http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999990600050001&type=product&id=pcmprd90700050001

My fiance wants a new camera for her wedding gift and she is tired of her point and shoot kodak digital camera.
She wants a Digital SLR (she hates the lag on her regular digicam), and she wants to get into photography as a hobby/potential career.
We were looking at the SLRs at best buy and came across this one. Seems to be good for beginners/people getting into the hobby who want a serious camera.

For those into photography, how does this camera look for her?
The package says it comes with an extra lens. What are the benefits of that extra lens? How is it different than the standard lens? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Also, i've read the reviews at dpreview, dc, etc...
I want some of your opinions...

[Edited on May 25, 2008 at 8:50 PM. Reason : thanks]

5/25/2008 8:50:16 PM

check out the digital SLR thread in chit chat.

it's like 57 pages.

5/25/2008 9:02:20 PM

it is hard to sort through those 57 pages of mostly pictures and things. just any quick tips or opinions would be appreciated.

5/25/2008 9:18:06 PM

thats a good package. The second lens in this case will allow for longer zoom. For the total price its nice to get started. Keep an eye out for better lenses. What kind of pictures will she be taking?

5/25/2008 9:20:45 PM

anything from events/parties/weddings to nature/scenery, etc...

5/25/2008 9:24:42 PM

With the D40 and D60, be aware that you can not use a lot of lenses Nikon and other manufacturers have produced over the years and retain auto focus. These two bodies lack the screw drive autofocus system (saves weight, power, money, size) so you MUST buy "AF-S" lenses (which are quicker and quieter than screw drive lenses) to have the camera auto focus. That lack of screw drive means you can't use almost all of the prime lenses that Nikon has that are very very good, and pretty cheap (the 50mm f1.8 mainly) both new and used.

To that extent, I'd look at a D80 package even though it's a bit more expensive.

5/25/2008 9:29:46 PM

yeah i read that somewhere. but i figured for a beginner camera that would be fine. i doubt she'd buy a lot of extra lenses anyway.

5/25/2008 9:31:11 PM

I'd recommend the Canon XTi over the D40, but that package is a good deal for someone starting out. Canon has a decent auto-cleaning system. I have always hated Nikon cameras. Whatever you buy I'd also recommend you set aside a little $$ for a 50mm photo lens.

5/25/2008 9:32:50 PM

personally, I'm a Canon lover, but the D40 package is a great starter kit. I've seen them go on Slickdeals all the time and a friend of mine got a similar package with bag, cleaning kit, memory card, and a few other small things. I think he got the kit for 550.

As for the XTi, it's a much different price difference than the D40. I won't worry about the megapixel war and just start off with the D40/D60 or a Canon XT. There are other entry level SLR's on the market and are very good, but most lack on the amount of lens selection that Nikon, Canon or 3rd party lens offer. Sony's Entry level SLR is worth a look at as well as Olympus' line up.

The auto-cleaning systems on today's SLR's are crap. I had dust spots on my XTi and the auto cleaning failed to remove very small dust spots. Works good on larger spots, but nothing beats a regular sensor dust cleaning system.

5/26/2008 12:37:27 AM

You will be better off getting a package off of eBay. You will get a lot more for your money. Here are two good ones.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CANON-EOS-Digital-Rebel-XTi-400D-4-Pro-Lens-4GB-More_W0QQitemZ140234305946QQihZ004QQcategoryZ147173QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55-55-200-5GB-More_W0QQitemZ120263619198QQihZ002QQcategoryZ150130QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Edited on May 26, 2008 at 1:00 AM. Reason : .]

5/26/2008 12:56:43 AM

kenrockwell recommends D40

5/26/2008 2:06:45 AM

does the D40 have auto-cleaning?

how often do you have to clean the camera? is this easy?

this is new to us since we have both used a simple point and shoot digicam in the past.

5/26/2008 7:29:36 AM

i was hesitant about getting a d40 after have used a d200 and d80 for so long, but i am quite pleased with my decision. it is now my overall favorite camera...cant beat the features and performance for the price

my only real complaint is the physical size, its a bit small in my hands but it may fit her hands better.

5/26/2008 7:29:37 AM

^^^ if you listen to that guy for camera decisions

his "reviews" are nothing more than product specs and press releases. He doesn't even get the camera in his hands most of the time to do a review.

5/26/2008 7:55:41 AM

Quote :

"my only real complaint is the physical size, its a bit small in my hands but it may fit her hands better."

That's the way I made my decision too. Went into a store and tried several cameras in my hands and ended up going more expensive to get something that I felt comfortable holding all the time. So glad I did now.

5/26/2008 8:22:15 AM

Quote :

"i doubt she'd buy a lot of extra lenses anyway."

If you can't understand the value of having an SLR with interchangeable lenses then I would tell her to stick to her point and shoot.

