Nikon D40

The obvious shortcomings of compact cameras and the shrinking prices of entry-level digital SLRs have spurred a huge growth in the DSLR market. Nikon hopes to continue that trend with its new 6.1MP D40.

The Nikon D40 is a six-megapixel camera that features a 3X optical zoom with a 18-to-55mm range (equivalent to a 35mm lens with a 27-82.5mm zoom) and corresponding maximum f-stops of f/3.5 to f/5.6. Probably the best part of this is that it only costs $600.

Here are a few of the technical specifications for the D40:

• Street price: $599.95
• 6.1MP
• Maximum Image size: 3,008 x 2,000px
• SD memory card
• 2.5 frames per second

Things I like
The D40 is really compact. While people with big hands or people who are used to larger SLR’s probably won’t like this I really don’t mind. It makes it easier to lug around for a day of shooting. The D40 is a fairly good entry DSLR because of it’s low profile and low price. While it doesn’t have many of the features on the higher end cameras (or even some of the lower ends), it does have a few good things that I like. I would say the thing that I like most is the low noise characteristic when taking shots with a high ISO. For those of you who aren’t really into cameras this basically means when you’re taking pictures in a dark place (at night or in caves for example), the picture quality will be better than most other cameras.

Things I don’t like
The fact that this camera is only 6.1MP is the main thing that I don’t like. There are a number of cameras out there that have larger sensors. Even Canon’s Rebel XT is 8.1MP. The D40 also can be a little slow to focus at times, while this normally isn’t that bad of a problem if you’re taking pictures of fast moving objects it can be a pain.

Pros:

• Relatively cheap
• Compact size
• Low noise at high ISO settings

Cons:

• Only 6.1 MP
• Slow focus

Final Thoughts
The Nikon D40 is a great transition camera for going from point-and-shoot to your first DSLR. While I would personally go with Canon’s line of DSLR’s if you’re wanting to go with Nikon (or have a friend that’ll give you a number of lenses), the D40 is definitely your entry level camera.