Where's the best deal on a D40x with kit lens?

[zagato27]

Thought I'd come to the experts for advice. I'm looking for a D40x for my son (HS senior). Both of us have been watching these forums trying to decide between the Rebel and the D40. Went out to BB and actually handled both of them and he likes the feel and the controls of the D40x. Can't argue with that. Both are good choices and wouldn't go wrong with either but the decision has been made. Now I'm looking for the best deal. I'm looking for just the basic body with the standard kit lens...no additional goodies. I'm searching the net but any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Cheers

[Martin C]

B&H has it for $619 with the 18-55mm kit lens.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486464-REG/Nikon_9421_D40x_Digital_Camera_Kit.html

You can get the D40x with the 18-55mm kit lens and a 2GB SD Card for $669
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/494401-REG/Nikon__D40x_Digital_Camera_Kit.html

[zagato27]

B&H has it for $619 with the 18-55mm kit lens.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486464-REG/Nikon_9421_D40x_Digital_Camera_Kit.html

You can get the D40x with the 18-55mm kit lens and a 2GB SD Card for $669
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/494401-REG/Nikon__D40x_Digital_Camera_Kit.html

Thanks for the reply. I found it here for $559 with the 18-55mm kit lens http://www.digicombos.com/product_p/nkd40xnk1855.htm

Anyone have any experience with this vendor?

[overanalyzer]

I don't have experience with that vendor, but for that price difference, it might be grey market. That's when camera equipment is imported from countries where it's available cheaper and then sold here. It's totally legal and I've bought equipment that way before. The only downside is since it's not intended for sale in the US, sometimes the warranties don't apply. You can contact the seller to ask if this is the case, or if they just have a great deal. But plenty of reputable sellers carry grey market equipment, so that's not a deal breaker if it is.

Also, I don't know if this is a good deal, but Costco has a two lens (18-55 and 55-200), bag, 1GB SD card kit on sale for $849.99 including shipping. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11238544

I've been vaguely looking for a D40X, just haven't decided if I want to spend the money. So I'll be very interested to see what deals you come up with.

EDIT: B&H has the same two-lens kit as Costco for $749.95 plus shipping, but without the case/SD card etc. Probably about comparable by the time you add in the price of the other stuff in the Costco kit, but personally I'd probably prefer to get a larger SD card and pick my own case if I was starting out.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/532273-REG/Nikon__D40x_Digital_Camera_2.html

[mattwe]

Thought I'd come to the experts for advice. I'm looking for a D40x for my son (HS senior). Both of us have been watching these forums trying to decide between the Rebel and the D40. Went out to BB and actually handled both of them and he likes the feel and the controls of the D40x. Can't argue with that. Both are good choices and wouldn't go wrong with either but the decision has been made. Now I'm looking for the best deal. I'm looking for just the basic body with the standard kit lens...no additional goodies. I'm searching the net but any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Cheers

Right now, you can get the following from Amazon:

Order the Nikon D40 Kit for $488.59.
Order the 55-200 VR Lens for $203.55 and get a $100 instant rebate.
Order the Lowepro bag for $19.95 and get a $10 instant rebate.
Order the Lowepro strap for $19.95 and get a $19.95 instant rebate.
Order the Tiffin 52mm UV Filter for $6.99 filter and get a $6.99 instant rebate.

Total comes out to $602.09

I think this is a screaming deal (I have been watching prices on them lately) considering you know this is US model. There are tons of posts about why the extra money for the D40x is not justified, but I assume you have read those and still decided on the D40x over the D40. Substituting the D40x in on this deal you end up at $744.61, still a great deal.

[seany916]

Do you have a Costco near you?

Why the D40x? D40 should be great.

[zagato27]

Do you have a Costco near you?

Why the D40x? D40 should be great.

No, no Costco. I'm rethinking the D40x vs the D40.

[overanalyzer]

Why the D40x? D40 should be great.

I'm sort of debating on this point too, and I know a lot of people have discussed it elsewhere. I just spent a while comparing prices on Costco.com, Amazon and B&H for the D40 and D40x with various kit options. The D40x basically comes out to be roughly $140 more than the D40 in any configuration. Relative to a price point of about $480-$850 depending on kit choice, that's anywhere from a huge to a notable but not bad difference.

