Nikon D40 - Pros and Cons

[MB104]

I am considering the Nikon D40 as my new undewater camera. I cannot afford the high end ones, and this seems like a logicial camera for my needs. My wife has the same one but won't let me even think of taking her's underwater, so I'm getting my own.

I browsed this forum for peoples opinions on this one, but not much is here. I'm looking for anyone who uses this camera and show me what it can do, give me advice for shooting great pics, etc....send links to pics or post them. and if you think this camera sucks, tell me why.

Thanks.

 

[Warren_L]

I don't use one, but from what I know of them, it may not be the best for underwater user. The camera does not have a built in focusing motor so autofocus will only work with AF-S and AF-I lenses. And with only one command dial that I can see, it may have a lot of functions buried in menus or multiple button/dial combinations that operating underwater might be cumbersome.

However, for a compact topside camera, it seems like a decent camera.

 

[Matt S.]

I don't use one, but from what I know of them, it may not be the best for underwater user. The camera does not have a built in focusing motor so autofocus will only work with AF-S and AF-I lenses.

That is true, but is probably only an issue for people who already have a drawer full of old lenses. Unless there is a specific incompatible lens that you know you want to use I don't think it is an issue for most new owners. All of the new lenses from Nikon and the big 3rd party makers have the focus motor built in.

And with only one command dial that I can see, it may have a lot of functions buried in menus or multiple button/dial combinations that operating underwater might be cumbersome.

Even with the D80, which has a load more buttons, many inputs are the button + dial combo. Maybe even most inputs. But you'd have to dig through the menus to do the same things on the d40 which would definitely be worse.

I have a DSLR for land use and chose a Nikon D80 because it does things the D40 doesn't. For example, the d40 doesn't have automagic exposure bracketing, or built-in control for Nikon wireless flashes. The d80 also has many more buttons and an extra command dial. Important to me, at least.

On the other hand, the d80 has a top-view LCD that shows you info like ISO and focus mode. It could be hard to read those tiny symbols under water. The way the d40 put everything on the big LCD is probably an advantage in this area.

If I was buying a DSRL specifically for UW use, I'd not limit myself to the traditional Nikon & Canon. One of the Olys with live view on the LCD might be nice. I cannot imagine needing to use a viewfinder underwater.

 

[AUTiger]

I checked the search function and nothing came up. Strange. There was a lot of discussion on the D40(x) when they cam out. Most people seemed to conclude that while they are nice cameras, the missing lens motor was a huge drawback. You have to use AF-S lenses. Lenses that you can't use include

Nikon 60mm macro
Tokina 12-24mm wide angle
Sigma 17-70mm

Back in April, I posted on Wetpixel:

"I wouldn't buy a dSLR and housing now and hope that Nikon will get around to releasing a 60mm AF-S macro lense later. That takes more faith than I have. You could use the Nikon 105, but its harder to use and cost twice as much, besides being good only for really clear water. For wide angle, you have the Nikon 12-24 but it cost $900. You can't use the Tokina 12-24 because it is not AF-S. You might consider the Nikon 17-55/f2.8, but its $1200. People have been talking about the Sigma 17-70 (only $400), but its not AF-S. The Nikon 18-55 and 18-70 are tolerable but not particularly appropriate.

In the end, your might get a marginally better sensor, and you'll save a couple hundred on the body, but you'll pay MUCH more to get the glass that you need - or you'll have to give up auto-focus. I think buying the D40x is what my mom would call "penny wise and pound foolish".

I would spend a few extra bucks on a D80. A full DSLR setup is going to cost $4000 or more (lenses, housings, strobes, arms, etc.) so spend the money up front on a good camera.

If you want to spend less, the new Canon G9 looks really nice.

David