Digital Camera - Nikon D90 vs D40 vs....

SarahLou22

Hi guys,
Don't normally venture on these boards, so please be gentle!!
My darling OH wants a Nikon D90 for Christmas....I've done a few internet searches and the price is slightly :eek: .

Are there any things you could suggest to make it cheaper? or any [STRIKE]excuses[/STRIKE] sorry. suggestions as to why he shouldnt get one?

Thanks in advance,

Sarah
x

Marty_J

It's pretty pricey for one. Is there any reason he needs that particular model?

The D40 is a lot cheaper but it's still very capable (I own one myself).

Give him this to read:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

gingerscot

It depends on how much he reeeealllly wants it and what for. If he’s just wanting the latest gadget and doesn’t really have much of an interest in photography or an expert eye etc (so just for holiday shots, beach, kids etc) then he will never notice the difference between the quality of pics between the d40, d40x, d60, d80 and d90 or for that matter the canon 400 or 450d (going from £229 with kit lens to at least £700 with any lens). The d40’s 6 megapixels will give you awesome A3 and A4 prints because the pixels are so large and so the colour and quality is so smooth and high.

*Slight rant*
Please please please do not ever compare this 6 megapixels to a horrible noisy 8 megapixel phone camera. If you think about it the resolution of most standard computer screens is say 1440x900 or around which is just over 1 megapixel! Most people don’t even print any pictures so why would you ever need such high numbers anyway.
*ends*

So what are the differences between a d40 and d90?

n Well you’re paying for double the pixels which will mean you can crop abit more and print to A3 and bigger with better results (how often does than happen?).

n You do get a very nice high quality large lcd screen with the d90 (the other 4 nikon cameras and similar priced canons are the same good but not as nice screens).

n It’s bigger and heavier and slightly better built with a slightly better viewfinder.

n It can take pictures at a faster rate if needed (4.5 frames/second to 2.5-3.5 for the other cameras). Unless he will shoot sports its not that important.

n It records 720p HD movies unlike the other cameras which is cool and could come in useful.

n Moderately better image quality at high ISO, i.e in very low light conditions. Again good for fast moving kids or sports inside or in poor light.


I think that’s about it. To me its not worth over 3 times the d40 or even twice the canon slrs (400d) and d40x, d60. Remember that you will have to buy atleast one lens and generally the d90 comes with more expensive lens that will up the cost to over £700 easily no doubt. You can get some awesome lens (nice wide angle, good zoom and kit lens) with the d40 for the same money. *****The best lens/price for the Nikon are 18-55mm vr, 55-200mm vr, 70-300mm vr and sigma 10-20mm HSM, that’s covers a massive range!*****

Of course it’s a question of whether he really just wants the latest gadget and not the best deal….:rolleyes: Side by side 95%+ of shots with the d40 and d90 will look exactly the same on a screen or a4 print. With a nice wide angle lens or/and a zoom lens with the d40 to match the d90’s cost he will be able to take far more cool and interesting photos and you won’t need to crop (i.e 12megapixels is not advantage) but again a few shots in low light will by better with the d90.

Okay that’s abit longer than planned…sorry!

It’s up to you! You could comprise slightly and get a d40x or d60 or canon 400/450d (£300-450). Their newer models, more expensive but it won’t “look” quite so cheap as a present and you can still get a better lens than you would with the same amount of money for with the d90.

That link (ken rockwell) is a very good read. Lots of web reviews to help aswell.

Dave

isofa

Have you compared the Canon contenders? The EOS 40D has dropped in price since the 50D was released and is a very good semi-pro camera. If you are looking for more the consumer end the 450D always gets good reviews.

For better prices try:
www.camerapricebuster.co.uk

Reviews:
www.dpreview.com
www.steves-digicams.com
www.cameralabs.com

I'd also suggest buying some photographic magazines and reading the reviews, suggestions and so forth, true photographers review and discuss things which you will only find in snippets on a forum like this.

Don't worry about the resolution (or megapixels) anything around 8 MegaPixels is fine, it's the lens which is more crucial. Don't spend hundreds to get a camera with 14 MP over one with 12MP, with the same lens, unless you specifically want the features of that camera.

A cheaper camera body with a top notch lens, will always "take" better and clearer pictures than a more expensive camera body with a cheap lens.

Finally, you'll find more advice at The Independent Photography Forum.

moonrakerz

Marty_J wrote: »

The D40 is a lot cheaper but it's still very capable (I own one myself).

Give him this to read:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

Very, very true.

He (you ?) will be paying for more pixels and gadgets that he won't need.

Buy a D40 and the AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm VR lens.

Have had these two for about 18 months.

Darth_Marty

ok, im also on the lookout but have a budget of £300, maybe a little more if i have to but certainly no more than £350 absolute max.

Im wary of the Nikon D40 as the megapixel is only 6.1, how does the Sony A200 compare? The spec seems higher thats all...or the Nikon D60 at the top end of my budget? Ideally I fancy the Sony A350 or Canon Eos 450D but cant afford it..any advice?

mymatebob

The D40 is a superb camera.

I never enlarge anything above A4 size and is fine for that.

Do not, as already been said, get hooked up on mega pixels.

Darth_Marty

yeah im reading up all the time but I probably will need to enlarge to a3 fairly regularly.

Darth_Marty

sorry to bother you, its a straight choice between - The Nikon D40, Canon Eos 1000 or the Sony A200.

Expert opinions please.

SarahLou22

thank you so much everyone =0)
x

gingerscot

Darth Marty

If you are printed above A3 or cropping heavily then out of the three the 1000d would be best. The sony a200 is the weakest especially in low light/high iso but I believe it can also be found for the cheapest. The 1000d will set you back a fair bit more than d40 and a200 though.

Lens wise, the nikon and canon range of lens are generally percieved to be better quality than the sony or compatible counterparts, plus theres far more on the market.

Dave