Camera Advice...help...suggestions....

[Rian Malynn]

Ok guys, this is a big question for me...in the process of enrolling in The Art Institute of Pittsburg, Online Division, and I have to upgrade my Nikon Cool Pix (Oh darn Right~??) But here is where I am stuck...I like both the Nikon D40 and D60 and am not sure which one to go with, there is only about 100.00 difference where on price where I am getting them from...I have looked over all the tech stuff, but some of it is above me still...any advice?

I am one of those people that uses Nikon cause that was my first camera, and thats just what I like. But I have used sony and kodak in the past...neither are ones I want again...but I know Canon is another big name. Is there something That equals Nikon performance in Canon lineup that would be better??

I figure I will have about 500.00 to spend, give or take...and this is a HUGE spend for me. Last big buy was my film camera, Nikon FM10, which I still have...Any advice and guidence is sooo appreciated!! Thanks. Ri

[Jim Bryant]

You want to get a camera body you can build upon. So, isn't the D60 a bit more advanced over the D40? I'd spend the extra money and then start saving for additional lenses.

[OsmosisStudios]

The big difference between the two is the sensor and the processor. the D60 is a few years newer in that respect and would likely be a better bet.

[constructivecriticism]

Here's some websites that may shed some light onto your dilemma:

http://www.dslrcamerareviews.com/htm..._nikon_d4.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...n_d40&show=all

The latter, DPreview, does a great job at giving attention to what was upgraded from one generation to the other. I would highly recommend reading their thorough (and lengthy) reviews. Simply click on the 'Our in-depth review' link below either product picture.

I happen to own the D60, and I've also player around with my friend's D40x, yet that comparison does not necessarily apply here.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Rian Malynn

I like both the Nikon D40 and D60 and am not sure which one to go with...
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Last big buy was my film camera, Nikon FM10, which I still have...

I think you should get the D60 because it has a Rangefinder that can assist you to focus manually with non AF-S lenses better than the D40.

[Rian Malynn]

Hmm, ok, thanks guys, that all helps quite a bit. It's what I was leaning towards anyway...but wasn't 100%. And I am not rushing into this so I have time to make brand choices too.

Is there something better then a nikon d60 that is in that same price range that I should be looking at? I did do a search, but I was flooded with so much info I wasn't sure where to start, and my husband was on new egg doing the comparisons, and I finally told him I was going here for advice.

I know technology advances quickly, so I am not sure what camera out there is one that will follow the flow, but I am really more concerened I guess, with getting the most for what I am paying. It is going to be a camera that I am going to be using for quite a few years (unless I win the lotto at sometime....)

Thanks again for any advice, you guys are all great, I'd be lost without this site! Huggs, Ri

[Gonzo13]

I went with Canon. I didn't like that Nikon changed the focusing system to be in the lens instead of the camera. From what I understand you can't use autofocus on older lenses when used on the d40, d40x, or d60. I believe that you could get a Canon 1000d for about the same price and the lenses that are like 20 years old can be used and work with autofocus. I don't believe that the d60 has live view either. Just passing along some food for thought. Not sure about the other companies though.

~Gonzo13

[Rian Malynn]

Anyone else have 2cents to spare? I really do aooreciate all the advice and personal opinions. This is the one site I can turn to that I know that people really care. I also know that the Nikon thing is just my own little sentimental thing....Maybe I should have asked if you had $500.00 - $600.00 to spend what would you go for and make this a poll...but I have no idea on how to make a poll....so I will just ask that question....thanks again guys...I know I am being a bit buggy, but I just want to make sure I get this right and I get the most for my dollar, ya know?....



if you had $500.00 - $600.00 to spend what would you go for?

and what if I threw in the Nikon d40/d60 vs this Canon Rebel XSi EOS 450D (i found a comparison chart on amazon between nikon and canon, it made it look like this was the top I could go for withiut spending a 1000.00bucks...) I never thought it would be so hard to pick out a camera. My cool pix took 2 seconds...I knew it when I saw it...but I think the price and then also not really knowing whats going on inside the camera (as in switching from a point and shoot to DSLR) has me hesitating....

[dcclark]

Honestly, the D60 isn't THAT much better than the D40... the rangefinder is cool, and the ADR is also nice. Otherwise, they share almost all of the same features or lack of features.

I would personally choose the D40, and spend any extra cash on a nice lens -- like the new 35mm f/1.8 AF-S. I bet you could fit both a D40 and that lens in your budget.

[Rian Malynn]

Originally Posted by dcclark

Honestly, the D60 isn't THAT much better than the D40... the rangefinder is cool, and the ADR is also nice. Otherwise, they share almost all of the same features or lack of features.

I would personally choose the D40, and spend any extra cash on a nice lens -- like the new 35mm f/1.8 AF-S. I bet you could fit both a D40 and that lens in your budget.

This may work too! I know with the film camerea I have a great lens that I loved to switch...

weird q...can old lenses from film cameras be used on digitals? Or do they no lock in the same?