Hi guys im considering buying one of these cameras, does anyone have either one or would recommend either? I hear the picture quality on the D40 is better than the G9, and with the D60 coming out I figure that the D40 will drop in price soon. Also i'm probably going to take a photography class next quarter. But i'm most likely going to use it for mostly every day point and shoot situations. I've been over at dpreview.com reading their reviews, but I didnt want to create an account to post on their forums.
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Nikon D40 vs Canon G9 ?
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I don't follow Canon's products, so I won't comment on them other than to say the Rebel XTi is a fairly nice camera for the money, so don't rule it out either.
However, if you're looking for a Nikon, I don't think you can go wrong with the D80 or D200. The D40 is a nice camera, but it's pretty limited. The D80 & D200 are more advanced cameras and will allow for a lot of growth. I don't feel the same can be said about the D40 series, as it's pretty limited. The D80 is about to be replaced, but it's a spectacular pro-consumer level camera. The D200 has been superseded this year by the D300, but it's still a very nice semi-pro body and was considered the standard at this level until the D300 was released. There have been many nice used D80 and D200 cameras on the market at great prices as guys have rapidly been upgrading to the new D300. I see a lot of nice used equipment listed on a regular basis at Nikonians.org. Regardless of the camera, don't discount the used market. You'll find most guys pamper their stuff (or state otherwise if not) and the prices can be substantially less. I'd much rather see someone buy into a great used camera like the D80, rather than buy a new D40 and quickly out grow it. If the budget allows, you can check out the D300 or even D3, but these are a lot more expensive and likely more camera than you'll need for a long time to come.
A couple of other things to thing to consider... In this business it basically comes down to two major players; Nikon and Canon. There are other manufactures in the business who make nice stuff, but frankly, the big two really have the market locked down (and for good reason). The other thing to keep in mind, is once you buy into one or the other, it can get expensive to switch to another manufacture, so keep this in mind when you make your first purchase. The body is only the first (and often cheapest and most disposable) step. The lens (and accessories) can be expensive, but you'll always have them for future body upgrades.
I hope this helps a little. You didn't mention your budget and that can certainly change things. But I think a great starter package would be a used D80 (or D200) with a 18-200mm VR lens. Great camera and very versatile lens which allow a ton of growth. If the budget is tight, consider the 50mm F1.8 lens.
Best of luck with whatever you decide!
However, if you're looking for a Nikon, I don't think you can go wrong with the D80 or D200. The D40 is a nice camera, but it's pretty limited. The D80 & D200 are more advanced cameras and will allow for a lot of growth. I don't feel the same can be said about the D40 series, as it's pretty limited. The D80 is about to be replaced, but it's a spectacular pro-consumer level camera. The D200 has been superseded this year by the D300, but it's still a very nice semi-pro body and was considered the standard at this level until the D300 was released. There have been many nice used D80 and D200 cameras on the market at great prices as guys have rapidly been upgrading to the new D300. I see a lot of nice used equipment listed on a regular basis at Nikonians.org. Regardless of the camera, don't discount the used market. You'll find most guys pamper their stuff (or state otherwise if not) and the prices can be substantially less. I'd much rather see someone buy into a great used camera like the D80, rather than buy a new D40 and quickly out grow it. If the budget allows, you can check out the D300 or even D3, but these are a lot more expensive and likely more camera than you'll need for a long time to come.
A couple of other things to thing to consider... In this business it basically comes down to two major players; Nikon and Canon. There are other manufactures in the business who make nice stuff, but frankly, the big two really have the market locked down (and for good reason). The other thing to keep in mind, is once you buy into one or the other, it can get expensive to switch to another manufacture, so keep this in mind when you make your first purchase. The body is only the first (and often cheapest and most disposable) step. The lens (and accessories) can be expensive, but you'll always have them for future body upgrades.
I hope this helps a little. You didn't mention your budget and that can certainly change things. But I think a great starter package would be a used D80 (or D200) with a 18-200mm VR lens. Great camera and very versatile lens which allow a ton of growth. If the budget is tight, consider the 50mm F1.8 lens.
Best of luck with whatever you decide!
FuSoYa
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Between the two you mention there, I think it comes down to whether or not you want the flexibility of a D-SLR camera or not. The G9 is pretty much the high end Canon point and shoot all-in-one and the D40 is a entry level D-SLR.
With the Nikon, you will get into the whole what lens do I want/need to have now, but it can offer much greater flexibility. You mentioned that you were going to take a photography class so if you do have a strong interest in getting into photography but are on a budget, I would definitely recommend the D40. You may want to strongly consider laying down a little extra for the D40x or maybe looking at the Canon Rebel series too as slight upgrades. I will admit to now knowing a whole lot about the Nikon line, I use a Canon myself (400D).
All that said, I would boil it down to...if you want to go the hobby route with photography, go with the D40 (or DSLR anyway), ig you just want something to take good photos with and don't want to think about, go with the G9.
With the Nikon, you will get into the whole what lens do I want/need to have now, but it can offer much greater flexibility. You mentioned that you were going to take a photography class so if you do have a strong interest in getting into photography but are on a budget, I would definitely recommend the D40. You may want to strongly consider laying down a little extra for the D40x or maybe looking at the Canon Rebel series too as slight upgrades. I will admit to now knowing a whole lot about the Nikon line, I use a Canon myself (400D).
All that said, I would boil it down to...if you want to go the hobby route with photography, go with the D40 (or DSLR anyway), ig you just want something to take good photos with and don't want to think about, go with the G9.
