Buying my first ever proper camera, Nikon D40 M/

[haz]

On a scale from 1 to 10, my skills and experience with cameras are a poor 1/2, but I do like taking pics, though I only have a camera on my Nokia N73.

I saw what looked like a good deal on a proper camera, I don't even know if one adresses this as a "camera" or what the proper term is.. so I put in a pre-order on this:

Nikon D40 M/ 18-55MM + 55-200MM AFS - VBA150K002 (!)



$799 from an onlineshop. (Looks like it comes with an extra lens?)

So, is this a good noob-camera?

What do I need in addition to this? A carry bag, or does it usually come with one? Do I need another memorycard?

Tips and hints are welcome

[MXM]

It's a decent first SLR, but the price is too high I think. D40 kit (with 18-55) should be under 400€. 55-200 depending on whether it's a VR is either 200€ or 130€ (you really should get a VR if you consider this tele zoom). So 800€ doesn't seem like a fair price at all.

[Shadowness]

I would really recommend a decent bag.

You will need a memory card, as it wont come with one. They are dirt cheap at the moment. Get something like a 2GB or more, depending on what you want the camera for.

Looks like a good package, good range on the lenses, should suit a lot of applications ie. landscape, motorsport etc

[haz]

But maybe the price is set to $799 because there's an extra lens with it? I dunnoø--

[MXM]

Ok, forget what I said, $799 = 500€

In that case it's a good deal I'd say, even though the 55-200 is most likely a non VR one.

[haz]

Originally Posted by Shadowness

I would really recommend a decent bag.

You will need a memory card, as it wont come with one. They are dirt cheap at the moment. Get something like a 2GB or more, depending on what you want the camera for.

Looks like a good package, good range on the lenses, should suit a lot of applications ie. landscape, motorsport etc

yay, seems like I did a good buy after all

Originally Posted by MXM

Ok, forget what I said, $799 = 500€

In that case it's a good deal I'd say, even though the 55-200 is most likely a non VR one.

I thought about adding the price in Euros also, but figured ppl would spot the $ sign Just kidding...

PS: "the 55-200 is most likely a non VR one." eh, what?

Thanx guys

[MXM]

There are 2 version of the Nikkor 55-200mm lens. Older, cheaper one, and newer, more expensive one with a VR (vibration reduction = image stabilizer). In other words it has small motors to move some lens elements around and compensate for the handshake. You benefit from this at high zooms. But it is also supposedly a much better quality lens, which is why 80€ price difference between them would be worth it if you had a choice.

[Alok]

From what I know, Norwegian prices are way lower than german prices, so please post your final decision before you actually buy it Worst case, I might be able to arrange you one.

[haz]

I'm actually considering editing my order (it was oly a pre-order anyways, since they didn't have it in stock right ATM) to the "normal" Nikon D40 without that extra lens, it says that the lense that you get extra in the package (the 50-200mm one) is for scenary pics and portraits, and I dunno if that's worth the extra 1000NOK (the package is 3995,- and the standard one is 2995,-)

What about the D40x model? That's more expensive again than the std. D40. What's the point?

Any thoughts?

[haz]

or the D60? Since the D40 is an outgoing model... argh...I'm torn!!

[LeVeL]

ehh... I'd say that price a bit too high. I just got a 350D (similar camera) with an 18-55 IS lens for $510 shipped

[haz]

just put in an order for the d40 w. memcard and a bag

[Alok]

How much?

[Shadowness]

Have fun with it!

[Solberg]

I would say, get a D40x or a D60 and instead of the two lenses, just get a 18-200 VR.

[MXM]

That 18-200 VR is mighty expensive. Lens alone is more than the kit he just ordered.

Only significant differnce of D40x and D60 compared to D40 is 10mpx instead of 6mpx, but keeping same limitations. If you're willing to pay for D60, you might as well consider "real" DSLR - D80, so I dunno...

[Shadowness]

Yeh lol, saying 'get a 18-200 VR' is maybe not the best advice, when the lens is more than the total package he ordered (as MXM said).

Stick with what you have, and when you feel your equipment is limiting you, then think about what lenses would best suit you.

[haz]

thanks for all help, I ended up with the D40 with 18-55mm + a Samsonite bag + Sandisk 4 GB SDHC mem.card

Total of: $750 so I'm happy

[cvrefugee]

You guys get some horrible pricing! At Costco they had the D40 kit with the additional 18-200mm VR lens for $599 USD.