Nikon D40 6 1MP Digital SLR Camera w 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6G ED II AF S DX Nikon 55 200mm f 4 5 6G ED IF AF S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens 4GB Accessory Kit
January 9, 2009 by Digital SLR Camera Review
Filed under Electronics
The Nikon D40 Interchangeable-lens Digital SLR camera unites the brilliant performance of world-famous Nikkor lenses and the practicality of a remarkably small and light camera body. Its handling and performance will make you forget the problems often associated with compact digital cameras. This makes it ideal for anyone who wants to capture spectacular digital pictures without fuss or complication.It features a high-resolution 6.1-effective-megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced Nikon Image Processing Engine.Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II assures accurate exposure control even in difficult lighting conditions, and an AUTO ISO feature makes the most of available light by automatically setting the camera’s light sensitivity from the available ISO range of 200 to 1600.The camera’s design also incorporates fewer potentially confusing controls and other distractions. +PLUS+ The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens is designed exclusively for the Nikon DX format SLRs. The super-compact 18-55mm 3X zoom provides excellent flexibility in a wide variety of shooting situations. +PLUS+ The Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens is an ultra compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens with a 3.6x, equivalent to an 82.5- to 300-millimeter lens in 35mm format and is suitable for everything from candid portraits to sports, nature, and wildlife photography. Featuring a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that offers smooth and quite auto focus performance. ++PLUS++ 4GB ACCESSORY KIT: 4 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Secure Digital USB Memory Card Reader - Additional EN-EL9 Reachargeable Lithium Ion Replacement Battery - Protective Durahyde Camera Gadget Bag w/Pockets & Strap - Package Of LCD Screen Protectors - Deluxe 5pc Lens Care & Cleaning Kit - BONUS!! 2 Nikon DVD’s: Understanding Digital Photography & Fast Fun and Easy - FREE 25 Quality Digital Prints (Promo # on invoice)
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Unless you are a sport journalist, I don’t think you can go wrong with this camera
The 6 Megapixel Nikon D40 is targeted for those who want a relatively compact and light camera yet having most of the important SLR features. The D40 is priced reasonably (cheaper than D50/D80 and Canon Rebel XTi). In my opinion, if you are still considering whether to get a point and shoot camera or a DSLR, the D40 will be a better choice than any point and shoot camera, by far, even those with 8MP or 10MP. But if you are already deciding to get a DSLR or you want more control of the picture taking experience, then I would recommend you to also test the D50 and/or D80 first before deciding to buy the D40. I want you to make sure that you know what you will get (and not get) with the D40. Don’t get me wrong though, the D40 is an awesome camera, and I don’t think you will regret buying one. There are some limitation with the D40 which shouldn’t bother most people, for example, the D40 doesn’t have dedicated button to change picture quality, white balance or ISO settings (which generally only professional/enthusiast will care). Once you understand (and accept) its limitation, the D40 is a potent and exciting photography machine.
Just like all its (DSLR) siblings, the D40 powers on instantly and take pictures with almost no shutter lag which are the major advantages of a DSLR over a point and shoot camera. In addition to the P,S,A,M mode, the picture quality of the auto settings (auto, child mode, landscape etc) are also very good. With 2.5 frames per second you can capture movement progress in sports like football, basketball, baseball etc. Also great to photograph your family or child (child mode). The D40 is a great all around camera.
Some notable new features:
1. Auto (no flash) mode. Without this mode the flash will pop-up (on all other pre-programmed mode) even when you don’t want to use flash (which can be annoying). The internal flash will not pop up automatically with the P,S,A,M settings.
2. In camera editing capability such as black and white, sepia and some filter effects etc. While sounds gimmicky, these features are useful especially for those who doesn’t have Adobe Photoshop (or other image editing software).
To date, D40 is the smallest and lightest among all the Nikon DSLR (even smaller than the Canon Rebel XT/XTi, however the D40 is more ergonomics). I believe that choosing a camera that fits comfortably with your hands is important. Therefore, I recommend people to test the camera before buying (even if you want to buy online, please do go to a physical store and test the camera first whenever possible).
