Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens | List Price: $499.95
Discount Price: Too low to display
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Brand: Nikon
Binding: Electronics
Features: - 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
- Kit includes 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens
- 2.5-inch LCD with three display options; built-in flash and hot shoe
- Fast startup with instant shutter response; shoot at up to 2.5 frames per second
- Powered by one rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9 (included); stores images on SD memory cards (memory card not included)
Great entry level DSLR [Posted on 2008-07-12]
Ok, I do a lot of nature photography, birds mostly. Two years ago I knew nothing about photography and needed something that would make getting bird pictures easy. A friend of mine recommended the Sony DSC-H1. It's an "SLR like" camera. After a while, I started seeing the limitations of that camera and wanted to upgrade. I have learned the basics of photography on that Sony and was ready for the change.
My roommate ordered a Nikon D40 and the 55mm-200mmVR lens. The first thing that impressed me was it's performance in low light (remember I had only used a fixed lens camera). He showed me some shots he took with it and let me play a little with it. All I can say is that I fell in love with this camera! It's perfect if it's your first SLR but, that does not in any way mean that pros won't enjoy it. I know a few pros who have a D40 and they love it as much as their D3's or whatever.
I finally ordered on with the kit lens and the same 55mm-200mmVR lens my roommate has. Doing mostly wildlife, I shoot telephoto 90% of the time so I rarely ever use the kit lens but, it's a gem of a lens as well. I have been able to capture some great shots and have really built a nice gallery.
This camera is so easy to use it's insane! the menus are great and easy to understand. Only if you know absolutely nothing about photography will you ever need to use the owners manual, it's that good!
pros:
Small size and light weight make it a breeze to carry around. I was able to stick it on my carry on bag in a small camcorder bag on a plane.
Battery life is great! Up to 1000 shots at times. I tend to constantly recompose and focus so this could be even longer with normal photographers.
Good ISO performance for an entry level SLR. Better than the higher priced D60 as that model has more megapixels crammed into the same size area, making them smaller and thus less sensative to light. ISO 1600 is actually pretty good if you don't crop.
Can't beat the price. All other SLR's in it's class, even those from Nikon are at least 150-200 dollars more.
Cons:
metering is defective. You have to set the exposure compensation to -3 or -7 to get a good exposure.
Auto ISO does not turn off in full manual mode! This can screw up your exposures and pictures so be careful of this.
Will only auto-focus with AF-S or AF-I lenses (the motor on these is in the lens). The D40 does not have an auto-focus mechanism in the camera. This will limit your choice of lenses. If like me, you need auto-focus because your vision isn't the best when looking through a view finder (my contact lenses tend to hate being restricted), this can be a handicap. I don't always trust my eyes to focus correctly.
These days, I now shoot with the 70mm-300mmVR lens. I've learned to really drive the camera to get more out of it. I will be upgrading to a D300 within the next 6 months or so because of what I now do. However the D40 will always be a favorite of mine and will still be used, perhaps most of the time when I'm not doing bird photography. This camera actually teaches you how to use and SLR if you've never used one before. It's also a great teaching tool if you wish to show someone else. If you're thinking about an SLR as your first one, or if you want a second camera, I would recommend the D40 either way. It's excellent for both beginners and pros.
Love this Camera [Posted on 2008-07-16]
I'm not a pro, but I've always wanted to step up into more serious photography. I did my online comparisons, read a bunch of reviews and settled on the D40. From the first click (on Auto setting), I was amazed at the quality of pics (but I just graduated from an ancient 2 megapixel Cannon Elf so the bar was pretty low).
It came with two instructional videos which were helpful but I purchsed a recommended book which helped explain all the features in language that a non-professional could understand.
The zoom lens that came with it and the sports feature allowed me to take amazing pictures of my nephew's ultimate frisbee team two days after it arrived.
For the price, the features, ease of use and a million other reasons, I'd definitely recommend this camera.
Fantastic features...a better camera than a Canon of same class. [Posted on 2008-07-18]
This camera has a lot of great features. I bought this for my husband for Christmas and he takes it everywhere. It's a great SLR camera. Nikon has a great product here..the quality of the pictures are phenomenal. It's very easy to use and we're so glad we have it to take on our adventures.
This camera is unbeatable.... unless you are a pro photographer YOU WILL LOVE IT!... [Posted on 2008-07-18]
I will begin by saying that I was very interested in learning more about photography so I bought the Nikon D40 to photograph the family and take occassional scenic photos. I received the camera, charged the battery for about an hour and then began taking the BEST pictures I had ever taken. (200 the first day) I did not change any settings...."auto" all the way. Right out of the box the camera is amazing.
My wife wondered why I wanted a $500 camera and why I just HAD to have the 55-200 VR Lens for $240 more but now I think she would have paid double. With just under two days under our belts there are over 300 pictures on my SDHC card and we are hooked. I cannot say enough great things about this camera and I'm sure as I learn more about photography with a DSLR my opinion will only get better. This is a great investment for the beginning photographer or soccer mom!
Would give 10 stars if I could!!!!!
Great camera for a beginner [Posted on 2008-07-19]
I love my new camera! I am a beginner at taking pictures with an SLR camera. I upgraded from my digicam because the flash broke and I wanted a better quality picture of my two young children. The Nikon D40 is very easy to use...in fact, I haven't even opened the manual. I typically leave the setting on Automatic and my pictures have turned out great. I'm already interested in getting a different lense - one that has a greater ability to zoom, but I am definitely happy with this purchase.
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