It is not a cheap hobby, but do not limit yourself to just the kit lens. It will be much more rewarding if you can experience a variety of lenses

[Edited on May 26, 2008 at 8:46 AM. Reason : IMO]

5/26/2008 8:42:32 AM

That package is a decent deal. I bought it with the VR lens a month ago. Nikon is running a promo where you get $100 off if you buy a d40 kit and one of three zoom lenses.

that offer is for the 55-200 regular lens. You can get the vibration reduction lens for basically the same price if you shop around. I spent $570 for it at amazon a month ago. If it's a matter of $20, the VR is absolutely worth it.

at amazon, you have to add the body and the lens to the cart and then go to the very last checkout step before you see the price cut. Both items have to be sold by amazon.com (price should be $592 with the VR lens). I would also recommend looking at adorama ($550 with non-VR, $597 with VR) and b&h ($570, $610) to compare prices.

I'm extremely happy with the camera.

5/26/2008 8:51:38 AM

So I waited too long and now these offers are no longer valid..

she still wants the Nikon D40 and the extra 55-200 lens...

i can't find that package anywhere...

best buy has this one, but it has a lot of extra junk
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999991000050017&type=product&id=pcmprd91100050017

7/10/2008 1:06:41 PM

ebay.

7/10/2008 1:13:42 PM

i don't want to buy off ebay b/c i want to ENSURE the items are brand new and you can't do that without seeing the item first.

7/10/2008 1:35:51 PM

BH PHOTO VIDEO

7/10/2008 1:37:22 PM

BH is too expensive. they are $100 more than what the deal was

does this look legit to you guys?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NIKON-D40-3-LENS-2VR-ENORMOUS-PRO-PACKAGE-BRAND-NEW-D40_W0QQitemZ110269125409QQihZ001QQcategoryZ150130QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ShippingPayment

[Edited on July 10, 2008 at 2:01 PM. Reason : legit]

7/10/2008 1:42:49 PM

if dealing on ebay, cameta camera is the only one I'd deal with.

7/10/2008 3:50:56 PM

i checked out cameta and like this package....does this sound good?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-Camera-2-Lens-Kit-1-yr-Warranty_W0QQitemZ130235604751QQihZ003QQcategoryZ150130QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

i noticed the 55-200 lens also comes in a VR. that particular auction is NOT the VR variety.
Is there a big advantage to having the VR?

7/10/2008 3:59:58 PM

buy somewhere with a shit load of feedback and you'll be fine

or spend more money, i dont really care.. ebay isn't what it used to be though. it's primarily real businesses now, not just some kids selling random shit they found in the back of their garage

7/10/2008 4:01:45 PM

i just noticed the products on cameta camera are "factory demos" which means they were floor models and probably screwed up

7/10/2008 4:06:59 PM

i'm sure that's why they have 100's of thousands of feedbacks and 99% positive

perhaps they were ya know..factory demos and aren't f'ed up

just sayin'

7/10/2008 4:12:26 PM

YOU WANT VR! I repeat, YOU WANT VR!

The D80 package we have came with the standard lens with VR (which doesn't change a whole lot), but it REALLY helps on the 300mm lens I have. First time out with it I went to the airshow at Langley last month and shot hundreds of photos, and I could probably count on one hand the number that showed any blur from vibration. So if you plan to do any bigger lenses, go for VR. Turning it off and shooting and then turning it back on are like night and day when shooting anything with action or where you may be moving around a lot.

7/10/2008 4:15:42 PM

^I definitely agree that you want VR but it doesn't help with action shots, just helps with camera movement (shake).

7/10/2008 4:57:59 PM

i was set on that cameta package and now you guys have me wanting a VR lens....geeez haha

7/10/2008 5:25:00 PM

check this out http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=849972

7/10/2008 6:17:16 PM

that deal doesn't work anymore

7/10/2008 6:46:24 PM

I recommend the D40 as well.

Autofocus is overrated, in my unprofessional opinion. When you have it on, there's a delay after pushing the button and taking the picture, which is crap for if you want to take pictures of sports, or birds or whatever. If you're taking pictures of people, you look really slick rotating the lens, and you get to play make the upper-half of the circle match focus with the lower.

7/10/2008 7:00:39 PM

i found a great deal on wolf camera... you get the d40, the 55-200 lens, and a carrying case for $599.

Catch is, it is NOT the VR lens...

will i really miss the VR lens that much?

7/10/2008 8:06:07 PM

^^ With todays autofocus there is no way you can focus faster manually except in certain situations. Manual focus is great when taking pictures of small objects where you want a particular area in focus and the autofocus can't give you the accuracy you need. I think autofocus has a distinct advantage over manual focus in sports photography especially continuous focus.

Quote :

"you get to play make the upper-half of the circle match focus with the lower"

I haven't seen this on any of the DSLRS



^ In my opinion VR is something I could not live without, especially on a zoom lens, now that I have used it. If you are not in a huge hurry to purchase one you could wait it out for the VR.

