Looking for a new camera

[Bimmer Pilot]

I'm a straight up n00b when it comes to photos. Haven't done anything outside of the point and shoot arena.

That being said, I'm looking at getting a new camera; something in the mindset of an entry level DSLR. I currently have a Coolpix point and shoot and was initially thinking of upgrading to another, but seeing the Nikon D40 and it's $525 pricetag is making me reconsider.

I have just started researching this camera and it seems to have good reviews. I know there are some that are Olympus or Canon enthusiasts, but can anyone offer any advice or personal reviews of this camera or any of it's direct competitors?

I really like the size of the D40 and don't know what to think of the autofocus lens...

[themandillon]

if i were u i would get a used d50... its only a little bigger than a d40 but is more versatile. i have one for my first dslr and i love it.

[GTi_01]

i bought a nikon d40 and have been happy with it so far. i'm currently taking an entry level class to digital photog and am starting to like the camera more and more. i can't wait till i buy more lenses for it and move up to a 200 or something.

d40's are pretty cheap and are pretty respectable. circuit has em for like $500 something ish.

its a pretty good starter camera, here is a recent pic with it on its stock lens 18-55:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/GTi_01/ariel1.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/GTi_01/leet.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/GTi_01/turtle1.jpg

[SYNYSTAGLI]

D40 and D40x are the same cameras but with different sensors, 6.1MP to 10.2MP. Pros are size and weight, the pair are the smallest and lightest DSLRs Nikon makes, and price. The cons are small, dim viewfinder, and will not work with all Nikon AF lenses.

The D80 is more of a D200 lite. Pros are a decent viewfinder and ability to work with any Nikon AF lenses. Cons are a higher price and a larger, heavier, but more capable camera body.

I'd say that review should say it all, If you plan on taking photography further and want to buy better glass, save up...If you just want to have better shots then your point and shoot and have a light camera handy...grab the D40.

I have the D80, but wish I held off for the D200 as it was only a few hundred more......I can still upgrade though as my lens will fit/work when that time comes ;)

[Slapshotnerd]

I'm a canon guy...

I still use my Digital Rebel, which I bought 3 or so years ago. You can pick up rebels for 3-400 used lightly...

I now have a 20D (which i'm selling soon) and a 1D Mk II.

Buy a good solid body, but you don't need the latest and greatest. Your lenses will be much more important than the body you buy.

[Bimmer Pilot]

Sorry to ask this question, as I would usually search...

What are the main differences between the Nikon D50 and the D70? I like the D40, but the word lens versatility comes into play whenever I see threads or reviews about this camera in relation to the above mentioned. I see on eBay that I can pick up either the 50 or 70 on a good day for roughly the same price as the 40.

Granted, I am new at this (and will definitely be taking tons of photos), which of these would be better for me to grow into photography, provide better lens compatibility for landscapes and for action?

Oh and there is plenty of free beer for those that can really influence my decision (not that youse guys need any sort of compensation :cool:)...

[Bimmer Pilot]

Fuji Finepix Pro S2

So, it looks as though I can get my hands on one of these puppies for a nice price. Has anyone had any experience with this or the Nikon N80? I am digging the gallery shots: http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/fujis2pro_samples1/ as well as what I am reading about the CCD Raw mode that Fuji offers in this camera.

My question now is, can someone explain which lens I should be looking for, as for general purpose/all-around shooting?

[bugzy]

I got Nikon D70 which the D80 replaced

love it !!

[Rento_VW]

Well... We have a Rebel XT... bought it like.. two months before the damn XTi came out :rolleyes:. Figures, it always happens to the best of us...

Really good camera.. Just gotta know how to use it... I use the camera the most of all the peeps in the house. I'd like to try the Nikkon D80 though just to see what the difference is.

However, these are quite pricey, so I would say stick to what the others are saying.

But if price isn't much and you want professional use/grade cameras than the Cannon Rebel XT or XTi or Nikkon D80 is for you.

Also, here is a pic I took with the stock 18-55mm lens. It was the huge ass fire we had not too long ago.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/CheeseOtaku1/IMG_0853.jpg

[3THREE7]

Fuji Finepix Pro S2

So, it looks as though I can get my hands on one of these puppies for a nice price. Has anyone had any experience with this or the Nikon N80? I am digging the gallery shots: http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/fujis2pro_samples1/ as well as what I am reading about the CCD Raw mode that Fuji offers in this camera.

My question now is, can someone explain which lens I should be looking for, as for general purpose/all-around shooting?

The S2 is a fairly old camera now. Replaced by S3, which was just recently replaced by the S5. Fuji's sensors are real nice, offers better dynamic range than most other companies due to their sensor technology. The S5 is great for low light conditions when you use higher ISO, much less noise. But at low ISO, in a head to head comparison with the D200, the Nikon outperformed. Fuji DSLR's are compatible with all Nikon F-mount lenses.

Nikon N80? Thats a 35mm film SLR.