[hippo_sleekz]

Im looking to buy a DSLR because I want to take my photography to a new level, and my Cybershot isnt doing me any justice. Im looking to buy the Nikon D40 and a Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens. I was wondering if any one with knowledge on DSLR's can help me out here. Im not planning on going professional, but more of a hobby. I plan on shooting mostly landscape, and closeups. I also plan on using this camera to take pictures for when I do my graphics so Im going to need some high quality pictures. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Nikon D40 Specification

[slau]

Hi,

I shoot Nikon and I like their DSLRs. The D40 is probably a very good camera but I haven't used it yet, nor have I used the 55-200. You can read a good review of the 55-200 here:

http://www.bythom.com/55200lens.htm

I don't have a photographers report on the D40, but you could check out the next camera up, the D50:

http://www.bythom.com/D50REVIEW.htm

The key issue with the D40 is that it won't autofocus using lenses which do not have AF-S (built in focusing motor). This will not be an issue for you at this stage but just remember that if you ever bought a Nikkor 50mm lense or their 10.5 you would have to manual focus.

My dad is looking at the Nikon DSLRs - he shortlisted the D40 and 18-55 kit, but the D70s + 18-70 was only £50 more and a much better deal (much better lens).

I'm not really sure how good the 55 to 200 is for landscapes and closeups. Most people would choose a 18 - 70 for landscapes.

Any questions feel free to ask away.

[watcher]

i agree with slau...

the d40 is (IMO) a crippled version of it's older brothers in the d-series. i'd go for the d70s or the d50, unless you're on a budget that you cannot break and you must have a camera immediately. i think the extra cash will give you enough room to expand your abilities as a photographer, because even if it's a hobby, you might actually enjoy it much more than you thought and pursue it farther than your expectations.

also, for landscapres, you might want a wide-angle lens (under 20mm focal length) to capture the entire scenario. otherwise, you'd have to settle for panoramic shots with a tripod. 55mm field of view on a cropped camera is really limiting to how much area your lens can cover.

and though you may be able to pull off closeup shots with the telephoto end of the 55-200 lens, you can get far better results from a dedicated macro lens. granted, you're on a budget, so buying one is probably out of the picture. but just mentioning it for the sake of mentioning it

i think the 18-70 would make a fine starter lens. or if you're ready to invest a little more, consider the sigma 17-70 lens (~$400 US). the sigma lens offers a little bit of wide angle and a little bit of macro. it's also very fast on the wide end, perfect if you take indoor shots.

whatever path you take, i hope you have lots of fun! happy shooting!

[erure]

I honestly think if you're going to get a D40, you might as well get a D50 because it's about a hundred dollars difference [sometimes not even that much] and you get a wider range of lenses to choose from. I had a D50 and I loved it... T___T

[watcher]

I honestly think if you're going to get a D40, you might as well get a D50 because it's about a hundred dollars difference [sometimes not even that much] and you get a wider range of lenses to choose from. I had a D50 and I loved it... T___T

had??? loved??? they all seem past tense... did you upgrade??

[erure]

had??? loved??? they all seem past tense... did you upgrade??

I posted on your thread ^__^