nikon d40 or d40x?

Question

which do you think is better

I mostly photograph people and flowers....but I'm wanting to expand

words of wisdom on which to buy?

Answer 1

Words of wisdom... Read fhotoace's and cabbiinc's answers and see which side of the fence you sit on. Both have given you excellent but opposite answers, so it depends on YOU as an individual.



I don't have a lot to say about this, but here's something I wrote a long time ago that might help you decide. I'd lean towards the D40X, since it's "only" $135 more and you sure can't buy a decent lens for so little money.



There are a few slight differences in these cameras that need to be considered. Rather than write it all out, I'll send you to a few sites.



See: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40x.htm



See: http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3896/camera-test-nikon-d40x.html for a glowing review.



See also:



http://www.popphoto.com/popularphotographyfeatures/4431/top-25-best-buys.html



http://www.bythom.com/d40review.htm



http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d40%2Cnikon_d40x&show=all



See also:

http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID201/17255.html



See the REVIEW here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40x/



As far as the pixel issue, I say, if you have no other basis for making your decision, go for more pixels. If you always plan to compose your pictures perfectly, you don't need a whole lot of pixels. If you want to allow for cropping, which means enlarging only a portion of your image, the more pixels the better.



Imagine taking a scenic view and then noticing that the middle 20% of the photo would make an even better picture. Suppose you take a picture of a whole group of people and Aunt Clara really, really looks great in the picture, but everyone else looks lousy. If you have the pixels to work with, you can still make a decent print of Aunt Clara that she would be happy to have. If you buy an 8-to-10 MP camera and don't want to TAKE large photos, you can always set the camera to a lower file size. You can never go the other direction, though. Unless the cost is a major issue, buy the camera with more pixels. You will never be sorry that you did, but you might one day be sorry that you didn't.



I have a few photos on Flickr to include in a discussion on how many pixels are enough. Go to my page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/tags/pixels/ Some of the pictures are from a 4 MP or even 3 MP camera, showing you what you might expect without any cropping. I think they are quite acceptable. Some of the pictures are from a 10 MP camera (the swan and the pansies), showing the value of having those large images so that you can crop a smaller image out of the original picture and still end up with a satisfactory image.

Answer 2

I have a D40 myself...

Essentially they are pretty much the same camera. The only difference is that the D40X has a 10.2MP instead of 6MP. I think the ISO on the D40X goes down to 100 instead of the D40 200.

What this means in real terms.

On the D40X you can crop more or make big printouts.

My thoughts are, if you frame your picture properly using the camera and you don't want huge posters then save some money and get the D40 instead of the D40X. You could put the money you save towards a macro lens.

Answer 3

If you are planning on buying more cameras in the future, buy the D40. If you plan on this being the last camera you buy for at least 5-10 years, get the D40x.



Some of this decision also depends on how enthused about photography your going to be. You will find a better lens on a poor camera will serve up some very delightful pictures. Better than the other way around. So saving for a better lens is a better choice.

Answer 4

i have a d40 and love it. it does so much. i think the only thing that is different about the d40x is a different lens and maybe a few other minor details. if your not planning on going professional and money is an issue, i would shoot for the d40. if not opt for the d40x, or maybe even the d70? my sister has it, and its mesmerizing.

Answer 5

The D40x has those transformations from the D40: 10 megapixel sensor vs. 6mp sensor decrease base sensitivity (ISO one hundred vs ISO 2 hundred) vehicle ISO selection includes ISO 2 hundred swifter non-give up shooting (3 fps vs. 2.5 fps)

Answer 6

canon rebel