D40/D40x for Timelapse Photography

I am considering getting into timelapse photography and have been considering getting either the D40/D40X for this purpose. I know both cameras are now discontinued but I can pick up a used D40 with kit lens on Craigslist for $200 and I've been curious about Nikon cameras for a while (In the past I shot Canon and switched to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 recently). The only thing I plan to use the camera for is timelapse. For all other stuff I'll stick with my E-M5. I know I could use my E-M5 for timelapse but I'd rather takes hundreds of shots with a $200 DSLR than my $1000 E-M5 kit.

Before I take the plunge and pick up a used D40/D40X is there anything I should know about the camera in advance? Any pitfalls that may prevent it from serving the purpose I want to use it for?

Some of you may think I'm a troll but I assure you I'm not. I come in peace and want to hear from those of you that may have owned one of these cameras in the past. I could just as easily go buy a used Canon Rebel and use that but I really want to give Nikon a try and the D40/D40X seem like a good camera for my stated purpose. Should I be concerned with being able to get the camera repaired since they're both discontinued models? Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide.

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You never fail you only produce results; learn from them --
anonymous.

it's kind of a pain in the ass with the D40.

You'll need a PC tethered to the computer. and either Camera Control Pro or this free software http://www.diyphotobits.com/download-diyphotobitscom-camera-control/

Or you'll need something like the pclix XT and a wireless remote. http://www.pclix.com/

It's possible, just not as easy as it would seem.

Well, I haven't done timelapse and I have'nt owned a D40 or D40X. However, the two are not synonymous and if I were to acquire one or the other it would be a D40 because it has the genuine unlimited high speed x-sync flash shutter speed up to the limit of the shutter on the camera (was that 1/4000s) which the D40X did not.

David

ZackOJones said:

I am considering getting into timelapse photography and have been considering getting either the D40/D40X for this purpose.

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fotoph said:

it's kind of a pain in the ass with the D40.

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This is exactly what I was hoping to find out. Thanks so much! I guess I need to find out which lower end Nikon DSLRs work with Intervalometers and go from there.
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You never fail you only produce results; learn from them --
anonymous.

I have done my first timelapse with my D90 using an intervelometer, set it and forget it until my 4gb card ran out of space. The result was very nice. The D40/D40X can certainly do this easily. The intervelometer for Nikon is from china, works like a charm, well built, doesn't look cheap and sure much cheaper than the one sold by some local stores.

See if you can find a used D200. They have the time lapse function built in and can be found for fairly cheap nowadays.

Just wanted to post a quick follow up. After doing lots of searching for used gear and additional research I ended up buying a new D3100 with 18-55 kit lens. It should suit my timelapse needs just fine. Thanks to everyone for their advice!
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You never fail you only produce results; learn from them --
anonymous.

I found an interesting solution to Nikon 40 time lapse. Up till now I've been using my IR remote to release the shutter every count of 2 seconds. It works but does take a lot of time.

The Android Play Store has applications for Android devices that have an IR. That includes the Samsung Galaxy. I download the"Camera Remote for Samsung". https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ir.remote&hl=en. Sure enough it will trigger the D40. It even has a time that allows you you set the number of seconds between triggers, and the total number of triggers.

I'll do some testing. I'll need to rig a mount on my tripod to hold an IR equipped phone or tablet.

You know this is a two year old thread?

JeanLeGrand said:

You know this is a two year old thread?

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Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance or a stranger.

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Maybe so, but they added useful information & that is always good in my book.