7/10/2008 8:48:18 PM

no mainstream DSLR has a split focus screen. You can add them to some models, but those are mainly the pro cameras. If you can't take a picture immediately when you want it, you have the wrong settings or need to learn how to use the camera correctly. If you're shooting action you have it set to continuous focus mode and use the half shutter press or use the AF-ON button if your camera has it to initiate the autofocus, then fully press the shutter when you want to take the picture. This works damn well in any situation I've needed it, whether it be dancing at a dark wedding reception, portraits, race cars, etc. With AF-S lenses the focussing is MUCH faster than the older screw drive setups. I have used both extensively, as well as full manual everything (exposure, focus, film advance, etc) and given the choice I would NEVER shoot without AF. I select my focus point, half press the shutter, recompose if need be, then shoot. I'll also use the AF/AE Lock button to hold my focus and exposure as I recompose if that's what the shot needs.

7/10/2008 8:57:18 PM

Quote :

"i doubt she'd buy a lot of extra lenses anyway."

then why spend a lot of money on a DSLR. that is the whole point.

Quote :

"she wants to get into photography as a hobby/potential career. "

even as a hobby you will still not get the experience of shooting with such an awesome camera if you just limit yourself to the kit lens.

if she wants to start a potential career then she needs to get an understanding of technique, shutter speed, aperture....wolf camera even offers some beginner classes.

to become a career photographer you will need more than the kit lens

7/11/2008 9:23:17 AM

she doesn't want just the kit lens..

she wants the kit lens (18-55) and the 55-200VR lens...

and the main reason she wants the SLR is b/c she is tired of the crappy digital camera she has where it takes the camera 10 seconds to take the picture after she holds the button down

7/11/2008 9:55:31 AM

Autofocus works great on these things. The D80 autofocuses really quickly.

For example, at the airshow I was shooting the Red Arrows. They were doing convergences over the airfield where they would pass each other at high speed and close range. I knew where they would be, but autofocusing took a while to just leave it there. So all I did was partially depress the camera button and follow one of the jets in. The camera could keep with them easily and I was able to get several bad ass pictures of the jets passing right in front of each other. I could never have pulled that shit off with a manual focus.

7/11/2008 10:53:56 AM

^^10seconds? maybe just get a better point and shoot? Or a "prosumer" like the Canons S5, etc? they'll do 2 pics per second in rapid fire mode.

7/11/2008 10:57:00 AM

we want SLR. it is faster, better, and we are tired of point and shoot delay digital cameras..

we would keep the ones we had if we were just going to buy another regular camera.

thanks for the help though

7/11/2008 11:05:23 AM

I have the d40, it's nice to take around, and it's a great value for price..
Get the VR 55-200, hell buy it seperate if you need to, i know you can find it for ~200..
Then you're going to want the 50mm 1.8,, then you'll probably want the sb-600.. it starts adding up quickly.. now I have like 5 lenses, some of which I don't use enough.

7/11/2008 11:52:45 AM

but the 50mm (and nearly all basic prime lenses) won't autofocus with the 40/x/60. Picking up a used D80 is absolutely the best bet right now for someone wanting to get into the dslr arena and pick up an array of great cheap used prime lenses to help learn with.

7/11/2008 12:22:00 PM

What would be a camera from Nikon, that you can get a screw on lense for?


I was thinking the D40 as well...I kinda like it.

7/11/2008 2:38:18 PM

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/shutter-lag.htm

If you're complaining about shutterlag, or autofocus lag -- just read that. Chances are you just don't know how to use the camera.

7/11/2008 7:14:34 PM

Forget it, i know how to use a camera and i know the trick about pressing it halfway.

anyone on here will agree that an SLR is faster than a normal point and shoot.

we wanted to buy a camera that is more "professional" and that we could learn and take nice pictures with. We want a SLR. We've had 4 point and shoots between the 2 of us and we are ready to take it up a notch.

Thanks for all the advice on SLRs.

7/11/2008 7:25:49 PM

yea, they're fast as hell to autofocus.. i dont understand what the argument is/was about

7/11/2008 7:46:17 PM

Quote :

"Forget it, i know how to use a camera and i know the trick about pressing it halfway. anyone on here will agree that an SLR is faster than a normal point and shoot. we wanted to buy a camera that is more "professional" and that we could learn and take nice pictures with. We want a SLR. We've had 4 point and shoots between the 2 of us and we are ready to take it up a notch. Thanks for all the advice on SLRs."

I'm not arguing -- just saying that many people don't know how to use autofocus. The comment wasn't pointed at you.

I recently bought a D40 + standard 18-55mm + 55-200 VR lens. I bought it from Adorama for cheaper than what you originally posted. Unfortunately recently sent it back to Nikon due to several dead pixels on low-light photos.

[Edited on July 11, 2008 at 8:12 PM. Reason : ]

7/11/2008 8:10:37 PM

i gotcha. yeah we have decided to save up and wait until we can afford a higher end camera.

7/11/2008 9:14:32 PM

Quote :

"What would be a camera from Nikon, that you can get a screw on lense for?"

D1(x/h), D100, D70(s), D2(x,h,s), D80, D200, D300, D3, D700, D50

7/11/2008 9:47:59 PM