nikon d40 or d40x?

[Douglas]

Since I didnt want to start another similar topic, bumping this one with a question.

How big a difference is 6mp to 10? (besides 4mp). Will I really notice a difference in my prints? The largest I currently go is maybe 8x10 and I mostly do scenics (Like when I go to sedona in a couple months) and sports (racing and hockey).

Lenses are not an issue for me. I have my trusty 24-120 that ive used for years on my film camera (n90s) and would just switch it over. Its an IF lens and I know this would bump it to a 36-180 (not really a bad thing as long as I get the kit 18-55 lens for the wide shots). So it all comes down to the mp. If I shoot mostly at iso 100, would there be an issue with a D40 over a D40x? A 60 or 80 are financially out of the question for me.

[cyclohexane]

Will I really notice a difference in my prints? The largest I currently go is maybe 8x10 and I mostly do scenics (Like when I go to sedona in a couple months) and sports (racing and hockey).

For 8x10's, the difference will not be enormous. Shoot well, and you'll be good to go. For sports you definitely won't see a big difference unless you're cropping a ton; for scenics the fine details will be somewhat better on the D40X, but the D40X also has more pronounced shadow noise.

I have my trusty 24-120 that ive used for years on my film camera (n90s) and would just switch it over. Its an IF lens

But is it the AF-S (SWM) lens? Even if the lens is IF, it won't autofocus unless it is AF-S or AF-I.

If I shoot mostly at iso 100, would there be an issue with a D40 over a D40x

D40 doesn't do ISO 100; the base ISO is 200. No, you shouldn't have a problem.

[thebeing]

Douglas, i suggest you look for a d70 if you plan to get a d40. I know it's older, but IMHO, it's more advanced than the d40. Same 6mp and same iso 200.

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

For 8x10's, the difference will not be enormous. Shoot well, and you'll be good to go. For sports you definitely won't see a big difference unless you're cropping a ton; for scenics the fine details will be somewhat better on the D40X, but the D40X also has more pronounced shadow noise.

But is it the AF-S (SWM) lens? Even if the lens is IF, it won't autofocus unless it is AF-S or AF-I.

D40 doesn't do ISO 100; the base ISO is 200. No, you shouldn't have a problem.

Hmm....Not sure about this part. I really like shooting the low range of ISO for scenics.

For the lens, Im not sure if its an AF-s or I. I dont have it in front of me. I have used on a D50 and it worked fine. (I dont know off hand if the D50 is like the 40/60 in regards to AF lenses)

Originally Posted by thebeing

Douglas, i suggest you look for a d70 if you plan to get a d40. I know it's older, but IMHO, it's more advanced than the d40. Same 6mp and same iso 200.

Ill look into this. I can pick up a d40 off newegg for under $400 shipped. Its refurbished, but ive bought many things off newegg in that condition and never have had an issue. And im not sure where I could pick up a d70 short of ebay or an some other classifieds section.

[thebeing]

yes, you're right. i just wanted to say that you should keep your eyes and your ears open for a chance to grab a d70. but, as you will only find it SH, you REALLY should not buy it unless you can get your hands on it, and make some tests. I got kinda ripped off when i bought my d70... it has quite a lot of dust on the senzor (i know that can be removed, but, for me, it's quite a tricky thing to do).
Hm, btw, some opinions about cleaning the senzor would be nice... is that a hard job? did anyone messed up the senzor by doing this? and, if so, what did you do wrong?

cheers!

[cyclohexane]

(I dont know off hand if the D50 is like the 40/60 in regards to AF lenses)

The D50 has the screwdrive motor and is compatible with all AF lenses. The D40/X and D60 do not have this motor, and will not autofocus with lenses that are not AF-S or AF-I.

btw, some opinions about cleaning the senzor would be nice... is that a hard job?

Cleaning sensors by Thom Hogan

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

The D50 has the screwdrive motor and is compatible with all AF lenses. The D40/X and D60 do not have this motor, and will not autofocus with lenses that are not AF-S or AF-I.

Hmm. Ok, ill definitly have to check the lens then.I know its an internal focus lens. But not sure the exact type. this is an 8 year old lens. I tried to find online what type it is, but to no avail. Being this old, think it would be compatable? its the 24-120mm D lens

[cyclohexane]

Being this old, think it would be compatable? its the 24-120mm D lens

You need the 24-120mm G, not the D. The D will meter with the D40 but will not autofocus.

[Douglas]

Thats what I was afraid of. I found an old post at photo.net that said similar.


Maybe I should check into a D70, as I cant afford a d80.

Got a line on a decent D70 (some day ill actually work at work)

[Nikonfreak]

You should definitely look around a bit... there are some deals to be had on some nice, used D80 bodies... There are certainly deals to be had on D200 bodies floating around. Heck, what did I end up selling mine for? $750 each or so?

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by Nikonfreak

You should definitely look around a bit... there are some deals to be had on some nice, used D80 bodies... There are certainly deals to be had on D200 bodies floating around. Heck, what did I end up selling mine for? $750 each or so?

Unfortunatly, those are a bit out of my range. I really dont need super pro for what I do. Its kinda like a serious hobby. Id stick with my 90s if it wasnt for the film costs and processing. And then still have to image the negatives for post processing. Thats the main reason im going digital. Plus the whole instant gratification of seeing the image

[kiddk1]

look here circuitcity.com - Weekly Ad -
under the picture the price is listed at 649, print out and take to store, you may be able to get it at that price, also in the circuit city ad it shows up as 649.

[thebeing]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

The D50 has the screwdrive motor and is compatible with all AF lenses. The D40/X and D60 do not have this motor, and will not autofocus with lenses that are not AF-S or AF-I.



Cleaning sensors by Thom Hogan

as usual, straight to the point. thanx a lot, but i was looking more for opinions from a less experienced people (because that's how i am). When a pro explains something, it makes it look like a piece of cake...but that's not how it always is.

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

You need the 24-120mm G, not the D. The D will meter with the D40 but will not autofocus.

I actually reread the whole article here. Although I like the lens, I never realized its short comings (never really used it to its potential). I might just go with a 40 or 40x (unless I can find a cheap 60 or 80) with a kit lens and go from there.

When I go on my trip in septemeber to Sedona, I want the best quality I can get. I want those colors to just jump out of the photo, something that seems to lack with photos I have taken with the 24-120.

And for everyones help, Karma to all =)