D40 vs K100D

[TheSandman2236]

I've narrowed it down to those two for my first DSLR from my old P&S camera. I know if I move to the Pentax I will narrow down the sort of lens's I can use. Both are around the same price point and I was wondering if any of you guys could help a noobie make a decision on his first DSLR ^_^ So now I have to decide whether I want the Nikon D40 (not (x) the 10.4mp doesn't make a huge difference to me) or the Pentax K100D. Thanks guys

 

[Joves]

Well being a Nikonian, I will naturally suggest the D40. You are limited to AF-S and, AF-I lenses though. There are some Sigma lenses for it and, there maybe a few Tamron lenses that will work as well.

 

[TheSandman2236]

Well being a Nikonian, I will naturally suggest the D40. You are limited to AF-S and, AF-I lenses though. There are some Sigma lenses for it and, there maybe a few Tamron lenses that will work as well.

Thanks for the info ^_^ Do you know how limited I would be for the Pentax?

 

[bashPenguin]

You can use any K-mount lens, I assume. However, the camera can only perform in full function mode with lenses that can have their apertures electronically controlled, so older lenses can only be used with manual mode or some kind of button trickery, I think. I'd assume modern Pentax lenses are all A-type with electronically controllable apertures.

As for lens selection, you can probably find a comparable lens to anything you could get with Canon or Nikon in the Pentax world, just take a look over at bhphotovideo.com.

 

[Joves]

You can use any K-mount lens, I assume. However, the camera can only perform in full function mode with lenses that can have their apertures electronically controlled, so older lenses can only be used with manual mode or some kind of button trickery, I think. I'd assume modern Pentax lenses are all A-type with electronically controllable apertures.

As for lens selection, you can probably find a comparable lens to anything you could get with Canon or Nikon in the Pentax world, just take a look over at bhphotovideo.com.

What Pentax is still using the old K mount? Well if that is the case then everyone makes a K mount lense. So in reality you can get Sigma, Tamrons and, Tokina lenses. So here is the best advise I can give you. Go to a store and, hold both cameras in your hands and, see which you like the feel of best. The one that feels natural in your hand is the one you want.

 

[vroom_skies]

Just a quick tidbit on build quality.

I got my K10D a little while ago and have always wondered the difference in build quality between the K10D and the D80.

Well today I was able to fiddle around with a D80 and imo the quality of the Pentax smoked the Nikon. The Pentax had a much more solid feel, and just felt like you were holding quality craft mans ship.
If their younger brothers are similar then the Pentax would win in terms of build quality.

Hope that helps
Bob

Also, every lens ever produced by/ for Pentax cameras are usable with the K100D. Granted those other than the K-Mount will need an adapter. I'm using three older M42 mount lenses as we speak.

 

[Obi_Kwiet]

I looked at a D40 and eventually settled on the Pentax, and I couldn't be happier. Got the camera, stock 18-55mm lens and a 50-200 lens for 600$. I love manual focus and I really couldn't stand the quality of Nikon manual focus ring. I also have a quite nifty 50mm prime k mount lens of my moms that must be 20 years old at least, but it's performing fantastically, I use it more than any of the other lenses. If you're on a budget like me you can quite easily acquire some old quality lenses on the cheap from ebay, though I would stick with prime lenses if they are too old to have much electronic feedback.