Nikon D40 (with 18-55mm lens)

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.