2nd hand Nikon d50 over a new d40?

The Bear

The Bear

The Bear

Associate
Joined
15 Oct 2004
Posts
611
Location
Burton on Trent
Hey guys,

today ive been offered a 2nd hand d50 going for about £225-£250 with the kit lense.

Like so many other people in this forum i am a noob when it comes to dslr's, but ive been looking at the d40 for 6 months now.

So my question is, is it worth getting the d50? The way i see it, is that the only difference is price, its more in my budget. Ive read some reviews and it seems like a capable camera.

Thanks.
 
Either way you go I doubt You'll be disappointed, however the bog standard lens kit you get is definitely worth replacing. If your budget is really that tight I might suggest a top end bridge camera
 
I have a D50 and it is a very capable camera.

Both Camera's have the 6.0MP sensor, the main differences between the 2 (apart from the D40 being newer) are these:

D50 is slightly bigger (and heavier), but it has a top-down LCD as well as the rear panel.
(Meaning you can adjust your settings without needing to look at the rear panel.)

D50 has an internal focus motor meaning you can use older lenses which don't have the AF-S built in motors. (this includes the Nifty Fifty which is an excellent lens).

D40 has updated Auto Focus

D40 has a 2.5" screen rather than a 2.0"

D40 has a slightly different battery type (not sure how much longer this gives you in real-life but I've never had issues with my D50 battery).

D40 can take SDHC cards as well as SD

D40 has unlimited continues drive at 2.5fps while the D50 is limited to 12 shots before the buffer runs out.

D40 can do ISO 3200 but it cheats because it's a 'boost' rather than a true ISO (D50 maximum is 1600 but anything more than that and you're going to have serious noise issues anyway).

I would say that if you're on a budget get that D50 and invest in a better lens.

If you have all the money in the world I would skip the D40 completely and get the D40x

It's got so many improvements over the other two such as 10MP sensor, 3fps continuous burst plus all the other upgrades the D40 has over the D50. The only problem with it is the lack of an in built focus motor.

I think your best bet is to actually hold a D40 and the D50 and see which feels better in your hand. I think the D50 is about as small and as light as I would want a DSLR, anything else would feel like a toy. However I could get over that (and the AF-S only lenses) for a D40x.

Panzer
 
Last edited:
if you are on a budget, dont touch a d40

the reason for that comment it that d40 is very very limited with regards to lenses because the D40 (and d40x) has no in camera focus drive, so you haev to get specific lenses with the focus drive in them

I have a d50 and the range of older lenses that work with AF is amazing.

incidently I am upgrading today toa d70 (trading d50 + £100 for the d70) So I am hoping the d70 will work with all the same lenses
 
To be honest I wouldn't worry too much about the lack of internal focus motor in the D40's budget or no.

Glass is something you should invest heavily in anyway so it's worth saving up that little bit extra for the glass with AF-S. Most decent modern lenses designed for digital come with it anyway. It's only really an issue if you already have some old lenses, or you plan on using older lenses. Unfortunately this option does rule out the nifty fifty.

Glass is more important than the body so if after a year or two you plan on upgrading the body, most of the higher models have their own motor and then you could start using older glass if you think you need to.

Oh and Bolerus, you'll be fine with the D70 and lenses without AF-S

Panzer
 
Thanks for the info guys, most helpful. I think im going to go for the D50, as an entry level dslr it seems like a good choice. Certainly the in built AF is a handy asset to have in the camera. :)
 
robmiller said:
It's just that there are lots of great value lenses that aren't AF-S, that's all—most of Nikon's primes, for example, along with quite a few Sigmas.
Click to expand...

Very true I must concede. I need not be a major drawback though, MK seems to do ok with the D40x. ;) (until he gets a D300 the lucky bugger!)

Bear you'll be very happy with the D50!

Panzer
 
Bolerus said:
d40 is very very limited with regards to lenses
Click to expand...

