Samsung GX 20 OR Nikon D40?

Question

Would like to know which one to Purchase, i Know Nikon is top range but this is only a 6.1MP and the Samsung is over 12MP, please can some one tell me the difference and which one is recommended to purchase.

Many Thanks

Answer 1

The Samsung has a CMOS sensor, which is superior to the CCD sensor in the D40 in terms of power drain, noise, and dynamic range. However, I would recommend Nikon over Samsung because of the superior optical quality of their lenses. This year's Nikon models feature CMOS sensors. If you budget allows it, consider these. You might want to look into the Canon Rebel models which have always used CMOS sensors. More megapixels is not always better, as it has a negative affect on low light images.

Answer 2

the larger pixel isn't always the best to choose.

i personally use the nikon d40x and so far have found no problems with it. its a good camera - very easy to learn and use. the samsung is a good camera but i find it easier to buy extras for the nikon.

Answer 3

I don't know where you live but for me it's easier to get Nikon accessories so I would get the Nikon. If I was sure I could get all the accessories I need, I would be fine with either. Well, to be honest I would prefer a higher end camera but the D40 would be nice for holidays and such.  

Answer 4

Get The Samsung. I Didn't even know that they had digital SLR cameras.

Oh, but it hasn't been released as yet:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GX-20-14-6...

It could be a while until this camera comes out. It doesn't even have a pre-order option. So, you're looking at a few months wait. I've never seen a 18-55mm lens with a hood as standard, lol. Wait for when it comes out, and gets reviewed, it might be a dud. Remember the Nikon d700$? people rushed to get it, and they had to send them back because of a problem. However, the d40 is cheaper, and you can get more lenses for the camera, here's my photos from the d40:

http://flickr.com/photos/27145979@N02/

Should you get the d40?

if you want a cheaper camera, and get more lenses, get it. But, if you want more resolution to crop your shots, wait for the samsung camera. However, it didn't come out yet, so i don't know how good of a camera it is.

Answer 5

Why would you compare a $475 Nikon D40 with kit lens against a $1400 Samsung GX20 with kit lens? That's 3x the price. The Samsung is the better camera by far, of course. Not in terms of image quality - pretty much all cameras are the same in this respect - but in terms of features: weather sealing, in-camera image stabilization, etc. (Unless you plan on printing posters, the GX20's extra megapixels are just a bonus.)

The Samsung GX20 is a rebranded Pentax K20D.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/080124...

Here's a comparison of the specs and in-depth reviews:

Side-by-side: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_...

Pentax/ Samsung: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk2...

Nikon: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40...

And to the others - since the Samsung has a Pentax lens mount, etc. I really don't see the point in criticizing the availability of accessories for the GX20. And what's up with this CCD vs. CMOS bs?

Perhaps this is more of an emotional issue - Canon and Nikon are top tier brands; Pentax is a second tier brand, and Samsung is a copy of a second tier brand. Compare the D40 and the GX20 however, and Samsung blows Nikon out of the water.

For a more direct comparison, pit the GX20 ($1400 with kit lens) against the Nikon D300 ($1625 without lens). In this case Nikon blows Samsung out of the water. I use the previous version of the D300 myself. It's a very nice camera... if you need the features. If you only require a basic feature set, the D40 will get the job done just as well and with the same great image quality. Just think of the extra cash you can then spend on good lenses - this is what makes a real difference in image quality.

Groetjes.

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Added: I just noticed you posted a UK website. Jessops lists the D40 + kit lens for £373 and a D300 body for £950.  UK prices for camera gear are generally outrageous but £750 for the Samsung is quite good.