My pipe dream for camera ownership seems to becoming close to a reality: Having a decent quality camera in my mobile device for quick stuff and immediate posting and having a nice, affordable and smaller DSLR that has the features I need for higher quality photography.
After playing with Dave Lee’s Nikon D50 for a bit (used to take the photo above) and some research in the last few weeks, I am thinking about the following:
The Apple iPhone apparently will sport a 2.0 megapixel camera but there is no information about what kind of lens it will have or anything yet. Most cameras in mobile devices suck so I’m hoping that Apple will pull through. Honestly I don’t need more than 640×480 because the photos I take with my mobile device will be viewed on the internet and not printed. I hope they focus on quality instead of how many pixels they can pack. I want it to take the place of my point-and-shoot. I also hope it takes iPod-sized video. That’d be a dream come true (today I coin the term movlogcast!)
The Nikon D40 (DPReview) is really starting to sound like the right choice for me for a DSLR. There’s a few drawbacks to the camera that are overcome by the pros: No built-in auto-focus requiring it to use lenses that have an auto-focus motor but I don’t see myself carrying a bunch of lenses around. No status LCD but the interface on the LCD monitor seems to be good enough. It’s small but still comfortable. Very high quality and a low price. It has the features I need and it left out some of the things that I think I can do easily without. I recently played with Tim’s Nikon D80 and determined while it might be great for him, it is certainly overkill for me. The D40 is newer than the D50 and from what I’ve read, seems to be of a bit higher quality but with a bit less flexibility. The D40 is really an entry-level DSLR but it does everything I’d want in a camera. I’m pretty close to sold on it.
Anything I’m missing? Something else I should explore?
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I love my D80, but I go agree with you, that for anyone not aspiring to be a semi-regular wanna be photo guy who wants to try and hack his way thru it, the D40 will be a great camera for you. As you noted, it does have a few less features as the D80, but the compact body is a big plus, and it still carries the quality optics. I got my adivce from Kim, and I know she wouldn’t push me into something I don’t need, or couldn’t handle, so I’m sure in doing your research, and having competent adivce, you’ll be happy with the D40.
Posted 24 Mar 2007 at 12:40 ¶I have a similar wish for a decent camera embedded in a mobile phone. I’d take a lot more photos, but even my pocket-sized Canon SD200 (now on life support after a horrific crash to the hardwood floor) is too big of a hassle to carry around on a regular basis. And I refuse to carry a man purse. For now.
Posted 24 Mar 2007 at 14:55 ¶I’m as excited about the iPhone as anyone. I’ll probably buy one right away if I can. The other thing I’m realizing is that the iPhone will drive innovation out of competitors, so you’ll see even more cool non-Apple phones arriving on the market later this year and early next.
I think you’ve hit on a lot of good issues around the D40 vs. D80 in your post. You are going for the D40 and not the pricier D40x right? And have you rejected Canon for any reason? I’d say Canon and Nikon are the two best options for pro systems. Both have a bazillion accessories. But Canon is acknowledged by many to have somewhat better sensors. I personally can’t tell the difference. I’ve stuck with Nikon because that’s what I started with way back in high school so I’m used to the industrial design.
It’s good that you’re putting some weight into your unique user scenario; that you need entry-level features realizing you won’t use the advanced stuff for a long time if ever. All too many people just assume an expensive, feature-laden (and manly looking) camera will make better photos.
Leaping to the D40 from whatever you’re using right now will not only bring you into the world of high resolution and significantly better image quality, but you’ll be able to shoot with effects like very shallow depth of field as well as easily add screw-on glass filters for an enormous variety of effects and controls. DSLRs also do much better at high ISOs than most point ‘n shoots, so you’ll have huge freedom to shoot in dim available light.
Realize that you’re committing to system camera, so that will open the temptation to add accessories. This will make you and Nikon happy, but your wallet will take a beating. I guarantee you’ll outgrow the kit lens to add the 50mm f1.8, which is a great value. Then you might want a good matching flash. Then you’ll need another lens for macro or long telephoto. But if you are going to shoot more, it’s all good.
I hope this helps…
Posted 24 Mar 2007 at 16:40 ¶Tim- Yeah, I pinged Kim too. I hope she comments.
Jeremy- Right now I’m using a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P100. It’s taken many hardwood floor beatings but now a couple times the lens won’t come out. A battery reset does the trick. As for nice cameras on mobile devices, Ben at Technology Evangelist recommended I check out the Nokia N93. He was really impressed with it. And yeah… no man purse for me either.
Mike- As you probably guessed, I’m not looking at the D40x. The extra few megapixels and 3 fps compared to 2.5 fps doesn’t make much difference for me. I do have to look at Canon again. I spent some time comparing to the Pentax K100D (Ed just got one) but not much with the Canon EOS cameras. I’ll look into them later this weekend.
And thank you for reminding me as you’re absolutely correct: this very likely will be an expensive gateway to more lenses and accessories.
Posted 24 Mar 2007 at 17:03 ¶One thing a DSLR brings to the table is speed. If you do any action shooting I can’t imagine the iPhone would satisfy that need. A DSLR is so much better to shoot with.
I bought a Canon Rebel two years ago and I couldn’t be happier with it.
Posted 26 Mar 2007 at 14:30 ¶I miss the high speed of the SK2’s original firmware. We were able to take those sweet high res photos (heh) of Rachel Ray and put them into an animated GIF.
Why can’t they go back to that?
Posted 26 Mar 2007 at 21:22 ¶That’s a nice photo, so it must be a good camera.
Posted 28 Mar 2007 at 18:54 ¶That’s a really cool photo. Stepping into the DSLR world is really exciting but be prepared for the addiction. It can become expensive as you grow because you will probably want more and more lenses overtime.
Do look into the rebel, that’s what I ended up going with and I’m very happy with it. Whatever camera you get, make sure you pick it up and hold it first. Sounds like you’ve already held the D40 and thats important. Don’t buy a nice camera without holding it first. The grip is small on the rebel and that can be an issue if you have large hands. Slapping on a battery pack grip solves this problem for most people as the overall grip becomes larger. It’s an add on and doesn’t come with the camera.
My rebel XTi came with really nice software, Digital Photo Professional. I’m not sure if the D40 does. Just another thing to consider.
Thanks for the link to my photo from MNspeak. I used to appear in the daily links a lot more when rex was running things but that was then, this is now. Anyways good luck with your decision.
Posted 04 Apr 2007 at 13:13 ¶I just remembered this on going flickr dicussion that you might find interesting…
http://flickr.com/groups/tc/discuss/72157600044394239/
For the record I don’t think Matt is doing a bad job over at mnspeak. Its just nice to see local photos or photoblogs on there every once in a while.
Posted 04 Apr 2007 at 15:09 ¶Thanks for the link and the comments… I ended up getting the Nikon D40. Follow the link through the photos to view some recent photos with it…
I put your site in my RSS reader too.
Matt over at MNspeak… well… I think part of it is that he’s been really busy with other things too. It was fun being “editor” for a couple days over there though.
Posted 04 Apr 2007 at 15:17 ¶Post a Comment