D40x kit @ Costco $599

[RedSox1028]

This was the package but also included a nice bag. The camera alone typically runs for this price with just the 18-55mm lens. Package includes 55-200 VR lens (all Nikor).

None left in western MA & northern CT. Item #228408. Call ahead...and don't get upset with me if it's not available; just passing on what I found. It's not the newest but it's still one of the best for the price.

Reviews:
DPReview
Ken Rockwell (D40)
Steve's Digicams

 

[TerryMathews]

This is an excellent price and the D40x is a great beginner DSLR.

That said, it is worth noting that the camera is not compatible with a large selection of Nikon-mount lenses. In essence, the lens has to have an internal autofocus motor as the camera doesn't have one.

Bad if you've got an array of Nikon lenses already.

 

[Greg04]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
This is an excellent price and the D40x is a great beginner DSLR.

That said, it is worth noting that the camera is not compatible with a large selection of Nikon-mount lenses. In essence, the lens has to have an internal autofocus motor as the camera doesn't have one.

Bad if you've got an array of Nikon lenses already.

This is a deal killer for some people (me) - a 'beginner' DSLR should not force you to buy expensive lenses to get autofocus. A friend has htis camera and has to manual focus many of his shots becasue he has 3 lenses that don't AF with this DSLR body.

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: Greg04

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
This is an excellent price and the D40x is a great beginner DSLR.

That said, it is worth noting that the camera is not compatible with a large selection of Nikon-mount lenses. In essence, the lens has to have an internal autofocus motor as the camera doesn't have one.

Bad if you've got an array of Nikon lenses already.

This is a deal killer for some people (me) - a 'beginner' DSLR should not force you to buy expensive lenses to get autofocus. A friend has htis camera and has to manual focus many of his shots becasue he has 3 lenses that don't AF with this DSLR body.

I dunno. Since this is a kit, it still counts as good. This is priced comparably with high-end P&S digicams and will give both superior picture quality and zoom.

Put another way, think of this as one of those P&S cameras that look like a DSLR, only have a fixed lens. This at least gives you the option of buying a better zoom down the road, even if you do have to spend a lot more for it. The vast majority of camera owners have no interest in changing lenses.

 

[griffinol]

I've been looking to purchase an entry level DSLR. How important is it to have the camera with an auto focus motor? I take it this means I can buy any lens without a motor and the camera will control the lens focusing automatically?

I would think this is a minus because what if the motor stopped working on the body? Wouldn't it be better to have that in each lens even though they may be more expensive? Or is it because some lens are more expensive than the body and its better to have the motor on the cheaper body?

This will just be a starter camera, so is missing this option that important?

Thank you

 

[djnsmith7]

Being new to the world of DSLR, I did a ton of research & asked a ton of questions before finalizing my decision to go with the Nikon D60 (successor to D40X).

I started with a clean slate, so I didn't have any older Nikkor lenses, so that wasn't a deal killer for me.

It was a financial decision on my part, since my D60 kit was only $30 more than this D40X kit on sale at Costco.

I seriously considered the D80, a step up from the D60 / D40X, but couldn't find an ass kicking deal to pursuade me against the D60.

IMO, the bottom line is this: If you're new to DSLR & don't want to spend a ton of cash to join the big leagues, give the D40X / D60 a serious look. You'll save a few hundred $$$ & come out with a great camera.

The 2 main differences between the D40X / D60 & D80 are the D80 has an extra display screen up top (not a deal breaker) & the internal motor (anyone with older lenses will really miss this, but anyone looking to buy Nikkor Autofocus lenses don't need to worry about it).

I saved myself about $400 altogether when it was all said & done based on the deals going on 2 months ago. I just started & I've already produced some pretty cool looking shots.

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: griffinolThis will just be a starter camera, so is missing this option that important?

The camera not having an internal autofocus motor will limit you to a smaller selection of more expensive lenses. If you think you'll want to buy more lenses down the road I would recommend buying a D60/D70(used)/D80. If you get the D40x and end up buying more lenses for it, you will have spent the price difference several times over.

Good AF zoom lenses are plentiful for Nikon's, since the big N has used the same lens mount for decades.

 

[griffinol]

I've been looking at the comparison of the cameras on Nikon's site and also dpreview. I'm trying to understand a bit more on the differences. I do not see how to determine the auto focusing motor on the camera itself.

On dpreview for example, the only area where I think I see it is the D40 and D40x show lens tread as Nikkor AF / F-mount, D-Type. Where as the D60 shows Nikon F (with AF contacts). Is that how you can tell if it has an internal auto focus motor to control the lens also?

And thank you for the responses. I dont mind spending a bit more up front if it means I can get used old lens without the motors later on. I was just worried if the motor died on the camera that it would be costly to fix it.

And the camera is going to be shared with my wife. She's not that technical and I'm guessing Live View? may be important for her. Is it easy to wean off of point and click and use the viewfinder? Or will it be hard for someone who comes from pnc?

Thank you

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: griffinol
I've been looking at the comparison of the cameras on Nikon's site and also dpreview. I'm trying to understand a bit more on the differences. I do not see how to determine the auto focusing motor on the camera itself.

On dpreview for example, the only area where I think I see it is the D40 and D40x show lens tread as Nikkor AF / F-mount, D-Type. Where as the D60 shows Nikon F (with AF contacts). Is that how you can tell if it has an internal auto focus motor to control the lens also?

And thank you for the responses. I dont mind spending a bit more up front if it means I can get used old lens without the motors later on. I was just worried if the motor died on the camera that it would be costly to fix it.

And the camera is going to be shared with my wife. She's not that technical and I'm guessing Live View? may be important for her. Is it easy to wean off of point and click and use the viewfinder? Or will it be hard for someone who comes from pnc?

Thank you

She's never used an ordinary film camera w/o viewfinder?

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: griffinol
I've been looking at the comparison of the cameras on Nikon's site and also dpreview. I'm trying to understand a bit more on the differences. I do not see how to determine the auto focusing motor on the camera itself.

Much better explanation than I could give here, including visual aid.