The Nikon D40 - good for a beginner?

[Underload]

Hello

I've been thinking about the D40 as a good entry level camera for myself. The price via the forums here seems pretty good, and I already have a collection of SD cards I could use for it.

Being a lower end camera, my understanding is that it has one or two potential shortcomings. I'm just not sure if they'll affect what I want to do.

I was thinking about buying the body and kit lens, as well as the 50mm f1.8 prime. Soo...my 2 questions are: Is the 50mm prime an AFS lens, so that it'll autofocus with the D40?

And secondly, being a beginner (very much so, might I add!), is the D40 a good way to go? I'd prefer a new camera, and I was thinking about a Pentax K100D, but the Nikons seem far more popular, which I guess means there is a plethora of stuff for them, on the second hand lens and accessories market.


Thanks in advance!

James.

[Critter]

The 50 f/1.8 is not an AF-S lens - you would be focussing manually on that one.

I would love to have a D40 with a small fast prime, but your options are quite limited (IMO) when it comes to lens choice. I am new to dSLRs, but I am using 50 and 35mm primes almost exclusively, so couldn't stand a camera that couldn't use them.

It would be nice if Nikon had updated their fast wide primes at the same time that they started to release a camera that couldn't AF with them.

My wife on the other hand is in love with the kit lens on the D80, so I am sure that if we got a D40, she would never let me take its kit lens off it (maybe next years tax return

[Yi-P]

The AF 50mm f/1.8D was discontinued couple months ago. I'm expecting a soon announcement of an AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens in the short future, probably around March this year? (that's my guess)

The D40 is very good to replace a P&S camera to get a start on DSLR, tho its limited ability to focus with older screwdrive mech AF lenses makes a big limitation to new-comers who want to try out different lenses, specially older prime lenses.

If you do not have older lenses and not planning on getting any, then the D40 will be the best for money choice to get started with. Second alternative will be a D50 which has a motor drive for older lenses.

[Aussie Dave]

The 50 f/1.8 is not an AF-S lens - you would be focussing manually on that one.

If we're talking about the current Nikon 50mm f1.8D lens, then auto-focussing will still work.

AF-S is Nikon's way of stating Auto-Focus with Silent wave motor.....as opposed to AF which is only Auto-Focus.
AF-S lenses have a small mtor inside that drives them...instead of the little turnscrew that protrudes from the camera body for standard AF lenses. This makes the AF-S lenses focus and operate much quicker & quieter.

The old AIS lenses are the one's that won't work in "auto mode" on these new style cameras.

You will have no problems with this lens on the D40 and should enjoy full functionality (including auto focus)

[Ivanerrol]

The D40 will only Autofocus with AFS lenses.
These AF-S lenses have the Autofocus motor within the Lens itself.
The D40 lacks the screw drive to operate the focus mechanism of the other normal AF and AF-D lenses.

Of course AIs lenses being manual focus will not AF on the D40 or any other AF camera

[Underload]

Thanks for your replies. I might have to look a little closer at a D50 then.

[firsty]

If we're talking about the current Nikon 50mm f1.8D lens, then auto-focussing will still work.

I just had a look at my Nikon 50mm f1.8D (12mths old) and it is definitely a screw focus lens and will not work on the D40

[radar]

For a table with the features that work/not work with the D40, have a look at page on the Nikon site: click here.

Document title says it all: "Which lenses can I use with the D40?" To answer your question, the document says that it will not auto-focus with the AF-D 50mm 1.8

Cheers,

André

[Aussie Dave]

The D40 lacks the screw drive to operate the focus mechanism of the other normal AF and AF-D lenses.

Really ??? Why on earth did Nikon decide to do that ?

My apologies for giving misleading and incorrect information. I am quite amazed that Nikon would bring out such a camera (without camera body AF assistance).

This would instantly turn me off purchasing such a camera.

[Alpha_7]

The D40 lacks the screw drive to operate the focus mechanism of the other normal AF and AF-D lenses.

Really ??? Why on earth did Nikon decide to do that ?

My apologies for giving misleading and incorrect information. I am quite amazed that Nikon would bring out such a camera (without camera body AF assistance).

This would instantly turn me off purchasing such a camera.

Dave you aren't the target market, it for those that are happy with maybe 1 - 2 Kit lenses, like the 18-55 and 55-200 that came on the D50.
Sadly to get it dirt cheap (and keep it small) they ripped the motor out.

[Oscar]

James, if you are looking for a camera to get you started why not look for a second hand D70/s. Grab some good glass.
You will be able to save on the body and put it towards lenses or save for any future update.
I am still learning with mine and am dreaming of updating to a D200 (maybe later this year).

Cheers, Mick

[Ivanerrol]

This would instantly turn me off purchasing such a camera.

'Moi Aussie'

Oscar has some good advice IMHO

[Alpha_7]

Can you get the D40 as a body only or only as a kit ?

[radar]

Can you get the D40 as a body only or only as a kit ?

In Australian stores, kit only currently. I have seen it as body only on Canadian web sites and also Japan and of course on ebay.

I managed to hold one in my hands the other day, very small. Probably a bit smaller then the Canon 400D. The D40 and the kit lens for it (18-55) is very compact and light. It certainly would make a good walk-around kit if one would want more then just a P&S

Cheers,

André

[gstark]

Can you get the D40 as a body only or only as a kit ?

Kit only

[Alpha_7]

Why is that ?
So they can justify a higher price and flog of a lens as well ?

Sometimes companies markets strategies can be really annoying.

[gstark]

Craig,

You're so cynical.

Actually, in this case, I see it as being quite a legimate decision. The expected market for this camera seems, to me, to be a very similar market that the CP5700/8700 was intended to address, but this would be a far better camera, due to its greater flexibility and higher quality potential image output.

Here, I think that the expectation is that those buying into the camera would not have any existing glass, and the provision of of glass with the body makes a lot of sense.

I don't see this body as being a second body for anyone attempting to act in any sort of professional sense.

[Alpha_7]

I see you points Gary, and I agree the majory of D40 buyers will probably be those wanting more then their P&S can give them, and therefore not having any existing glass.

Just a little annoyed as I have 2 lens I could give my mate, if he gets the D40, both better then its kit lens (atleast IMO) and we can get it without the lens anywhere locally. (Yet AFAIK the rest of the range is available as Body only).

[radar]

Craig,

The ebay store for Discount Digital Photographics has the D40 body only and they say they have an office in Sydney where you can pick it up from.

I suspect it is an import but I could be wrong, it is not all that clear on their ebay auction, click here

I haven't dealt with these guys before, so you'll have to do your homework. They do issue a tax invoice, so if your friend is going overseas, he/she could get the GST back. It is selling for $739 GST inc.

Look in the Trader Opinions section, there is thread about them, looks okay.

HTH,

André

[Alpha_7]

Thanks Radar!

[MATT]

The D40 does look good, I was thinking about a purchase so the wife can use it. Rather than the large overwhelming D200.

With the 18-70 Kit lens it would be a great P&S replacement..


Cheers
MATT