Nikon D40 SLR camera, Suitable for beginners ??

Question

always wanted to get serious into photography work but still considered a beginner. Been looking around for a DSLR within my budget and the Nikon D40 seems good. You may like to follow this link to take a look at the D40 if you have not seen it before.

http://www.nikon.com.sg/productitem.php?pid=976-3f08245016

Anyone has any comments on that or advice on which SLR is suitable ?

Answer 1

It is fine for beginners and people who want to step up from point and shoot cameras. I agree very strongly with teef_au, though. See if you can get a D50. It is "more" camera and it is selling for exactly the same as the D40, if you can find one.

With either camera, just put the mode dial on the green "Auto" icon and it works just like a point and shoot with much better images. Many P&S cameras have about a 4x5 mm sensor. The D40 and D50 have about a 24x15 mm sensor. This has a HUGE effect on the image quality.

The "kit" lens is a decent lens optically, but you might want to upgrade to the Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens for a bit more range and a lot more durability.

Get a 1 GB memory card, such as the Sandisk "Ultra" for decent write speed.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d50.htm

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/nikon_d50.asp

Answer 2

If you want cheap, I believe the cheapest is the Pentax K110 D, which is essentially a K100 without image stabilization built in. However, I don't recommend the Pentax system because they have a smaller ecosystem. You don't have to purchase an 18-200 mm lens, you can go for the XTi's kit 18-55 mm lens. However, 18-200 mm is a very practical range, albeit it's not where to look for quality. Another alternative is Nikon's D40 with Nikon's own 18-200 mm lens. Before you make your decision on a camera, I would like to strongly suggest that you consider the strengths and weaknesses of each brand before you buy into one (eg. Nikon, Canon). Mainly, Nikon for a better body, and Canon for a better sensor. The next decision is what lens you want. I'm not sure if Canon has a 55-200 mm lens, but a good idea is purchasing a 18-55 mm lens, and then a 55-200 mm lens. This isn't as practical, but it may be cheaper.

Answer 3

The Nikon D40 in an excellent Camera for the price, packed full of features any experienced photographer, or beginner would be proud to own. Only one thing worth mentioning, that probably wont apply to you since you dont already have equipment or Nikon AF Lenses, the Nikon D40 does not take all of the Nikon Lenses. If you dont already own lenses, dont worry about it.
I wish they had a workhorse like the D40 around when I was first learning photography!

Answer 4

If you can, see if you can still get the D50. They are end of model but I am told they have "dumbed down" the D40 further and some features are missing.

I have a D50 and it is a great camera. My D80 is better though ;-)

Answer 5

Amateur Photographer, the UK's leading photographic magazine. gives it 86% in a review in this week's edition (if you are in the UK buy a copy and read for yourself)