Nikon DSLR gurus

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 10/3/2008 4:33:03 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Yeah, my friend loves it too. I keep vacillating over this! But TGuy will not take the camera...it will be my toy and I really hate lugging stuff around. Part of me thinks why not get it since most pics will be taken at home. Then I read that the d40 is actually better in low light conditions, which since our apartment doesn''t get a lot of light, is important!

Yeesh.

Definitly, buy a lowepro bag when you get the camera It''s worth every penny.

 

[Allison D.]

Date: 10/3/2008 4:29:29 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 10/3/2008 3:20:30 PM
Author: Allison D.
Tgal, I've been meaning to post a link for something I found that helps tremendously with noise reduction for pics taken with the SD850.

http://www.neatimage.com/

Free download for non-commercial users, and it is fantastic in reducing graininess.

Alj, did you just download the demo? I assume it times out? Looks interesting, thanks a lot...I think that will help with print.

I downloaded the demo edition because it does everything you'll need.

http://neatimage.com/download.html

It doesn't batch-file, but for the kind of use most people need, it does that just fine.

 

[rainwood]

TG -

I never used to post because of the Safari issue, but that''s fixed so hooray!

I have the D40. I started with the 18-55 non VR lens which was okay but I like to get closeups without being in someone''s face so I ended up buying the 18-200 VR lens. That''s the lens I now just leave on the camera. I really like the combination and the great thing is you can learn all about the different settings or just be lazy like I am and let the camera take a great photo.

The lens does make the camera bigger and heavier so you need to be aware of that. And the 18-200 can have this weird little habit of not staying in the retracted position if the camera is pointed down. Mine does that and it''s one of the newer ones. It''s a bit annoying but I still love the lens.

There are still times I just slip a little P&S in my pocket or purse, but when you really want a nice photo the D40 with 18-200mm is hard to beat.

 

[omieluv]

Hey Tgal, though I do not own any camera you have been looking at, I have been obsessing over them all for about a year,so I can relate to what you are going through, it is a tough decision. All cameras you are researching will blow away the quality of the point and shoot cameras on the market. After you cross into DSLR category, you look at the concept of quality on a whole new level because now you have a ton more variables to consider (e.g., technology of camera body and lense offerings).

I think what any person considering a DSLR needs to ask themselves is how you see yourself using the camera. If you see yourself as a casual user who wants to take high quality pictures of family, friends, pets, etc for photo albums, etc., then perhaps the d40/60 could be a solid solution. If you see yourself only using a couple of lenses, like a walk around lense (with a bit of zoom), like the 18-200/18-105 and the ''nifty fifty'' you mentioned, then the d40/60 could fit the bill nicely, as you might be satisfied with those lenses for quite a while. Amazon has D60 bundle with the 18-55 + 18-200 (both VR).

However, if you see yourself quickly growing into photography as a serious hobby, the D80 might be a better solution, mainly due to the variety of lenses you can pick from (its higher level of functionality & capabilities are a plus too). Lenses for the d80 tend to be less due to the AF motor being inside of the body of the d80, so lenses do not need AF in the lense. So while the D80 body is higher in price, lenses are cheaper and of course, you have the converse relationship with d40/60. Regarding the 18-135 lense packaged with the D80, it is a good walk around lense, but like you said, it does not have VR. I have read that VR only reduces vibrations, not necessary camera shake. I am not suggesting that d40/60 cameras are not capable cameras. In fact, I have read that serious amatures with systems of D200 up to professional level really do appreciate how many features fit into such a compact camera body & tend to use d40/60 as their point and shoot replacement for situations when they just want to travel light.

In your situation, whichever camera you pick will be your main camera, so if you are interested in taking a variety of different types of camera shots, you would have a more cost efficient and larger selection of lenses to pick from if you have a D80. Keep in mind though, you can use non-AF lenses with D40/60 cameras, you just would have to focus manually, which is not a bad thing for subjects that are not moving fast. For instance, I have read that manually focusing a macro lense is not a big deal when it comes to taking macro shots. However, manually focusing for more action related shots, like a pet moving or shots of people in motion, might be more challenging because you would have to master the art of pre-focusing.

