Digital cameras 101

[Vinnie]

hey there

In a professional opinion, would it be a bold step for me to buy a Nikon D40? I have read some reviews online and it seems like a decent camera, the 6M.P doesn't really bother me THAT much, because I know that alot is also about the lens. Only thing is I'm worried about the auto focus thing, I have read that it does not have the auto focus with some lenses and am just scared that the ones that it does auto focus may just cost me an arm and a leg...
I am able to buy the 40D, but am wondering if I should save a little more and just hang tight for a few months to get the D60?

[bdery]

Hello and welcome!

First, I will not recommend (or not) any camera. That is a personal decision, and your seems well documented. The most recent lenses from Nikon will all work with the D40, the ones that will not work are the older ones. Sadly, there are many very good lenses in this lot, and you should probably do some research, to see if the lenses that interest you will work with AF or not, and base your decision at least in part on this. Also remember that manual focus, although not as simple as AF, will still work with those lenses and the D40.

The D60 has the same "property", though, and will not work with all lenses. A friend of mine owns it and uses the Nikon 50 mm prime with it, even though it becomes a manual focus lens. So it does work.

For the record, Nikon is not alone in not supporting older lenses, so with any brand it's important to make sure the lenses that interest you are supported with all their features.

[Neofolis]

I had exactly the same concern and decided to get the D80.  The range of Nikkor AF lenses is growing all of the time and there are lenses available to cover just about everything you would ever want to shoot, but obviously your choice is restricted, unless you are happy to use manual focus.  I also know someone who uses the Nikon 50mm/1.8 lens with a D40 and produces great shots, so it's a question of whether you are prepared to take that little extra time or stick with the AF lenses.  In terms of price, you are also restricted with many third party lenses on which the auto focus won't work.  I bought the Tokina 11-16mm lens for less than half the price of the Nikon 12-24mm AF lens and with the D40, I would have had to use manual focus.  Not only did the Tokina lens save me money, but it's also a better lens for my uses.  That said, the D40 is a perfectly acceptable entry level DSLR and the equivalent Canon would have the same AF restriction.  The 6.0MP sensor is plenty, if you don't want to produce large prints and also enables you to get many more photo's on a similar sized card when compared with a 10+MP camera.

If you don't mind using manual focus or sticking with Nikkor AF lenses, then the D40 should serve you well, but bare in mind that, if you do a lot of sports photography or similar things that require exact timing, manually focusing could make you miss some shots.

[bdery]

Neofolis, thank you for your input. You are correct that even someone confortable with manual focus might find it annoying in some situations, like sports. On the other hand, I personally use MF a lot with my DSLR, and it works very well for sports with some practice. I have taken multiple shots at football games, and am quite satisfied with the results.

One thing to keep in mind is that entry level cameras usually do not have very bright viewfinders, making MF more difficult. That's something else to consider. In addition, a lens with a wide aperture will be easier to focus (to some extend).

You are also correct to state that the same "problem" will be encountered with Canon. Olympus and (to some extend) Sony are in the same boat. Currently, only Pentax offers full support for "legacy" lenses.

When shopping for a DSLR, it's important to remember that you will be buying into a SYSTEM, and one should be comfortable with that system. It includes bodies design philosophy, included features, lenses lineup, etc. All companies make great cameras, but they are not all suited for the same tasks, and the price range varies a lot too.

[Vinnie]

thank you all for the great replies! Would just like to know when you talk about the Canon entry level, which model(s) are you referring too?

[bdery]

thank you all for the great replies! Would just like to know when you talk about the Canon entry level, which model(s) are you referring too?

Hi again,

Canon's entry level cameras (the current ones, since they change very fast) are the Rebel XSi and the XS (or 450D and 1000D).

They compare relatively well to Olympus's E420/E520, Sony A200/A300, Nikon D40/D40 and Pentax K2000/K200D. Those cameras all have merits and flaws, but globally they compare well enough.