Anyone using a Nikon D-40. Thoughts

[Salted NutsNE1]

Originally Posted by Touchdown MSU

Found this deal online for the D40. I think I'm going to pull the trigger. Anyone know anything about this website? Their price is about $150 less than the big box retailers.

ShopDigitalDirect.com

B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders


You'll thank me later when your camera shows up with the charger and the battery and everything that is supposed come with it, instead of without those expensive items.

[Touchdown MSU]

Originally Posted by Cym Jim

Anyone else familiar with this retailer? I was going to go for the Canon XTi - but that price for the D40 is just silly.

Edit: from Googling around, they look like a classic Brooklyn bait and switch operation.

Originally Posted by Salted NutsNE1

B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders


You'll thank me later when your camera shows up with the charger and the battery and everything that is supposed come with it, instead of without those expensive items.

Yeah-They're a dicey operation. Horrible reviews everywhere about them. I guess if it's too good to be true....

[Gene Parmesan]

Bought a D50 from B&H used about 2 years ago and it's a great Camera. I'm sure the D40 is even better. B&H is the way to go great store, always get the items on time in great condition. Get the stock 18-55 lens and spend $200 and get the 55-200 VR. Both are great lenses.

[dhaines]

Originally Posted by Salted NutsNE1

B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders


You'll thank me later when your camera shows up with the charger and the battery and everything that is supposed come with it, instead of without those expensive items.

I just bought oen from Abe's of Maine - they did call to confirm the order and ask if wanted to buy more memory (it came with a free 2GB), but after I said no they shipped it write away. $459 is about teh best legit deal you are gonig to get on the D40 and 18-55mm lens.

Welcome to Abes of Maine

[Cym Jim]

Originally Posted by Gene Parmesan

Get the stock 18-55 lens and spend $200 and get the 55-200 VR. Both are great lenses.

That's what I was thinking of doing - seems like the most bang for the buck.

[Gene Parmesan]

Originally Posted by Cym Jim

That's what I was thinking of doing - seems like the most bang for the buck.

If money were no object the 18-200 lens is great but it's pricey. If you want a VR for your main lens there is a new 18-55 VR lens out there. THE stock takes some nice photos and there are not very many instances where I've wanted VR in that lens. Good luck

[tuff bob]

Originally Posted by Cym Jim

That's what I was thinking of doing - seems like the most bang for the buck.

start with the 18-55 and then you'll figure out what lens you really need.

[Gene Parmesan]

Originally Posted by tuff bob

start with the 18-55 and then you'll figure out what lens you really need.

This is really good advice. Depending on what you're doing the stock might be the only lens you want.

[CincySpartan]

I am totally camera inept, but need to get one soon for the noneymoon and subsequent rugrats......

this looks like a good deal, but the 55-200 lens does not say VR, not sure what that means...

PROVANTAGE: Nikon 9420 D40 DSLR 6.1MPIX & 2 Lens-Kit 18-55MM 55-200MM 2DVD

[tuff bob]

VR = vibration reduction - it helps with shake and motion caused by taking pictures with your hands

Image Stabilization

[Cmdr.Nebula]

Originally Posted by CincySpartan

I am totally camera inept, but need to get one soon for the noneymoon and subsequent rugrats......

this looks like a good deal, but the 55-200 lens does not say VR, not sure what that means...

PROVANTAGE: Nikon 9420 D40 DSLR 6.1MPIX & 2 Lens-Kit 18-55MM 55-200MM 2DVD

Couldn't find any info on what 2DVD is - maybe a grey market variant or other non-VR lens

I bought my D50 kit from Cameta Camera via Ebay. Here's a kit from them with a real, new 55-200 VR lens for less than what you quoted. When you check Cameta listings, just make sure it is New if you want a Unopened box new item. They have demo items that can save you money if you want to go that route.

Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera + 18-55mm +55-200mm VR USA - eBay (item 130249382101 end time Sep-02-08 21:34:03 PDT)

[rob]

The likely reson that you are able to buy the D40 so cheap is because it's a two year old camera that has essentiallybeen replaced by the D40X. I wouldn't be surprised if the D40 is discontinued very shortly.

[tuff bob]

Originally Posted by rob

The likely reson that you are able to buy the D40 so cheap is because it's a two year old camera that has essentiallybeen replaced by the D40X.

which makes the D40 an amazing value

[Manhattan Green]

Originally Posted by Salted NutsNE1

B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders


You'll thank me later when your camera shows up with the charger and the battery and everything that is supposed come with it, instead of without those expensive items.

I have a new D80 and a used F5 from here. The price is competitive and it's reputable among professionals. They're closed on Saturdays; though I'm not sure if that will affect your customer service needs.

[Cym Jim]

Originally Posted by tuff bob

which makes the D40 an amazing value

The only thing that puts me off is the 6mp thing - is that really enough these days? I have a little powershot that's more than that? Granted, I won't be printing anything >8x10, but it would be nice to select parts of the image to print . . .

For another $100 I could get the Canon XTi, which seems like a considerable step up. . .

[tuff bob]

Originally Posted by Cym Jim

The only thing that puts me off is the 6mp thing - is that really enough these days?

don't fall for The Megapixel Myth

the D40 is plenty, i've printed off stunning 8x11's more than once where the guys behind the desk are amazed.

and if one day you want to "move up", all the D40 lenses will work with whatever you buy, and the body will hold its value well.

[Cym Jim]

Originally Posted by tuff bob

don't fall for The Megapixel Myth

the D40 is plenty, i've printed off stunning 8x11's more than once where the guys behind the desk are amazed.

and if one day you want to "move up", all the D40 lenses will work with whatever you buy, and the body will hold its value well.

Thanks I'm almost sold. Now D40 for $400 or Canon XTi for $500?

[tuff bob]

Originally Posted by Cym Jim

Thanks I'm almost sold. Now D40 for $400 or Canon XTi for $500?

I bought into the Nikon system because the "camera dude" at work had Nikon. I'd say there's very little difference, and the difference appears to be a religious "PC vs Mac" style DSF.

Also Ken Rockwell recommends the D40, and i followed his advice and am very happy.

Recommended Cameras

If you go for the Nikon, its $100 towards a lens (or it pays for the highly recommended SB400 flash).

Perhaps a Canon fanboy can pop by and suggest why you might want the Canon.

[dhaines]

Originally Posted by tuff bob

I bought into the Nikon system because the "camera dude" at work had Nikon. I'd say there's very little difference, and the difference appears to be a religious "PC vs Mac" style DSF.

Also Ken Rockwell recommends the D40, and i followed his advice and am very happy.

Recommended Cameras

If you go for the Nikon, its $100 towards a lens (or it pays for the highly recommended SB400 flash).

Perhaps a Canon fanboy can pop by and suggest why you might want the Canon.

Pay a little more and get the SB-600 flash, its well worth the money. Read about it on Kenrockwell.com

[Salted NutsNE1]

Originally Posted by dhaines

Pay a little more and get the SB-600 flash, its well worth the money. Read about it on Kenrockwell.com

That's probably the last place you wanna read about gear.