In sum, any camera you buy will be a massive improvement over a point and shoot, especially in low light situations. The safe bet is going with a d40/60 and then upgrading later. Between the d40/60, I have read the difference between the 2 is really not all of that significant, even in low light. However, you do get more MP''s with the 60, which is important not only for printing larger prints, but also for post photo editing. Again, the D80 is a great option because it gives you more lense selection and has more functionality in comparison do the d40/60. The price on the D80 is dropping due to the release of the D90, making the D80 even more appealing.

I am not sure if my response has helped, confused, or just confirmed what you already knew before. Just know that I am agonizing over which DSLR is right for me as well. I am considering the d90, as it incorporates technology of the D300, which is a kick @ss camera that I cannot afford. The D90 has an awesome sensor, which allows someone to take pictures at higer ISO levels with little noise. What turns me off from D90 is that it has video. I know that sounds odd, but if I want video, I would get a video camera, so I really do not want to pay for technology I do not want. However, the D90 is getting great reviews and the kit lense is rated well too. I have yet to hold a D90, which I am scared of because it is bigger than D40/60, which fits nicely into my hands. I have held a D80 and felt it was rather large, so I do not know. I am going to go to my local camera store this weekend to see if I can play with the D90.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 10/3/2008 4:33:03 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 10/3/2008 3:38:31 PM

Author: puffy

TGal i have the 80 and i love it. it is a bit heavier, but i guess i got used to it. we bring it with us almost everywhere we go. when we go to parties and such, people are always asking me to email them the pics from our camera. we have a few different lenses also. but it seems like you''re deciding between the 40 and the 60. so i guess i''m not really too much help. sorry

you will need to get an SLR when A is more mobile to get all the pics of her crawling or cruising every where.

Yeah, my friend loves it too. I keep vacillating over this! But TGuy will not take the camera...it will be my toy and I really hate lugging stuff around. Part of me thinks why not get it since most pics will be taken at home. Then I read that the d40 is actually better in low light conditions, which since our apartment doesn''t get a lot of light, is important!


Yeesh.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
Check it out, I know someone who has one and for family shots he has not reached for his dslr since he got it.

 

[TravelingGal]

Thanks strm. I am really looking to get into the DSLR segment though, as I have my canon 850 and I love it, but want to see what more I can do.

Alj thanks...I will download that and play with it as I have a lot of high ISO shots that could use the work.

rainwood, thanks for your input! I have inquired about a used 18-200 for $500. If I can get it, I may get the d40. The thing that annoys me that is that there aren''t really awesome prices out there on it. About 445 is the lowest I can find. Makes me go hmm for a camera which is 2 years old and probably about to be discontinued. I can find the d60 for 827 at a reputable dealer with two VR lenses. That''s pretty good for the newest camera in this category. The lens is 250, which brings the camera/18-55 kit lense down to 577...not much more than the 40 right now, which would come with the non vr 18-55 lens.

Omie, yes, that helps thanks. A lot of it I knew, but it still doesn''t make the debate any easier, does it?

I held the 90...it feels pretty much like the 80. And I totally agree..I actually don''t want the video feature but who knows...maybe I''d appreciate it once I use it. I am thinking to buy the 40 now and if I just love photography, buy the 90 in 2 years when there are preowned ones or a price drop. I probably won''t buy two many lenses for the 40/60....and I believe I can use it on the 80/90 so it wouldn''t be a waste.

The nikon nifty fifty won''t auto focus with the 40/60, which wouldn''t be that big of the deal but these babies kind of move around a lot. I researched a good portrait lens to use with auto focus and the sigma 30 keeps coming up, but it''s over $400. Hm.

I like the idea of a d40 with a walk around lens, even though it may be a bit heavy. I think I would find changing the lenses at first pretty cumbersome.

 

[omieluv]

Date: 10/3/2008 7:16:37 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Thanks strm. I am really looking to get into the DSLR segment though, as I have my canon 850 and I love it, but want to see what more I can do.

Alj thanks...I will download that and play with it as I have a lot of high ISO shots that could use the work.

rainwood, thanks for your input! I have inquired about a used 18-200 for $500. If I can get it, I may get the d40. The thing that annoys me that is that there aren't really awesome prices out there on it. About 445 is the lowest I can find. Makes me go hmm for a camera which is 2 years old and probably about to be discontinued. I can find the d60 for 827 at a reputable dealer with two VR lenses. That's pretty good for the newest camera in this category. The lens is 250, which brings the camera/18-55 kit lense down to 577...not much more than the 40 right now, which would come with the non vr 18-55 lens.

Omie, yes, that helps thanks. A lot of it I knew, but it still doesn't make the debate any easier, does it?

I held the 90...it feels pretty much like the 80. And I totally agree..I actually don't want the video feature but who knows...maybe I'd appreciate it once I use it. I am thinking to buy the 40 now and if I just love photography, buy the 90 in 2 years when there are preowned ones or a price drop. I probably won't buy two many lenses for the 40/60....and I believe I can use it on the 80/90 so it wouldn't be a waste.

The nikon nifty fifty won't auto focus with the 40/60, which wouldn't be that big of the deal but these babies kind of move around a lot. I researched a good portrait lens to use with auto focus and the sigma 30 keeps coming up, but it's over $400. Hm.

I like the idea of a d40 with a walk around lens, even though it may be a bit heavy. I think I would find changing the lenses at first pretty cumbersome.

You are correct, lenses you purchase for either 40/60 will work on other Nikon models, so it would not be a waste. Amazon does have a 50mm lens, with AF for $100 (50mm f/1.8D AF), I would check into that one as it has rave reviews, a pretty price, fast, and a very light AF lens. In fact, I think it migh be perfect for taking pictures of babies on the move, as it is pretty fast. With a price like that, it would not hurt to try it. Another good portrait lense is the 60mm lens, which also has AF and is about $400 on Amazon. You might also want to eventually invest in an external flash, I hear the speedlight 400, 600 and 800 are great and can be used on any Nikon DSLR. Having a good walk around lens to get you started is not a bad idea. If you change lenses frequently, you run the risk of getting dust on the sensor. Of course, there are ways to clean it, but it would stink if it happened at the "wrong" moment (which I could see happening to me).

The important thing, as you eluded to before, is to buy a camera you will have fun using! So, if you can see yourself having fun with a 40/60 over the 80, go for the D40 or D60. Whatever you decide, just learn to maximize the potential of the camera and understand its limitations. Keep in mindthat sophisticated equipment, technology and post processing can enhance your photos, but cannot make up for crappy composition.

The D80 was not very comfortable in my hands and I am not sure if that was because I was not used to it, or whether its ergonomics just do not work for me. I am hoping I can get to the camera store this weekend and try either a D80 or D90 with a walk around lens to see if it would be something I could handle. I wish features from the D80/90 could fit into the body of the d40/60.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

No real advice...just wanted to say I am *jealous*!

 

[diamondsrock]

We have the D40 and it''s a great camera. I''ll admit I would have liked the dust sensor feature but that came out after we bought ours.
The kit lens is fantastic and very lightweight. We also got a 55-300 zoom with VR later. The VR is important and makes a big difference. Worth the extra money. I''m not one on zoom lenses but this one is good.
I had looked at the 18-200 lens, but it was pricey.
For years I had used a manual Canon film camera with a fixed 55 lens which I absolutely love still. It took the most amazing shots, you should see some of the baby pictures I took with that thing. It was manual focus. I used available light for most of those pics and they were so clear. I will admit that my low light shots with the Nikon do not come out clear as often, due to camera shake probably. The kits lens is not vr (at least when I bought it). With a tripod, no problem. I took some baby pics of my friend''s baby a couple of weeks ago, some came out great with low light, others were blurry.
We will be getting the fixed 50 mm lens next, but it will not be autofocus with this camera, as the autofocus feature is in the actual lens, not the camera. We will use it as a manual and that is ok as the aperture is lower and I expect to get some great shots with that. My son is trying to explain the aperture thing to me but I''m still confused!
I got a lowepro bag, too. Fits everything.
Happy shopping!

 

[TravelingGal]

Hey gals, what lowepro bag do you recommend for the d40/60.

OK, I think I am almost decided.

The price to beat was the D60 with the VR 18-35 and VR 55-200 lenses for 827. This included a 4 gb sd card and two instructional DVDs.

However, upon reading more, I think VR at 18-35 may be overkill. I think I could have a steady enough hand at that range to do fine. VR also doesn't help if my kid just moves around a lot.

So I realized that it may be wiser to invest in lighting!

I read up on the SB600 vs SB400. Being a newbie and thinking that a bounce off the ceiling flash might be all that I need, I decided the SB400 is enough for me. Plus lightness is still key for me.

I'm still debating if I want the 55-200 or invest in a better portrait lens, but I think I can get this package and go from there.

So d40 camera with the non vr lens is $445.
VR 28-200 is $205
SB400 flash is $105

The entire package for $755 which is mainly to shoot good pics of my daugther.

I am still researching, but I am thinking this is a nice solution.

ETA, wanted to really thank everyone for helping me! You were of GREAT assistance!!!

 

[MonkeyPie]

I think that sounds great, TGal. For what you will be using it for, it would be ideal.

As for the Lowepro bag, I have the Slingshot 200. It works perfect for me, because I have one lens that stays on the camera, one that I switch out with, and I also have a lens hood and a couple little accessories. It even holds my Light Gun, which is rather huge. Plus it has a pocket at the top that you can put all your extras in, like your keys and cell phone, and a tiny pocket inside the main compartment for your ID and money.

 

[TravelingGal]

Thanks MP! I think I need a smaller bag but will look more at the lowepros.

And check it out...Nikon has announced a 50mm prime AF-S lens shipping Dec 2008!

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08092201nikkor_50mm_1_4glens.asp

 

[diamondsrock]

Tgal,
I misspoke in my earlier e-mail. We have the 55-200 VR Nikon lens, not 55-300. There is a 70-300 available.
We are hoping to get the 600 flash for Christmas, because my son says it''s better and the head is movable, so if you are taking a pic sideways with the camera (which I do often), you can get it to bounce off the ceiling (400 flash does not tilt that way so I''m assuming it would bounce off the wall). There really is a huge difference between a pic with the flash bounced and the straight on flash, so the extra flash is a good option to have.
I have only seen the Nikon 18-200 VR Lens and it''s much more than $205, more like $700. Are you looking at a Nikon and is it autofocus compatable with the D40? Not all lenses will work with the D40 if you are interested in the autofocus feature. I am curious if you are willing to share where you found a lens that cheap!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:16:42 PM
Author: diamondsrock
Tgal,
I misspoke in my earlier e-mail. We have the 55-200 VR Nikon lens, not 55-300. There is a 70-300 available.
We are hoping to get the 600 flash for Christmas, because my son says it''s better and the head is movable, so if you are taking a pic sideways with the camera (which I do often), you can get it to bounce off the ceiling (400 flash does not tilt that way so I''m assuming it would bounce off the wall). There really is a huge difference between a pic with the flash bounced and the straight on flash, so the extra flash is a good option to have.
I have only seen the Nikon 18-200 VR Lens and it''s much more than $205, more like $700. Are you looking at a Nikon and is it autofocus compatable with the D40? Not all lenses will work with the D40 if you are interested in the autofocus feature. I am curious if you are willing to share where you found a lens that cheap!

I misspoke too! I meant 55-200 VR (it''s the d60 kit lens) for 205. I was looking at the 18-200 but too pricey. Sorry!!

Good point about the flash!

And yes, I know not all autofocus with the d40. I am going check out the kit lenses and then go from there.

 

[strmrdr]

Just getting back to this....
A 50 is 75 on a crop camera which is an indoor head shot lens.
a 30 which is closer to 50 would be the classic indoor lens.

Don''t skimp on your short zoom lens as you will be using it the most often.
cameras come and go but good glass moves with you.
The flash is a good idea too.

I haven''t decided if I''m going Nikon or Canon yet but one thing is for sure I''m skipping the kit lens with either.
With either one it is likely going to be the sigma 17-70
Nikon d60 body only $560
SB400 flash is $105
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM $399 <--- note hsm.

 

[diamondsrock]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:06:04 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Thanks MP! I think I need a smaller bag but will look more at the lowepros.

And check it out...Nikon has announced a 50mm prime AF-S lens shipping Dec 2008!

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08092201nikkor_50mm_1_4glens.asp

I''d love to get that but it would be out of my price range.

The nikon fixed 50 I want to get will be manual focus and is much cheaper. Which is ok because that is what I used for years anyway with my film camera! To be honest, it looks like a great lens for what I would use it for, especially low light conditions. I don''t even use the camera for many zoom shots anyways so I''m not getting a lot of use out of the zoom 55-200 lens we have.
The smaller the f stop, the more light it lets in, which I am starting to understand why my old camera lens was so handy in low light. It had the lowest at 1.8, the Nikon lowest on the kit is 3.5, hence the difference. Of course I''m still learning so it''s possible my hands are just more shaky today than they were before!

 

[diamondsrock]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:37:31 PM
Author: strmrdr
Just getting back to this....
A 50 is 75 on a crop camera which is an indoor head shot lens.
a 30 which is closer to 50 would be the classic indoor lens.

Don't skimp on your short zoom lens as you will be using it the most often.
cameras come and go but good glass moves with you.
The flash is a good idea too.

I haven't decided if I'm going Nikon or Canon yet but one thing is for sure I'm skipping the kit lens with either.
With either one it is likely going to be the sigma 17-70
Nikon d60 body only $560
SB400 flash is $105
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM $399

That explains why I often use the kit lens halfway out on my digial lens (18-55) since it most mirrors my old film fixed 50mm. I knew they weren't exactly the same but didn't know exactly how much. So this fixed 50-mm on the digital obviously wouldn't be an exact match for my old film fixed 50.
Do they even sell fixed 30 mm lenses for digital cameras?

 

[omieluv]

Sigma is coming out with a 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/080318_50_14_dg.htm

I believe the D40/60 has HSM in the body, so this will auto focus as well.

 

[strmrdr]

sigma 18 mm - 50mm - f/2.8 DC Macro HSM is another kicken mid-range lens
Its a little shorter on the long end but its faster than the 17-70.
It runs $440

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:48:02 PM
Author: diamondsrock

That explains why I often use the kit lens halfway out on my digial lens (18-55) since it most mirrors my old film fixed 50mm. I knew they weren''t exactly the same but didn''t know exactly how much. So this fixed 50-mm on the digital obviously wouldn''t be an exact match for my old film fixed 50.

Do they even sell fixed 30 mm lenses for digital cameras?

For Nikon you take actual x 1.5 so a 30 is a 45 and since a lot of 50s were actually 47 its close to the same.
The sigma 30mm f/1.4 is razor sharp and around $450

 

[diamondsrock]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:23:43 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 10/4/2008 7:16:42 PM
Author: diamondsrock
Tgal,
I misspoke in my earlier e-mail. We have the 55-200 VR Nikon lens, not 55-300. There is a 70-300 available.
We are hoping to get the 600 flash for Christmas, because my son says it''s better and the head is movable, so if you are taking a pic sideways with the camera (which I do often), you can get it to bounce off the ceiling (400 flash does not tilt that way so I''m assuming it would bounce off the wall). There really is a huge difference between a pic with the flash bounced and the straight on flash, so the extra flash is a good option to have.
I have only seen the Nikon 18-200 VR Lens and it''s much more than $205, more like $700. Are you looking at a Nikon and is it autofocus compatable with the D40? Not all lenses will work with the D40 if you are interested in the autofocus feature. I am curious if you are willing to share where you found a lens that cheap!

I misspoke too! I meant 55-200 VR (it''s the d60 kit lens) for 205. I was looking at the 18-200 but too pricey. Sorry!!

Good point about the flash!

And yes, I know not all autofocus with the d40. I am going check out the kit lenses and then go from there.

Tgal, I would suggest you go into a camera store and try out the 55-200 lens along with the kit lens 18-55 to get a feel for them. You may find yourself switching back to the kit lens to get portrait shots. That''s the experience I have had. I find myself using the kit lens much more than the 55-200, although it''s a great lens to have, it''s not the one I reach for most often.

 

[diamondsrock]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:52:34 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 10/4/2008 7:48:02 PM
Author: diamondsrock

That explains why I often use the kit lens halfway out on my digial lens (18-55) since it most mirrors my old film fixed 50mm. I knew they weren''t exactly the same but didn''t know exactly how much. So this fixed 50-mm on the digital obviously wouldn''t be an exact match for my old film fixed 50.

Do they even sell fixed 30 mm lenses for digital cameras?

For Nikon you take actual x 1.5 so a 30 is a 45 and since a lot of 50s were actually 47 its close to the same.
The sigma 30mm f/1.4 is razor sharp and around $450

That sounds awesome. Wish I had an extra $450! Cameras and good lenses are expensive.

 

[TravelingGal]

This is so addictive I have opted to stay in tonight instead of going out with the galpals to a bar in order to research. Plus I feel under the weather anyway (so I am not that much of a loser.)

I think I am going to can the 55-200. You''re right...don''t know when was the last time I zoomed in on anything really far. Using mostly for portrait so so will take the $200 and research some lenses that you mentioned.

Storm, where are you seeing the D60 body only for sale? All the sites seem to include the kit lens....

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:49:17 PM
Author: omieluv
Sigma is coming out with a 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/080318_50_14_dg.htm

I believe the D40/60 has HSM in the body, so this will auto focus as well.

40/60 has to have AF in the lens...so would this work? I''m confused with all these terms that aren''t across the board. Ack!

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:59:25 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 10/4/2008 7:49:17 PM

Author: omieluv

Sigma is coming out with a 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/080318_50_14_dg.htm


I believe the D40/60 has HSM in the body, so this will auto focus as well.

40/60 has to have AF in the lens...so would this work? I''m confused with all these terms that aren''t across the board. Ack!

if it says hsm it has the motor in the lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
is a good place to get options as they include the full specs and note if it don''t have a motor in the lens.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/4/2008 8:05:59 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 10/4/2008 7:59:25 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 10/4/2008 7:49:17 PM

Author: omieluv

Sigma is coming out with a 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/080318_50_14_dg.htm


I believe the D40/60 has HSM in the body, so this will auto focus as well.

40/60 has to have AF in the lens...so would this work? I''m confused with all these terms that aren''t across the board. Ack!

if it says hsm it has the motor in the lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
is a good place to get options as they include the full specs and note if it don''t have a motor in the lens.

Thanks storm. b&h is one of my resellers so I usually buy from them if possible.

I still am not seeing the d60 by itself for 560 anywhere...

 

[diamondsrock]

I want to clarify that you can use the 55-200 for portraits, it''s just not my preference. I prefer to physically get up close to my subject. When I tried to use the zoom lens, I found myself having to back up a bit. You can definately use it to zoom in on the subject without moving closer, and it does take good shots. Some people maybe prefer to shoot portraits with a lens like this, so it all depends on what you are comfortable with. You won''t know until you try them out.

To be honest, the 50 mm 1.8 looks like a great portrait lens for my uses.

If I were you, I''d start with the kit lens and go from there. You will know fairly quickly if you need something that zooms in better once you start taking shots, or if you realize the kit lens is zoomed out all the way most of the time and you want to be closer, you''ll know you should get the 55-200.

 

[omieluv]

Date: 10/4/2008 7:59:25 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 10/4/2008 7:49:17 PM
Author: omieluv
Sigma is coming out with a 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/080318_50_14_dg.htm

I believe the D40/60 has HSM in the body, so this will auto focus as well.

40/60 has to have AF in the lens...so would this work? I'm confused with all these terms that aren't across the board. Ack!

I also think you should practice with the kit lens to figure out what you might want to shoot with down the road. From what I have read, the kit lens for the Nikon D40/60 is not a bad lens to start with.

This has been a learning curve for me as well! Here is a list of lenses on DPreview that work with D60. This is a new lens, so it is not listed, however, the D60 supports HSM.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond60/page3.asp

I also found this thread in another photo site:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=88977

ETA: Check out this thread on portrait lenses on my favorite digi cam forum: http://forums.steves-digicams.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=595239&forum_id=66

Here is the link on Amazon to the Sigma lens Storm mentioned. You can take a look at several user pictures, it does look like it produces great results!
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-30mm-Nikon-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007U0H06/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223166616&sr=8-1

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 10/4/2008 8:14:27 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Thanks storm. b&h is one of my resellers so I usually buy from them if possible.


I still am not seeing the d60 by itself for 560 anywhere...

Excellent vendor if you buy through buy.com, not so good to buy direct.
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=207525700&listingid=28449181&dcaid=17902

 

[omieluv]

Way off topic, but after looking at prices on D40/60, I am now starting to reconsider the D90...just saw it for $1300 (w/ kit)...yikes. Buy.com has the D80 kit for 800...wondering if the D90 is worth the price difference.