How did you decide on the D40x instead of D40?

EDIT: Also, about this -
Right now, you can get the following from Amazon:

...
Order the 55-200 VR Lens for $203.55 and get a $100 instant rebate.
...

Where do you see the $100 instant rebate for the 55-200 VR lens? That really is a great deal...kinda tempted to jump at it.

EDIT Again:
Doh. Nevermind. I finally see it. They really don't do a great job promoting those specials considering I missed it while looking for it.

[RaceTripper]

Thanks for the reply. I found it here for $559 with the 18-55mm kit lens http://www.digicombos.com/product_p/nkd40xnk1855.htm

Anyone have any experience with this vendor?
If you don't buy from a known reseller (like B&H, Adorama, Amazon, etc) make sure you check http://resellerratings.com. There are tons of scams on camera sales where you can end up paying more from a non-authorized dealer and end up with no warranty.

Most review sites can be very unreliable because these scammers populate the sites with false positive reviews. Resellerratings.com has more realistic ratings.

Digicombos has a 7.65/10 rating. Not too bad. The scammers typically have about .01/10 and so on. B&H is a 9.55/10.

[zagato27]

If you don't buy from a known reseller (like B&H, Adorama, Amazon, etc) make sure you check http://resellerratings.com. There are tons of scams on camera sales where you can end up paying more from a non-authorized dealer and end up with no warranty.

Most review sites can be very unreliable because these scammers populate the sites with false positive reviews. Resellerratings.com has more realistic ratings.

Digicombos has a 7.65/10 rating. Not too bad. The scammers typically have about .01/10 and so on. B&H is a 9.55/10.

Woah! Thanks for the info.

[zagato27]

Ok, ok. Having second thoughts bout the D40x and now looking at the D40. A bit easier on the wallet, yet still an excellent camera. Talked to my son about "lowering our/his sights" a bit and after he researched prices etc. seems to agree that the D40 w/ kit lens would be a good deal for a first dslr. So, still researching best price for a D40. Yes, as has been pointed out a D40x is "only" $140 more but that extra 140 is pushing things. I'll keep looking and appreciate everyone's help.

[RaceTripper]

Ok, ok. Having second thoughts bout the D40x and now looking at the D40. A bit easier on the wallet, yet still an excellent camera. Talked to my son about "lowering our/his sights" a bit and after he researched prices etc. seems to agree that the D40 w/ kit lens would be a good deal for a first dslr. So, still researching best price for a D40. Yes, as has been pointed out a D40x is "only" $140 more but that extra 140 is pushing things. I'll keep looking and appreciate everyone's help.If you spend the extra $140, you'd be much better off putting it towards a better lens anyway.

[overanalyzer]

I think you've hit the same spot I have. After reading a bunch of reviews and forums debates, I think the D40x isn't worth the extra money to me either. I'm finding the Amazon deal extremely appealing. It seems to be the best deal for a D40 with the 18-55 and 55-200 VR lenses. Have you come across anything better?

EDIT: One thing I've been wondering about is the 18-200 VR lens with a D40 (either as a kit or body only then buying the lens). But it seems like the D40 is always packaged with a lens, right?

[zagato27]

I think you've hit the same spot I have. After reading a bunch of reviews and forums debates, I think the D40x isn't worth the extra money to me either. I'm finding the Amazon deal extremely appealing. It seems to be the best deal for a D40 with the 18-55 and 55-200 VR lenses. Have you come across anything better?

EDIT: One thing I've been wondering about is the 18-200 VR lens with a D40 (either as a kit or body only then buying the lens). But it seems like the D40 is always packaged with a lens, right?

You can get a body only if you want. The one I buy will be a present and I want to make sure that my son can use it right out of the box...ie kit lens initially. Then "HE" can research and then buy a lens he wants. Hmmm, the Amazon deal looks good. Guess I'll need to buy an SD card as it doesn't come with one. Saw some on ebay...4gb for $10 and another $10 for shipping. Sounds good.

