[Don Schaeffer]

I'm thinking of upgrading from my D40 to one of the 16 megapixel startup Nikons like the D5100 or the D3100. I have a lot of pre AFL lenses that I use manually on the D40. Will I still be able to use those lenses without damaging the camera if I upgrade?

[matthew]

Two handy pages from Nikon:

http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/...hibA%3D%3D

http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/...ai-lens%3F

[Don Schaeffer]

Thanks for the very helpful post.

[bikinkawboy]

I've had a D40 for years and I got a D5100 this spring. The D40 is a great camera and produces great quality images for its 6.1 mp, but I wouldn't consider the 3100. Not that it isn't a decent camera, but just that the 5100 has so much more to offer for not that much more money. My own opinion, but were it me, between the D40 and a new 3100, I wouldn't waste my money because you won't gain that much and will lose the infrared port the D40 has that the 3100 doesn't. That means you can't use the wireless remote with the 3100. The 5100 has a port front and rear, which makes bulb shots easier. The 5100 also has in camera HDR, which I really like. It won't give you the surreal, artsy images some people create, but it can make the difference between a contrasty, both over and under exposed photo and one that looks much like what your eye saw. The Nikon only shoots 2 images compared to 3 on Sony, but that might not be as bad as one might think. The manual says to use a tripod with HDR, but I haven't and only rarely has there been a sloppy mating of images. I figure it may be easier to get 2 handheld photos images identical but 3 might be pushing it without a tripod.

I also like the swivel display screen. When I got the camera, I didn't really think I'd find much use for it but actually I have and that's not shooting video either. I've set the camera on the ground for very low angle shots and tilting the screen up makes composing a snap. The older you get, the less you like getting down on your belly and then turning around and getting back up. It also works great for self images...when using the remote trigger. Compared to the D40, high ISO noise is MUCH less and color reproduction seems to be much better overall when talking about light, dark, contrast, etc.

In short, if you're going to move up from the D40, make the move worthwhile. With the 3100, I'm afraid you'd be disappointed with how little improvement you got considering the money you spent. I still use my D40 and I still think it's a great camera, but I REALLY like the 5100. I believe I've taken something like 9,000 images with it in less than 6 months. One of my better investments. And not because I have the 5100, but given the offer to trade even up for a D7000, I'd have to pass since the 7000 doesn't have HDR and swivel display screen.

[Don Schaeffer]

Thank B. I have real budget constraints. But I value the suggestion.

[kNox]

I wouldn't consider the 3100. Not that it isn't a decent camera, but just that the 5100 has so much more to offer for not that much more money. My own opinion, but were it me, between the D40 and a new 3100, I wouldn't waste my money because you won't gain that much and will lose the infrared port the D40 has that the 3100 doesn't. That means you can't use the wireless remote with the 3100.

As a D3100 user, I agree. Had I known that it's so limited, I would probably have bought something else. It's okay, but you could do better.