Opinions wanted on K100D, D40

Nov 4, 2007 at 10:03 AM
4 comments

I've got the research for My First DSLR down to two contenders: the Nikon D40, and the Pentax K100D. I'd like to hear some opinions from people who have either one of these bodies (and, probably, the kit lens as well.) I've read quite a bit already but not much from people comparing these two.

The main reason I'm considering the D40 versus the Pentax is lens availability. Neither one will autofocus with old lenses, so that's an unfortunate wash. Price-wise, the Pentax is about $25 cheaper than the D40 - so my thought process is, is wider lens availability worth another $25? Probably so.

And I know all about the D40 not autofocusing with old lenses deal. I have zero investment in lenses at this point so, I don't care.

On the Pentax side, I'm worried about the upgrade path. There's the K10D and... that's... it. With the Nikon, there are roughly 820 more robust bodies. That's nice.

The K100D has a great feature set though, and I have a warm spot in my heart for Pentax having cut my teeth on a K1000 and an ME Super.

So - any thoughts?

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May I suggest ordering your camera from Central Camera on Wabash in the Loop? I got my Canon xti from them and they let me take the kit lens out and trade it in for a much better 50mm lens. I'd like to get a wide angle and a macro ring, but I figured it was great that they gave me a slight deal so I could trade out the lens. Buy local! :)

Wish I had more advice on the actual camera, but I'm not much more help for you with that.

The Pentax is a good camera with a long history. I'd always heard you could use legacy lenses on Pentax cameras, but maybe I'm wrong.

My favorite way to make a decision is to handle the cameras. Pick them up. Take a memory card with you (I think they take the same kind) and fire off a couple of shots. Think about how you will shoot. Will you take it everywhere? If so, is weight an issue? How does it feel in hand?

When I was deciding between the Canon XTi and the D50, I had to handle the cameras first. As soon as I picked up the D50, I knew I had the right camera for me.

I'd always heard you could use legacy lenses on Pentax cameras, but maybe I'm wrong.

No, that's true actually. The D40/D40x take olde lenses but don't do autofocus, so does the Pentax. (At least, that's my understanding.)

I've held the Rebel XT, K110D, and D50 in the past. The D50 is pretty big and a little heavy but I liked it - it felt like a camera. The K110D felt nice. The XT felt almost too light. Funny how that stuff influences one's decision, too.

Thanks for the advice thus far, Cinnamon & Cecily.

You're welcome. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about the upgrade path right now. In the last two years, they've introduced *ist models, the K100, the K100 Super, the K110, and the K10D. The K10 is comparable to a D80/D200, and that's a whole lot of camera for an advanced enthusiast. I wouldn't be surprised if they came out with something that could compete with Canon's 40D or the D300 in the next 18 months or so.

Opinions wanted on K100D, D40

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