Hey y'all, I'm getting ready to pick up a D40 to start shooting some better pics from the boat. I've been talking with one of my friends who is a surfing photographer, but most of his stuff his crazy big zoom lenses. He gave me a few suggestions, but I was wanting to see what different lenses those of you who shot primarily from the boat were using? Thanks in advance guys

Or should I go ahead and look for a nice, used D80 or D100? I saw a few that were around the price of a new D40. I know that the D60's are basically worthless to use. Any pro's or con's to either one?

I use the 80-200VR with my D40x for wakeboarding, seems to do the trick. I don't use the VR when shooting from the boat though. <BR>I went through the same dilemma about getting my camera new or buying a D80 used, and after hearing from a million people that I should focus on spending my money on a good lens over a good body, I went that route.

I would get a used D200 over a used D100. Used D200's can be had for around $800-900 and will make a D40 feel like a toy. <BR> <BR> I never buy electronics that are more than a generation out of date (like the D100) and I always try and skip generations before upgrading.

Some find the 'toy' feeling of the D40/60 to be an advantage. It's a great camera not only for the price, but also the compact and lightweight body. <BR> <BR>That said, your options for glass on the 40 are a bit limited by the lack of focus motor. The 55-200 is a good budget lens with a great range for shooting in and out of the boat. <BR> <BR>You can always rent and try things out. <BR><a href="http://www.borrowlenses.com" target="_blank">http://www.borrowlenses.com</a> <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/521017.html?1196386096" target="_blank">http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/521017.html?1196386096</a>

Unless you carry several spare batteries, I would stay away from the D200. Battery life is horrible, especially if you plan on being out all day on a boat and camp all weekend.

+1 on the spare batteries for the D200. I always bring a couple along and charge whenever I can. If you are near a modern boat you should have no trouble keeping them charged.

+1 for battery life on the D40. I can't say how many shots it will get you because I've never run it dead. For that matter I've never run it down to '1 bar', even at ~700 shots.