Nikon D40 with AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II Incredibly simple to use, incredible results and an incredibly low price – that’s the irresistible new D40. With a superb 18-55mm AF-S DX Nikkor zoom lens, it’s the most affordable digital SLR on the market and it’s probably the easiest to use too. With perfect pictures at the touch of a button and a huge 2.5-in screen to enjoy them on, the D40 is simply Nikon at its best.
Nikon means quality, and that’s exactly what you get with the D40. Using the same professional quality technology as the acclaimed Nikon D80, including 3D Colour Matrix Metering II, high-precision image-processing algorithms and image-optimising features, you know your pictures will be a cut above the rest.
Helpful consumer’s review
After many hours searching for the “best” DSLR in the market, i came across the Nikon D40. Firstly, however i must say that if you are planning on buying a DSLR, buy it for your own personal needs, and try not to be influenced by anyone elses.
Ok so onto the review. The most important thing ill start with first is the image quality. The Nikon D40 produces EXCELLENT images in good light, and if you can compensate for bad lighting conditions with the Manual setting or flash then you can get equally great results. My first few shots were really sharp, and you can really notice the difference in quality, especially if you have just moved from a compact camera to a DSLR. Whenever you say “6 megapixels” to anyone, they usually say “oh..” quite sympathetically, but with the Nikon sensor and 3D matrix metering system there really isnt any difference from say, the Nikon D40X that is also on the market at a more expensive price, despite having 10 MPX.
For £328.00 in my opinion it was a bargain, because as an amateur i needed to start at the beginning, but with the Nikon D40 it allows you to progress from a novice, to an expert in months with all the detailed features the camera possesses. If your a “novice” then the camera has numerous inbuilt modes to suit the occassion, no tweaking needed. However, like me, if you like to be “experimental” with your photography the camera certainly allows you to be, with spectacular results in modes such as Shutter & Aperture Priority, Program mode and Manual.
Aesthetically, the camera looks great. Its slightly wider than the Canon EOS 400D, which is a good thing, and for me (someone with medium sized hands) it sat perfectly in my hands with no problem. The layout of the buttons is ergonomically sound; ie: they are placed so that the consumer has little to do in order to get the result they desire. The LCD screen, as mentioned is a MASSIVE 2.5 inches, compared to my friends’ Nikon D100,D200, D50 AND Canon EOS 350D, you can really tell the difference, and its really bright too, which is a good thing.
The Nikon D40 can only mount AF-S or equivalents (sigma HSM’s etc) due to its lack of a body motor drive. This is not a problem, as Nikon and Sigma (Tamron and Tokina too i think) are constantly developing new lenses for the future of digital photography, so dont worry about that.
The package comes with the body, 18-55mm DX lens, a neck strap, charger, manual, photo editing software / firmware, battery, lens caps, USB cable etc (Just off the top of my head.
For the needs of an amateur / intermediate photographer such as myself, this gem of a DSLR allows me to be so creative with my photography, with GREAT results if you know what your doing. I chose this because it was the best value for money, and will suit my needs as a novice photographer for a few years, until i decide to splash out on a more expensive body
