Any Opinions on the Nikon D40x?

[ritz38]

I was between the Canon XTi & the Nikon D40x. Leaning towards the Nikon since it seems that one is a little less $$$.

Any opinions? Thanks

[gwalker]

I picked up a second D70 body on eBay a couple of weeks ago. I didn't go for the D40 as it doesn't accept the older lens type but my son has the D40 and loves it.

[WilliamR]

I just bought an Xti, a couple of lenses and a good flash. I vote for the Xti. I choose the Xti because I've had Canon in the past and had no problems.

Even if you don't plant to buy them now, compare prices on the accessories you might add like lenses, flash, etc.

I will mention that I was not impressed with the stock lens on the Xti kit, and ended up buying this as a general purpose lens:

Amazon.com: Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM...

[[Director] Joseph B]

I have two Canon's now and love them. However having said that the best thing you can do is go to a local store that carries them and try them out. Quality wise both are excellent choices so it's really going to come down to which are you most comfortable with.
I've used both Canon and Nikon and just prefer the feel of the Canon so that's what I went with.
A friend of mine tried out my Canon and loved it but also went with the Nikon (as he had used them most of his life) and was just more comfortable holding and using it.
Another consideration is that you may have lenses for one camera or the other... I think it was Dean that had a ton of Nikon lenses and when he went digital he had so much Nikon glass he couldn't really afford to switch.
In the end, with that kind of equipment it comes down to the photographer, not the camera. You'll be well served with either.

[pfenneran]

how about the sony alpha?

[[Director] Joseph B]

No firsthand knowledge of the Alpha but Sony makes quality stuff so I guess my previous advice would apply.

[pfenneran]

Oh I agree 100%; nothing like holding a camera and getting a feel for it before purchasing. For me the Alpha is consideration becuase I have 8G worth of memory sticks and you have a wide variety of lenses to choose from without a large cost

[kbob]

The only issue most have with the alpha so far is the number of available lens. The available stock of konica lens is going way down (sony bought them out pre alpha), and the number of lens offerings under the Sony brand is still limited, at least in comparison to the canon, nikon, and even olympus brands.

Really though, if you're already seriously considering the 40, that has a similar knock on it because it can only use certain lenses. On the other hand, if you don't own any lenses to begin with, that might not be such a big problem.

[RiveraRa]

Although I may be wrong, It sounds like this might be your first SLR. Either way, if you ever plan on upgrading to a full frame sensor I dont believe Nikon makes any. I would hate to invest in Nikon glass and then decide I wanted a full frame camera a few years from now. But if your just getting into this and don't plan on going pro or needing full frame then go try them both out.

[bobbyv4HIM]

I have a Canon XT and a Canon D60 and quite an assortment of EF canon lenses. I am presently looking at the Canon 5D to replace the D60. I like the light weight of the XT and XTI. The 5D is a heavier camera but it has a big CMOS Sensor. Close to 35 mm film. There is some great product out there for the money. I suggest the smell and taste test.

[Carl Godsoe]

Originally Posted by gwalker

I picked up a second D70 body on eBay a couple of weeks ago. I didn't go for the D40 as it doesn't accept the older lens type but my son has the D40 and loves it.

My wife has a Nikon D70 as well. Get ready for it being addictive though. She uses it ALL the time, it never leaves her side. She does use several of her older Nikon lenses as well. They don't have all the automatic stuff built in like the new ones do, but they work just like they did on the old F series film cameras.

[RiveraRa]

Originally Posted by bobbyv4HIM

I suggest the smell and taste test.

I dont particularly like the smell and taste test. I licked both the Nikon and the Canon on Black Friday and they both tasted like to many people with salty hands had touched them. Maybe I was supposed to taste the lens?