[slinkysteve]

Hi guys,

I've been a member of these forums for a while but haven't posted before.

So far my photographic apparel comprises a small Sony DSC-P200 which is great for snaps but I want to start taking serious pictures. I'm thinking of buying a Nikon D40, my dads an avid photographer and owns a Nikon D200 so I could pilfer his lenses. Before I slap almost £400 down I was hoping to hear what other peoples thoughts were on it?

[stepheno]

I don't know much about Nikon but if it's Nikon it will be good. Have you asked your dad?

[slinkysteve]

Yeah he was the one who first put me on to it.

He's a very keen photographer and he knows what he's talking about I was just wondering what other people thought. Seems like a very good digital SLR for the price of £390

[stepheno]

I can only add that it might be worth comparing the specs of the 40 through 80. OK - I know we are talking more mullah but don't be buying a camera and then soon after wish you had some features of the next model up. Take your time and make sure. Have you had a look at the specs of the Nikons in our Equipments Reviews Section section?

[slinkysteve]

Cheers, some good info there.

I'm very new to digital SLRs, the D80 is out of my price range but I think the D40 could be a good introduction to the world of d-SLRs.

[stepheno]

No problem.....let us know when you get it and let's see some shots

[Revive35]

This is just a personal rant.Why does everybody seem to go for Nikon or Canon?
Ok,i know they great kit.But it seems like the whole world is brainwashed into buying them.Rant over!.

[Flipster]

cus canon are the best and nikon come in a close second

or is it the other way around...ill tell u when i buy a nikon

just thought i'd let u know slinky Warehouse Express - Photographic Equipment, Digital Cameras, Lenses and Accessories (which i know a lot of members on here use and trust) are doing the nikon d70s for £399 which is in ur price range..and if ur pinching ur old mans lenses you got a good deal there!

hope ive been a help...cya

[Liam O'Neill]

Originally Posted by Revive35

This is just a personal rant.Why does everybody seem to go for Nikon or Canon?
Ok,i know they great kit.But it seems like the whole world is brainwashed into buying them.Rant over!.

Because an SLR isn't a camera, it's a system. It's bodies, lenses and flashes. There is a huge choice in all 3 in the Canon or Nikon systems, far less so in any other system.

[Soupdragon]

The D40 is effectively an up-dated D50 of which I owned.
The picture quality of the D50 was beyond the sum of it's parts so, I can only assume the D40 will produce spectacular results for the money.

Regardless of what people think Canon vs Nikon, the Canon bundled 18-55 kit lens is a pile of poo by comparison to the Nikon offering.

I can hardly tell the difference between pictures from an 8mp and a 6mp so I don't think that's an issue for anyone but photojournalists and wedding snappers.

All that said, if you can scrape an extra £100 the 400D is tough to beat.

[stepheno]

One last point, Steve, the D40 and the Canon 400D are physically small cameras. Which ever camera you go for try it in the shop and see how it suits your hands ergonomically.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Revive35

This is just a personal rant.Why does everybody seem to go for Nikon or Canon?
Ok,i know they great kit.But it seems like the whole world is brainwashed into buying them.Rant over!.

I am wondering why you feel you need to rant about this...I am wondering what camera you use currently and if you chose to upgrade again in the future (if funds where not an issue) what you would buy?

As Liam O'Neill has already replied, it is widely accepted that Canon and Nikon are the two top brands when it comes to DSLR in the mass market, they have been developing, making and supporting their products for years and thus have a very proven track record.

The range of accessories available for both is extensive and is also supported by many third party manufacturers as well. Their quality is often above or equal to other possible contenders. Couple that with competitive prices and aggressive sales and marketing drives from both companies and it sort of explains why they are rightly the top two dominant companies

[Dave]

Another possibility is a second hand Nikon D70 , which would be even cheaper , & means you would lose less money in future if you decide to upgrade

[Revive35]

I was just letting off steam.No harm/offence intended.Personally i use an Olympus E300(crap in low light but an otherwise excellent camera) and a Pentax K110D.The Pentax is a great all round camera,and i can use all my old film slr lenses as well.

[slinkysteve]

Thanks for all the comments guys, my main reason for going with Nikon is to take advantage of my dads lenses. The depreciation on the Nikons seem to be pretty low looking at ebay so if I wanted to upgrade at a later date it wouldn't be too painful on the wallet.

Think I'm more inclined to go with the D40 than the D50 or D70 just because its a newer camera. I do like the look of the D80 but its out my price range especially when I'm not that much of an experienced photographer.

[Dave]

Seems a sensible choice then.....time to that get credit card out