DPReview is stupid

[tfinch2]

I was looking at the Nikon D40 review, and asked myself what was the last DSLR to not get a highly recommended rating?

 

[foghorn67]

They are dumb and stubborn.

 

[FP]

Can you think of a DSLR that isn't that great?

Most DSLRs I have used/tried are excellent. I have seen a handful of just 'Recommended' reviews on DPReview.com

 

[Koing]

They do better then AT photo reviews.

So your saying the D40 isn't highly recommended for it's image quality, features etc at it's price point? There aren't that many DSLR's out on the market and most are good. They aren't separated by much.

Koing

 

[funboy6942]

Why when I am about to pull a trigger on something expensive I read every review I can find by professional reviewers and what people have to say on them. Then I look at the specs on other products thats similar to what I am looking at in the same price range and make up my own judgment based on everything I have read, specs, reviews, pictures, other peoples ownership, and price. 99% of the time I am happy with what I have chosen instead of what the masses tell me I should have and buy without doing any research at all but what others say.

 

[alkemyst]

I had agree with the others here. In the point and shoot market, there is alot of crap; but in the dSLR market...very few are going to go into production of a subpar unit. It just isn't cost effective and dSLR users are the type that will post about and make public their issues.

The Nikon D40 is an excellent entry level dSLR...it will give the hobbist flexibility (perhaps not better pictures though as IMHO I feel most that go for manual controls are better suited with full auto) at a non-pro price point.

I compare it with photoshop elements (PSE) (a great bang for buck) and full blown photoshop(PS). I use both quite a bit and for the stuff I do (some production webwork for a Fortune 400), I am faster in PSE most of the time.

Now I am comparing PS version 6 to the latest PSE so it may not be fair, but I can by PSE outright cheaper than a PS upgrade.

Personally I like cameras I will have where I go that are not a bear to lug. I have a A620 for events and a SD450 for everywhere, that's always everywhere.

My brother is a professional photographer that no longer practices. He downgraded his dSLR gear when the G5 came out as he found he was missing shots since he wasn't carrying is camera kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking...he gets more shots now esp like me when you suit up your significant other with an ultra compact pocket camera.

Å

 

[yhelothar]

Who would buy the D40 for $599 when you can get the MUCH MORE robust K100D for $509?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: astroidea
Who would buy the D40 for $599 when you can get the MUCH MORE robust K100D for $509?

I have no friggin' clue. The D40 is just way too neutered.

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: Koing
They do better then AT photo reviews.

So your saying the D40 isn't highly recommended for it's image quality, features etc at it's price point? There aren't that many DSLR's out on the market and most are good. They aren't separated by much.

Koing

No it's not. You can get a better camera for the same price.

 

[Kalvin00]

Originally posted by: astroidea
Who would buy the D40 for $599 when you can get the MUCH MORE robust K100D for $509?

Or a Canon which has a much better lens selection than the Pentax and is a better camera all around

/dons flamesuit

 

[ultimatebob]

The summary page on Dpreview is pretty good as long as you ignore the rating button at the end. His reviews all seem to fall under three catagories:

1) He loves the camera, glows about it, and gives it a Highly Recommended
2) It kinda likes the camera but complains about some small problems, but gives it a Highly Recommended rating anyway.
3) He thinks that the camera totally sucks, so he just gives it a "Recommended" rating. A "Recommended" rating is the kiss of death on Dpreview... It's basically a failing grade.

Dpreview's rating system kinda reminds me of the rating system that Audi uses on their cars. The sales and service folks basically tell every Audi customer to give them a "Highly Satisfied" rating on any single category, because they won't get their any bonus for their work otherwise. If "Highly Satisfied" is the only good rating, why not rate just rate it pass/fail? It's nonsense.

 

[episodic]

I didn't understand why everyone was all excited about it's price when the "MORE" capable D50 was the exact same price and can use any lens in the nikon line.

 

[Thoreau]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
The summary page on Dpreview is pretty good as long as you ignore the rating button at the end. His reviews all seem to fall under three catagories:

1) He loves the camera, glows about it, and gives it a Highly Recommended
2) It kinda likes the camera but complains about some small problems, but gives it a Highly Recommended rating anyway.
3) He thinks that the camera totally sucks, so he just gives it a "Recommended" rating. A "Recommended" rating is the kiss of death on Dpreview... It's basically a failing grade.

Dpreview's rating system kinda reminds me of the rating system that Audi uses on their cars. The sales and service folks basically tell every Audi customer to give them a "Highly Satisfied" rating on any single category, because they won't get their any bonus for their work otherwise. If "Highly Satisfied" is the only good rating, why not rate just rate it pass/fail? It's nonsense.

A bit off topic, but since my job includes two Audi dealerships (and 22 others) here's a hint. The auto manufacturers are the ones that want accurate and detailed survey responses from customers. Audi still wants to know if it was a horrible experience, a good one, or anything in between.

The dealership, on the other hand, doesn't get certain incentives for anything but top marks. It's the manufacturer's way of giving dealers as much reason as possible to portray the brand as best as possible.

The auto industry lives and dies by those ratings forms, and the dealerships know that which is why they always pressure people into giving them top marks. Of course, that tactic is very much NOT approved by the manufacturer, not that that has ever stopped a dealer.

Edit: Oh, and my Shiny New Rebel XTi FTW!!! I believe DPR gave it a 'highly recommended' rating as well =)

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: astroidea
Who would buy the D40 for $599 when you can get the MUCH MORE robust K100D for $509?

or the D50 kit for under $400 ac at staples?

 

[alkemyst]

it seems people are comparing discounted prices on the higher level camera vs MSRP on the lesser.

When everything is equal the D40 would still scale down cheaper...

Also the average consumer is a different animal than the minor market of hobbyist/pro-amateur/pro.