Does a Nikon D40x or D60 have a live veiw LCD?

Question

I was dissapointed to read that the Nikon D60 does not have a live veiw LCD. Does the D40x?

I found a good deal on a used (local) Cannon Rebel XTI, that I've been considering and was told that one didn't either. So maybe it isn't such a big deal. This is my first SLR camera, I am planning to do some home studio and lots of child shots.

Is it a really bad idea to start out with a used, with no warrenty?

Any suggestions on which one?

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

both does not have it. in dslr you dont really need a live view LCD. When LCD is on it consume more power

Answer 2

None of the mentioned of the cameras feature live view. DSLRs in a similar class that feature live view are the Canon XS and the Canon XSI.

Live view is useful for macro and studio photography, but keep in mind that it's a huge battery drainer.

Answer 3

A dSLR is not a point and shoot and you should not hold it up like one. With a telephoto lens, the whole package gets quite heavy, and to hold it a foot away to view the LCD, anyone's hands will shake and result in blurry photos.

The only time I can imagine using the LCD to compose a photo is if it's mounted on a tripod, like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pook... (the camera was actually position higher than me and I stood on a chair.)

Use your right hand to hold the camera, right index finger to press the shutter release button, and with the left hand, holding the lens, adjusting the zoom ring, or fine-tuning the focus ring. The camera body is resting on your cheek, and your right eye is looking through the optical finder.

It is impossible to use live view no matter how hard Sony et al try to make it sound. (You won't see any sport photographer at a side line doing that even if Sony or Olympus ads show you otherwise.)

If you don't think this is true, try holding something that weighs at least 2 pounds at your arm length for a few minutes. It just doesn't work.

Answer 4

Nope. Doesn't need it. Live View is for folks who can't use a viewfinder.

Nothing wrong with used gear, if it's functional.

Answer 5

There really isn't any need for live view on a DSLR ... unless you shoot all your photos through a telescope or microscope.  Holding a 2 -1/2 pound camera at arms length can become problematic as well as introduce camera movement.

Buy the D40 and use it as you would any SLR ... using the viewfinder.

http://www.jdpower.com/electronics/ratin...

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

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

Answer 6

none of those camera have live view, they are just amateur cameras, you usually get live view, on more expensive cameras, like the Nikon d300, and d3. You would think that such an amateur camera like the d40 would have live view, because you would just be starting out, but not it doesn't.

Live view isn't important at all, if you don't know how to take manually composed images, just turn it back to auto mode, because you can't see what you're taking at all. When you look through the viewfinder, that's not what you're going to get, it's what you see through the lens.

Oh, and no, the d40x doesn't have live view either, you have to pay more money to get that in your cameras.

Answer 7

Well, I'm not going to bash you because you want live view. I don't care for it, don't need it, but you seem to want it.

Ask yourself, do you want it because you became accustomed to it on a compact digital camera? Or because you will truly need it for your photographic style? I usually hear macro photographers wanting this, certain kinds of candid shooters and people holding the cam high over head like when you are trying to photograph a celeb or something.

Ok, things to know, not all live view is created equal. first, live view for both Canon and Nikon... to be blunt, they suck. Nikon's D300 calls it tripod mode because, the focus method used is clunky. Canon is better, but can still be short of stellar.

The best Live view in a dSLR are the Sony Alpha A300/350 twins, no question about it. It foucses fast unlike the other types that are out there. However, I won't say it's the best camera, but it could be for what you might need.

For a home studio, you might end up wanting a cam that can be tethered to a PC, which will put you into another ballpark of cameras anyway. I guess I'll leave that for another time huh?

If you figure that you don't need live view, Nikon's d40x, d60, Sony's A200, and Canon XS,  are all fine choices. Look into all of them.

Answer 8

Neither the D40X or D60 have live view LCDs which unfortunately comes at a price should you up for a D300.  The best live view LCD digital SLR is still the highly rated Consumer Report recommendation:  Olympus Evolt E-510.  Check it out at:

http://www.samys.com/product_detail.php?...

Remember that it was an Olympus camera and not a Nikon [which froze] that captured the conquest of Mt. Everest by Hillary on film for National Geographics.

Good luck!

Answer 9

I believe the Nikon D300 is the one you would have to move up to for live view.  I have the D70 and do well without live view, my battery can last for 2 weeks on vacation since it isn't powering up a viewing screen.  As far as the used camera, see if you can take some shots on a memory card and then examine them at home on your computer.  Also, see if you can find out how many shots were taken with the Canon, I think the digital sensor has a limited life (like mileage on a car,)  You can probably get a new Rebel at a reasonable price now that higher megapixel versions are out there. The standard lens would be good enough to start with and you can always upgrade to a better lens later -- after you start making money with your camera.  Canon and Nikon are both great, I'd rather go new.