I decided to take the plunge... I was going to need it before next semester for my Photography class anyway.
now I can photodocument the 5 speed swap in the touring (yes, I talked the wife into it).

Just finished charging it and got the fastest 2gig sd card I could find for $50.

I know I should set it to RAW, and that It will not autofocus, but otherwise ???:D

Im pretty sure the d40s do autofocus. There should be a little A-M switch on the front.

The only problem I can think of that the d40 has is that it doesn't autobracket. Otherwise they're great cameras.

If you've any specific questions I'll borrow my bros d40 and help you out.

I was readng something in one of the tdgital camera mag's buyers guides. It said that said the D40 and d40x didn't because they lacked the internal motor, unlike the d80 which does. It said there were two lenses that had the motors built in and those would autofocus, but it was a non issue with me.
I've never been happy with autofocus on my previous entry level cameras... camera seems too likely to get it wrong.
I learned on my dad's Nikon 35mm in the 80s. I'm used to focusing.

I decided to take the plunge... I was going to need it before next semester for my Photography class anyway.
now I can photodocument the 5 speed swap in the touring (yes, I talked the wife into it).

Just finished charging it and got the fastest 2gig sd card I could find for $50.

I know I should set it to RAW, and that It will not autofocus, but otherwise ???:D

I shoot Cannon. Im biased, very. So, I could help you as far as others on the specifics of your Nikon.

The camera should AF. If its digital, then I couldn't think of a model that doesnt support an AF lens.


How much do you know about digital image processing? If you dont, dont set the camera to RAW. Large JPEG file format should be more than sufficient for you.

GL

that's what i'm self-learning

Ok, you meant autozoom. your d40 WILL autofocus... but not Auto ZOOM.

I take that back, it depends on the lenses. Check the rim of the lense. If it only says AF then you're all manual baby. If it's AF-S or AF-I It'll have the built in motor for autofocusing. However, the d40s lack the drive motor to ever auto zoom.

ok thanks. the kit lense does autofocus. you just have to hold the button 1/2 way down first...

even easier than I thought.
So far happy, punched off about 30 junk pics just to get used to it.

ok thanks. the kit lense does autofocus. you just have to hold the button 1/2 way down first...

even easier than I thought.
So far happy, punched off about 30 junk pics just to get used to it.

I'd throw in a couple bucks for a tripod. Mine was 12 bucks for a 5 1/2 footer. When you get into low lighting shots that the flash ruins you'll be glad you had it so you could lengthen the exposure.

roger that... I just Knew BB was way overpriced on em.

BB?

and $12 sounds like a cheep tripod

BB?

and $12 sounds like a cheep tripod

It was a $30 tripod marked down by half because it was opened, and I got a deal on top of that. I don't remember the brand name but its pretty durable.

best buy. no local indy shops worth two shakes, so I got it from the lesser of two evil big boxes.
no CC for me

The focus issue it is talking about is with older lens because it doesn't have a focus motor in the camera. I have a D70 and a D2HS ...shot Nikon for years. Find a good monopod as well ....it is MUCH more portable and will help in many cases that a tripod is not the best idea. As far as a all around lens ....look into the 18-200VR ...and you gotta pick up a 50mm f1.8 ...the best $100 you will spend.


hope that helped a little,

>^..^<

good deal, why the 18-200 vr instead of the 55-200 (with the current lens that would give me 18-55 & 55-200)

more research is required on my part, obviously.

Luckily one of my buddies is a 'Digital' Nikonhead and takes fantastic shots with a d80, so I am hoping he will be willing to give me some pointers when it comes time to take NICE pictures.

With the 18-200VR you have one lens that does most everything ...less lens changing (less dirt in the camera) ...less weight.

JMHO,

>^..^<