Theme Thursday: What I want
How’s that for a theme?? Get creative people. 🙂
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As most of you know, I love my Nikon camera. My next camera will also be a Nikon (Nikon D300…you will be mine!). I am ready for the next camera, which hopefully I can get at some point in the next year or so…I hope.
However, I would not recommend buying a Nikon D40, D40X, D60 or D60X. Why? Simply because they have no focusing motor. This means if you buy a lower cost prime lens (a.k.a. one that will open up to f2.0 or wider), you have to manually focus the camera. Try doing that with a moving toddler. I’d rather eat nails.
I don’t know why they are doing this, since the Nikon D50 has a focusing motor. It also has 5 focus points over the D60’s three. What’s up with that?? It seems like a way to get amateur photographers to want to upgrade their camera quicker than they normally would. I am going on 2+ years with this camera and although I’d love less noise at higher ISO’s and the ability to blow up pictures larger…I don’t need a new camera. If I had a D40 or D60 I would have already upgraded.
Now, I know some of you out there have this camera. You can buy lenses for them, they are just more money. You have to look for AF-S lenses when buying them. Here is a list I found of the lenses that will autofocus with the camera.
It’s not the end of the world, but you will have to pay more for lenses that opens wider, but still not as wide as the cheaper primes with no motors. Instead of a $120 50mm 1.8, you would have to get the 60mm 2.8 for $470. Buying that Nikon D80 doesn’t look so bad now, does it?
Of course, in my world, there’s always a new lens to buy, irregardless. 😉
I just thought I would put that PSA out there for those looking into buying that camera or those that already have it. Sorry if it bums you out, but just want to make sure you know what your options are with the camera.
AMEN SISTAH!! I was one of the STOOOOOPID people that bought a D40 last xmas. Everyone said it was a good beginners camera. I should have known better! I own a film slr and have taken classes- but that was years and years ago so I thought I should just buy an entry level camera. After having it a couple of weeks I realized exactly what having a camera w/out an auto focus motor meant. Yes I researched it. Yes I knew it didn’t have a motor. Anyhoo I could go on and on about my stupid choice. Suffice it to say I’m planning on upgrading as soon as I can save my pennies. I’m hoping to pick up a used D200! Yes a bit of a jump but it’s a good camera and w/ everyone upgrading to the D300 I’m hoping to pick up a bargain!
I have a D40, and although I would love to have something else that has the autofocus in the camera and not the lens, I actually haven’t had too bad of luck with it. I even have the 50mm f/1.8 lens that works well using only the manual focus…even with crazy toddlers (although the autofocus would work better I am sure!).
I have to say, I am very curious to see what everyone wants!
I definitely won’t be picking up a D40…but I do want to upgrade to a Canon 40D 🙂
I just got my D80 yesterday and I’m so glad I didn’t get a D60. My husband read all of this stuff out there that said the D60 was actually “better” than the D80 because it uses the same sensor as the D300, whereas the D80 uses the D200 sensor. But, once we researched a bit further, we found out the AF lens issue and it definitely solidified the decision! Great PSA!!! 🙂
I love my D80 but like you I drool over the D300.
Ok so for those of us who are deeply depressed by our 40x purchases last year, would you recommend the d80 or holding out for the d300 (assuming, of course, the d300 will take significantly longer to save up for).
Well, Nicki, it depends on what you want to do. If you just intend to have this as a hobby and that is it, then I would go with the D80. People do go pro with the D80 which is a great intermediate camera. For me, it’s not a big enough step up, so I will go for the D300. Especially due to the new technology on the camera, which sounds just awesome.
Oh, and Lindy, you are not stupid, nor is anyone that bought this camera! Really Nikon doesn’t advertise the lens limitations, so I only found out through online forums.
Thank you Stacy for this post! It came at the perfect time. I was directed to your blog from a DPS forum member. I’m currently in the market for a DSLR (my first ever) and was seriously looking into the D40. I have an opportunity to buy like-new used D50 w/lens for $300! I was hesitant at first because it’s an older model, but after several replies in the DPS forum about it and then your post, I will look seriously at the D50! Hope I”m not too late to get this used D50!
Blessings…
love my d80, which i’ve had for a year & a half now, but the d300 is a real beaut. no plans to buy soon (i’d really need to go pro to justify it), but i’ve tested it and it’s lovely :).
Yep, I agree. That was one of my considerations in deciding to get the D80 over D40 last winter. I adore my 50mm, so definitely the right choice!
Anything would be a step up from my point and shoot, but I can say that I know which Nikons NOT to get from doing the research, but I am still torn between the Nikon and the Canon. Period. With the Nikon – I would go with the D80 with the Canon – I would step down and go with the new XSi with improved kit lens. These two are currently in the same price range for the most part and they both have convincing pros and cons.
