Having fullfilled my lens lust (at least for now) with the 300 2.8VR, I find myself often wishing for a second body. I have a D200 that I enjoy very much and know that a true "backup" would be another D200. What I am looking for would be smaller, lighter and maybe do a few things that the D200 does not do. Basically to replace my FM2 until Nikon builds the FM3d. I have been through the PS and Advanced Digital cameras with the 5000 and 8400. I am considering the D40 or D40x because of the compact size, light weight, wireless remote and image quality. It is ok that it does not AF with screw lenses because I expect to use it with my 18-70 and 12-24 lenses and possibly adding the Katzeye split screen. Is anyone using or thinking about getting the D40 or D40x for a second body? Pete
Pete, I have the D40 and I am very happy with it. I am still a newbie when it comes to manually focus, so when i borrow lenses from a friend, i find my pics are still out of focus...so i need practice. You might not have that issue. As for weight, I like how light it is compared to the D80 and the D200 that I have held. Hope that helps.
Pete, I did exactly that same thing. I got the D40 used. I haven't used it yet with anything but AFS lenses but I will try that soon. The size is appealing to me and very easy to carry around. Also have let a friend use it when when shooting with me. I didn't have to worry about it.
Mikey, Thanks for the info. Katzeye is developing a split screen for the D40. That should help if you want to do a lot of manual focus. Also I think the D40 has the electronic rangefinder like the D200. It is a little difficult to see the dot when you are looking at the center of the screen but it works well. I wish Nikon would light the focus point as the rangefinder then I would not need the split screen. Gaye, Thanks too. Maybe I can find a used one if someone is upgrading to the D40x.
Pete, I bought the D40 as a travel/light carry and back up camera for my D2HS. I then sold my D2HS and have been using my D40 while waiting for my next big body. I love it and think it has performed admirably. I think Nikon has done a great job of tweaking the 6mp sensor; the D40 image quality seems much higher than that of the D70 I had in early 2004. Vacation snaps with an 18-200vr: https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showpost.php?p=1214052&postcount=9 High ISO (1600 & 3200) Gymnastics with a 105vr: https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=106169 https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=107814 I think the D40 would complement your D200 well as it provides you with increased low light/high iso capability.
Hmm, a split screen huh? That would help me out a whole lot!! Any word on when it will be out to the public?
Sounds good, go for it! I don't have any non USM lenses BUT I do a lot of macro work where manual focus works better. If you can deal with manual focus or in your case have USM lenses I can't see a big down size except the controls are going to be very different so a quick switch from one to the other will require some adjustment. Rich
Mikey, I just got an email from Katzeye. The D40 split screen is available now. Looks pretty good too.
Just sold my D80 in anticipation of buying a D200. Concurrently picked up a D40 as my knock around camera. Very pleased with picture quality though I am going down a shake down on getting the auto-focus right. I am not familiar with the KatzEye split screen. Is this something I should consider for either the D40 or to be acquired (hopefully) D200?
I bought a D80 for my wife as a backup camera to her D200. The similarities make it a very smooth transition when carrying both bodies. The D80 is obviously not as light, nor as small as the D40. Yet it is similar to the D70s, a much lighter design than the D200. Just a thought. It is a great camera, and is regularly available "gently used" in the Cafe'. I tried the D40, BTW. For a guy with large hands, this sub-body was a chore - fingers with no body to hold stable because they would not fit around it...
I've been considering the D40x as a second body for shooting cheerleading, but it would specificly be mounted to my Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM for a few different reasons. First off it's the only internal-focus-motor lens I have. Secondly I'd be taking advantage of the lower ISO noise to keep shutter speeds even higher. Third I'd want the higher resolution for cropping. I might even get it as a kit w/ an 18-135mm for travel too. That said I'll probably do none-of-the-above and hold out for a D200 then relegate my D50 to backup.
Thanks John. Where in KY do you live? That is a beautiful state and I travel through a lot. I am still in the thinking process. I will probably do something before the first air show. Stephen, if I were in your position, I would do the D200 route and keep the D50 as backup. The D200 is an awesome camera and makes it hard to consider anything else as a second body. I am headed to DC today, hope the Cherry Blossoms were not lost from the rain. Will be using my D200...
Glad to see some KY love... I'm from Mt. Vernon, about 45 min south of Lexington on I-75. I went away to school (Georgia Tech, Atlanta), met my wife down here, and ended up here too. My parents are still in Mt. Vernon and I get to make it back about every-other month.
Small world! My wife's ex-husband (Steve _) lives at home with his mother in Mt Vernon! I was in the neighborhood in October, showing my car at an annual Corvette show in Renfro Valley.
Well I can almost gaurantee I know the guy who DJ'ed the show... Country Charlie Napier?? I always went to all the car shows around Central/Eastern KY, especially the Renfro Valley and Boonsborough shows. What kind of vette do you have? I was going to get a C5 but ended up w/ an '04 GTO instead...
YES! Charlie Napier is a very good friend. He is a great guy. I tricked out a C5, and am considering selling it. Invested $25K in aftermarket extras in addition to the new fully accessorized C5 conv. I'll be selling it for about 50% invested to move it, if you are interested. It was a good year. 5 Best of Show wins in 6 shows, including at Renfro Valley. (Photos from various shows from London to Richmond):
