which dslr camera suitable for beginner?

Answer 1

The Nikon D40 is a great little camera, very easy to use and quite reasonably priced. It has a few "consumer friendly" totally automatic modes that make it very easy to use, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. It will get you in the Nikon family which is a great place to be. If you buy accessories and lenses, you will be able to use everything on any Nikon that you might upgrade to later on.

Check out Nikon's "Picturetown" promotion, where they handed out 200 D40's in Georgetown, SC. http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/

Here are a few reviews, in case you have not read them yet. Be sure to note that they are several pages long and some of the reviews also have some sample images that you can look at.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3756/camera-test-nikon-d40.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm

I hate to see people slam the camera (and someone here will...) because it can't autofocus with older Nikon lenses. It is true that there is a "slight problem" with older Nikon lenses not autofocusing on the D40, but if you do not own a bag full of older lenses, it is not going to be a problem. It is barely a problem anyhow. If you check www.nikonusa.com for "AF-S" lenses, which are ALL 100% compatible with the D40, you will find 23 lenses, including 7 "VR" (vibration Reduction) lenses and one true macro lens with "VR". There are another 25-plus lenses in the current catalog that provide all functions except autofocus as well as many (possibly dozens) "out of print" lenses that will work just as well. In addition, although these lens will not autofocus, most of them will still give focus confirmation. From the D40 manual: "If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 of faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the portion of the subject in the selected focus area is in focus. After positioning the subject in the active focus area, press the shutter release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-focus indicator is displayed."

The D40 only has 3 autofocus zones arranged horizontally at the center, 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This might be considered a limitation, but realistically, most people will find this perfectly adequate, especially if you are moving up from a point and shoot with only a center zone.

You can get the D40 with the 18-55 kit lens at B&H Photo available through Yahoo! Shopping or at 1-800-622-4987) for $550 (May 2007) and this is with TWO Lexar 1 GB cards. You can get the same kit with one Lexar Platinum (higher speed) card for $560. Or - get the D40 with 18-135 lens and 1 GB Lexar card for $760.

Answer 2

The Nikon D40 (or if pixels are really important to you, the D40x) is a really nice beginner DSLR. It won't hurt your wallet too much, but it takes excellent pictures on auto and program settings as well as letting you switch to more manual modes as you learn more about photography. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the more advanced Nikons, but it does support most Nikon lenses and flash units, so that when you decide to upgrade, you don't have to start all over again with your accessories.

Answer 3

Either or would be fine. It really comes down to what feels best in your hands. Nikon and Canon both make excellent cameras with plenty of lenses and other Accessories. The cameras I would look at would be Canon Rebel XS or XSi or the Nikon D40 or D60. Go down to a good camera store and play around with them. Have the clerk show you where all the controls are and choose the one you find most comfortable.

Answer 4

Choose wisely!!!!!

Once you get a dslr, you will be adding many accessories and lenses. After that, it will be extremely hard to change brands.

I would suggest a Canon or Nikon. The Nikon D40x is an excellent choice.

www.dpreview.com
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3569/10mp-dslr-shootout.html
http://www.popphoto.com/camera_review/nikon-d40x.html

Answer 5

Checkout www.dpreview.com this web site list tons of camera and you can compare them. I have the Canon 30D love it, Check out them out. Which ever you go for make sure the lenses have a stablizer built in them.

Answer 6

i would recommend Nikon D40 or the newer D40x.
i brought one myself at an affordable price and they are good.
just search around the web for more info.