A Hot Product Review of the Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon has a whole slew of DSLR cameras, and the Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera is the cheapest one of them all. With the D40, Nikon is hoping to attract first-time DSLR users who might not be so sure about this whole digital thing. After all, traditional photography with film still holds a certain allure.

But don't let the word "cheap" fool you. While it is cheaper than the other DSLR cameras offered by Nikon, "economical" is more the correct term. This camera has a lot of great features that borrow directly from its more expensive counterparts. It's whopping 6-megapixels (perfect for capturing large photos in high-res, suitable for publication or blow-ups as high as 13 by 9) come from the Nikon D50 Digital SLR Camera. Its 3D Color Matrix Metering II is from the Nikon D80 DSLR Camera. Even its processor is borrowed, straight from the Nikon D200. The one thing it doesn't borrow from other cameras is its lenses; but don't worry, you can buy new f/3.5-to-f/5.6G, 18mm-to-55mm II ED AF-S DX lens with the camera, making the transition easy if you already have a "traditional," non-digital camera.

The camera turns on very quickly, which is counterbalanced by an unfortunate lag in shutter speed which might bother some photographers.

I like the 2.5-inch LCD on the back of the camera. The colors are bright and strong enough to look at in the sunlight, a common concern when it comes to the readability of screens outdoors. Its button-system is similar to its consumer-models, which, unfortunately, makes for a long and inconvenient navigation process.

One of the biggest questions is about the Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera. Does it measure up to the other cameras, despite being the low-end model? A resounding Yes. Colors are vibrant, focus is sharp, digital noise is barely there, and the overall image is beautiful. Its sensitivity ranges from ISO 1600 to 200. Focus is rather narrow, but that is something that you can't get unless you move up to a higher-end model.

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Pricing

The can be bought at professional photography stores, as well as electronic stores like Best Buy. Prices begin at about $500, which is the best deal on online retailer Amazon.com. This price included 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens. Other packages ranged as high as $800.

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Bundled Software

Unfortunately, the software that comes with the camera is nothing substantial. Unless you have photo software on your computer such as Apple's Aperture (one of the best programs for professional photographers) or Adobe's new Lightroom software (an excellent program that can handle raw images), you might want to pay the extra $150 for Nikon's professional photography software.

Conclusion: Is the Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR worth it?

The Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera gives you a lot of features packed into an economical package. In the next revision of the camera, Nikon can boost the megapixels (its other cameras have a higher megapixel) and increase its shutter speed. In general, this camera should please newcomers to the DSLR realm, as well as hobby photographers who are on a budget and want a quality digital camera. Nikon has delivered an excellent product.
WHERE TO BUY:

Amazon.com has, by far, the best deal.