If i both have d90 and d40, which is more "cost effective" to set up??

[kenz0]

As the title goes, a friend can't decide on which housing to order on ikelite though its both i think around roughly $1400.

I said go with the D90 for the HD video but he said he's kinda afraid to flood it vs the D40 which is alot cheaper but I told him that its gonna get much more expensive if he chooses d40 and decides to upgrade in the future.

Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[marcaumarc]

I would recommend housing the d90. Because housings are more expensive than bodies, I think it usually makes sense to house the latest body so the effective lifespan of the housing is as long as possible. Plus, the d40 doesn't have a focus motor in the camera, so that is a limitation on what lenses you can use with it.

The only reason I would house a D40 is if I got a really inexpensive used housing.

 

[scottfiji]

d90, by a longshot! I really don't think much about the entry level Nikon dSRL's, but the d90 is a great camera.

good luck,
Scott

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

The D40 can give quite nice results underwater. My GF, Adm. Linda, recently won first place in
the Advanced California Cold Water category of the Northern California Underwater Photographic
Society's SEA 2009 International Photo Competition with a shot with a D40. The present crop
of lenses is quite adequate for the D40.

That said, I'd house the D90.

Do not assume a priori that Ikelite is the least cost option. Linda went with an Aquatica housing
because it would take Nikonos synch cords, and we have a drawer full. Investigate total cost
of ownership.

 

[JackConnick]

D90 in the new Nauticam housing! Awesome housing for the money...$2300, plus ports etc.

Jack

 

[fppf]

I would recommend housing the d90. Because housings are more expensive than bodies, I think it usually makes sense to house the latest body so the effective lifespan of the housing is as long as possible. Plus, the d40 doesn't have a focus motor in the camera, so that is a limitation on what lenses you can use with it.

The only reason I would house a D40 is if I got a really inexpensive used housing.

You have not bought a housing for a D700 or D3x huh

 

[CT Sean]

I'd opt for the D90 due to previously mentioned focus motor plus much better high iso capability. That plus cheaper (due to no need for AFS) fast glass = winner. Plus it's just a better camera

About the only advantage the D40 has is it's cheaper to replace if (when?) the housing floods. Based on that logic everyone should be driving a Kia

 

[marcaumarc]

You have not bought a housing for a D700 or D3x huh

Okay, housings are more expensive than camera bodies...except when they're not. But for the cameras in the original question, a new housing is definitely more expensive than the body.

 

[Mariozi]

need another vote for D90???

 

[jcclink]

House the D90 & insure your system against flood, thief, loss, eaten by shark, everything. I have this type of coverage on homeower's policy - personal articles rider. You do have a Platinum Card - right??? Don't forget that getting a new system has a snowball effect - spares (anything electronic), bigger faster computer (larger files), external drives for backup, etc. You probably have a laptop that will work for a trip, but it also needs a backup hd or similar. Its only $$$$$$$$. Have fun!