Is a Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera good?

Question

does anyone have anything to say about this camera. I want to buy it for my gf for christmas because Consumer Reports said it was the best buy, but I know nothing about cameras.

Answer 1

Depends on the experience of your GF. If she's an accomplished photographer and/or has a bunch of lenses in the closet, the D40 wouldn't be the best choice. If she has old lenses, then you should investigate getting a camera body which will fit the lenses. Glass is expensive! If she's an accomplished photographer, she might be better off with a slightly more advanced camera body.

If she likes taking pictures for fun/enjoyment, then the D40 is a great choice. I really enjoy mine. If she doesn't print pictures larger than 8x10, the 6Mpixel D40 is perfectly good. Otherwise, you may consider the D40X. My only gripe about the D40 is the exposure tends to blow out the highlights. This is easily corrected if you shoot in Program mode and provide an EV correction of -2/3 or -1/3.

Check out Ken Rockwell's site. He has a lot to say about the D40 and other cameras. He also has a very nice guide on setting up the camera.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm

Be sure to get a 2 GB, or larger, memory card. She'll need it.

Answer 2

The D40 is a decent camera and is aimed squarely at the compact camera user who wants to move up to interchangeable lenses but doesn't want the hassle of too many other options. I've sold dozens of the camera. The D40x has been discontinued for a while, it came back to life as the D60. Mostly it's the X with a new badge but there are some subtle under the hood changes plus 10 MP too. Mostly it's the VR lens that comes with the D60 that makes it an outstanding buy. The D40 isn't a particularly fast camera and those looking to shoot kids sports or anything of equal speed would be advised to compare before buying. Further if you are going with Nikon because you already own Nikon lenses please, please be aware that most lenses over 2 years old won't work on any D40 / D60 unless they are marked "AF/S". These bodies don't have focus motors built in and over 75% of the Nikon, Tamron or Sigma lenses won't work on them.

Answer 3

I work at a consumer electronics retailer and although I don't work in the camera department everyone that works in that department tells me that Canon's are the best. Once I began asking them which one they own I learned that none of them actually have a DSLR. When customers come in to buy one of these cameras they have typically done their research and most that are looking for an entry level DSLR go for the Nikon D40. One customer told me that Consumer Reports listed the D40 as the best to buy.

Answer 4

The Nikon D40 DSLR is not bad for a entry-level SLR photographer, but if your girlfriend is already used to shooting with a SLR you might want to look at another DSLR camera. Check out the link below for a review done by CNET.com!

Answer 5

It's great -- highly recommended.

But -- even though it's smallish for a DSLR, the D40 is still bigger than any point-and-shoot.

My main concern is that she'll find it too bulky to lug around.

Before you buy, consider giving her a gift card towards a new camera.

Then she can go to the store with you and select a camera she'll feel comfortable with.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Nikon has some comparison information on their camera line. If it's her first slr it would be a good gift but it's really kind of an entry level slr. If she is really into photography or if she has film and wants to switch to digital than this would probably not be advanced enough for what she'll need or want.

I would recommend Nikon though, whatever you decide to get.

Answer 7

it's very good

There are two the D40 which is 6 mp and the D40x which is 10 MP and more expensive

both are good