Nikon D40

[Snuggle Ferret]

Has anyone got one of these? I'm getting one for The Hubbsta for his birthday as it's stated as an entry level SLR.

Any information gratefully received :-)

TIA

[Matblack]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/

Its a fine camera, just like all makes it has strengths and weaknesses, glass is more expensive for it because lenes need to have internal motors rather than powered from the body, best thing to do is get him to try this the Canon 450d and maybe another make like the Sony and see which he prefers :)

MB

[Mark]

I'd agree with everything MB said. Sound advice there.

[divine]

glass is more expensive for it because lenes need to have internal motors rather than powered from the body,

That isn't strictly true, Nikkor glass is generally just more expensive than Canon anyway, at least with regards the cheaper end of the market and this is the case regardless of the presence of the AF-S motor.

For example, the 50mm F1.8, this doesn't have a motor inside (and as such won't autofocus on a D40) and it was about £80 when I got mine, compared to around £50 for the Canon equivalent.

Most of Nikon's lineup is now D40 friendly though, so it's not a huge issue. Anything labelled AF-S (or AF-I) from Nikon, or HSM from Sigma will work fine. Anything without those labels will also technically 'work' fine, they just won't autofocus.

[Snuggle Ferret]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/

Its a fine camera, just like all makes it has strengths and weaknesses, glass is more expensive for it because lenes need to have internal motors rather than powered from the body, best thing to do is get him to try this the Canon 450d and maybe another make like the Sony and see which he prefers :)

MB

It's a surprise birthday present so can't really get him to try other makes. I have a limited budget of around £275 as well so the Canon is well out of my price range :-(

[divine]

Canon 1000D is a cheaper alternative in that case.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos1000d%2Ccanon_eos450d%2Cnikon_d40 %2Cnikon_d40x%2Cnikon_d60&show=all

[_dogma_]

I have the D40x and I think it's an amazing camera. I have a bit of an untrained eye though, I guess. It's really easy to get to grips with and feels quite solid. I do however think that you should try before you buy. I was all set on getting a Canon but it just didn't feel right in my hands and was much happier adjusting setting on the Nikon.