a 18-135 lens.

Jim