Nikon d40 or Fuji s6500

[Ritey]

I've just been asked this question, I haven't a clue, would those that know something about these cameras clue me up with which is best and why

[AntW]

Having just made exactly the same decision... I now have the Fuji. Although the choice was down to cost.

The Nikon D40 is a dSLR, the Fuji isn't.

Costs:

Nikon £300

Fuji £155

Both 6.5 megapixel

The Fuji behaves just like a compact camera but with a fixed SLR style lens which allows you to zoom manually etc. You can also use the LCD screen to compose your shots instead of the viewfinder.

The Nikon will only allow you to use the viewfinder to take your pictures (thats how SLRs work). Plus you can buy extra lenses as they are removable.

If you click on my sig you can see some of my pics with the Fuji, its a good camera. I bought it purely on budget limitations and having had a go with my mates Nikon D40 part of me wishes I'd saved up... but thats the way it is.

To summise:

If you really like using the LCD screen when taking pictures, then Fuji

If you want to spend money on different lenses - Nikon

If you are on a budget - Fuji

If, however, you aren't particularly fussed and just want a good camera then I would go for the Nikon as it will give you that little extra flexibility in the future

[bullett]

I have an earlier model Fuji of the same SLR-style camera. It's good and the longer zooms etc make it more flexible than a compact.

However. I would say it depends on what you want to do with it. If it's for snaps and generally taking pictures of people and places then I'd consider a good compact. My wifes compact comes out much more often as it's easier to carry and slips in a pocket.

If you want a more artistic camera and don't mind the extra weight/bulk then go for the SLR.

I'm going to get an SLR next...

[Ritey]

Cheers guys

[eolair]

the modern entry-level dslrs aren't much bigger than the high end P&S of a few years ago. Buy a dslr body-only and stick on a 18-200 lens, and away you go. That set-up would last you ten years easy, with lovely pictures. The only reason to upgrade is if you want a more challenging camera.

[AntW]

size of the cameras is a good point. The Nikon D40 and Fuji S6500 are pretty much the same size. The Nikon is just a bit heavier.

I found my first digital camera in a box a couple of weeks ago, it was like a small brick

[Omi]

Only downside with the D40 is the lack of an integrated AF motor. It keeps weight and dimensions down for the body, but you're limited to only AF-I or AF-S lenses.

I'm seriously thinking about the D40x at the minute, which is much the same camera, but 10.2MP. The specs are awesome and DPReview.com rate it very highly. Can be had as a kit for c.£360 and the kit lens is excellent.

[quickshift40]

Any comments about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8EB-K which bridges the gap between compacts and DSLR cameras?

[eolair]

The new generation of nikons (40/x/80) are generally good, but there are mixed reports on the metering. Basically, previous gen models were very conservative, and preserved highlights at the expense of shadow detail. The 40/x/80 have all swung to the right, and many folks are finding overexposure a problem, and some claim inconsistent metering. This may be due to a change in the algorithm - prev gen ignored bright or dark areas in the centre, current gen doesn't.

So if you go 40/x/80, learn to dial in -.7 or -1, or take it off matrix metering.

Me, I'm staying with the d70s until you prise it out of my cold dead hands.