Camera Reviews: Nikon D40

There's no denying the fun and enjoyment that can come with a camera. From the ability to capture any scene or event at a moments notice, to the ability to edit pictures and send them around the world if you wish. With that in mind, many spend a lot of time seeking out the perfect digital camera. However, while there are many, many choices out there (and many are comparatively similar) when it comes to looking for an entry level digital camera, for those who seek something more out of their device, the field can become a lot more complicated. As soon as one wants a more advanced camera, there are so many options and choices to consider, and one brand no longer seems better than the rest. Luckily, though, with a little information, and a small investment of time, it becomes very easy to sort out one product from another.

One such product, that will likely stand out to a large number of consumers is the Nikon D40. Although the camera may not be designed for the professional user, for those who are just getting into the idea of digital single lens reflex, and want something that will not tax their minds or their wallets too heavily, the D40 is a solid all around choice.

Overall, the camera has a fairly small size, making it easy to hold and convenient to carry around. However, for larger hands, it is possible that the D40 may just be tad bit too small. For this reason, make sure to take some time and actually examine the camera in person before purchasing it.

The small size is not the only thing that makes the camera appealing to new users, though. In fact, there are a variety of great features and easy to use conveniences that all contribute to making one great, but fairly simple, single lens reflex. For starters, there are eight different automatic set up modes, which help to get the perfect shot. And, for those who enjoy experimenting a bit, a variety of lenses can be purchased in order to offer different modes and different types of shooting. However, it is unlikely that the expensive lenses will appeal to most D40 users, the beauty here is in the simplicity and the picture quality, not the overall customization. The D40 also has the ability to edit pictures right on the camera's LCD screen, making sure that you have the picture you want. An onboard help menu lets the user know what each feature does and the best way to use it. In fact, the help menu is so advanced that it can offer tips and helpful hints for your current situation and the type of picture you are trying to take.

Although there are many great features about the D40, it is not perfect, and there are definitely a few things to consider before making the purchase. Namely, there is no autofocus, unless an expensive lens is purchased. Another drawback is the fairly low 6.1 megapixels. Although this is acceptable for a lower priced digital single lens reflex, at times, the picture quality does suffer a bit. Add this with the fact that the camera does have some reported technical problems, including a failure of the flash and issues with the power switch.

Of course, the Nikon D40 is not perfect, and no product ever really is. But, for the fairly low price tag, one can obtain a very nice, good quality single lens reflex digital camera that has a lot of options, and acts as a great entry into the field. So, good luck and enjoy taking pictures!