The D40 has only 3 (horizontal) autofocus point (5 for D50 and 11 for D80). If you know “The Rule of Thirds”, the additional AF points above and below the center focus point (available in D50 and D80) are handy to help create the horizontal third line. However, the 3 horizontal AF point in D40 is still helpful to create the vertical third line. Also one can focus with the middle AF point and after the focus is lock then move the frame upwards/downwards to create the horizontal third line. Just make sure the exposure level is still accurate when you move the frame after you lock the focus.
About the 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens: A good lens producing sharp photos (though not a very fast lens). Also decent for close-up/macro photography. Lens uses internal focus technology and focusing operation is silent. A very decent kit lens.
Lens compatibility: Notice that with D40, autofocus function will not work for non AF-S/AF-I lens. If you already have non AF-S/AF-I Nikon lenses and want a backup or replacement camera, you will be better off buying D50, D70s or D80. If you buy the D40, it will be convenient to stick with AF-S and AF-I type lenses. I’m not sure why Nikon choose this route for the D40 (whether to enable smaller size camera or from now on Nikon will only make AF-S lens compatible camera). There are a lot of good Nikon AF-S lenses (price range added: low, medium, high) that are fully compatible with the D40 such as:
- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S DX VR (M)
- Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR (L)
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR (M)
- Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF AF-S DX (M)
- Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S (H)
- Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX (H)
- Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S (H)
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (H)
- Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro (M)
- And several other expensive prime tele/zoom lens like 200-400mm, 300m, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm.
High priced lens ($1000+) are usually pro level lens which usually have better construction, faster (f-stop), and produce better quality picture. However, often times, lower price lens will serve your needs just fine. I think it is important to know what you want to use the camera for before deciding which camera and lens to buy.
Image quality of the D40 is very good which is #1 factor that I look for in a digital camera.
Here are the pros and cons of the D40 in my opinion:
Pros:
1. Nice out of the camera result picture quality
2. Affordable price
3. Compact size and light weight
4. Large and bright 2.5 inch LCD
5. 2.5 frames per second
6. B/W, Sepia, several more in-camera editing features.
7. Instant power on, fast autofocus and no shutter lag
8. Noise is acceptable at high ISO settings. Auto ISO settings available.
9. Great 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens.
10. Great battery life (400+ on a single charge. 1000+ if flash is not used).
11. Auto (flash off) mode available
12. 1/500 flash sync
Cons:
1. No direct button to change QUAL, WB and ISO settings
2. Grip comfortably but might be a bit too small for some people
3. No top LCD and no front command dial
4. Autofocus will not work with non AF-S or non AF-I lenses (such as the 70-300m G and 50mm f/1.8D lens)
5. No AF/MF switch (have to use the switch on the lens)
6. Only 3 autofocus point
7. 6 Megapixel (More Megapixel needed to print larger than 12 X 18 at 300 dpi)
8. No night landscape mode in pre-programmed settings
9. No in camera image stabilization (like Sony and Pentax) but Nikon has lenses with it (VR).
10. No depth-of-field preview button
In conclusion, the D40 is perfect for those who want high quality pictures, more control (than a point and shoot camera), and have a DSLR experience (instant power on and no shutter lag), without having to carry a bulky camera. And unless you are shooting sports/actions professionaly (which faster focusing processor, faster frames per second and larger memory buffer might be needed), the D40 is pretty much all you will need.
Happy Photographing!
Sidarta Tanu
5 Stars So pleased, just wish I had bought years ago!!
I am so happy with my Nikon D40, I can’t stop using it. I have taken over 425 pictures in 2 weeks…with most all being “keepers” I would definitely recommend getting a bigger lens than the 18-55mm that normally comes with it. I am happy with the 70-200mm VR, but wouldn’t have minded a 70-300mm VR. Its a wonderful and fun camera, just wish I had one years ago, when the kids were a bit younger. Don’t miss out with an ordinary camera…Get a Nikon.
