Nikon D40 pros and cons

[bcarson]

Please tell me what you know about this camera? Target has a good deal iwth an extra lens this week. I don't want to be dissappointed though if I spend that much. Thanks.

 

[annnewjerz]

I don't have the D40, but I do have the D60...I purchased it recently as my first dSLR and have been extremely happy with it thus far. It doesn't have many additional features over the D40 so here ya go.

Pros:
- Good brand, Nikon is a brand that you will be able to find accessories, lenses, etc. for in most stores...even those like Best Buy and (as you said) Target.
- Easy to learn to use. I had no experience with a digital or film SLR and after a few weeks of shooting, I found myself wanting to venutre out of fully automatic (it was my safe zone when I first purchased it) and get into more interesting things like longer exposures, etc.
- The price, like you said...it's hard to beat.
- The size. It's small and light, a nice transition for someone who is used to the point and shoots...that said, you should probably go hold one (as well as some other models) to see which one feels best in your hands).
- 6 megapixels is enough to make an enlargement of a print and still get decent quality (unless you are talking a huge poster or something like that)
-
Cons:
- No focus motor built into the body, which means you will only be able to buy certain lenses to automatically focus with it (usually AF-S lenses). These tend to be more pricey. Other lenses will mount to the camera, but you may have to manually focus (i.e. the 50 f/1.8 you may see mentioned a lot).
- There is no IS built into the camera body, it is built into the lenses (although I believe this is the case with all Nikons, not just the D40).
- You may grow out of the camera quickly. It is a good camera to learn the basics on, but may lack some of the more complex features that someone with more knowledge would like.
- NAS, I have experienced this problem first hand...needless to say, it's EXPENSIVE to get into this as a hobby. Nikon Acquisition Syndrome...once you purchase something, you won't want to stop. Since getting my D60 in September, I have purchased the 18-200mm VR lens, the 50mm, lots of memory cards, a travel tripod, two camera bags, two filters, a new strap, some cleaning supplies and currently have a list of about 10 items that I would like, including a full-sized tripod and another lens (or 5).


Personally, knowing what I know now, I would probably not go out and buy the combination at Target (if it's the 18-55 and the 50-200mm) unless the lenses have VR (vibration reduction). I don't have any lenses without it, but from what I hear it makes a good bit of difference especially when shooting at the longer ranges. I would instead, buy the cheapest package available. If you can get just the body (which I doubt at Target), get that and upgrade to a nicer kit lens...like the 18-200mm VR (which costs around $600) or the 18-105mm VR (which goes for around $350). These will be more versatile than the 18-55 that comes in the kit, but will also cover a larger range which will allow you to keep from switching lenses so frequently.

If you can't get the body only, I would get the D40 with the 18-55mm (VR if they have it) and then hold off on another lens until you decide what you will be photographing most. You may be better off saving and purchasing the 70-300mm VR, it would make a nice supplement to the 18-55 kit lens. You can get the D40 + the 18-55mm kit lens without the VR right now on Amazon.com with free shipping for $410. If you then decide you need something that is wider, faster, whatever...you can buy another lens when you have the money.

Good luck and happy shopping!
Ann

 

[kaffinito]

The same kit is 409.95 at Amazon and the D40 with two lenses is 549.00.

I just got a D60 this week, so what I don't know about the camera is more than what I do know! I was going to get the D40 myself, but decided on the D60. I'm happy with the camera, but I understand that it's about the settings not the camera that makes a difference in the pictures. I almost got another point and shoot, but the lure of a DSLR was too much for me.

Have you gone around and handled the cameras yet? That will make a big difference too. Try taking pictures and holding one, and then using the menu functions before you decide. My priority was the ability to shoot in low-light, which is why I got the Nikon instead of a Sony. Also, read the customer reviews from every store website that carries them. B&H Photo has some good ones, and so does Amazon.

If you want a camera that you won't have to spend a lot of money on, try the Sony A200. Sony bought Minolta, so some of the older lenses for Minolta cameras will fit on the Sony A200. You could save a lot of money that way.

Good luck in your search!

 

[Nik's Mom]

I have the D70, which is several years old. I still love it, but if I was buying a new digital slr, it would be the D40. It is smaller than my monster camera.
The quality of pictures are great. You will love Nikon.

 

[spinetnglr]

The best site I found with information on the D40 is found at Ken Rockwell's site. You can literally spends hours reading all you could possibly want to know about Nikons. He owns all the expensive models and lenses and says when he wants to just go out an shoot some pics for fun he grabs his D40. I have one and I love it. I am considering upgrading to a D90 or D300 soon but will definately be keeping my D40. You can check out the Ken Rockwell site here : http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

 

[pointandshoot]

My daughter uses the 6 megapixal D40 with the two kit lenses. Image quality is very good in my opinion. You will not be disappointed. I shoot both Canon 40D and Nikon D200 and I was surprised at the quality this little DSLR produces.

It can only use the new Nikon digital lenses and not older glass. If you do not plan to upgrade glass, this is not an issue. Honestly, if you want to start shooting with a high end lens at some point, you might also be also looking to upgrade your DSLR body at that time as well.

It is very light. I will take it with me when she is not using it since it is easier to tote around than the D200. My only issue is that everything is electronic. Quickly changing camera modes or adjusting shutter or aperture in manual mode takes a second or two more. That said, you can do alot with it.

I think it is a good camera for both the person who is starting with a DSLR and someone who wants a camera to meet most shooting needs that is light and easy to carry.

 

[garate55]

You will not be disappointed.......But Like Ann says hold off on buying the dual lens kit. I bought mine with the 18-135mm lens, I love it and really have no need right now to take my lens off. If you do buy it with the 18-55mm kit lens then you will want to upgrade sometime in the future.

 

[singjenn]

Please tell me what you know about this camera? Target has a good deal iwth an extra lens this week. I don't want to be dissappointed though if I spend that much. Thanks.

GET IT!! You will be soooo happy with it. I have a D80 that I use for weddings and other photo shoots, but I got the D40 to take on vacations. I was so used to my D80 and it's capabilities that I wanted something similar for when I went on vacations.
It's a great little camera and I am so happy with it. Not knowing what you have now, it's kind of hard to say what will be hard for you to get used to. But if this is your first DSLR pretty much all of it will be hard to get used to...BUT it is easy to get the hang of it. If you are down grading for vacation purposes (like me), that's a change that's difficult to get used to...at least it is for me. I love my D80 controls and the D40 controls make it a little harder to change ISO or aperture.

If you decide to get the D40 you will absolutely LOVE it!!!