Nikon D40 v Canon 350D/400D

[Carl]

What`s better for wildlife photos and holiday snaps.
The Nikon D40 or the Canon 350/400D?
As i wasnt to get a new camera and thought bout getting one of these as i want ot be able to get "professional" snaps

Thanks

CarlC

[matt_xyz]

the lens is far more important that the camera Carl. All of those cameras are capable of taking excellent images with the right lens (and the right photographer ). As a Canon owner I am unfamiliar with Nikon lenses, but am I right in saying that the D40 only accepts certain Nikon lenses? I seem to remember reading that, but I may have got it wrong.

It all comes down to how much you want to spend on lenses. If you go the Canon route, the 100-400 IS L is a very popular lens for wildlife photography but will set you back around £800. The Sigma 50-500 (the 'Bigma') is another and is available in both Canon and Nikon mounts (although I don't know whether it fits the D40). That goes for £600-700 if you find a competitive supplier. Cheaper lenses are obviously available, but you should be looking at a focal length of at least 400mm for wildlife shots (e.g. birds).

Matt

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

but am I right in saying that the D40 only accepts certain Nikon lenses? I seem to remember reading that, but I may have got it wrong.

Matt

i heard that too - its because they left the advanced focussing chip out to keep the price down - if you want to go the nikon route i'd look at the D70s/D80 which is reputed to be a much better camera - though it will cost you more than the comparable 400D , you might get lucky and find somewhere that still has nikon D50s - jessops were selling off there last onbes dead cheap last weekend

[matt_xyz]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i heard that too - its because they left the advanced focussing chip out to keep the price down - if you want to go the nikon route i'd look at the D70s/D80 which is reputed to be a much better camera - though it will cost you more than the comparable 400D , you might get lucky and find somewhere that still has nikon D50s - jessops were selling off there last onbes dead cheap last weekend

I'd steer well clear of the D40 then since you want to have as wide a range of lenses available as possible. As Pete (Eeyore) says, I'd look at either a more expensive Nikon such as the D80 or the Canon 400D.

Matt

[Pete W]

I'm a Canon man

Canon 400D cos you would need the Nikon D80 to compare which is a lot dearer and as said before it's the glass that will ultimately make the biggest difference...

BUT... you need to go and try the camera's, well at least get hold of them as you may find them too small, big or heavy or even awkward for you.

[Carl]

Thanks alot all
I`ve just had a look on the Jessops website at the D40 and 400D and i`ve fallen in love with the 400D lol and all it`s accerories lol.
So i`ll be saving up for that and hopefully in 4 months i`ll have one.

[ollyk]

Originally Posted by Carl

Thanks alot all
I`ve just had a look on the Jessops website at the D40 and 400D and i`ve fallen in love with the 400D lol and all it`s accerories lol.
So i`ll be saving up for that and hopefully in 4 months i`ll have one.

You MUST try the camera's Carl - I went into Jessops dead against the 350D and for the D50 but actually liked the 350D! Saying that I got a good deal too

[eeyore]

i agree , but dont rush at buying it from jessops they are notoriusly expensive (except very occasionally when they run special offers to clear stock) check out ebay traders and compare prices , and also grab a copy of amateur photographer magazine and check out the huge number of advertsiers in the back.

[galanthus]

ebay's been recommended by lots of peeps in these forums, I've just bought my Canon 100mm macro lens from there for my very fave canon 400d, hasn't come yet but can't wait. Jessops dire on the expense front. If not ebay, try warehouse express or aj purdy.
Anyone want to buy my canon 60mm macro

[eccles]

Jessops are good to be able to pick up a camera though. So it's up to you, once decided, whether you put it down again and buy online.
Having said that, didn't they used to have a pricematch that included online sellers?