Which entry-level DSLR should I buy ?

Question

I am still undecided between Nikon D60 and Nikon D40. The first one comes with an image-stabilizing lens and the second one with a standard kit. Is the image stabilization effective in DSLRs ?

Answer 1

one and two

Answer 2

Id say D60. You get the extra megapixels. The better kit lens. Great buy for the price. You are getting a D80 killer.

Answer 3

Naturally i'd go for Nikon D60..

Answer 4

Both Sony and Pentax have their versions of image stabilization in the camera body. Any lens you buy will thus have that benefit - and you won't have to pay extra for it with  a new lens.

The only reason Canon and Nikon have begun offering an image stabilized kit lens with their entry-level DSLR cameras is because of Sony and Pentax.

The Sony A200 can use the new Carl Zeiss T* lenses and every legacy Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985.

The Pentax K200D can use every Pentax K-mount lens made since 1975, although there are, of course, limitations when using the older manual focus lenses.

Answer 5

I would definitely recommend going with the Nikon D40. If you get the D40 from Amazon, it is only $450, with a 18-55mm lens (an excellent lens), and because it is so cheap, it would give you some extra cash to buy lenses, flashes, etc.

See: http://www.nikond40.ca/

The D40 is exactly like the D60, except less pixels, which wouldnt matter unless you are a professional and are making HUGE prints.

The D40 is a great camera to start with. Go for it!

One thing about the D40 to keep in mind, is that if you are used to the second lcd screen on top, (for aperture, shutter speed settings, etc.) than not having it on the D40 could be quite annoying, if you are not used to using that screen, than I do not believe it would be a big problem not to have it.

Secondly, Some cameras (such as the Nikon D80) have a motor built in the camera, so it can auto-focus with any lens, where as the D40 does not have a motor inside it, so it is limited to Nikon AF-S and AF-I lenses. This should not be a big problem unless you already have some lenses (that are not AF-S or AF-I) that you want to auto-focus with the D40. If you do not, than stick to buying from Nikon's large collection of AF-S and AF-I lenses. Note that the Nikon D40 can still operate other lenses, just you will have to manual focus.

Lastly, go to a camera store, such as Best Buy or Henerys. Both of those stores will let you handle the cameras, and test them out. Note: Henery's is much more knowledgeable about cameras, go there if you have lots of questions.

Any other questions, feel free to send me a message.

zlh