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"Only 6 megapixels?" on by rieramr
Pros: Great image quality, nice size, fast and friendly to use. Perfect entry level dslr.
Cons: Get better glass...kit lens is cheap.
Summary: I recently purchased my D40 as a backup and I must say the image quality is tremendous. You will be able to do beautiful A4, A3 enlargements. I recently got back a poster sized print of the George Washington Bridge- Awesome! I don't understand why CNET's Lori Grunin has the D40's 6 megapixel as a Cons.
CNET, please stop propagating the more pixels yields better images message. “Only 6 megapixels?” What we need are larger, better quality pixels, not a larger pixel count. If you are doing larger than poster sized prints then maybe look at the Nikon d200 with 10 megapixels. In fact more pixels frequently deteriorates the image quality because it creates more image noise. It also takes up more memory and drive space. If you want top notch images, save your money and buy the best lens you can afford. That should be CNET and reviewer Lori Grunin’s message…not that more is better. You should be applauding Nikon for not following the marketing trend of just adding more pixels to sell products to the average, uninformed consumer who gauges image quality purely on the number of pixels. Shame on CNET for not properly educating your readers. -
"Factual error" on by tank2000
Pros: Small, lightweight, easy to understand menus
Cons: No autofocus with older, non-AF-S lenses
Summary: As usual, CNET makes factual errors in their DSLR reviews.
If I understand the review correctly, according to the reviewer, certain settings are only accessible by going through the menus and using the four-way button set. This is certainly true enough, BUT in the next sentence, she gives an example:
"For instance, in aperture-priority mode, you can change the aperture only via the command dial; to change the shutter speed, you must go through the aforementioned process."
I take the "aforementioned process" to mean going through the menus.
Alright. There are several things wrong with the example:
1) The point of aperture-priority mode is to allow the user to change only the aperture and leave the camera to choose the shutter speed for you. No camera on the market (not even professional DSLRs) allows you to change shutter speeds in Aperture Priority mode. If you want to change shutter speeds, then you will need to go into Shutter priority mode, or Manual mode. There is an EXCEPTION, however:
2) If the user nevertheless wants to change shutter speeds in Aperture Priority mode (for example to second guess the camera's metering) then there is an Exposure Compensation button (labelled "+/-") just behind the shutter button which allows you to do so. Holding down this button and rotating the command dial in A.Priority mode will indeed vary the shutter speeds. There is no need to go into the menus to do so. In fact, when in Shutter Priority mode, the same Exposure Compensation button will allow the user to vary aperture settings.
3) In fact, the points above are the same for any camera, even a Canon 400D (Rebel XTi) or a Nikon D200. -
"A wonderful camera...You will not be dissapointed!" on by RiCEADDiCTBOY
Pros: A Top Notch Camera. SUPERB IMAGE QUALITY!
Cons: Top LCD Removed and Battery Life Questionable...mmm not much else really.
Summary: I just recently purchashed a Nikon D40. I am tremendously excited about my new camera. I was looking at the D50, D80, and several other Canon cameras. The Canon cameras just felt horrid in my hands. I know these days people are split between Canons and Nikons but, I simply cannot substitute comfort.
I used to work as a graphic designer before joining the Air Force and I knew what I was looking for. The added reason for myself purcashing a new camera was due to a future addition to our family - my soon to be born baby boy. I wanted a camera where I could capture many of his early life moments with great image clarity. When I really compared (I researched over 30 websites...I found that the D80 really wasn't something I needed...at this moment. The D40 when compared to the D50...really does outshine in several departments. The compromises with the D40 really doesn't hurt me at all. The chief complaint most have from what I've seen is the inability to use non-AF-S/I lenses. I don't have ANY lenses. So I will not be losing any money there by going with the newer D40.
I took several test photos already...and the images are CRYSTAL clear...even when zoomed up completely. This camera was well worth my money. -
"So easy to use right out of the box!" on by BolinasGirl
Pros: Lightweight, great picture quality, easy for 1st time SLR user
Cons: Have to press face up against LCD screen to use viewfinder
Summary: This is my 1st digital SLR. I was totally torn between the Canon Digital Rebel XT and the Nikon D40, and went with this one because of the outstanding user reviews and because it felt much more comfortable to grip in my hand.
I've had this camera for 24 hours now and can say that you don't need to read the manual before you start taking pictures using their preset auto modes. I can't wait to get fully into what this thing can do once I master the manual controls. I took several shots using my point and shoot on auto settings, then shot the same subject (still life, same lighting) using this thing, and the pictures really are worlds apart. Best part about this (and other SLRs), and the #1 reason I switched from a high end point and shoot- NO SHUTTER LAG. Even using autofocus this thing just goes!
IMHO, you can't blow anything up to the size I want (huge) and expect to retain crispness unless you use an 8 x 10 large format film camera, so this 6 megapixel camera is perfect for anyone looking for a take everywhere camera that (supposedly) holds up to 8 x 10 enlargements. -
"Cheap and goodd, excellent quality" on by robinchee
Pros: Feather light, low noise at high ISO, fast shutter response
Cons: Its not a D200, but then I don't need a D200
Summary: I had a Nikon D70 and Fujifilm S2Pro. I recently sold the Fujifilm S2Pro as it was getting old and I did not want to wait for it to breakdown and end up with a big paper weight.
I kept the D70 for a while as it was newer. However, I grew increasingly frustrated with the noise levels of the D70, which seemed apparent even at ISO 640 with proper exposure. The Fujifilm S2Pro had no such issue.
When the D40 was announced, I tried it out twice in the shop and read the reviews and I was sold!
It was really light which is important for me as I have a bad back and can't carry a heavy camera for long periods. The kit lens (18-55) is equally light, much lighter than a 18-70 or 18-200VR which I also own.
Shutter response seems very fast with very little blackout. In fact reports from Imaging Resource indicate that the D40 (0.098s) even faster than the D70 (0.124) and Fujifilm (0.160). Perfect for the dance and people photography that I take.
The 3 point autofocus was not an issue for me as I don't trust these multi point focus things. I always use the centre point only and prefocus and shift. Focus seems fast and accurate.
The noise levels at ISO 800 and 1600 are really low and perhaps even a tad better than the Fujifilm. Colors, sharpness and exposure seem right on.
I used to dread carry around my heavy SLRs, now with the D40, its fun time again! Highly recommended for those who don't need to use non AFS lenses.
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