Nikon Camera Recommendation

Coxe

I saw at Costco that they are closing out the D40X presumably to stock another model for the upcoming holiday sales season. I was looking into a D80 but was also made aware somewhere on here that some of the D80 features were incorporated into the D40X transition D40 model. Are they so close that the D40X is a great buy? I would kick myself if it is replaced by the D80 but also if I miss a great deal. I'm asking here as this camera is intended for serious coin photography. I could go with a D200 or whatever is above but I think the D80 is adequate for even publishing purposes for coin images. Thoughts from the camera buffs?

BECOKA

Everything is in the lighting and the lens used. The D40X is more than adequate when you learn how to use the features it has. You should be able to take magazine quality photos, the key is the setup and not so much the camera.

mgoodm3

The lens makes more of a difference than the camera body.

As you go up the line you get more features and a sturdier camera.

Russ

Before you buy at Costco, verify that that are an authorized retailer for the product. If they aren't, you're SOL on the warranty - and they aren't for many, many products.

Russ, NCNE

Coxe

Is one easier to control than the other. I will have to take a lot of shots and will probably have it up on the copy stand and shooting from the computer and editing them in raw format. I do understand I need to buy Nikon's software to do this due to their proprietary format. That's not a huge issue. But if one is going to be a significant hassle over the course of many shots, that might tip the balance in the choice.

The package I saw looked reasonable. It includes two general purpose lenses, nothing fancy and on the first tier not the better package ones. I'll be getting a nice Nikor macro lens and building a detail stage setup using extension tubes, microscope objectives and all of the adapters/reducers/... to fit it together. Lighting will be on the copystand and I'll integrate other sources as necessary.

Before you buy at Costco, verify that that are an authorized retailer for the product. If they aren't, you're SOL on the warranty - and they aren't for many, many products.

I'll check on that too. Thanks, Russ, for reminding me. There are some NY online dealers who at least apparently are but I'll have to check them out from the other end before considering them too.

BECOKA

<< <i>Before you buy at Costco, verify that that are an authorized retailer for the product. If they aren't, you're SOL on the warranty - and they aren't for many, many products.

Russ, NCNE >>



Good point, it might be worth calling Nikon US to find out. Although Costco has a pretty decent Warranty or at least they used to. Chances are if something happens to the Camera within the warranty you would be able to upgrade to whatever model is current at Costco.

mgoodm3

You don't need nikon's software to edit RAW images. Photoshop or Photoshop elements will edit Nikon's RAW images just fine (although not necessary, I convert the Nikon files to DNG files prior to editing. DNG is Adobe's standardized RAw file format). I tried Nikon's RAW editor and didn't like it at all.

derryb

<< <i>Before you buy at Costco, verify that that are an authorized retailer for the product. If they aren't, you're SOL on the warranty - and they aren't for many, many products. >>



I bought at Sams. When i asked how long the warranty was good their reply was: "As long as you have the receipt and all the packaging material." Three years later, it finally broke, an equivalent replacement was cheaper, so i bought the replacement with the refund and pocketed the difference.

I believe these wholesale clubs are self-warrantying the cameras. OK with me as long as i go into the purchase knowing exactly what the warranty is.

And on the D40X: Great choice. The advantage is the macro zoom and lens mounted mini flash units that Nikon makes. Excellent for coin photography.

If somebody can get JAPAN JOHN over here, he can show you some great pix from the D40x. His pics did it for me.