Thanks for the replies, i'll check out nikonians.org. Well the thing is, i'm not even required to purchase a camera for the class, but seeing as how my family camera needs an upgrade (we dont even have a digital camera, just one of those old things with film), I am looking at these cameras. My price range would be ~ 500 but preferably less. Knowing myself I dont know how long I will stick with this hobby. As I like to try many new hobbies(bonsai trees, cooking, guitar, razor scootering - dont ask , overclocking, lol I once even bought a teapot and teacup set because I thought I was going to get into drinking tea after watching alton brown/good eats) , so I guess it will be handy to have a camera lying around if I decide to quit and come back to it, or even use it to take travel pictures etc.
, overclocking, lol I once even bought a teapot and teacup set because I thought I was going to get into drinking tea after watching alton brown/good eats) , so I guess it will be handy to have a camera lying around if I decide to quit and come back to it, or even use it to take travel pictures etc.I guess this thread really should've been more of a Nikon D40x vs Canon Rebel XT. But yea, these two models dont seem like they are in the same category. But how would they compare to each other? What would you recommend to someone starting out, I know its subjective - all in preferences and whatnot but given the choice which would you choose? Is the D40 really that limited seems like the best options would be the XT or an XTi if i can afford it .
edit: CMOS vs CCD sensor.. do I need to care - will I notice the difference?
.edit: CMOS vs CCD sensor.. do I need to care - will I notice the difference?
The "limitations" of the D40 are that it can not auto focus with older screwdriver driven lenses, it only has a single command wheel and it does not have a top mounted control panel. IMO, non-issues at the entry level but more limiting for an experienced photographer or someone with a collection of older lenses.
I guess this thread really should've been more of a Nikon D40x vs Canon Rebel XT. But yea, these two models dont seem like they are in the same category. But how would they compare to each other? What would you recommend to someone starting out, I know its subjective - all in preferences and whatnot but given the choice which would you choose? Is the D40 really that limited seems like the best options would be the XT or an XTi if i can afford it
edit: CMOS vs CCD sensor.. do I need to care - will I notice the difference?
Actually the comparison woudl be the Nikon D40 to Canon XT and Nikon D40x to Canon XTi.... the first two are 6mp and 8mp respective and the second are both 10.x mp.
My suggestion would be, if you are looking for cheap and dont need interchangle lenses then go with an Advanced P&S like the G9 or maybe even something like an Canon S5IS. These would give you the adjustments needed without the bulk and add-ons that come with DSLRs. If you really think you will put some money into it then go with a DSLR like the Canon XT as it is still a fairly cheap entry level but will except older and new lenses, high end glass and lower end glass, but still give you the versatility to swap out the body in a year or two should you find yourself still into it and looking for more.
As PS-Rage said, the D40 does not allow for older lens use which somewhat limits your lens options but since you are just starting out that is a moot point. You "should" be able to take any lenses you upgrade to for the D40 and use them on say a D80 in a year or two when/if you out grow the D40.
Another note to remember is that the D40 and XT are being phased out as their replacements (the D40x and the XSi which is taking the place of the XTi) are taking their spots in the market with more features and better MP. What this means to you is that the D40 and XT are going to start going rock bottom in pricing and will be seen at less and less shops.
Just my $0.02
Thanks for the replies, i'll check out nikonians.org. Well the thing is, i'm not even required to purchase a camera for the class, but seeing as how my family camera needs an upgrade (we dont even have a digital camera, just one of those old things with film), I am looking at these cameras. My price range would be ~ 500 but preferably less. Knowing myself I dont know how long I will stick with this hobby. As I like to try many new hobbies(bonsai trees, cooking, guitar, razor scootering - dont ask
Hey don't knock the film cameras. Remember it's about the photographer not the equipment. Another option though is if you can find a used D50 or D70 those would also work as great starter cameras.
Great point. Digital speeds up the process, but can't fix a crappy photo (composition).
Your Camera Doesn't Matter
I tend to agree with what Ken said.
I would suggest a D40. It is a great/ light weight camera.
I tend to agree with what Ken said.
I would suggest a D40. It is a great/ light weight camera.
Viper87227
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I'd skip the D40x. The D40 is nice, but something else to look into is a used D70. They are a total steal if you shop around Nikonians. I moved from a D40 to a D70 and am very happy I did. I don't mind trading the newer sensor to gain the top LCD, the AF-motor, and the two command dials... and it has a few other nice features too (oh, and the kit lens totally trumps the D40 kit lens, should you take that route). Something to consider...
Take a serious look at what your going to be doing, I have the G7 (one before the G9) and absolutely love it, wish it had the RAW support the 9 does. Even though its got very good manual tools you cannot beat an SLR, however if your going for easy to carry point and shoot its wonderfull. Gives you the controll you want and portability, but if you dont really need a lot of portability right now and are going to get really into photography definately get the SLR. You could get the P&S if your just starting and not sure how far you will go with it.
As much as I love my G7 about 80% of the time I wish I had gone for the XTI but it was $899 at the time and outside my price range, not factoring in prices of lenses ontop of the stock kit.
Definately take a good look before you buy.
As much as I love my G7 about 80% of the time I wish I had gone for the XTI but it was $899 at the time and outside my price range, not factoring in prices of lenses ontop of the stock kit.
Definately take a good look before you buy.
Little update, got into the photography class, turns out its 35mm film black and white photography. I get to sign up for intermediate digital photography after I pass this class. Going for a pentax k1000, but anyways thx for all the advice, i'll come back and reread when I am ready to enroll in the digital photog class!