Best Reviewed
Digital SLR Cameras
- Best digital SLR for beginners Nikon D3100 *Est. $500
- Step-up entry DSLR Nikon D5100 *Est. $850
- Best-value advanced DSLR Nikon D7000 *Est. $1200
- Pro digital SLR with full HD video Canon EOS 5D Mark II *Est. $2090
- Best all-around pro DSLR Nikon D3S *Est. $5200
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- Excellent images with automatic settings
- Color metering
- Easy to use
- Quiet shutter
- No depth-of-field preview
- Uses only autofocus lenses
- Three-point autofocus
- Lower resolution
Nikon is replacing the 6-megapixel entry-level D40 with the 10.2-megapixel Nikon D3000 (Discontinued), but reviews still recommend the D40 as an excellent budget buy if you can find it. It takes consistently good shots on automatic settings and is very easy to use. The 6-megapixel resolution is plenty for prints up to 8 inches by 10 inches in size. Reviewers praise the Nikon D40 for its spot meter (unusual in a budget camera), plus exposures that take the subject's color into account. Maximum shooting speed is 2.5 frames per second (fine for family shots). However, the three-point autofocus doesn't track action as well as the Canon EOS Rebel XSi (Discontinued) -- which also has a larger LCD screen and a depth-of-field preview. For more advanced features like sensor cleaning, live-image preview, image stabilization and software that processes raw images, reviews recommend the Canon XSi instead.
We found the best comparison ratings of the Nikon D40 digital SLR camera at What Digital Camera, a U.K. publication, and at PopPhoto.com. Jeff Keller at DCResource.com provides the most thorough, detailed review, while PCMag.com provides the most succinct criticism. The review at Imaging-Resource.com adds some useful details not noted elsewhere.
| Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens | |
(516 reviews) |
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Our Sources
This detailed review of the Nikon D40 gives it an Editors' Choice award, though its overall rating of 87 percent is on the low side. Image quality is excellent, and it's very easy for a beginner to use yet offers room to grow in skill.
Review: Nikon D40 Review, Jamie Harrison, Jan. 1, 2007
2. PopPhoto.com
The Canon XSi gets the 2007 Editor's Choice award for best entry-level digital SLR, but the less expensive Nikon D40 wins the Best Buy award. Editors praise its comfort and image quality.
Review: Editor's Choice 2007: Entry-Level DSLRs, Russell Hart and Jonathan Barkey, June 28, 2007
This thorough review of the Nikon D40 covers all aspects in detail. The Nikon D40 is recommended as an entry-level camera, but the review notes quite a few limitations, such as the fact that software for RAW images is available only at extra cost.
Review: DCRP Review: Nikon D40, Jeff Keller, April 2, 2008
This review of the Nikon D40 is less enthusiastic, finding the camera comfortable and easy to use, but criticizing the three-point autofocus, the need to use only autofocus lenses and that there have been incidents of blown highlights when using flash.
Review: Nikon D40, Terry Sullivan, Feb. 26, 2007
This detailed review praises the Nikon D40 for its soft shutter sound and ease of use, recommending it for "fun and family" use or as a second camera since it's so small and light.
Review: Nikon D40, Dave Etchells and Shawn Barnett, Dec. 18, 2006
6. Ken Rockwell
Photography guru Ken Rockwell has tested much more expensive Nikon and Canon digital SLRs, but still recommends the Nikon D40 as the best buy for most users. He recommends investing most of your camera money in good lenses and shows sample photos to prove it.
Review: Nikon D40, Ken Rockwell, Updated Feb. 2008
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