Nikon D40 6.1 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens)

Having owned many different cameras, this has to be at the top of my list. PRO'S: Light weight, easy to use {not as many bells and whistles as the higher price multiple megapixel machines so easier and less intimidating for novice or pro to use, after all not many of us need all the extra gizmos} Will make excllent 8x10's, although i haven't tried larger size photos. Small size is easy for small hands to use. Excellent battery life. CON'S: Will not auto focus with older model lens. Some will say they need more bells and whistles. I really cannot think of any other con's. As it is a very satisfying camera for me to use. I am not a professional but i do know a good photo when i see one and i rarely do any modification of my photos except maybe cropping or enlarging, thus the D40 in my opinion is about as good as it gets, and should satisfy most persons needs.

I'm a professional photographer and this was my first digital SLR Nikon camera. I still have it and still use it regularly. Strangely, I also purchased a D40x, which is the slightly updated version and has something like a 10 MP chip and slightly updated software and a few improved features, but the shutter went out on it and it costs nearly as much to replace as to purchase a new camera, so I recently purchased a Nikon D5000 instead - I'll review that one once I've received it and gotten to play with it a bit.

I'll repeat, the Nikon D40 is a terrific little digital SLR camera and I use it to shoot PROFESSIONAL quality photography. You do *not* need a $3,000+ camera to take great pictures. In fact, some of my very favorite shots I've taken over the years I actually captured with a point-n-shoot pocket camera. A great photographer, not a great camera, makes great photographs. So if you're looking to get into more serious photography, the D40 is an affordable and excellent camera to start with.

Pros:
* Very small and very light. You can (and I have) shoot with this thing for 16 hours straight without getting the least bit tired.

* The 6.1 megapixel resolution is plenty for printing images up to standard poster size, so don't sweat 8x10s - they'll look beautiful.

* SO MUCH CHEAPER than a D70 or D90 and you can get virtually identical quality images if you know how to operate a camera. The more expensive cameras have features that truly only professional sports photographers and such would need, like the stronger casing and the faster shooting, metering, and focusing speeds.


Cons:

* This thing is not built with the strength of the higher end models and it could easily be broken if dropped from a moderate height. Use those camera straps and this will never be an issue.

* The D40, as far as I can tell, does *not* allow you to turn off the auto-focus assist light, which is *not* infrared, apparently. Mostly this isn't a problem, but sometimes it is. It usually only comes on in very low lighting situations, when it's needed, but sometimes, like when you're somewhere that doesn't allow flash photography, this will keep you from being able to take *any* pictures without risk of being ejected from the premises.

* The ISO only goes down to 200 and only up to 1,600. For most people, this is fine, but when you're wanting to shoot in either very low light situations, or wanting to get the maximum image clarity, these ISO limitations can be slightly, um, limiting. Again, however, not an issue for 99% of the people who will be using this camera.

* I can't remember exactly at this moment whether it was the D40 or the D40x, but one of the cameras flat out ignored the ISO settings in "M" (Manual) mode. This was incredibly annoying because when we were using studio lighting and wanting to shoot crisp high resolution images, it was shooting in 1600 ISO, which made the images muddy (by comparison to an ISO 100 image) when blown up beyond 4"x6".

* Certain Nikon/Nikkor auto-focus lenses will *not* auto-focus on this camera. I won't bother explaining which ones right now, but you should make sure before purchasing additional lenses.

Again though, this is one of the very best digital SLR cameras, whether you're a pro or just getting started. Save your money on the camera and spend extra on your lenses - the lenses will last FAR longer!

Just love the device. Easy to use and very very light weight, and no complicated menus loaded with complex words and settings. Different shooting modes which serve for getting that perfect shot. Stock lens works very well, although as you learn more you might want to upgrade. But for starters is great. Also built in flash is handy, if you need a more powerful one you can always attach it to the built in socket which has a cover on for protection. The LCD is great for viewing taken pictures. Controls feel sturdy and not cheap and flimsy. The lens comes off quite easily (although not recommended to take too because it might catch dust). Although it is only a 6.1 Megapixel camera it takes good quality pictures, it is not always about the megapixel, but also the lens and type of sensor which in this camera is good. Battery life is also good. The only downside some might find is that the battery has to be taken out to charge on the external charger. But others might like it, due to the fact that if you have two batteries and one dies you could take it out and charge it while using the camera. Although this model came out in 2006 it is still a good entry level SLR to get for starters or just a backup for professionals.

This camera was an easy buy -- we already had a purchased-new D40 from a few years back. We had a few lenses for it and when I decided I wanted a DSLR of my own, it was an easy choice to buy another D40. There are many complex technical specifications that one could delve into, but here's what's most important: it takes good pictures. And, if you want to advance your craft with more complex settings, you've got that option too.

I'm a huge fan of this camera. Surprisingly, this model's replacement -- the D3100 -- doesn't not have the same quality feel to it. I'm sure it takes good photos too, but I still the D40 is the bomb and if you can pick it up with a lens for a few hundred bucks on Ebay, it's well worth it!