First of all, I think you would most likely receive biased opinions here as it is just a Pentax forum.
However, I suppose you could ask or should have already asked the same question at Nikon forums and you would receive similar comments for why Nikon, in another way.
So, just ask yourself which is important and which is not important to yourself, after you have done your research and collect enough *truth* (not hearsay or very subjective opinions - do filter all these out).
Well, I do have my comments on both cameras though. Do note I have used both. I own a K100D and do have a D40 at work (have used just for a few times). My opinions for which is better than which and for what are as follows:
1. The K100D has a top monochrom LCD panel for camera status which is useful (the D40 lacks it);
2. D40 with kit lens focuses more slowly than the K100D with kit lens. Also, D40 supports only ultrasonic Nikkor lenses which are rare, expensive and with few selections (except for the kit lens!);
3. D40 is lighter when loaded with batteries and card and the lithium-ion rechargeable battery is more reliable;
4. Colour rendition and rendition of greys of the K100D is far better;
5. D40 produces heavily sharpened pictures by default which looks unnatural;
6. But D40 images yet seem to have slightly higher resolution anyway;
7. AA batteries are heavier and K100D is very selective for which battery model you use. The safe way to go is to use only Sanyo Eneloop (for NiMH rechargeables) which is proven (whereas most others are not - you have to gamble). Anyway, using Lithiums in K100D is still the ultimate way to go for optimal camera performance. I can guarantee that K100D with Eneloop still focuses slower than when it is equipped with Lithiums;
8. D40 has a (far) more intelligent and accurate metering system;
9, Umm, honestly speaking, Nikon has a much brighter future than Pentax from what we can see now. If you are going to invest and build a new system, consider this *fact*.
Originally Posted by tparker
I am someone who, when presented with two similar useful objects, can find flaw and fortune everywhere. Right now I need a few of you to win me over on purchasing a Pentax K100D this Christmas over a Nikon D40. My concerns with the K100D are specific:
- It's Pentax. It has a long history, but the top contenders these days are Canon and Nikon, hands down. What does Pentax have now that is superior to Nikon?
- Buffer memory. Continuous shots aren't up to par with the D40.
- Lens quality. Nikkor glass is great, but I'm mostly unfamiliar with Pentax lenses. Should I stick with Sigma?
I do recognize the benefit of having built-in shake reduction and the convenience of using AA batteries.
Obviously, most of you are probably Pentax owners and as such, chose it over another brand for certain reasons. If you truly recommend the D40 over the K100D, please post and explain why.
I posted a thread back in January when I really began researching these two cameras. Obviously, I still haven't come to a solid decision, so any help or personal insight that you can provide would be very appreciated. Thanks!