D40x?

[Morazl]

I've been researching and reading reviews of the D40x, yet to find any complaints.

Would this be an "upgrade" over an Olympus E-500? My sister has the E-500 and using it has sparked my interest in photography, I started off doing P & S but now I've been learning more and more about the detailed settings, aperture priority, fstop, etc.. etc...

I'm looking to buy my own camera, as the E-500 is not mine, nor is it always accessible

I'm really just looking for a quality entry-level DSLR to last a long time.

 

[KodiakStar]

I went with the E-510 (step up from the 500) over the D40 / D40x/ D80. Mostly from reviews, what I would be using it for (not needing to buy as many lenses), cost, and going into a store to play with each model to feel what felt "right" in my hands.

The E-510 comes with the best "kit" lenses on the market right now at the lower price points, so if you don't want to put a lot of money into the hobby at first, it could be a way to go.

It uses the four thirds lens group though, so unless you get a special converter, can't use Nikon lenses for example.

The E-510 has more features over the D40's, as well as image stabilization which is a big help!

 

[Wet1]

I'd suggest trying to find a D80... it's a far superior camera than any of the entry level camera and can be found for around the same price used. With the D80, you can grow into it for a long time to come.

 

[Joves]

THe D40 and D40X will only autofocus with the AF-S or, the AF-I lenses. I have the D80 and love mine. To me the D40 series and, now the soon to be out D60 are disappointing. You might also see if you can find a refurbished D50 which is far better than the D40 as it will use any of the Nikor lenses.

 

[PS-RagE]

I dunno. To me someone starting off into DSLRs isn't likely to care much about compatibility with older lenses. I think the D40 is a fine entry-level body.

 

[Morazl]

I've completely stopped using AF too, so any kind of AF "enhancements" don't really appeal to me. I will look into pricing and whatnot of all above mentioned bodies.

I'm kind of weary of buying a used DSLR... a used anything for that matter. Where would be an ideal place to purchase one? Is there some kind of guide to help me steer clear of shady deals?

I don't want to spend a couple hundred bones on a camera, have something go wrong with it in a month or so, and be totally screwed.

 

[Morazl]

I dunno. To me someone starting off into DSLRs isn't likely to care much about compatibility with older lenses. I think the D40 is a fine entry-level body.

I've only used three different lenses and to tell you the truth, I don't know much about them. (two that came with the E-500, one that replaced the 14-55mm (guessing on those numbers) default lens (the replacement has a A or M focus switch on it, which the other does not...)

My only complaint is I want wider pictures but not to the extent of a panoramic. There are wide-angle lenses i'm sure, I also want to be able to take really good macro shots and I prefer manual focusing.

 

[mwarps]

I absolutely love my D40x.

That said, the price difference over the D40 is not worth the extra pixels.

The D80 starts getting some features (same sensor as the D40x) that make a difference, like exposure bracketing (almost a requirement if you want to do HDR, which I am getting into); The D80 also has much better autofocusing capabilities (not that it matters too much if you're not going to use them)

 

[Morazl]

like exposure bracketing (almost a requirement if you want to do HDR, which I am getting into)

I definitely want to get into HDR/tone mapping. You're saying the D40 does not support bracketing while the D80 does?

 

[mwarps]

I definitely want to get into HDR/tone mapping. You're saying the D40 does not support bracketing while the D80 does?

Correct.

 

[Morazl]

That being said, I think I'll have to start looking into the D80, is there anything the D80 lacks that the D40 does have?

aside from the pricetag

 

[Joves]

That being said, I think I'll have to start looking into the D80, is there anything the D80 lacks that the D40 does have?

aside from the pricetag

Nothing at all. In fact it has more features. Also Im guessing you are coming from film then, if you want to use manual focusing. In the case of any of the Dslrs you will need a better focusing screen. Catzeye makes some for either model, in a good old fashioned split prism. Which is one thing I miss about my old film bodies. The D80 also has flash commander for wireless flash operation, if you want to use a flash off camera. It is a nice feature if you plan on using speed lights, the D40 does not. You can go to http://dpreview.com and, compare them better.

 

[mwarps]

That's spelled Katz Eye. And Thanks.

 

[Morazl]

I've never heard of a "focusing screen" I'll have to research that.

 

[PS-RagE]

I have one for my D2 - don't like it at all. I find it adds an obstruction to the viewing area that both dims and obscures the view.

 

[PS-RagE]

I've only used three different lenses and to tell you the truth, I don't know much about them. (two that came with the E-500, one that replaced the 14-55mm (guessing on those numbers) default lens (the replacement has a A or M focus switch on it, which the other does not...)

My only complaint is I want wider pictures but not to the extent of a panoramic. There are wide-angle lenses i'm sure, I also want to be able to take really good macro shots and I prefer manual focusing.

The DX sensor is a little larger than the four thirds so that 14mm on a DX is very wide. A good general purpose lens is the 18-70 f/3.5-4.5. I see you can get it at B+H for as little as $270

All macro work is done by manual focus and, luckily enough, pretty much all macro lenses are quite good. The 90mm f/2.8 Tamron is a great lens for not too much money. Its not built like a Nikkor but its light weight is an advantage with extension tubes.