07-24-2007, 07:01 PM
The Nikon D40 and D40x is fantastic, especially compared to the Rebel. The real-word differences between 6mp and 10mp is pretty small, so you might be fine saving a little money by purchasing the 6mp D40 and spending a little extra on a lens.
The entry 18-55 lens is sharp, small, and lightweight. I'd avoid the 18-70mm lens, as its cost is pretty high. The 18-135mm is a sterling lens -- the only problem is a bit of vignetting at the long end at wide open apertures. The flagship digital zoom is the 18-200mm and it costs $750 from BH Photo, KEH, Pictureline, and a few others. Avoid retailers that gouge up to $900 for this lens, and especially avoid ebay.
I own the D50, which is comparable to the D40. I agree that the D80 is a superior camera, and its ability to use older lenses is really versatile. The 50mm f/1.8 is a fantastic and inexpensive lens and it is virtually unusable on the D40 but perfect on the D80. The cost is higher but the build quality and features are worth it if you're an advanced user.
The entry 18-55 lens is sharp, small, and lightweight. I'd avoid the 18-70mm lens, as its cost is pretty high. The 18-135mm is a sterling lens -- the only problem is a bit of vignetting at the long end at wide open apertures. The flagship digital zoom is the 18-200mm and it costs $750 from BH Photo, KEH, Pictureline, and a few others. Avoid retailers that gouge up to $900 for this lens, and especially avoid ebay.
I own the D50, which is comparable to the D40. I agree that the D80 is a superior camera, and its ability to use older lenses is really versatile. The 50mm f/1.8 is a fantastic and inexpensive lens and it is virtually unusable on the D40 but perfect on the D80. The cost is higher but the build quality and features are worth it if you're an advanced user.