What new camera? >$1800.

[david3558]

What new camera should I get for under $1,800?

I was debating between the Canon 40D and the Nikon D300. I currently have a Nikon D40x, and only have one lens that fully functions with it, so its ok if I need to buy new lenses...

Any suggestions?

[e60.deluxe]

pick a lens system, then a camera.

the camera will end up making little difference.

$1800 is enough to get something good, so its not like you need to be looking at bang/buck really, unlike the $500 range.

what use is getting a little better bang/buck if you spend 1800 and then dont like the lens selection?

if you really cant decide im gonna say D300 for 2 reasons:
1. you can keep your d40x as an everyday camera that you can throw on any of your D300 lenses
2. i find button placement, menus, and ergonomics on nikon cameras to be superior to canon. the main thing that makes me hate using a canon is that for seemingly simple operations i have to acess the menu or use a shift button, or a shared button instead of a dedicated one.

[david3558]

Yea thank you for the suggestion. Yea, the real problem I'm having is deciding on which lens system...

I currently use a third party Sigma (18-200mm HSM), so I don't have much experience with Nikon or Canon lenses.

[JeShUa]

I chose canon because I'm familiar with their system and button layout. I love the lenses too Highly opinionated though.

[cambodianricer]

the nikon d40x is really good. i like it. my friend has one!

[JeShUa]

Question: Why are you looking into upgrading from the D40X?

[GeezerSi]

Once I have a decent body, I spend all my money on lenses. Get quality, reliable lenses, that will meet the needs of your type of photograhy.

I like shooting nature, especially animals and birds. The types of lenses I use for this can eat up $1800 very quickly and easily.

[arisenfury]

What do you need a more expensive camera for? If you think spending $1800 on a new camera will give you better pictures than your D40x, you're pretty way off. At the least I'd say invest that $1800 in good quality lenses. At the most I'd say get a used D80 or D200 (if you think you really need a prosumer body) for the built in autofocus motor and get better glass. The new Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VRII, although on the expensive size, has superb image quality and build for a consumer lens.

PS: Your title is wrong. >$1800 means greater than $1800.

[Rpm2]

Keep your camera and buy lenses or get a 5D and go full frame. You will have no money left for lenses though.

[JeShUa]

5D . He still never said why he's upgrading.. what he cant get out of his D40x.. so idk if he should stick w/ Nikon or not.. or if even he could stay with his D40x and get better lenses... who knows? I want a 5D

[Rpm2]

When I went to get my sensor cleaned last week my sales guy said a price drop was coming in the next couple of weeks. He didn't say how much though. Maybe it's going to be double rebates again.

[JeShUa]

No.. that just ended.. its because of the new MKII 5D or something. I'll take a heavily discounted 5D though .

[Rpm2]

Originally Posted by JeShUa

its because of the new MKII 5D or something.

I asked him about that but he wouldn't say. In fairy tale land wouldn't be nice if the new MKII 5D or whatever they call it was sub $2000. I would be all over that and break my only buying a new camera every 5 years rule.

[.jrmyrmx]

heres a great review of the D300

Nikon D300 Review

says

The Nikon D300 is the world's best amateur camera

[JeShUa]

Originally Posted by Rpm2

I asked him about that but he wouldn't say. In fairy tale land wouldn't be nice if the new MKII 5D or whatever they call it was sub $2000. I would be all over that and break my only buying a new camera every 5 years rule.

Haha.. why not just pick up a 5D if the MKII was sub 2k? .. I want a 5D.. when they're cheap enough and/or I get serious enough about photography.

[BATANG CITY JAIL]

nikkon d80...

[skiz]

hehe, I am kinda in the same boat... I am torn between the D300 or better lenses. I currently have the D50 and was happy wiht the overall performance of the camera and the lens compatability.

But the D300 has me drooling over the FPS, high ISOs and D-Lighting and 51 focus points...

I would love to add the 10.5 f/2.8 nikkor fisheye to my collection, but now my daughter wants to starts dance, gymnastics and or god knows what else. I am leaning on the D300 more than better lens?

Am I nuts?

HELP!

[david3558]

Originally Posted by JeShUa

Question: Why are you looking into upgrading from the D40X?

I'd prefer if the camera was more versatile and could work with lenses without autofocus because I have a fair amount of old Nikkor's that belonged to my dad. My camera doesn't have the little "screw" that focuses the lens.

Originally Posted by arisenfury

What do you need a more expensive camera for? If you think spending $1800 on a new camera will give you better pictures than your D40x, you're pretty way off. At the least I'd say invest that $1800 in good quality lenses. At the most I'd say get a used D80 or D200 (if you think you really need a prosumer body) for the built in autofocus motor and get better glass. The new Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VRII, although on the expensive size, has superb image quality and build for a consumer lens.

PS: Your title is wrong. >$1800 means greater than $1800.

Sorry about the title ><, just noticed that right now haha. I definitely know that money won't immediately make my pictures better, but they all seem more versatile.

Originally Posted by JeShUa

5D . He still never said why he's upgrading.. what he cant get out of his D40x.. so idk if he should stick w/ Nikon or not.. or if even he could stay with his D40x and get better lenses... who knows? I want a 5D

I actually totally forgot to consider the 5D...maybe I thought it was too old..but the full frame is nuts. Lenses must be hella expensive for them.

Originally Posted by skiz

hehe, I am kinda in the same boat... I am torn between the D300 or better lenses. I currently have the D50 and was happy wiht the overall performance of the camera and the lens compatability.

But the D300 has me drooling over the FPS, high ISOs and D-Lighting and 51 focus points...

I would love to add the 10.5 f/2.8 nikkor fisheye to my collection, but now my daughter wants to starts dance, gymnastics and or god knows what else. I am leaning on the D300 more than better lens?

Am I nuts?

HELP!

Yea the D300's 51 focus points...

[david3558]

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that my camera doesn't work with the Nikon Creative Lighting system, so my stupid speedlight doesn't even work correctly