[SET Man]

I don't think Russell is leaning towards the Nikon system, but it may be of significance to note that the kit lens and many other relatively inexpensive lenses all autofocus with the d40, such as the 18-135, 18-70, 18-200, 55-200, 70-300, and on the higher priced end 16-85, 12-24, 14-24, 70-200, 24-120, 200-400 and so on...basically, most every nikon lens designed since 1996.  If you already have nikon af (non af-s) lenses, then I would agree, it's a dead end to get the d40, but if you're starting fresh, many of these af-s lenses aren't that expensive and are very sharp.  For example, I got my 18-55 refurb (looks and works like new) for just under $50.  A basic combo is the d40 w/ 18-55 kit and the 55-200VR that often goes for sale on amazon for around $500, which would do very well for many users.  Add an external flash (sb400 is only about $100 new, step up to the sb600, and that's already as powerful as the top level flash) and you're set for almost any situation.  I think the only thing that would be nice is bracketing, but I'm not complaining considering the price.

Hey!

  Of course not since he is talking about much more expensive one.

   I know that you use the D40 and I'm sorry if I offended you in anyway. But not to be able to use the AF on the older AF lenses is a limitation since there are lots of them out there... like the standard 50mm AF.

    And yes I'm not a Nikon user but I do work with Nikon (D300) at work sometime. So, I probably know less about Nikon than you.

   BTW... I'm a Sony (formerly Minolta) user.... I'm the weird one ain't I?

   With that said I will no longer comment on any DSLR buying or other camera buying thread.

Take care,
Buddy

[ooheadsoo]

Not at all, your advice is surely better than mine    To stop would be a disservice to all of us.

[WerTicus]

I bought the k20d two weeks ago... Unbeatable for the money right now.  It has a very comprehensive set of features and great quality for the price, i love it.  Unless you wanted a more sports oriented camera (40d) then i really cant think of anything else you could buy for the money.

You might be interested to know that samsung have released the same camera under their name and you might get that for less $, but I couldnt find it in australia.

I've owned the canon 300d (original rebel) and i've used the canon 5d and d40 nikon a fair bit and i would rate it over and above those cameras in terms of features and use.  However the 5d is pretty unbeatable image quality wise.

If money isnt so important to you the d300 is probably a better camera.  But right now at the price we are talking about you cant go past a k20d.  Effectivly I got the k20d and a cheap 18-50 lens and a 70-300 lens for less than a d300 body.

[JohnR]

   As for the Nikon D40. I don't know why Nikon made this camera without the the AF motor in the body. Other Nikon DSLRs have AF motor in the body. I guess they try to save money on the D40 and this will forced the owner of D40 to buy the lens with motor in it. All those nice AF lenses before the D40 are than become MF lenses on it. A dead end camera to me, not something that you would want to have if you are planing to build a Nikon system.

Hey.... I'm not sure what this is doing in a thread about the Pentax K20D, but I can't say I agree with this. Nikon won't be coming out with any more non-AFS lenses (well, except for the PC-E lenses, and they aren't auto focus anyway), and the current selection is pretty good already. All things considered - including price and performance - it's a fantastic starter DSLR.

FWIW my opinion is based on personal experience...

[SET Man]

Hey!

  There is nothing wrong with the D40. It is a good starter for sure beside that limitation.
 
   Well, John just trash my post on this one then. I will no longer respond to any of this "What camera to buy" and "Opinion on this ___ camera."

Take care,
Buddy

[ooheadsoo]

But I enjoy friendly dissenting opinion    Don't let our disagreement stop you from voicing your opinion, which is certainly valid.

[Delta Wave]

I have a K10d and I freaking LOVE it! Screw Nikon and their proprietary RAW format and over-priced gear. Actually I'm still very much a film guy... 70's & 80's Mamiya and Minolta gear at that. You can use ANY software that can read a RAW image. The only time I ever had to use the Pentax software is for updating the firmware. But the software is really cool for studio work, a remote and a laptop and you have a full size, real-time monitor.
The K10 is the closest thing I could find to an all manual DSLR. It's so damn simple to use and makes for some fantastic images. I can tweak everything on the fly with out having to access a ton of menus... I hate that. All I want to do is collect and manipulate the light hitting the sensor.
I have pondered the K20 but my K10 will suit me just fine for a while. I have medium format if I need anything over the k10's capabilities. For the money, you can't beat it... you'll dig it.

