I pondered on this a lot also. Why would anyone want a camera you
couldn't put the $110 50 f1.8 on and autofocus it? What about
those wonderful mid range priced but pretty darn good non-AF-S
Nikon lenses that those of us on a budget are more than happy with?
Then I realized that everyone here, regardless of whether we shoot
with a P&S or a DSLR, are different from "them" out there. We all
know those people. They are our friends. They are our family.
They are the consumer at large. They only shoot in auto or
perhaps program because someone told them to use that, but they
haven't a clue why. They do not change any settings. They
automatically flip the flash up indoors because they have always
had to. It is complicated enough for them to get their photos from
the camera to the computer. Or they just know to take the card out
and take it to a photo place. I am not putting these people down,
but this is a huge segment of the camera-buying population. They
take snapshots; they have no interest in photography. These people
would never change a lens on a DSLR. Most DSLRs are way too
complicated for them and even the D40 will be overkill, but they
will leave the 18-55 lens on and be happy with a quicker camera, a
flash that doesn't produce much redeye because it is higher up than
their cheap P&S, and better photo quality. If with time they want
a longer reach, they can go to a camera store and have them change
out the lens to a 18-135 and instantly they have more zoom and this
is all the camera they would ever want or use. If they want
stabilization or more zoom, the 18-200 VR is an option.
Now take another group. These are experienced photographers who
really prefer bridge cameras, but none of the manufacturers is
making exactly what they want. Or they have stopped making them.
Or they would like a little less noise at higher iso. Or they pine
for the camera that had such great photo quality but was too slow
with not a large enough buffer. They really prefer an all in one.
They think lens lust is really dumb. They find most DSLRs too
large and heavy, even the D50 and the Pentax. But now they are
ready to buy. They want stabilization, speed, features, and
lightweight. They are informed photographers so they want settings
not to be dumbed down. They want and need an ergonomic camera that
feels good in the hands. They had already determined that the D50
and other DSLRs were too large and heavy. They see the D40 and see
that the 18-200 VR (a 27-300 actually) is not out of their price
range. And it is stabilized. This camera offers speed, it offers
them the ability to shoot at high iso with very little noise. So
maybe they don't need a prime. It offers them impressive photo
quality. So perhaps this will finally be the DSLR for them. And if
and when they want to be able to change lenses, that ability is
there. The kit lens will be there for times when they want the
lightness of it.
And a third group. They own a Nikon DSLR. They are aware that
this camera will need to be manual focused with a prime. This is
fine with them. They also own Nikon AF-S lenses. They like the
idea of a lighter weight camera for some occasions. And they do
need a backup DSLR.
BTW, I am not in any of these groups, love my D70 and my D50. Use
primes a lot and love them.
--
Darlene
Dee Seventy, Dee Fifty, Coolpixes, One Panny
http://www.pbase.com/imacatmom
