affordable SLR (Nikon D40)

Member Name: mamoreira

Product:	Nikon D40
Date:	10/10/08 (105 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: affordable SLR

Disadvantages: poor image stabilization

Past few years I found myself waiting and waiting for Nikon to come out with a moderatly priced digital SLR I could afford. Meanwhile, my 5 year old 4mp Optio (A gift) got more use and my beloved N70 got covered in the proverbial dust.

Finaly the D40x came out. I said oooh thats it. Ok, I might even have drooled a bit too. So the past few days I dived deep back into forums, reading digital terminology etc.

My choice is to get the D40. (not x). Not that I "don't buy the MP myth", but I simply agree that I won't need much more than 6.1. I agree it's a certain compromise, one that I think is worth it.

The price cant be beat. I dont mind manual focus with some of my old lenses. I wont even mind manual metering with with my realy old, but realy nice 24mm Nikkor prime. Ill contiue to use spot focusing like I always have done anyway. More Importantly, I can now afford to buy the 55-200 VR lens and the SB400, (next month of course...). I WILL use more than the kit lens on it, I WILL get a flash for it and I WILL use it to its upmost capabilities. And I WONT be insulted if I get a look that says "Ah, you only have a D40", secure that I made a good choice for myself.

One point I realy want to make is one a few posters here said in various ways. You dont need to have the best camera to be a good photographer. I learned to shoot on an old russian Zenit camera with manual aperture and an on top light meter. Some of the macro pics I took then (about 10 years ago) are still among my best.

So I will take the D40, with its disadvantages and use my understanding of photography to overcome its limitations. Don't overextend yourself to get a D80, and then not be able to afford more lenses etc.

Summary: affordable SLR

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Ease of use:
Features:
Picture quality: