Beginner DSLR

[RCPhysics]

Hi all. I'm new to the forums and to DSLR photography as well and I have a question. A friend of mine is selling his Nikon D40 body for 150 USD. He is not selling me a lens, but I have two lenses of a family member's from when she shot using an SLR. They don't auto focus, but otherwise seem to be good lenses. Does this seem like a good deal? I'll be more than happy to provide more information if needed. I currently have a Canon Powershot that I've been using for a few year, but I really want to step into DSLR photography and that is why I am considering buying this camera.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

How many actuations does it have on it?

[tokyotom]

Another thing to consider as a beginner is that the lenses are probably manual focus. If you do buy it, you can probably pick up an inexpensive used 18-55 or 18-70.

[RCPhysics]

I'm not really sure what you mean by actuations. Sorry, like I said I'm new to dslr cameras.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

How many shots have been taken with it? Digital SLRs seem to have a much shorter lifespan. Either that or since it doesn't require film, people shoot with 'em more. Either way, the D40 is 'rated' for 50,000 actuations, though it could die at 23,157 (like mine did) or it could die at 124,000 and change (as a friend's did). Have your friend take an image with the D40 (in JPEG, not RAW) and open the image in a program like EXIF Viewer (mac) or Opanda and look for a field called "Camera Actuations".

[megkunert]

$150 is a pretty solid deal; but then again, make sure you find out how many shutter accusations it has. I was able to sell my used D40 body on eBay for $200 with 7284 shutter accusations.