D40 limitations

[riwiho]

I recently posted about a Canon G9 and after spending some time reading into the subject I feel I am headed down the DSLR route however my uneducated brain has hit a wall when it comes to choosing the right DSLR.

The D40 seems very well received except for its lack of motorised lenses (?). This means nothing to me. What is the real world issue with this drawback and will I (the beginner) really struggle.

In laymans terms what is the best starter DSLR and why? I know every unit will have its own +s and -s but I am having a hard time getting head around the subject.

Thanks so much from an eager beginner

[Steve Evil]

I don't think it is a real drawback for the D40, just means you can't use any older lenses with it (which it sounds like you don't have anyway).

Best advice seems to be to go into a shop and try out that and the Canon equivalent and pick whichever one you like the feel of best, you will be more used to the Canon layout due to your experience with the G9 though.

[_dobbo_]

As above, the D40 limits you to AF-S lenses, so you can't use cheaper/older lenses with it except with manual focus.

AF-S lenses are typically better anyway, but also more expensive.

[cliff123]

If you choose from the Nikon range of dslr's and working upwards as your skill and budget allow you'll be fine. They are all good cameras, though personally I'd start with the D80 simply due to it's physical size, but if your happy with the small size of the D40 it's a great place to start.

[rustyspit]

riwiho said:

The D40 seems very well received except for its lack of motorised lenses (?). This means nothing to me. What is the real world issue with this drawback and will I (the beginner) really struggle.

It's pretty simple, and all to do with the choice of lenses that you are able to use with your camera, and the camera functions that will work when they are connected.

Modern cameras have autofocus systems that automatically move the lens elements in and out to focus on the subject of the photo. The autofocus system relies on components in both the lens and the camera body.

Nikon first introduced autofocus lenses in the 1980's - these lenses were designated 'AF' and the lens mechanism was driven by a motor inside the camera body via a connector that looks a bit like a screwdriver. In the last few years Nikon has started manufacturing some lenses which are driven by a motor inside the lens, which makes them quieter and faster to focus - these lenses are designated 'AFS'.

The D40 does not have an autofocus motor inside the camera body, so the autofocus system will only work with 'AFS' lenses. Nikon lenses which are not designated 'AFS' will fit the D40, but have to be focused manually by turning the ring on the outside of the lens.

The D80 and higher models do have autofocus motors, so their autofocus systems will work with any Nikon autofocus lens.

p.s.
In addition to Nikon lenses you can also buy lenses from 3rd party manufacturers like Sigma. Sigma use 'HSM' to designate lenses which will work with the D40.

Edited by rustyspit on Monday 11th August 12:26

[Simpo Two]

rustyspit said:

In addition to Nikon lenses you can also buy lenses from 3rd party manufacturers like Sigma. Sigma use 'HFS' to designate lenses which will work with the D40.

Pedant here - it's HSM (for hypersonic motor)

[rustyspit]

Simpo Two said:

rustyspit said:

In addition to Nikon lenses you can also buy lenses from 3rd party manufacturers like Sigma. Sigma use 'HFS' to designate lenses which will work with the D40.

Pedant here - it's HSM (for hypersonic motor)

Sorry - brain fart .

[riwiho]

rustyspit - thank you. That helps greatly.


So for a beginer like myself I do not really need to worry. The factors I should take into account are functions, size and how I feel about the unit in question

[oldskool]

rustyspit said:

Simpo Two said:

rustyspit said:

In addition to Nikon lenses you can also buy lenses from 3rd party manufacturers like Sigma. Sigma use 'HFS' to designate lenses which will work with the D40.

Pedant here - it's HSM (for hypersonic motor)

Sorry - brain fart .

Sigma now have cheaper non-HSM lenses that will AF with the D40/D60, e.g. the Sigma 70-300/APO "with built in motor". Tamron also have a few Nikon fit lenses with built in motor specially designed for cameras without the screw-drive.

Focussing/metering manually on an SLR is not such a big deal. Have been enjoying using my D40 lately with a ~25 year old 80-200 f/4 AIS.