The 18-55 is a kit lens. It's cheap, yet adequate. I've heard very nice reports about the 55-200 VR lens. Have you considered the D40X with the expensive 18-200 VR lens? Nothing but glowing reports for the 18-200. I'd personally get the D40X with the 18-200 VR lens if I were considering bumping up to the D80 with lesser lenses. BH is a fine outfit, unlike many others which advertise a low price, deliver only offseas cameras (which don't have a factory warranty), and never deliver anyway. BH is not the lowest price outfit, but they are reputable. I've dealt with some of the other companies--if it's too good to be true, then it isn't true.
Thanks! I actually purchased this thing this morning from B&H. It will be here Wednesday. I went ahead and got the kit lens (18-55mm) and the 55-200mm VR lens. I understand that the ultimate control of taking better pictures will rest with ME and not the camera. I remember back at 12 years old when I first learned to play guitar. I wanted an expensive Gibson. My father promptly reminded me that a better guitar doesn't MAKE ME a better guitar player. As he said... "Garbage in, garbage out" No matter the cost of the equipment. It will be the same w/ this camera. However, I am very much looking forward to diving into the manuals and learning this thing. Its going to take some practice, but I can do this. I had just reached a point where my old Minolta point/zoom/click thing wasn't very satisfying.
I think the dramatic drop in digital camera prices will drive a revolution towards better photography, and I think you made a very good choice. The D40X doesn't have some of the features of its more expensive bigger brothers, but are you really going to try to control multiple flashes with the "Commander" mode? I've handled one, and love its small size and weight. With a small lens, it'll fit in a parka's oversized pocket and not make you feel like you're walking with a lead weight on one side. I'm used to traipsing around with two cameras on my neck plus a shoulder bag--the next time I get far away from civilization, I'll plan on one D40X plus the 18-200 VR lens. It's probably artificially crippled, like some of the Canon DSLRs, with some features just "turned off." There was the "Russian Patch" for the Canons, which upgraded some lesser models to the top of the line. Maybe there will be the same for Nikon. The patch voided the warranty, so anyone using it just reloaded the standard firmware before sending it in for repair. When you get really serious about model photography, I'd recommend the $900 Nikon 12-24 zoom. My recent articles in N-Scale magazine had about 50 photos. The vast majority were taken with the 12-24. It's pricey, but it's fabulous. It's the lens in my parka pocket these days--if you're shooting at 12mm, you usually have time to swap lenses!
Digital vs Film For the past 35 years or so I have used a Pentax K1000 with a 75-225 macro-zoom lense and ASA 200 film for photos. I shoot only 35mm colour slides and this has worked well I did borrow number one kid's digital Canon 520 and tried it out on my layout for macro comparison. Both worked well but I'm wondering if Pentax makes a digital SLR that my lenses for the K1000 will fit? The photos are for comparison the one on the left is from the K1000 and the other from the digital.
>>Here's some info' on the K100D series DSLR by Pentax<<< You may be able to look at this and tell if the mounts match your camera or if the there is lens compatiblity. I just got the D40X and I know there are older NIKON lenses that won't fit the thing. The link may answer some of your questions. THere are some good reviews at this site not only on PENTAX, but all Digital Cameras. DSLR's and point/zoom/shooters.
kitbash, i believe you have to use only lenses from the AF series. it will be in the series number. as in...18-200 AF. good luck
Mr. SP, Just browsing, when I saw this topic and then your post in particular. If I read your post correctly and if I had to choose between the two photos. I'm sure I would choose the digital. I'm also a diehard OM-1 owner. I love my 35+ year old camera. However, do yourself a big favor, as I did, and purchase a CanonA650 IS digital camera. It has everthing and more than our old film camera do. Macro is 1 cm! 12 MP. The best part is the screen on the back is full rotateable so you can use it for all you picture taking. Trust me this beauty will last you a life time. If you need some samples go check out my photos under SocalZ44. My 2 cents worth. Cheers, Jim CCRR
Yes and no. The D40/40X has no AF drive motor in the camera body. It depends on a drive in the lens. That is one way NIKON kept the cost down. For the D40 and D40X one has to use the AF-S or AF-I lens for any full auto or semi-auto shooting mode. These are equipped w/ the AF drives. In manual mode, you can use any NIKON or NIKON compatible lens that fits the camera.
With the demise of CompUSA they may have some closeout deals to watch. Some shoppers report the best stuff gets sold before the firesale begins. You may need to check your local store to see what they have on hand.
Hello, Mr.SP. I'll definitely choose the LEFT photo as best ! That said, comparing a K1000 with a 4 megapixel point-and-shoot is apples and avacados. I'm sure the little Canon will do better than the right pic, (focus,DOF,color balance, contrast are all somewhat off), but the 4MP will limit the good shots to smaller sizes with satisfactory quality. Digitals of comparable capabilities to your Pentax may be had at $700 and UP. Sorry, I don't know Pentax well, can't steer you to what you're after, but a like replacement for your SLR won't be cheap.I want a Canon Rebel XTI to use my Canon lenses from my A-1, but it won' come close to fitting my budget !!! Good Luck ! Bob C.
The question no one has asked is what are the outhouses doing on the flat car.:tb-biggrin: I can afford a much better film camera than digital for now. Our point and shoot went kaput and the only reason I miss it is because it was so handy to just link it up to the computer and post photos here on this board (or send cute kid pics to my mother-in-law). Adam
Coming into this late, I got a Nikon D50 last Christmas and took as many pictures with it in a year as I've taken in 10 years with my previous N60 and that's in terms of pictures kept, not pictures shot. I very rarely use the 18mm-55mm kit lens. More often I use an old Tamaron 28-200 Macro zoom that I had for the N60. The lens has a stellar reputation and there's a newer version out. I also have the Nikkor Plastic 70-300 which has also been useful. The only reason I keep the Kit lens around at all is because I have a polarizer for it. The cost of polarizer for the two nikkors is about the same as the cost of the one for the Tamaron, because it's got such a large diameter, so I've put off buying it. Also, the lens ways a ton. More then the body. I value the ability to mount any Nikon lens from the last 40 years with the D50 including AF lenses, but It is a bulky body compared to the D40 and it therefore doesn't lend itself to candid shots. I have to want to be carrying it around all day.
K-1000 vs Digital Thanks for all the tips guys. I'll be researching the possibilities. As for the question of the outhouses on the flat car. That is part of the tourist train which runs on the layout from time to time.
