Choosing between nikon d40x and d60?

Question

i am having trouble deciding which of these two to purchase.

it's not so much a money problem as it is a 'is the d60 really that much better?' problem.

if i get the d40x i could purchase another lens or two (like a VR lens since i do not thing it comes with one, but i can be mistaken.) while with the d60 i would not be able to buy any other lenses.

what would be a smarter choice?

Answer 1

I am a pentax K10D guy so I do not have any tech. details on your question. However I would suggest that you use dpreview.com to compare any two cameras. They seem to have a good list of features there.

go to

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebysi...

and select your cameras and see for yourself.

price should drop further as the D90 may be coming soon

Answer 2

well the d60 is faster and has more features. the d40x is also fast but the d60 is faster. i would use dpreview.com both are really good cameras.  

Answer 3

I agree with Mr. Ace.  If you are torn between these two, make your choice between the D40 and D60.  The D60 adds a sensor cleaning system and Active D-Lighting, which is Nikon's dynamic range expander.  It's a nice feature for some situations.

Or, if money doesn't matter to you, take a look at the D80, which is quite a step up from either the D40 or D60.  It doesn't have Active D-Lighting, but it does include it as an in-camera post-processing option.  Mostly, it has 11 focus/meter zones instead of only 3, which is what the lesser cameras are limited to.

The D60 has been selling WITH an 18-55 VR lens, in case you didn't notice.  The last price I saw for the D60 with 18-55 VR lens was $700.  The D80 with the same VR lens is $950.

The D40X with a non-VR lens is $600, but you may have trouble finding it on the shelves.  I'd certainly spend another $100, even if it was only to get the VR lens.

A D40 with non-VR lens is under $500, so the difference in price between that and the D60 is only $200 and that money won't buy you an additional lens if you are looking for a VR lens.

Buy the D60 or D80 with an 18-55 VR lens for now and save for an additional lens that you can buy in a few months.  That 18-200 VR is a nice thought, but it's almost $700.

Answer 4

First of all you would not go wrong with either.They are both very good cameras. If I wanted more money for accessories I would go the D40 and not the D40X. The D40X was not designed for the higher pixel count and many say the D40 actually gives sharper pictures. Unless you are going to enlarge or do a great deal of editing the 6 mp will be enough for most recreational photographers. Go to kenrockwell,com to read more on that.

If money is not as much of an issue I would go with the D60. The D60 give you a number of things you want. It has newer firmware and image processors, designed for the 10 mp sensor. It has an "Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control ". Nikon not putting a system on the D40 to deal with dust is one of the biggest drawbacks I see to the D40 ( though I think its still a great camera for the money) If you change lenses dust will get in and the camera needs a system to deal with it. With the D60 you get a VR lens. That will help with low light situations ( they may offer that now with the D40 but originally it was not) . The D60 has Adaptive Dynamic Range. Nikon calls it "Active D-Lighting," it lets you save some highlights that my otherwise be lost. It has a better metering system.

As to how they feel in your hand they are on the outside virtually identical you will not be able to feel a difference. So look at what picturs you take, what lenses, tripods or stobes you may need and decide from there.

The suggestion was made to get a D80 and that is also a fine camera. The only advice I would offer there is that rumor is the D90 is comming out in the fall. If they are true when the D90 comes out the D80 may well be cheaper. So if that is your choice and time is not critical waiting a couple of months may get you a better price

Don't forget to shop the used market. As fast as cameras are advancing many folks are selling gently used cameras ( check adorama and b&H ) You would not go wrong to even pick up a good low use D200 at a good price

Enjoy whichever you get. I have both a D300 and a D40 and when I am shooting for fun I often grab the D40 but I do make sure I only change lenses on it in clean environments

Answer 5

If I was buying an entry level DLSR, I would choose the Nikon D40 and spend the money I saved on buying the Nikon 18-200 mm VR lens.  A much better plan ... my guess that the higher pixel count on the two cameras sensors has charmed you .... don't be.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.h...

And ..

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

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