It’s a toss up, luckily, I still don’t have the money so therefore don’t have to make the choice yet.
Thanks for the PSA. Its great to share the stuff you learn to make others more aware. Anyone who loves photography and is looking to upgrade loves to hear all of these little quips. I know I do. Thanks for sharing!
I am so thankful I did not let the girl talk me into a D40 she almost did 🙁 EAK – I have the D80 and am VERY happy! 🙂
Thanks for the tip and UGH what I want…what don’t I want it’s a shorter list!
I’m a Canon girl, so I will just say I can’t wait to see the Thursday results! What a great theme, Stacy!
All your Nikon readers will be thankful for you. 🙂
“What I Want” ? Oh my.
All your Nikon readers will be thankful for you. 🙂
“What I Want” ? Oh my.
And there’s a bit of love for ya at my place:
http://slurpinglife.typepad.com/slurping_life/2008/06/a-mom-of-six.html
We have the D50 as well and then I have the D300 for my photography business. I agree that it makes no sense why when they came out with the others they made the changes. Annoying! One day…you will have the D300! Maybe I’ll need to sell it because I get a D3 one day…we all can dream right?!
Good advice. Although I have to admit I like my Sony and will probably buy another one of those. 😉
I am a D40x-er and I couldn’t agree with you more about the limitations of the lenses. I knew about the focus motor business before I bought, but didn’t know enough about cameras or lenses to realize that this would actually affect me. Fortunately I have the option of borrowing my dad’s D80 whenever I want and using the 50mm 1.4 lens. That said, the only reason I borrow the D80 is to use that lens. The D80 is an awesome piece of equipment. I like the interface and the way the D40x is set up. I can change settings much more quickly and I can “see” all the settings on one info screen on the LCD. But maybe I find it easier because that’s what I’m used to. I also find there are some differences in the way the two cameras take a photo. The D40x seems to have more vibrant, richer colors while the D80 seems to take a cooler, more muted photo. I find I’m bumping to overexpose a little bit on the D80. But: I am still learning so any of these differences could very well be in the way that I operate the two cameras. In all, I am glad I bought the D40x. I love it and if it could autofocus with the 50mm then I wouldn’t ever borrow the D80. I suppose at some point down the road I will want to upgrade, but right now, this is the camera for me.
Stacy, I concur with your suggestions on what not to buy. Although I’ve seen fantabulous shots with the entry level Nikon’s, the limitations are enough that I won’t recommend it to my friends.
Here’s a little discussion about what camera to start off with here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/dolcepics/discuss/72157605265605282/
I recently dissuaded my friend from getting the D40 and he finally relented and decided to get the D80. But because the D80 is now about 2 years old, it’s ready for a refresh and all the rumours out there about a replacement soon made me feel bad for making him decide on the D80. (So I offered for him to use my D50 and 50mm f/1.8 until the D80 gets replaced, but they just had their baby last week so I think camera is on the back burner now)
But all is not lost D40, D40x and D60 users! Nikon SHOULD be updating their primes soon… (it’s about time) so maybe we’ll be seeing an AF-S 50mm in the future??
Also, for beginners on a tight budget, Nikon offers great entry level cameras. I think their target market are those not too interested in getting deep into photography but still want something faster and better (sensor size wise) than their point and shoot. There’s still a market out there for sure, but for those of us like readers of The Land of K.A., most would quickly outgrow the D40/D40x/D60 and soon want MORE! So in the end, it’s cheaper to go for the D80-level camera.
p.s. I LOVE my D300 and Stacy, you’ll LOVE it too! (51 AF points? Awesome!) But I can’t wait for a mid-range full frame Nikon!
I am a D40 owner who just gave this talk to someone else. Yes, I’m ready to upgrade. No, I can’t afford to at the moment. (I love the portability of the little gem, but the lens limitation frustrates.)
I agree 100% with you! I am one of those D40x owners. I knew about the motor with but didn’t know that it would affect me so much. After a year of owning it I have learned so much though and I even bought a 50mm lens and it’s hard to focus with my toddler but I know that someday I’m gonna be able to upgrade and I can still use my same lens!! One day, it’s a little far though…! I don’t even know what will I buy, I will research when the moment comes and meanwhile I will keep reading for reviews and recommendations! Thanks!!
I wish I would have known this. I have a D40 and I just barely got my 50mm f/1.8 lens shipped yesterday and I can’t seem to take a decent shot. The pictures also look blue so maybe there’s something wrong with the lens. Now I’m debating what to do… buy a Nikon D50 (although it’s discontinued, but I’ve seen used or refurbished ) or buy a Nikon D80. I could also return the lens and keep the camera, but I hear such great things about it. I wanted a lens that would create the blurry backgrounds… I’ve heard that telephoto lenses can create that too, but I’ll have to do more research… ugh!