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 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 Lens
Customer Review: Best Entry-level DSLR on the market
Summary: 5 Stars
Simply put, this camera excels at being compact and versatile! It may not have some of the features of the $1000+ DSLR's, but it does exactly what you want in an SLR and it does it very well. The 6.1MP lens is gorgeous and the shooting modes are all gorgeous. Even if you aren't an entry-level DSLR photographer, the compact nature of this camera will thoroughly excel in what you need.Customer Review: Perfect first DSLR
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this kit + the 55-200 zoom in June 2008 and it's been perfect. I was a former SLR user in the film age but couldn't justify the crazy prices of DSLRs in the past. Now, I can't recommend this camera enough for anyone who is looking for better photos than a point and shoot can provide. As with any SLR, you will get more out of the camera if you learn the basics of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. but unlike the more professional versions like the D300, this camera has modes like full-auto and scene (sports, portrait, landscape, etc..) that help out the rookie. In fact, I borrowed a D300 for a day and much prefer my D40. The D40 is much easier to use and has some features (like showing overexposed highlights in the preview pane) that the D300 doesn't have. The D40 is also much lighter and more compact than a D300 so I'm more likely to take it places.
The sensor in the camera is wonderful, especially to someone used to point and shoot sensors. All of your friends will be amazed at your pictures.
That being said, I may soon graduate to a higher end version in the next year or two. As soon as you want to move away from the kit lenses, you'll run into lens compatibility issues. I'm about to purchase a 50 mm f1.4 AF and it won't auto-focus on a D40. Also, with 6 MP your ability to crop pictures is more limited. It's not critical but you'll eventually notice it as you advance.
Fortunately, the resale value of D40s on Craigslist or other sites is high enough that you can sell it later on and trade up. Thus, buy this kit and only switch when you feel like you've outgrown it. A lot of people never will.
One more regret is I should have looked more closely at the VR version of the 55-200 or the 18-200 VR lens. I might have made a different choice on my second lens.
Customer Review: Awesome starter camera
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been shooting with a DSLR for almost a year and the first 10 months were with the Nikon D40. This camera is a great starter camera. It is really easy to learn on, and works great for those who just want to shoot on auto. Plus you can't beat the price!
I recently updated to the nikon d80, and wish I had my D40 back. The D80 underexposes everything.
The reason I got rid of my D40 was because there were only 3 focusing points, and it can't auto focus with some lenses. I really wanted the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 and it wouldn't auto focus with the D40.
I would buy the D40 again and hold on to it until I could afford the D300 if I were to do it all again.
Also, the resale price was good. I bought this camera for a really good deal at $450 almost a year ago and sold it recently for $400. That is only a $50 loss for a whole year worth of pictures- Awesome!
Customer Review: Awesome entry level DSLR
Summary: 5 Stars
Awesome camera! Takes amazing pictures for any level of photographer. The camera is quick to take the shot, and once you become familiar with its functions and operations, its quick and easy. Good price for an entry level DSLR camera that comes with an all around "day to day" lens. Please, read reviews and make sure that this camera is what you want. The camera is not the important piece for quality shots, its shot composure. Ive taken shots with a lowend 3MP point and shoot that blow this camera away. The biggest thing to remember if you want great photographs is to remember to compose your shot; think about lighting, background, foreground and most importantly what is in focus. Take the shot and you will be amazed with what you get. This camera takes huge resolution pictures and outputs them in JPG or NEF (Raw format). I would suggest shooting in Nikon Raw format (NEF) and then converting it to whatever format you need.
90% out of 100 for this camera. 10% minus because in my opinion they should give you a 4GB SDHC card with the camera considering how much it cost and how little the SDHC cards do cost.
Customer Review: D40 Nikon is excellent!
Summary: 5 Stars
My sister-in-law was prodding me to move away from 35mm photography and take a stab at digital format. I have used several of the small cameras from Kodak, but knew I needed a SLR if I was going to get serious.
The D40 has worked like a charm. The settings are easy to understand and the pictures so far have been excellent. One note: I did sit down with the camera and the manual and go through it page by page. There is a learning curve, but it is not steep.
Very good product that I am glad to carry with me everywhere I go on a regular basis.