From Dimage 7i to a Nikon d40

[SpDyKen]

Hi everyone, this is Ken’s daughter and I’m 15. I’m looking to upgrade my digital camera from a Dimage 7i to a Nikon d40, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or comments on this choice.

We are looking at buying to camera body and a 18-55mm lens for $599.99 at Circuit City, and a 55-200mm lens with vibration reduction at Wolf Camera for $249.99. Any comments on the camera itself or what lenses to buy would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some of the photographs I have taken with the 7i, so as to get a feel of what I am going to use the camera for.

Thanks so much.

 

[SpDyKen]

here are some more...

 

[SpDyKen]

more...

 

[Squid31]

Hey there Ken's daughter. Looks to me like you might want to look into a lens that has macro capabilities as the first few shots you posted seem like you were very close to your subject. I don't have any real recommendations for Nikon as I am a Canon guy (Cough), but you might want to look into the "Sigma 24-70 f2.8 macro". I think they go for about $400 or so, and at that price it could quite possibly be the best deal out there for quality. Below are a few photos I have taken with that lens but in a Canon mount.

 

[Squid31]

 

[Rich Rohrich]

I don't have any real recommendations for Nikon as I am a Canon guy (Cough), but you might want to look into the "Sigma 24-70 f2.8 macro". I think they go for about $400 or so, and at that price it could quite possibly be the best deal out there for quality.

I'll second the vote for the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 over the kit lens. On Chili & Squid's recommendation I bought this lens and have been really pleased with the results on my Nikon D200.

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Long time Nikon Pro shooter Thom Hogan has some great info on the D40 and the lenses you are considering on his website.

http://www.bythom.com/d40review.htm
http://www.bythom.com/1855lens.htm
http://www.bythom.com/55200lens.htm

 

[SpDyKen]

Thanks, guys for your responses. Liz is beginning to take her photography more seriously, so I am encouraging her to do the research.

This will technically be a 'family' camera, (I'm looking forward to using it,) as was the Minolta. It is also a bit of a reward for her continuing 4.0 gpa & multiple academic honors.

Thank you for the links, Rich. I new I could count on getting some good advice here. :cool:

Rich, I really enjoyed your Mods vs Rockers shots! I believe I remember seeing some shots last year, on a link you provided of something similar; was it the same show?

We'll post some more shots we've taken with the Minolta; I want to post some of mine!

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Rich, I really enjoyed your Mods vs Rockers shots! I believe I remember seeing some shots last year, on a link you provided of something similar; was it the same show?

Same show but my pictures from last year were pretty bad. I was so busy being a motorcycle geek I forgot how to be a good photographer. I tried harder this year to strike a balance. :whoa:

Pics from last year's show : http://www.four-stroke.com/images/TonUp_06/Web_page_files/


One other lens to consider is the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II, which is the lens I used to shoot the 2006 show.

It's sort expensive at $750, but it's the one lens in my gear that I use the most often and feel like I can't live without.

I've shot everything from trade shows to landscapes with it and I have yet to find a serious flaw. Plus it's an AFS lens so it will work correctly with the D40 body, and the Vibration Reduction really works as advertised. Other than no MACRO feature it's about perfect.

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[SpDyKen]

Hi Rich, It's Liz.

My Dad likes the idea of the lens you suggested (the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II), but my Mom thinks it might be a bit much to begin with (especially cost-wise). What are your thoughts on this?

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Well, the cost of the one lens isn't that much more than you would spend for the two you mentioned above. In terms of lens quality and performance the 18-200 lens far outstrips the cost difference. The 18-200 is hands down the better lens in all areas.

I have a bunch of different lenses but this is the one I end up using more often than not.

 

[SpDyKen]

Thanks for the suggestion, Rich. I like that idea, myself.

So far we're not having much luck finding reputable sources for the D40 body, (only.) Everyone has the "kit" for sale. Of course, we,ve only searched on-line, so far. B&H is closed on Saturday. I'll call them tomorrow. I'll also check out the camera shops around here, as well, (mostly Wolf, owned by Ritz.)

Thanks, again, Ken

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Ken - You can't buy the D40 as a body only kit. Only the D40X is available that way.

Try B&H Photo in New York. www.bhphoto.com They have a great price ($524) on the D40 with the kit lens, and you can always sell off the lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...lSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t


I buy most of my gear through B&H and they set the standard for reliability and customer service. They are simply put the BEST.


.... and just to make things more confusing :)

You can still find great deals on new D70S bodies. For my money the D70S is still the best body to own if you don't want to spring for a D200, unless you are a casual shooter and need the silly built in program modes.

 

[SpDyKen]

Rich,

Good suggestion.With consideration that this is really an intermediate, or learning camera for our whole family, the price difference will probably keep us leaning towards the D40.

I would assume that Liz & I will 'outgrow' this camera in a year or two, and it will be time to hand it down to Val (now 12.) Of course, like all electronics these days, who knows what the standards will be by then!

Your advise and suggestions have been very helpful in our process of researching this purchase. We have had some great dialogue as a result of your input.

Thank you! Ken W.

 

[SpDyKen]

D40 showed up today, from B&H. :nod:

Looking forward to some fun! :cool: It will not sit unused very much the next 3 weeks! :yeehaw:

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Sweet. You'll have a great time with it.