Which camera to get/which lens?

Question

I'm trying to figure out how to get a dslr, I only have a point and shoot right now, and it's a nice camera but I think it's time to upgrade. I'm pretty sure I want to go Nikon...So I've picked out the D40 or the D80. Of course I'd go for the D80 or even better, but I don't really think I'd be able to afford it. If I got the D80, I can get the body for $650, but what is a good, not too expensive lens to get with it?

Or if I got the D40, which I know only autofocuses with certain lenses, but anyways, if I got that one I can get it with the 18-55mm lens for $470.

I'm probably going to end up getting the D40 because it's already $200 cheaper and that's not even including the lens. But, it's still possible.

As for what I shoot, it's mainly portraits, and I photograph my puppy a lot. I do close ups of her nose too ( she's a dachshund, she's got a big long one :P ). But I do some landscape, and would like to do more, and macro is fun too but I wouldn't have the money to also get an actual macro lens. Pretty much everything really, so would the 18-55mm be okay, or what?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Go with the D40 and the 18-55 lens.  It's the right choice for the type of shooting you want to do.

I have the D80, but that's because I have Nikon lenses dating from the 1960's to today, and it will work with all of them.

Answer 2

The D40 will be great for your needs, but put the D60 in consideration, because of the dust free technology and came with 18-55 with VR the D40 only comes with the normal 18-55. It helps to get photos with low light.

When you are going to buy new lens put the 18-200mm VR in consideration because of its versatility.  

Answer 3

The Nikon D40 is an amazing camera, quite possibly the best entry-level DSLR around. It is available with a lens for under $500.00 on amazon. And I very much recommend that. In the sources, I have included links to reviews and sample images. Please check them out.

Nikon D40 vs. Nikon D60:

If someone tells you to get the Nikon D60 over the D40, I wouldn't recommend it. There is very little difference, and if you are going to spend extra money, go all the way for the D80. Anyway, the D40 is good enough. As you can read here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d60.htm

Nikon D40 vs. Nikon D80:

It should be noted the the D40 (and the D60) have two major flaws. Or perhaps a more accurate thing to say would be, the Nikon D80 has 2 major things that the D40 and D60 do not have.

The Nikon D80 has a secondary lcd on top, on which it displays you shutter speed, aperture, and iso settings, as well as many other settings. It is very useful, but not necessary. You would only buy it if you absolutely need this feature, for example; if you are a professional and this feature speeds up your work flow by allot.

It also has an AF (auto-focus) motor build into the camera body. The D40 does not. This means that if you use a lens (with the D40) that doesn't have an AF motor inside the actual lens, it will not auto-focus, although it will still work. Nikon does, however, make thousands of lenses that have these motors built into the lens, so it should not be a problem. They are designated by the terms AF-S and, I believe, AF-I.

Also, please go to the d40 flickr page (link in sources). Look at the sources, the portraits, the landscapes, the macros, and everything else. They are great, and very professional looking.

As for lenses, I really believe that it is not a problem that the D40 only auto-focuses with AF-S and AF-I. It is only a problem if you have older lenses. One lens I really highly recommend is a 50mm f/1.8, unfortunately, it will not auto-focus with the D40.

Anyway,

Good luck, feel free to email me at [e-mail].

Answer 4

The D40 will be perfectly adequate for your needs. I have one, and it is capable of taking fantastic pictures.

The 18-55mm lens adequately covers everyday shooting needs. You may miss a wider range at both ends for landscape shots, but don't worry about it. The costs can escalate quickly if you try to get lenses to cover all occasions, and you get relatively little use out of these additional lenses. Get the D40. When you have the budget & you know what you are missing most, you can get the next lens to add to your arsenal.

Answer 5

The D-40 with the kit lens would be perfect for you.

Answer 6

I agree with the others; the D40 is your best bet.  Be sure to check bhphotovideo.com for comparison prices, and be sure you get a USA guarantee, otherwise it could be an imported imitation.