Doug Jewell wrote:

"SMS" wrote in message
...
Dave Cohen wrote:
frederick wrote:
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk..._128284.h tml


Does that mean should I contemplate moving up to a dslr I should let
a poll determine my choice.
Dave Cohen

It depends on which segment of the market you're interested in. Nikon
is pretty weak in the entry level right now, with the severely
de-featured D40x only slightly cheaper than the far more capable Canon
400D.
In what way is the D40x "severely de-featured" when compared with the
400D? Is it because it will only have AF with AFS lenses?

That's one reason. Here are some others:

1. No mirror lock-up on the D40x

2. Lens selection. As one reviewer wrote, comparing the two cameras, "A
Nikon D40x owner is at a serious disadvantage if they try to shoot
indoor sports since they don’t have access to any bright (f/1.8 or
larger) prime lenses that can AF with the camera." OTOH, for the amateur
photographer, content with Nikon's AF-S consumer lenses (or the Sigma
HSM lenses) the D40x is alright.

3. No depth of field preview.

4. No bracketing on exposure or white balance.

5. No battery grip option (this is a biggie, a vertical grip with a
shutter release is a _very_ useful accessory even without the extra
battery capability). Maybe someone will make one as an aftermarket
accessory, as happened with the Nikon D70. Ansmann makes a battery grip
for the D40x, but it lacks a shutter release, which makes it fairly
worthless.

Canon really has no competitor to the D40x, which is a very low end
D-SLR. The D80 is more of the competitor to the 400D. I'm glad Nikon
brought out the D40x as it puts price pressure on Canon to keep the
price of their cheapest D-SLR close to the price of Nikon's second
cheapest D-SLR, even though the Canon 400D is much better.

Bottom line, if going the Nikon route, get the D80, not the D40x. Within
a few months, that extra $250 will be forgotten and you'll have a much
more capable camera that you'll be happier with.

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"There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse
and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man's
lawful prey." [John Ruskin, 1819-1900]
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