[overanalyzer]

You can get a body only if you want. The one I buy will be a present and I want to make sure that my son can use it right out of the box...ie kit lens initially. Then "HE" can research and then buy a lens he wants. Hmmm, the Amazon deal looks good. Guess I'll need to buy an SD card as it doesn't come with one. Saw some on ebay...4gb for $10 and another $10 for shipping. Sounds good.

Where'd you see a D40 body only? I've only come across the D40x body only. I couldn't find it on Costco/Amazon/B&H.

As for an SD card, $20 for a 4GB is a good deal, just check the speed. Amazon has high speed 2GB SD cards for $15 with free shipping on orders over $25, so you could toss that in with everything else if you're ordering from Amazon. Haven't had a chance to check their prices on 4GB yet, but that's also a LOT of photos unless you're capturing RAW...something on the order of 450.

EDIT: I'm tired and typing stupidly. I meant on the order of 450 photos for RAW, but it's on the order of 2500 photos for JPG.

[schreck]

Never realized the great deals that could be had out there. Figured my discount at work was good enough..glad I found out that how incorrect I was!

[zagato27]

I could swear that I found a body only but I've been to so many sites looking at the D40 or D40x I could be mistaken. If I find it again I'll post the site. Boy, that Amazon deal is looking good. Throw in the "free" strap and add on a 2gb card and everything would be ready to go. You know, tomorrow is supposed to be the "big" day for online ordering/stores. Supposed to be some good deals. I'll be checking. If anyone finds anything PLEASE post. Cheers

[RaceTripper]

...Guess I'll need to buy an SD card as it doesn't come with one. Saw some on ebay...4gb for $10 and another $10 for shipping. Sounds good.Be very careful about ordering flash cards on eBay. Most found there are inferior Chinese counterfeits. Either they don't have the specified capacity, or they are so substandard you end up losing a whole day's shoot to corrupted memory. $10 for a 4 GB card has a very bad smell to me. I wouldn't do it.

Newegg often has good deals on flash memory. I have bought CF cards from them for very good prices. Also watch for rebate deals from Sandisk, Lexar, etc.

[zagato27]

Be very careful about ordering flash cards on eBay. Most found there are inferior Chinese counterfeits. Either they don't have the specified capacity, or they are so substandard you end up losing a whole day's shoot to corrupted memory. $10 for a 4 GB card has a very bad smell to me. I wouldn't do it.

Newegg often has good deals on flash memory. I have bought CF cards from them for very good prices. Also watch for rebate deals from Sandisk, Lexar, etc.
I was thinking the same....too good to be true. Amazon had a 2gb Kingston SD for $15 which seemed ok.

[Abstract]

Right now, you can get the following from Amazon:

Order the Nikon D40 Kit for $488.59.
Order the 55-200 VR Lens for $203.55 and get a $100 instant rebate.
Order the Lowepro bag for $19.95 and get a $10 instant rebate.
Order the Lowepro strap for $19.95 and get a $19.95 instant rebate.
Order the Tiffin 52mm UV Filter for $6.99 filter and get a $6.99 instant rebate.

Total comes out to $602.09


That is an incredible deal. Get the chequebook.

[zagato27]

Amazon has this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SDPMEI/sr=1-1/qid=1196085888/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1196085888&sr=1-1
D40 w/ 18-55mm kit lens and the Nikon 55-200 mm Zoom $559. Any experience with this 55-200 zoom. My son would like a zoom and he does want to do macro shots also and it would seem that this is a pretty good deal to do now opposed to buying a zoom separately. Your thoughts?

[overanalyzer]

Amazon has this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SDPMEI/sr=1-1/qid=1196085888/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1196085888&sr=1-1
D40 w/ 18-55mm kit lens and the Nikon 55-200 mm Zoom $559. Any experience with this 55-200 zoom. My son would like a zoom and he does want to do macro shots also and it would seem that this is a pretty good deal to do now opposed to buying a zoom separately. Your thoughts?

