Nikon D40, ideal for beginner?
Discussion
The D40 is a nice camera, although I believe discontinued, so stocks are sporadic. AFAIK the D60 is the nearest Nikon equivalent.
www.camerapricebuster.com if you are buying on price, or somewhere like Jacobs are good if you want to talk to an expert
www.camerapricebuster.com if you are buying on price, or somewhere like Jacobs are good if you want to talk to an expert
I got a D40 last year from Amazon as a b.day present to myself for about £240 and am very happy with it. I think it's very good value for money...and it takes great pics.
A year later, I've just ( 2 days ago) bought a 70-300mm lens ( £430)...I'm waiting for a dry day to go and test it
A year later, I've just ( 2 days ago) bought a 70-300mm lens ( £430)...I'm waiting for a dry day to go and test it
I would stick to either Nikon or Canon just for the amount of lenses and accessories available. They are the pro's choice for a reason.
I cant speak about Canon but if you are interested in Nikon. I think you would be better going to Grays of Westminster and buy a secondhand D80 or D200. These are much better tools than the D40 or D60 and includes a number of features that while they dont jump out of the specifications will make a huge difference in reality. With the D40, D60 and D5000 you are limiting the variety of lenses available and some of the functionality of add on flash guns. Of the kit lenses the 18-70 is much better than the 18-55, 18-105 or 18-135 but I would try the 16-85 as a good starter instead.
Even just talking to Grays will put you on the right track. I spoke to them a few months ago and had I done it before I purchased originally I would have saved a fortune in the losses incurred upgrading stuff.
It is easy to fall into the trap of buying the entry level because it is cheaper and then becoming dissappointed with the results you get, sometimes it wont be you it will be the equipment you use. Good photographers can get great results with any camera, us amatuers need all the help we can get to become good photographers.
I cant speak about Canon but if you are interested in Nikon. I think you would be better going to Grays of Westminster and buy a secondhand D80 or D200. These are much better tools than the D40 or D60 and includes a number of features that while they dont jump out of the specifications will make a huge difference in reality. With the D40, D60 and D5000 you are limiting the variety of lenses available and some of the functionality of add on flash guns. Of the kit lenses the 18-70 is much better than the 18-55, 18-105 or 18-135 but I would try the 16-85 as a good starter instead.
Even just talking to Grays will put you on the right track. I spoke to them a few months ago and had I done it before I purchased originally I would have saved a fortune in the losses incurred upgrading stuff.
It is easy to fall into the trap of buying the entry level because it is cheaper and then becoming dissappointed with the results you get, sometimes it wont be you it will be the equipment you use. Good photographers can get great results with any camera, us amatuers need all the help we can get to become good photographers.
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