Comments like this keep comming up and its starting to annoy me. Ive got a D40X, and yes it does have compromises being a entry level camera, but lens compatability is nowhere near a big a problem as people make out. Below is an incomplete list of compatible lenses;

Nikon

Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED AF-S
Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AF-S II
Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED AF-S
Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 D IF-ED AF-I
Nikkor 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED II AF-S
Nikkor 400mm f/2.8 D IF-ED AF-I
Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED II
Nikkor 500mm f/4 D IF-ED AF-I
Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E II

Sigma

Sigma 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye HSM
Sigma 10mm F2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO HSM
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG ASP
Sigma 14mm f/2.8 EX ASP HSM
Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX ASP HSM
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Macro
Sigma 18-50mm f3.5-5.6 DC HSM
Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC APO HSM
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC APO HSM
Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG APO RF HSM
Sigma 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC HSM
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM
Sigma 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO EX OS
Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX APO IF HSM
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM
Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM
Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 800mm f/5.6 EX DG APO HSM
Click to expand...

So as you see, there still plenty of lenses to put on that list to santa.
 
when i was choosing my camera, i chose the D50 over the D40. The focus motor appeared to be an issue when i was first looking into it, but my only extra lens so far is a sigma 10-20 which is HSM, so no real issue there.

the main reason for picking the d50 over the d40 was down to the interface, it is easier to change commonly used settings on the d50 than on the d40, the extra mono LCD makes it easier and saves having to put the main LCD on.. which is very handy for me.
 
Messiah Khan said:
Comments like this keep comming up and its starting to annoy me. Ive got a D40X, and yes it does have compromises being a entry level camera, but lens compatability is nowhere near a big a problem as people make out. Below is an incomplete list of compatible lenses;



So as you see, there still plenty of lenses to put on that list to santa.
Click to expand...

There are tons of those that are insanely expensive and yet have cheap counterparts sans AF-S, the 70-200 being one obvious example (the alternative being the AF 80-200). Plus the whole "no decent cheap primes" thing.
 
robmiller said:
There are tons of those that are insanely expensive and yet have cheap counterparts sans AF-S, the 70-200 being one obvious example (the alternative being the AF 80-200). Plus the whole "no decent cheap primes" thing.
Click to expand...

Im not saying there arn't gaps in the AF-S/AF-I/HSM lineup, but saying "d40 is very very limited with regards to lenses" isn't correct. Most people starting off will use the kit lens. They will then want a wideangle and a telephoto. These are catered for in the budget AF-S/AF-I/HSM range as the Sigma 10-20mm and Nikkor 70-300mm for example. What then, a macro lens?... Sigma 150mm. Fast 'normal' fov lens... Sigma 30mm f1.4. etc etc. Yes you will be paying more than second hand 'screwdriver' type lenses, but in many cases its because they are newer and better (Quieter, faster focusing etc).
 
Messiah Khan said:
Comments like this keep comming up and its starting to annoy me. Ive got a D40X, and yes it does have compromises being a entry level camera, but lens compatability is nowhere near a big a problem as people make out. Below is an incomplete list of compatible lenses;



So as you see, there still plenty of lenses to put on that list to santa.
Click to expand...

if youa re going to quote somebody to be anoyed, at least quote all the relevant part of the quote, i started the thread with
if you are on a budget, dont touch a d40
Click to expand...
most of the lenses you list are certainly not for a budget user
 
No need to get worked up. You were sugesting that people shouldn't choose the D40 as there are hardly any budget lenses available. Well the most popular budget lenses are compatible. The Sigma 10-20mm is by far the most popular budget superwide/wideangle lens and its a HSM lens. The 70-300mm is another popular choice for telephoto and Nikon provide a cheapish AF-S version of that. One of the best budget super telephoto lenses is also compatible; the Sigma 50-500mm Super zooms are also catered for with the Sigma and Nikon 18-200. Neither of those are particulary budget, but then they wouldn't be for any other camera either. As already said I realise there are gaps in the lens list (Mainly 50mm f1.8 AF-S) but that is no reason to completely discount the D40. You need to consider what most budget users are after. Are they after access to lots of 'exotic' second hand glass, or a small selection of cheapish lenses that do the basics, as well as a camera that acts as a 'gateway' to a SLR system?
 
