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Reviewed by
Mikeyboy3_7_1991
, Intermediate
Price Paid
$249.00
at Jessops
Photography Experience
2-5 years
, Outdoor
Summary
The Nikon D40 is an entry level Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Camera, Aimed For those photographers who are upgrading from maybe a digital Point and shoot, or just want to take there hobby abit more serious and grace the world of Digital SLR Cameras.
Before i purchased my nikon D40, I was searching for a Camera, Which would give me flexability and vast options to embrace my hobby, But aimed at a beginner/intermediate level, The Nikon D40 was made as a replacement of nikons ever ageing D50.
When i purchased the nikon D40, I was expecting a good solid entry level Digital SLR, Which for me was a big step up from my point and shoot Fujifilm S8000fd camera, nikon Instantly grabbed my attention with the D40 because of features like the large high Res 2.5 inch screen, The kit lens included as standard (18-55mm), and a very nice price tag of under £300.
When my Nikon D40 arrived, Setting the camera up was easy, The maunals are easy and quick to understand, And nikon had me shooting after minutes of setting the camera up. When i turned The Nikon D40 on, I was greeted very well layed out menus, Easy for beginners to understand.
The camera was quite small for a digital SLR, But not small to the point it was uncomfortable to handle, the large grip gives you plenty to hold onto. The Nikon D40 Felt suprisingly light in comparason to other Digital SLR's, This is achived due to nikon deciding not to include an internal Focusing motor. The build qaulity of the D40 is very good, You realy do feel your holding onto a qaulity product.
The Nikon D40 includes a 6 Megapixel Nikon DX format 23.7 × 15.6 MM CCD sensor, Yep 6 megapixels, But dont be put off, The nikon D40 has entered a market dominated by 10 megapixel models, But there realy isnt much difference compared between a 6 megapixel and a 10 Megapixel Digital SLR, So dont let the 6 megapixel Resolution stop you from buying this camera. The image qaulity is outstanding, I took my D40 out into my garden to take some practice shots and the qaulity of the images i got where amazing, The colours where perfect, no noise, proply exposed images using the Auto Mode, Which never seems to let me down.
The standard Kit lens included is a Nikon DX 18-55mm Lens (Eqivilent to 27-83mm), The lens build qaulity is very good, and you can produce some very fine wide angle shots at the lowest end, But remember this lens isnt made to reach far, It has a limit of 3X optical zoom, Still bringing the subject pretty close.
The controls on the Nikon D40 are placed neatly, You get a real sense of knowing what to do with this camera after just minutes of using it.
You can produce some amazing shots with Nikons D40, Its a very reliable Digital SLR Camera, Which you can trust will proform better then expected. I certainly am not disapointed, The Nikon D40 is a perfect tool for an entry photographer, or to someone whos upgrading from that old point and shoot camera, You can gain a real understanding for Digital SLR Cameras from the D40.
I would rate the Nikon D40 10/10.
Hope this helps petential buyers.
Strengths
- 6 Megapixel 23.7 x 15.6 MM CCD Sensor realy does capture some amazing detail in true to life colours, and exposures.
- Can be found for under £270 brand new with the kit lens, An absolute bargin.
- Comes with a Nikon 18-55mm (Eqivilant 27-83mm) Lens, Which is very good build qaulity.
- Small, But not uncomfortable to use, Also Light weight.
- Menus couldent be layed out more clearer then they are.
- Very good build qaulity
- Nikon's metering system is rarely fooled
- Very Very easy to use
- Comes with an easy to understand quick start manual for those who havent used a digital SLR, This camera realy does grow with you.
Weaknesses
- 6 Megapixel resolution might put people off buying this camera, If it does, then the Nikon D40x might be the right alternative with 10 megapixels.
- Basic 3-point AF.
- Autofocus motor not included in body, This camera can only use newer Lenses with the autofocus motor built into the lens, The lenses are there for alot more expensive and heavier.
- Thats all i could realy fault this camera on, Other then that it is a joy to use, and a real bargin at under £270.
Similar Products Used
Nikon D80
Nikon D70
Nikon D70s
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