Xmas Gift for Hubby: Nikon D40 or Olympus Evolt 510

[ilmgirl]

Husband would like a new DSLR for Xmas.

He had an SLR for many years and then we changed to the point and shoot digitals of which we have 3 but we would like to get a dslr.

We have two children playing competitive soccer and the point and shoots cannot keep up.

Looking at either of the following:-

Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko Lenses

OR

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens AND Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens

I have tried to research them and am totally confused with all the dslr's out there. I may be comparing apples to bananas for all I know!
Is there something else that would be better for shooting action sports?

Need to keep the price for the package at below $800.

Any help please.......?

Angie

[Frog]

I'm a Nikon man but I think you would be more pleased with the Evolt.
Its less expensive,and has image stabilization. You can take what you saved for better lenses.

[ilmgirl]

Sorry, I should have posted the prices. Actually the prices are comparable. With the rebate the Nikon is actually less.

Evolt 510 package w/2 lens = $660 + tax

Nikon D40 package with 2/lens = $670 + tax (minus $100 rebate)

[Frog]

Which 2 lenses and who is the dealer? I hope you have looked at the dealer feedback forum.

[ilmgirl]

The lenses are the ones listed above and the dealer is a big online company that I've purchased hundreds of items from and feel very comfortable using.

From your post, at these prices, I would presume the Nikon is the better buy?

[mjs1973]

What do you have for your film SLR? The lenses you have for that camera, could be compatible with a DSLR.

[ilmgirl]

It's an old Pentax SF7 camera with a 35-70 and 70-210. Not sure these would be compatible with anything in todays market.

[Photo-John]

I think the Nikon will be a better action photography performer. The auto focus will be better and I think it will be just a bit quicker as far as the shutter response goes. I do like the E-510's built-in image stabilization. It will be a better low light shooter because of the image stabilization. And any DSLR is going to be way better than any point-and-shoot you've ever had. But I think the Nikon's better AF will increase your soccer photo success rate.

[Frog]

Yup! Now that I re-read and see the lenses, I'd say the Nikon also.

[oldgearhead]

I would go for the D40, get a Nikkor 18-200VR, and sell the other lenses for 1000USD
(just kidding about the money realized from the sale). One of these days, I'll dump my
D70 for the D300, but I'll keep the 18-200VR. It's a great lens, and no dust.

A few 18-200VR futbol photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/grandpa...7602155885205/