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Keep or Sell D40

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rugger88

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planning on upgrading to D80 or D90 once the D90 comes out, depending on price. Reason for upgrade is mostly the ability to AF with non-AFS lenses such as the primes. Haven't handled the D80 so wondering if I should keep the D40 for it's small size/light weight for vacations and other times when I want to keep it light. Figure I can probably get only a few hundred dollars by selling it anyway and I really like it overall.

Is the difference between the two bodies enough in terms of size/weight to justify having both for different occasions?

 
In a word, yes.

The D80 is noticeably larger and heavier than the D40. You should definitely handle one before parting with your D40.
 
Thanks for the advice. To anyone who has a D40/D60 and a D80, do you find you use one more than the other? Any comments as to specific shooting occasions where you prefer one over the other would be helpful.
 
On our pro jobs, we use D300's and D80's as backups.

My walk around is a D40X with a 18-135mm
--
Thanks,
John
D300, D80, D40X, & D40.
 
I have sold my D300. I found it too heavy and complicated (and I am a seasoned photographer)

I have replaced it with a new D60 and Nikon 18-200 VR lens.

I used it for the 1st time yesterday and what a difference traveling light and having to only use 1 lens.
It has taken me ages to get it right and I think I have nailed it this time.
 
Sean C said:
I have sold my D300. I found it too heavy and complicated (and I am a
seasoned photographer)
Click to expand...
This is why I did not get a D300; but I'm thinking the D80/90 size is a sweet spot for me. It will allow AF with non-AFS lenses with improved DR and low-light capabilities vs. the D40, without being too heavy/complicated. I'm guessing I will keep the D40 for vacations and for outings with the family and use the D80/90 more indoors in low light situations with primes and for special events.
 
I have a D300, had a D80 and still have a D40.

I use the D40 for quick P&S type shots and it is fantastic. I leave my 55-200mm VR on it all the time. Perfect lens for most occasions. D40's used are not selling for much, so if you can swing it keep it. It's light, fast and a superb camera.
 
Another one here with a D300 and D80 and a D40. I'd keep the 40, it's a great camera for snapshots.
 
Keep the D40. You can let your kids handle it when they get a little bit older and start them on the never ending upgrade path.
 
I´m glad you did not chose the 55-200 VR to use with your D40x... I hear it is very fragile, especialy after shaking it profusely while pressing the shutter button about 100 times...

Great tip! Once again thanks for your splendid american humor.
--
pmata
 
I'm not sure i understand your reasoning for keeping the D40. You state you would take the D40 on vacations and travel and such. But buying a new and better camera either the D80 or D90.

That doesn't make sense to me. If I am going on vacation or somewhere i have never been before and may never be again I would want to take my best camera, the one that will take the best pictures possible.

Im going to be in the same boat I am a D40 owner and will buy the D90 when it comes out I can not see the weight difference being that substantial at all for me at least. I will most likely sale my D40 to a friend at a big discount or on ebay at market value.
 
Have you considered one of the Sigma unifocal lenses (30mm or 50mm)? That could solve the problem. Good luck.
 
I started with a d40, went to a d70s, then to a d80, to a d300 as of a week ago.

You'll find the d80 to be a good bit larger in my opinion. I found it to feel better in my hands, and of course the features were a big step up.

The d40 is a great small camera though, I agree with everyone else, hang on to it. I sold mine for nothing and regret it. I would like to have it when I dont want to take the d80 or d300 around as they are larger.

I know this sentance is off topic, but a few folks mentioned the d300 above. It is huge compared to a d40.

anyhow, hang onto it, you'll find it in need if you sell it.

I as well as noone knows all of the d90 features or its size for sure, it may come out the end of the month, perhaps you could wait on that. Otherwise, the d80 is a wonderful camera and a huge step up from the d40, and prices may drop nicely when the d90 finally shows up

Ron
 
alemmo said:
I'm not sure i understand your reasoning for keeping the D40. You
state you would take the D40 on vacations and travel and such. But
buying a new and better camera either the D80 or D90.

That doesn't make sense to me. If I am going on vacation or
somewhere i have never been before and may never be again I would
want to take my best camera, the one that will take the best pictures
possible.
Click to expand...
This is pretty easy to understand if you ask me. Why don't people take medium format (4x5) cameras on vacation? They might only be there once and they should want to get the best images possible. I find the D40 so easy to carry around and use like a P&S, I would like use the D80/90 more indoors with fast primes. I think I agree with most of the others and will keep my D40, I think it's worth more than the few hundred bucks I'd get for it.
 
I would sell and put the money towards a D80 unless you really want a back-up camera.

Yeah, the 80 is a lot bigger, but it's still a DSLR and unless you are hiking or climbing mountains I don't think the bigger camera is that much more of a burden.

Or, get the D80, use it for awhile and then decide if parting with the 40 makes sense for you. Selling on eBay is easy and D40's are in high demand.
 
I have a D70, a D200, and a D40 bought in that order. I would never sell the D40 because I find the size just to convenient, plus it has the ability to use pre AI lenses unmodified. I really like the D40 and do not find it "limiting" at all....
--
'Once in a while, you get shown the light
in the strangest of places if you look at it right...'
WSSA Member #80



 
I had a D40 with a 18-200VR lens..Was more than hapy with it. However I wasn't sure it was worth getting the 18-200 cause I do most of my shots outdoor. ANyway I went to the store one day and held the D80 and fell in love. To me it felt so much better in my hands and I really loved the dedicated buttons for Iso, WB, etc...When I walked out I knew right away I was selling my D40 and 18-200 and getting the D80 with a 18-135 lens. I am way happier with the D80 and the perks that go with it more than make up for its larger size (although its not that much bigger).
 
What about the lens? You seem to have traded 18-200 (from D40) for 18-135 (D80 kit lens). Any regrets? Comments?
 
Those are called prime lenses.
--
'Nice pen, bet you write good stories with it.'
 
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