I think this is only slightly cheaper than buying the 55-200 VR lens through Amazon separately with the $100 instant rebate. To me, the extra money (I think it's something like $20-$30) for the VR is an amazing deal. VR promises to be very useful both for telephoto and macro use. http://nikonimaging.com/global/technology/vr/index.htm

[zagato27]

Well, I think I've made up my mind. Here's what I'll be getting http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000SDPMEI/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
Note that the 55-200 mm is NOT the "VR" lens. Kind of limited regarding $ but this deal seems too good to pass up. I know that my son will want a zoom and this will get him started. Unless I hear something dreadful about this 55-200 I'll be burning the numbers off my credit card tomorrow. Cheers

[RaceTripper]

Well, I think I've made up my mind. Here's what I'll be getting http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000SDPMEI/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
Note that the 55-200 mm is NOT the "VR" lens. Kind of limited regarding $ but this deal seems too good to pass up. I know that my son will want a zoom and this will get him started. Unless I hear something dreadful about this 55-200 I'll be burning the numbers off my credit card tomorrow. Cheers

I think you've done well. It's a good starter kit.

[zagato27]

I think you've done well. It's a good starter kit.

Hope so:). My son was visiting some photography forums and he said that they all recommended the Canon Rebel. Basically because of the auto focus lens issue between it and the D40/D40x. He has handled the Rebel and the D40/40x and really preferred the Nikon. I told him that if he felt that way then he'd never be happy with the Canon and the Nikon would serve him well, especially starting off. I'm sure that it won't be his first and last dslr. He's actually "contributing" to the additional lens. The D40 with the kit lens and the 55-200 zoom is about $90 more than just the D40 with kit. I couldn't "swing" or should I say justify the additional money to the "boss" (read wife) so I approached my son with a proposition. Would he be willing to make a $90 "investment"? One that he wouldn't regret???? The 55-200 lens sells by itself for $154 so, a $60 savings. I know, the 55-200 VR is selling for $180 which is just a bit more but when do you say stop. Kind of like buying a new computer, right after you get it there's another one that's cheaper and faster. Get what you can and don't look back. Cheers

[RaceTripper]

He will not regret the Nikon. It's a solid DSLR.

I shoot with a Nikon D200, SB-800 flash, and a 28-70/2.8 + 70-200/2.8 VR lens. Quite a bit more money, but I am very satisfied with the Nikon brand. If I had to do it over again I don't think I'd change anything (except I'd have the D300 instead of D200).

Prepare for lens lust...

[seany916]

Costco is great because they have a 90 day return policy.

Best Buy has an AWESOME coverage policy for their electronics. They usually can't fix ANYTHING, so they just replace it.

If you plan on purchasing a plan, BEST BUY is the place to go. If not, there are better deals to be found.

If you're getting an iPod, get it from BB & get the warranty. WAAAAY better than Apple's finicky Applecare.

[overanalyzer]

I know, the 55-200 VR is selling for $180 which is just a bit more but when do you say stop.

It's $13.56 more on Amazon to get the VR instead of the regular. The retail difference on the lenses is over $50. Personally, I'd check with him to see if he wants to up his "investment" money by $15 to cover the difference.

[Clix Pix]

You mentioned that your son wants to shoot macro. Be advised that while the 18-55mm lens does focus pretty closely it is not a macro lens, nor is the 55-200. It is possible to achieve macro-like results with a telephoto lens but again it's not genuinely macro, which is 1:1 or sometimes 1:2 reproduction. Nikon has several dedicated macro lenses and one can also buy a closeup lens or extension tubes which will help create macro images.

[zagato27]

Well, I pulled the trigger. Ordered the D40 with kit lens and the 55-200mm (not the vr) combo deal from Amazon($569). I did see the 55-200 vr but not included in a a combo deal. If bought separately it would be $180 as opposed to the standard 55-200 for $154. Bought with the D40 as a combo it was an additional $90....worth it I thought.....still do. Anyway, I'm pretty sure that my son will like it. I said that my son is interested in macro but wanted to get him an additional lens to work with and the additional cost seemed worth it. He said that he found a site that sells "demo'd" lenses. I haven't seen it but will check it out. He said that http://resellerratings.com/ gave it a high mark. Have to check it out. I'm sure that he'll be extremely occupied learning the in's and out's of the Nikon and macro photography will be secondary for a time, afterwhich he can find that "perfect" macro lens.
I'd like to thank all who have responded to this thread. Your advice and suggestions have indeed helped. After the holidays I'll post an update on the success(fingers crossed)............failure(shakes head holding a tumbler with two fingers of Bushmills over ice):o. Thanks again!