sorry, selective quoting to change the emphasis ofwhat somebody said is a pet hate of mine lol, im sure, form our past converations that you didnt do it on purpose..

the thing with the d40 though, it isnt JUST the incompatibility with certain lenses, there are also "cut downs" like for example the need to go into menu mode to change more things.

I think, if you read all posts regarding what lens, the "nifty 50" is a massively favourite lens, the loss of that (or at least AF on it) would be a big blow


Of the two the d50 has to be said, it is superior, the D40x may be a different story because of the extra MP sensor, but I believe the OP was just talking the D40 and not the X model

I had my D50 since last may I think it was, and there wasnt a day that went by that I wasnt pleased that I chose it and didnt go for a D40 (I did try a d40 in a shop but it felt like a toy camera)

I changed today to my D70, and one of the reasons (not the main one, but a consideration) is that i have specific camera insurance, and if anything happened to my D50 then they would try and palm a D40 on me (as the replacement model) if anything happens to my D70 then i would probably get a D80 as a replacement


the other thing to think about ( and this is more of a personal thing and not directed at any body ) is that with the popularity of photography, DSLRs (bodies and kits) have become very affordable, and a lot of people who are on a much tighter budget (like myself) have stepped into the hobby.

you can easily spend thousands on gettign your kit together, and that can be very difficult to do in one go, the easy option is to get on popular auction sites and buy older lenses to keep you going untill you can afford a new better lens, or in fact when you first get into the hobby, untill you find you niche and decide on what lens you really need.

the 50 - 500 is £568 ( according to the quick search I have just done) and that is a budget lens, do you see where i am meandering to with this thought train lol

the point is moot for this thread because TheBear has said he going for the D50
 
I understand where MK is coming from with regards to lenses. For myself as a beginner i know im not going to get anything different untill i know i can use the kit lense to its full capablity.

All in all tho, a very intresting read. I should be picking up the d50 tomorrow! :D
 
Mainly i will be shooting portraits and landscapes. Tho i do want to get into gigs and do that scene as well (is that counted as portrait btw?)
 
Messiah Khan said:
Comments like this keep comming up and its starting to annoy me. Ive got a D40X, and yes it does have compromises being a entry level camera, but lens compatability is nowhere near a big a problem as people make out.
Click to expand...

To be fair your lens collection is worth about £2500 on a good day. Hardly budget is it? :p
 
Messiah Khan said:
Im not saying there arn't gaps in the AF-S/AF-I/HSM lineup, but saying "d40 is very very limited with regards to lenses" isn't correct. Most people starting off will use the kit lens. They will then want a wideangle and a telephoto. These are catered for in the budget AF-S/AF-I/HSM range as the Sigma 10-20mm and Nikkor 70-300mm for example. What then, a macro lens?... Sigma 150mm. Fast 'normal' fov lens... Sigma 30mm f1.4. etc etc. Yes you will be paying more than second hand 'screwdriver' type lenses, but in many cases its because they are newer and better (Quieter, faster focusing etc).
Click to expand...

But the person the D40 is targeted to (i.e. budget users) are the very ones who would see an amazing amount of benefit from say a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 (a nice cheap fast walkabout zoom) or a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (a ridiculously cheap ridiculously sharp prime).

The holes in the lineup aren't necessarily massive: the biggest downside is that the holes are exactly where budget users would most benefit.

The Bear said:
Tho i do want to get into gigs and do that scene as well (is that counted as portrait btw?)
Click to expand...

For gigs, you can do a hell of a lot worse than a 50mm f/1.8; super-sharp, pretty darn fast and at £75 a positive steal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom