Nikon D40x or Canon Powershot S5IS

I hate to fling this upon you guys, but I'm trying to decide on new camera... I've gotten into the rut of using P&S style cameras over the SLR. I have a Nikon N65 35mm with a few lenses (and filters) that I never use any more (because of the 35mm). I am wanting the camera for my upcoming trip through the Americas so that I can take my usual captivating photos but with better quality... The thing I hate about 35mm is that I can't see the photo after I take it... and although I know the aperature is correct, I have bad eyes and dont know about the focus. SO 75% of my 35mm photos (if taken without AF) would be out of focus.

The two cameras I've narrowed it down to are the Nikon D40x SLR and the Canon S5IS.
The D40X seems to be a powerful, well rounded camera for a good price. With full control of settings.
The cons: although it is a "compact SLR" it is still large and would take up valuable space. Lenses are also large and take up more space. No video mode.
0001820809421_215X215.jpg


I might be leaning the way of the Canon, but like I mentioned earlier, I have gotten in the rut of P&S. But, with the S5IS, I can control alot of the settings and has a pretty good backing. The Canon also has telephoto and wide angle lenses available with the ability to use filters. It also has video mode and takes up much less space and is cheaper.
Pros: Decent control of exposures. Adapts lenses and filters. Video mode. Compact and Cheap.
The Cons: The camera can not be dialed in as precise as an SLR. Small sensor and poorer lowlight abilities.
cnpss5is.jpg


Have any of you used both and can comment?
Thanks.
 

Clark White

Explorer
Unfortunately I have not used either. However, I am looking for an SLR my self, and have settled on the D40x (just trying to figure out lenses before I order). The reason for this is that the D40x has the same image sensor as it's big brother, the D80. My Uncle has the D80 and I have been very impressed, and with the same image sensor I am confident I will be equally impressed with the D40x. The only major difference between the D40x and the professional DSLR's is less body around the D40x, so if you drop it, it will get hurt more easily.

As far as the Canon, I don't know much about them at all. From what you said though, I would be worried about your mentioning it's not as good in low light as that is when I find I get the best shots, especially of wild life.
 

hattrik21

Adventurer
I just upgraded from a P/S camera as it had too many limiations for what I wanted in a camera and now have a Canon XTi. Since you have a Nikon 35mm, are the lens compatible with the D40? If so, that might be a good option as you already have lens and the flexibility of lens choices might be better in the long run.
 
hattrik21 said:
I just upgraded from a P/S camera as it had too many limiations for what I wanted in a camera and now have a Canon XTi. Since you have a Nikon 35mm, are the lens compatible with the D40? If so, that might be a good option as you already have lens and the flexibility of lens choices might be better in the long run.

That is one of the major reasons I am on the fence. I have Nikkor lenses, but not sure if the AF would work for them? I know they fit, but not sure about he Auto focus....
 

slick621

New member
LaOutbackTrail said:
That is one of the major reasons I am on the fence. I have Nikkor lenses, but not sure if the AF would work for them? I know they fit, but not sure about he Auto focus....


The AutoFocus will most likely not work between your current lenses and the D40/D40x, because the camera body lacks auto focusing pin like most SLR's (i.e. the lens must have an internal focusing motor). Here is a list of compatible lenses: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=262638

FWIW, I have the D40, and I love it - it's just the right size for me. I am, however, just starting out in photography.
 

jginutah

Adventurer
LaOutback

I just went through the same ordeal. The reason I did not go with the D40X is that for that camera Nikon removed the internal focusing motor in the body. The D40 has an internal motor. Having said that nikon has lens with and without a motor. The D40 can use either but the D40x, you must buy lens that have the motor internal to the lens and that is why you are limited to certain lens....At least that what I was told.
 

flyingwil

Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
I am going through the same... from what I have been told is stay away from D40X since it is basically the same as the D40 with out the guts to handle the larger size... If you need the 10 megapixel format, go with the D80 from what research I have done.

Also the cheapest prices I can find are at http://www.1wayphoto.com/

Just sharing what I have heard in my quest for a new camera....
 

Photog

Explorer
The D80 will allow you to use the older AF lenses.

The D200 is dust and rain sealed, and can even use the Nikkor AI lenses made as far back as 1977.
 
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neliconcept

Spirit Overland
well since you already have nikkor lenses, i would go with a nikon SLR, but stay way from the 40s.

Im not a nikon person persay, but I have used the d70, 80, 100, 200 and d2h.

If you have the means, get the 80 or 200 and build up your lens collection from there (lenses that work for you though, dont go out buying every prime with 1.2f)

the D80 has a solid body and can withstand a lot more then the its counterpart at Canon, the XTI. XTI is a good camera as far as color and noise comp go, but its body isnt that solid.

Just beware of the noise problems on Nikons.

And upgrade from P&S, if dont plan to use this camera for just snapshots, go ahead and upgrade, it might be more to lug around, but its worth it in the end!
 

Lost Canadian

Expedition Leader
flyingwil said:
I am going through the same... from what I have been told is stay away from D40X since it is basically the same as the D40 with out the guts to handle the larger size... If you need the 10 megapixel format, go with the D80 from what research I have done.

Also the cheapest prices I can find are at http://www.1wayphoto.com/

Just sharing what I have heard in my quest for a new camera....

That site looks fishy. A new D300 body goes for $1799 easy. How they can sell it, or say they sell it for $1249 is out of this world. Sounds like gray market goods at best, or a scam. If not, I'm buying one, or ten, and selling them on ebay for a nice $500 a piece profit.

What did you mean "without the guts to handle the larger size?" The D40x, D80, and D200 all share the same image sensor. What you get with the D80 is a focus pin for non motorized lenses, and a few external adjustment features. The D200 gives you a few more external features plus it has better metering. All 3 camera's produce the same level of images though.

The downfall with both the D40 and D40x is the exclusion of that focus pin. It limits you to Nikkor AF-S lenses and Sigma HSM lenses if you want auto focus. Tamron is just starting to coming out with moterized lenses so there are a lot of options out there. If you're just getting into DSLR and will be buying new glass, then not having the focus pin should not be a big issue, just buy Nikkor AF-S or Sigma HSM glass. If you're wanting to use your old non AF-S glass, then it becomes an issue unless you don't mind manually focusing.

As for the original post. Have you looked at the Canon G9, the Leica D-Lux 3, or the Nikon 5100. Those would be my top choices for full manual P&S cameras. Smaller then the S5 IS too. Superior picture quality as well at a fraction of the bulk.

Edit: I checked out that site. Buyer beware!
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/1_Way_Photo
 
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neliconcept

Spirit Overland
Lost Canadian said:
That site looks fishy. A new D300 body goes for $1799 easy. How they can sell it, or say they sell it for $1249 is out of this world. Sounds like gray market goods at best, or a scam. If not, I'm buying one, or ten, and selling them on ebay for a nice $500 a piece profit.

What did you mean "without the guts to handle the larger size?" The D40x, D80, and D200 all share the same image sensor. What you get with the D80 is a focus pin for non motorized lenses, and a few external adjustment features. The D200 gives you a few more external features plus it has better metering. All 3 camera's produce the same level of images though.

The downfall with both the D40 and D40x is the exclusion of that focus pin. It limits you to Nikkor AF-S lenses and Sigma HSM lenses if you want auto focus. Tamron is just starting to coming out with moterized lenses so there are a lot of options out there. If you're just getting into DSLR and will be buying new glass, then not having the focus pin should not be a big issue, just buy Nikkor AF-S or Sigma HSM glass. If you're wanting to use your old non AF-S glass, then it becomes an issue unless you don't mind manually focusing.

As for the original post. Have you looked at the Canon G9, the Leica D-Lux 3, or the Nikon 5100. Those would be my top choices for full manual P&S cameras. Smaller then the S5 IS too. Superior picture quality as well at a fraction of the bulk.

Edit: I checked out that site. Buyer beware!
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/1_Way_Photo

yeah those sites actually stick you with the body price being cheap, but then they raise huge price margins on the batteries and accessories, and if you dont ask for those, they wont even sell you the camera body,

they do not!!! sell the accessories with the body, you get the body only, no strap, no battery, no charger, manuals or anything.

stick with bhphotovideo.com or adorama.com proven sites with great customer service.

also any add in prophoto magazine or B&W magazine is a proven company.
 
I'm trying not to count my eggs before they hatch..... but it is possible that I may be limited to what is sold in Walmart stores or on walmart.com.... details later, like friday after a meeting with the wally world big whiggs.:ylsmoke:


Walmart.com if any of you have the time to want to tell me what I should get off of there?

Also, the Digital Camcorder that I am going for is the Canon HV20.


Oh and I am not new with SLRs, just DSLR. I know all about the exposure stuff.... and have a bunch of nice photos but they are all prints...
 

Lost Canadian

Expedition Leader
but it is possible that I may be limited to what is sold in Walmart stores or on walmart.com.... details later, like friday after a meeting with the wally world big whiggs.
Going to shake hands with the devil eh? LOL.
 

neliconcept

Spirit Overland
LaOutbackTrail said:
What about me finding a used D100? Think that would fit the bill? A little outdated? (This is if I have to buy my own)

D100 i think is 6.1mp, but as far as quality its still a good camera, if you can find a used D70S do that as well.

fredmiranda.net

if you want canon used cameras,

photography-on-the.net/forum or something along those lines
 

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