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Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens by Nikon
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Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Nikon Model: 25420 Color: Black Product features: - 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
- Kit includes 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens
- 2.5-inch LCD with three display options; built-in flash and hot shoe
- Fast startup with instant shutter response; shoot at up to 2.5 frames per second
- Powered by one rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9 (included); stores images on SD memory cards (memory card not included)
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor LensCustomer Review: I waited a year to write this review Summary: 5 StarsI bought this camera from Amazon.com in March of 2008 and wanted to really use this camera before writing my review. Prior to purchasing a DSLR, I had used several 35mm SLR's including Yashica and several Minoltas. My 'transition' to digital was forced when my Minolta X700 finally broke and I purchased an Olympus point-and-shoot. Having been an (amateur) SLR user for so many years, I was never quite satisfied with a point-and-shoot when it came to capturing action shots of people and my kids. [...]
I shoot the D40 in Program Mode with the color and saturation set to max. I usually shoot with the exposure compensation set at -0.7. I programmed the Fn (function) button to allow me to change the White Balance quickly. Like so many people, I did a lot of reading on Ken Rockwell's website (www.kenrockwell.com).
I have found that I like shooting with the 18-55mm kit lens most of the time. When using a flash, I actually prefer the SB-400 (I set the flash compensation to +0.3). The SB-400 is great for fill flash (even the pop-up flash is good) and taking photos of people up close and it's light-weight. The SB-400 does allow bounce flash, but the head will not rotate. I use the SB600 flash if I'm using the LumiQuest Promax Bouncer or the Stofen Diffuser or just need more flash power. The SB600 flash will bounce and rotate. I usually set the SB600 flash compensation to 0.0.
The 55-200mm VR lens has been great for all the baseball and basketball photos I've been making. I usually shoot individual photos of my son's entire team and end up becoming the team photographer. I've even become the "official" photographer at our church for various events. Of course, I love photography so I don't mind. I have never considered myself to be a great photographer; I just love photography and am always striving to be better.
What the D40 has allowed me to do is be a better photographer. I'm sure this is true of any DSLR, but for the value, the D40 has been great and I was able to add a lot of accessories. The flash is excellent and produces very natural flesh tones of people from light to dark skin. This is critical when shooting people.
My recommendation is that you learn about the various settings and don't just shoot in Auto mode. You need to understand White Balance and Exposure Compensation. And practice, practice, practice (you can always delete the crummy shots!). Deliberately change the White Balance and Exposure Compensations to see how it affects your photos. I do this in different settings, just to see what happens. I have found that I actually prefer to NOT use flash if I can get the proper White Balance and Lighting. I take one shot with flash, then take another one with the flash off and setting the White Balance to a different setting. You will find, that especially with shots indoors, the proper White Balance is better without a flash. Take the time to understand composition and lighting. Like any camera, the D40 is a tool that depends upon your individual creativity.
I'm no expert. I'm just a guy that has loved photography all his life. Digital allowed me to be better since I can see the results instantly. The D40 gives great color, is easy to use and works great with the Nikon flash system.
You will have to purchase AF-S lenses for auto-focus to work (the D40 does not have an interal focus motor. The focus motor is in the lens, not the camera). I have not found this to be an issue since I don't have any of the other lenses. This shouldn't be an issue as you will probably have either the 55mm-200 VR zoom or, for more money, the 18-200mm VR. I am considering the new Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras as a Prime lens.
The proof with any camera is in the photo's you shoot and how you compose them. People are usually amazed at the photos and say `they just love my camera'. My secret is knowing my camera and composing the shot. Don't get me wrong, I've taken my share of crummy shots, and I'm still learning about composition and lighting and still have a long way to go.
The only thing I wish the D40 could do is remote control off-camera flash units since I now want to play around with off-camera flash. I'll probably start with the Nikon SC 28 - Flash synchro cable - flash terminal - flash terminal as I don't want to purchase a Nikon SU-800 Speedlight Commander or a Nikon D90..... Just yet :)
Description of Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor LensThe lightest, most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and an ergonomically designed operation that even first-time SLR users can enjoy. Advanced 3-area AF system Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600 with manual override Eight automated Digital Vari-Programs [Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait] optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene Near-instant 0.18-second power-up Versatile shutter speed control with a range from 30 to 1/4000 s, plus bulb Creative in-camera effects and editing functions consolidated under the new Retouch menu, including D-Lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype), Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance), Small Picture and Image Overlay Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor Information displays can be shown in Classic, Graphic or Wallpaper format Assist Images help select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting Large, bright viewfinder with 0.8x magnification Fast image data transfer and recording to SD memory cards of up to 4GB capacity Exposure Metering System - TTL full-aperture exposure metering system Electronic-Flash - Auto, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait modes Uses Nikon AF-S Lenses Unit Dimensions (W x D x H) - Approximately 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches; Weight - Approximately 1lb. 1oz. without battery, memory card or body cap Nikon USA 1-Year Warranty
Digital SLRs
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