5 Stars Amazing kit!
Everything you need to get started with digital photography! I purchased this set and I love everything in it (and use all of them often). Great deal!!!
Nikon 55 200mm f 4 5 6G ED IF AF S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens Accessory Kit w 5 Year Warranrty
January 7, 2009 by Digital SLR Camera Review
Filed under Electronics
Nikon 55 200mm f 4 5 6G ED IF AF S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens Accessory Kit w 5 Year Warranrty
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens: Reduces the effects of camera shake, allowing hand-held shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower. The newest addition to Nikon’s world-class Nikkor lens lineup, the DX Nikkor series was developed for professional and advanced amateur digital SLR users who demand high optical performance. This 55-200mm lens offers such features as two extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration, an exclusive Silent Wave Monitor that allows for accurate and quiet high-speed autofocusing, and a nine-blade rounded diaphragm. And thanks to the 200mm maximum focal length and 3.6x zoom, you can shoot everything from close-up sports shots to national park wildlife without standing right next to your subject. Other details include a super-integrated coating that minimizes ghosting and flare; a nine-blade rounded diaphragm for more natural out-of-focus highlights; and a focus switch that lets you easily switch between autofocus (A) and manual (M) modes. * Vibration Reduction allows in-focus shots with longer exposure times (up to three shutter speeds slower) * Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet focusing * ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lens element for superior optical performance. ++PLUS++ 5 Year Warranty Protection Service Plan - 3 pc Filter Kit: UV/ Polarizing filter/Fluorescent correction & Case - Tamrac Large zipper closing foam padded lens case W/Belt Loop - Lens Pen Cleaning Tool - Cap Keeper Front Lens Cap Leash - Advanced Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth
Digital Concepts High Resolution 3 piece Filter Set UV Fluorescent Polarizer for the Nikon Zoom Normal Telephoto 55 200mm f 4 5 6G ED AF S DX Zoom Nikkor Autofocus Lens for Digital Cameras Nikon Zoom Normal Telephoto 55 200mm f 4 5 6G ED AF S VR DX Zoom Nikkor Autofocus Lens Vibration Reduction for Digital Cameras
January 5, 2009 by Digital SLR Camera Review
Filed under Electronics
Digital Concepts High Resolution 3 piece Filter Set UV Fluorescent Polarizer For The f 3 5 5 6G ED IF AF S DX VR II Autofocus Lens
January 4, 2009 by Digital SLR Camera Review
Filed under Electronics
FILTER UV: Protects your camera’s lens from scratches, dust, dirt, moisture, and fingerprints, while reducing unwanted ulra-violet light.
FILTER FD: The F-DL fluorescent light correction filter gives true-to-life color rendition by removing the harsh yellow-green cast ordinarily resulting from fluorescent bulbs. When shooting under natural light, a fluorescent filter dramatically increases color satruation of subjects.
FILTER PL: Polarizers let you acheive vibrant color saturation, reduce or eliminate glare and reflections from non-metallic objects and glass surfaces, and minimize haze. The filter can be rotated to determine the amount of reflection to be removed.
Lens filters are translucent pieces of glass placed in front of a camera lens to alter or adjust the light entering the camera, and more importantly to protect the camera lens. Lens filters improve photographs by giving you control over light and allowing you to emphasize the features of a scene that you consider most important. This filter kit is a combination of the three essential filters no photographer should be without.
Digital Concepts 72mm UV Filter
January 2, 2009 by Digital SLR Camera Review
Filed under Electronics
Digital Concepts 72mm UV Filter
Absorbs the ultraviolet rays which often makes outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct. Protects your camera lens. Multi-purpose fine-weather filter for color as well as black and white films.
Digital Concepts filters are manufactured from high quality solid optical glass. Each individual filter is heat-treated and coated to avoid any rare movement or distortion.