Help - Nikon D40 vs. Nikon D3000

[thielen30562]

I was wondering if anyone has or knows about these 2 cameras? I am looking to upgrade from my advanced kodak compact, and I have it narrowed I believe to these 2 models, but Im not sure what the difference is. I have handled the d3000 before and I like the way I feel, and the D40 is similar. I primarily do portrait photography and photos of my kids, so I am wanting something to make these shots better. I want to be able to easily blur the background, but dont have alot of money right now, being a mom of 3 on a budget. Any input on these 2?

[Kaye]

Hi thielen,
I use the Nikon D90. Not expensive now with a kit lens, but still more than the two options below I think..... unless you can find a good deal. (I did not have a lot of time to research further).

If you are on a budget, I think you could happily work with either of the two below, and be happy with the kit lens with either. These bodies should be fine (others may add some feedback on these).., AND you can always buy another nice lens of your choice later.


http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3000-Di.../dp/B002JCSV5I

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3100-Di...N%3DB003ZYF3LO

I know you are so keen, so check your prices in different stores before you buy.

Hope I have been of some help. Just don't rush your decision. You have plenty of time.

[thielen30562]

Thanks Kaye! It is just all so confusing when you are a beginner. I did research online, but the D40, D60, 3000, and 3100, all seem to have the same specifications except the megapixels. Is what is strange is, my cheapy camera has a lower ISO to 64, and these cameras start at 100, and, the F stop on these are 3.5 which dont seem like I would be able to blur the background easily, but maybe Im backwards on that. I think I may go with the 3000 or 3100 because there have been some bad reviews on the others, and the 3000 is a 10.2 MP....I dont know. Im lost. So many options, unfortunately I have to go off of what I can afford too or I would buy th emost expensive one I can find lol.....

So, if Im wanting to take portraits, and blur backgrounds, and freeze motion, then technically speaking, the 3000 or 3100 can do that? The specs and sensor sizes should allow me to do these?

Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features
10.2-megapixel DX-format imaging sensor for prints up to 20 x 30 inches
Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilization lens
Nikon EXPEED image processing; in-camera image editing and Active D-Lighting
3.0-inch color LCD screen; 170-degree wide-angle viewing
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Technical Details
Sensor: CCD
Sensor: 10.2 million
Size: 23.6 x 15.8mm
Storage Media: SD/SDHC Memory Card
Compressed Format: JPEG
Compressed Format: EXIF 2.21
Compressed Format: Compliant DCF 2.0
Focus Mode: Auto
Focus Mode: Manual
Focus Mode: Single-servo AF
Focus Mode: Continuous-servo
Optical Viewfinder: TFT-LCD
LCD Monitor: 3 inches
LCD Pixels: 230,000 dots
LCD Coverage: 100%
Shutter Speed: 30 ~ 1/4000 sec.
Exposure Modes: Auto
Exposure Modes: Manual

[Kaye]

[QUOTE=thielen30562;63044]Thanks Kaye! It is just all so confusing when you are a beginner. I did research online, but the D40, D60, 3000, and 3100, all seem to have the same specifications except the megapixels. Is what is strange is, my cheapy camera has a lower ISO to 64, and these cameras start at 100, and, the F stop on these are 3.5 which dont seem like I would be able to blur the background easily, but maybe Im backwards on that. I think I may go with the 3000 or 3100 because there have been some bad reviews on the others, and the 3000 is a 10.2 MP....I dont know. Im lost. So many options, unfortunately I have to go off of what I can afford too or I would buy th emost expensive one I can find lol.....

So, if Im wanting to take portraits, and blur backgrounds, and freeze motion, then technically speaking, the 3000 or 3100 can do that? The specs and sensor sizes should allow me to do these?QUOTE


Thielen,

Please don't rush.... You have started the course and you have 2 years to do it. I know it is all exciting at the start, but try to take a few weeks to work all this out before buying.

You already have your budget worked out.
I believe you would be quite happy with either the D3000 or D3100. (I don't know much about the D40 or D60.. have not researched). With each model upgrade, there are some small extras, but you may not use/need these for some time. Don't worry too much about the megapixels either. My D90 is only 10 MP. We are talking about the camera body only here.

Re: ISO. My old point and shoot also had an ISO of 64... some DSLR's may have this, but my D90 doesn't. Don't worry about that. Most DSLR possibly start at 100 ISO.

F/Stop - Aperture Settings: This will be determined by your lens, which I think in both the above deals was the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens.
With a large aperture setting of f/3.5, you will be able to have nicely blurred backgrounds. I think Scott mentioned in another reply to you, that your blurred backgrounds will vary with distance.
Meaning.... if your subject is close... and the background behind the subject is a fair distance away, you WILL get a blurred background (shallow (DOF) depth of field). This just takes a lot of practice, and you will find that even with a smaller f/stop.. eg. f/5.6, depending upon your distance, you can still achieve a nice blurred shallow DOF.

Hope I have helped a little. Just please don't rush. I was a member of the Proud forums for 2 or more years before I purchased my first DSLR, which was only March last year. SO, I am still learning heaps too, and still doing the course. Up to Lesson 7 and not rushing. Learning heaps along the way.

[thielen30562]

Thanks so much! I failed to mention I needed another camera anyway because my kids got ahold of this one and it dont work properly. I just figured if I was going to get a new one, I wanted to get the right one the first time. Thanks so much for explaining everything for me. It makes sense now. I will post pics soon and look forward to everyones insight. Have a great day!

[eskdalemum]

Have you had a look at the Pentax range of DSLR such as the kx or kr you can get a lot of camera for a good price. I have had my Pentax for 2 years and I am still very happy with it and you can use any lens that has ever been made for a pentax camera including the screw mount with an adaptor. Her is some information about both cameras
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2009/9/17/pentaxKXhandson
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/KR/KRA.HTM

[thielen30562]

THanks! I will look into those as well!