[lazydays]

I have a K10d and I freaking LOVE it! Screw Nikon and their proprietary RAW format and over-priced gear. Actually I'm still very much a film guy... 70's & 80's Mamiya and Minolta gear at that. You can use ANY software that can read a RAW image. The only time I ever had to use the Pentax software is for updating the firmware. But the software is really cool for studio work, a remote and a laptop and you have a full size, real-time monitor.
The K10 is the closest thing I could find to an all manual DSLR. It's so damn simple to use and makes for some fantastic images. I can tweak everything on the fly with out having to access a ton of menus... I hate that. All I want to do is collect and manipulate the light hitting the sensor.
I have pondered the K20 but my K10 will suit me just fine for a while. I have medium format if I need anything over the k10's capabilities. For the money, you can't beat it... you'll dig it.

I bought a mint 645N on a whim, and have never ever thought of looking back. This camera is what the best 35mm camers can do and about twice as much more. It takes pictures that make my 12 meg pictures look like they've been done in crayon. I plan on keeping this one till I croak!
gary

[Delta Wave]

I have a K10d and I freaking LOVE it! Screw Nikon and their proprietary RAW format and over-priced gear. Actually I'm still very much a film guy... 70's & 80's Mamiya and Minolta gear at that. You can use ANY software that can read a RAW image. The only time I ever had to use the Pentax software is for updating the firmware. But the software is really cool for studio work, a remote and a laptop and you have a full size, real-time monitor.
The K10 is the closest thing I could find to an all manual DSLR. It's so damn simple to use and makes for some fantastic images. I can tweak everything on the fly with out having to access a ton of menus... I hate that. All I want to do is collect and manipulate the light hitting the sensor.
I have pondered the K20 but my K10 will suit me just fine for a while. I have medium format if I need anything over the k10's capabilities. For the money, you can't beat it... you'll dig it.

I bought a mint 645N on a whim, and have never ever thought of looking back. This camera is what the best 35mm camers can do and about twice as much more. It takes pictures that make my 12 meg pictures look like they've been done in crayon. I plan on keeping this one till I croak!
gary

Oh yeah, I have 2 M645 1000s bodies with all of the bells and whistles, I love, love, love it! So often when I show my work to others, I get "You did this on film?!" I actually went digital ONLY for shooting bands and stuff where I need a quick turn-around. And when you're doing promo work for aspiring bands, it costs WAY too much to process film, especially 70mm film... "Here's your CD"

[lazydays]

I have a K10d and I freaking LOVE it! Screw Nikon and their proprietary RAW format and over-priced gear. Actually I'm still very much a film guy... 70's & 80's Mamiya and Minolta gear at that. You can use ANY software that can read a RAW image. The only time I ever had to use the Pentax software is for updating the firmware. But the software is really cool for studio work, a remote and a laptop and you have a full size, real-time monitor.
The K10 is the closest thing I could find to an all manual DSLR. It's so damn simple to use and makes for some fantastic images. I can tweak everything on the fly with out having to access a ton of menus... I hate that. All I want to do is collect and manipulate the light hitting the sensor.
I have pondered the K20 but my K10 will suit me just fine for a while. I have medium format if I need anything over the k10's capabilities. For the money, you can't beat it... you'll dig it.

I bought a mint 645N on a whim, and have never ever thought of looking back. This camera is what the best 35mm camers can do and about twice as much more. It takes pictures that make my 12 meg pictures look like they've been done in crayon. I plan on keeping this one till I croak!
gary

Oh yeah, I have 2 M645 1000s bodies with all of the bells and whistles, I love, love, love it! So often when I show my work to others, I get "You did this on film?!" I actually went digital ONLY for shooting bands and stuff where I need a quick turn-around. And when you're doing promo work for aspiring bands, it costs WAY too much to process film, especially 70mm film... "Here's your CD"

I rarely show my work to anyone, but have been known to just give it away to close friends. I'm just too picky. My next big project after my new darkroom is finished is to buy studio lighting. Race car guys have been asking me to photograph there cars for years, but always make an excuse to get out of it. Yet in the last six months I've learned that there is money to be made doing this. Hear the going rate is $300 if your good at it.
gary