BTW, Clix Pix. I enjoy your postings on the Monthly picture thread. Isn't time to update your sig to add the 300;) Cheers

[Clix Pix]

BTW, Clix Pix. I enjoy your postings on the Monthly picture thread. Isn't time to update your sig to add the 300;) Cheers

Thanks!! And definitely thanks for the reminder about my sig file! Yep, I need to add both the D300 and the D3.... :) :)

[overanalyzer]

Well, I pulled the trigger. Ordered the D40 with kit lens and the 55-200mm (not the vr) combo deal from Amazon($569). I did see the 55-200 vr but not included in a a combo deal. If bought separately it would be $180 as opposed to the standard 55-200 for $154. Bought with the D40 as a combo it was an additional $90....worth it I thought.....still do.

Just FYI...

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-4-5-6G-AF-S-Nikkor/dp/B000O161X0/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1196581269&sr=8-1

55-200 VR is $203.50 - $100 instant rebate when purchased with a camera = $103.50

D40 + 18-55 kit = $479.99
D40 + 18-55 and 55-200 kit = $569.93

That means the 55-200 is $89.94 as part of the kit. That's a difference of $13.56 for the VR instead of the regular, buying the 18-55 kit and the 55-200 VR lens separately but at the same time to get the $100 discount. That was what I was trying to explain before. Too late now, I guess, but if anyone else is looking, $13.56 to upgrade to the VR is an awesome deal, considering the retail difference is about $55.

[zagato27]

overanalyzer: NOW I see! Didn't know what you meant the first time I saw your post. Awwww, rats! Orders been shipped. I must be in that "10%" group that just doesn't get it:confused:. Next time I'll look for ALL the fine print. Still, pretty happy with the deal. Have to wait to see about my son. I'll update you after the holidays. Cheers

[Clix Pix]

Just to add to the good news: Nikon has recently announced a VR version of the 18-55mm lens, too, so that now future buyers of the D40/D40x will have a matched set of VR lenses to use!

[overanalyzer]

overanalyzer: NOW I see! Didn't know what you meant the first time I saw your post. Awwww, rats! Orders been shipped. I must be in that "10%" group that just doesn't get it:confused:. Next time I'll look for ALL the fine print. Still, pretty happy with the deal. Have to wait to see about my son. I'll update you after the holidays. Cheers

It's understandable. I had a hard time noticing the $100 offer when I was first looking when someone else pointed it out. They really do an awful job of promoting it, considering it's an upsell opportunity for them. I'm sure he'll still be very happy with the camera and the lenses. He's destined to want to add to his lens collection over time anyway, so there's always opportunity later for other deals.

Just to add to the good news: Nikon has recently announced a VR version of the 18-55mm lens, too, so that now future buyers of the D40/D40x will have a matched set of VR lenses to use!

Well I guess that makes me glad I'm still holding out on buying. I wonder how long it will be until there's a kit with the 18-55 VR and/or the D40 is available body-only for cheap.

[zagato27]

Thought I'd give you an update. Well the D40 was a resounding success. Fortunately I purchased a 2gb sd card with the camera so basically all my son had to do was charge the battery and he was up and running. I think he's taken about 600 pictures so far. I attached a pic that he showed me. He's trying his hand at HDR with a trial version of Photomatix. Unfortunately the D40 doesn't have the auto bracketing feature but he doesn't have to do HDR exclusively plus he can do HDR using a single exposure as I understand. Anyway, he's a happy camper. That makes us happy campers. Thanks to all how sent me their thoughts. Oh yes, I'll probably asking for more comments about "glass" later on;)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/zagato27/DSC_0073.jpg