Digital Camera SLR Nikon

Get the Best Deals and Discounts for Nikon Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens Features: Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality Buy Used and New from $499.99 Product Description 18-55mm AFS DX Nikkor / Fast Start-up / Active Dust Reduction / 2.5" LCD / Up to 3 Frames per second / SD and SDHC Memory Slot Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available / Date imprint - Date, Date and Time, Date Counter, or None (selectable) Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder File system - DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Focusing screen - Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V Compatible lenses - AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR - All functions supported; Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except autofocus; Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus; IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF - Not supported; Type D PC NIKKOR - All functions supported except some shooting modes; AI-P NIKKOR - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II; Non-CPU - Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster - Electronic rangefinder can be used Frame advance up to 3 fps Self-timer - Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 second duration Metering method - Matrix - 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted - Weight of 75 percent given to 8mm circle in center of frame; Spot - Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5 percent of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 degrees C/68 degrees F); Matrix, Center-weighted, and Spot metering Dimensions (W x H x D) - 126 x 94 x 64mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 inch)/ 1.1 lb Customer Reviews I purchased my D-60 as a kit that included not only the camera but also two VR lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm), gadget bag, 2 instructional DVD's, Nikon Capture software and a 2 GB San-Disk SD card for a total of $[...]. Having had a D-70s in the past, I found that the "learning curve" with the D-60 is not nearly as steep as some might make you believe. While considered a mid-level "pro-am" camera, the D-60 takes remarkably clear shots and has the added advantage of allowing the use of almost any Nikon lens available, be it 25 years old or 2.5 months old. After having trailed Canon for a while in the "self-cleaning sensor" department, the D-60 shows Nikon has finally adopted this feature. All I can say is, "It's about time". At last, I no longer have to take my camera in for its annual "sensor scrub". Halleluah! The D-60 has 2.5MP less resolution than the new D-5000. I started to get one of those, but couldn't see paying an extra [...] bucks for a lousy 2.5MP resolution gain. I'm not planning on blowing my pictures up to wall size or billboard size so there was no way to justify the extra expense. Besides, the D-60 does everything I want it to. Plus, it allows "in camera" red-eye correction, cropping and some basic editing. You can also switch a photo from color to B&W, Sepia or Cyanotype all inside the camera (though it DOES keep the original color shot when it creates the new "color edited" picture). The only "complaint" (if you can really call it that) is that the D-60 still does not have the "Full Frame Sensor". Instead of WYSIWYG, you get 92% of what you see in the viewfinder. While this is not a major issue as long as you're aware of it, it would have been nice to see Nikon upgrade the D-60 with the same FFS it has in some of its higher end digital SLR's. For the price, I can't beat what I have with a stick! The D-60 is an excellent camera and (in my opinion) the best camera to usae to introduce anyone into the world of digital SLR photography. Buy Now Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens Features: 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints Buy Used and New from $402.99 Product Description The lightest, most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and an ergonomically designed operation that even first-time SLR users can enjoy. Advanced 3-area AF system Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600 with manual override Eight automated Digital Vari-Programs [Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait] optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene Near-instant 0.18-second power-up Versatile shutter speed control with a range from 30 to 1/4000 s, plus bulb Creative in-camera effects and editing functions consolidated under the new Retouch menu, including D-Lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype), Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance), Small Picture and Image Overlay Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor Information displays can be shown in Classic, Graphic or Wallpaper format Assist Images help select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting Large, bright viewfinder with 0.8x magnification Fast image data transfer and recording to SD memory cards of up to 4GB capacity Exposure Metering System - TTL full-aperture exposure metering system Electronic-Flash - Auto, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait modes Uses Nikon AF-S Lenses Unit Dimensions (W x D x H) - Approximately 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches; Weight - Approximately 1lb. 1oz. without battery, memory card or body cap Nikon USA 1-Year Warranty Customer Reviews Ordered my Nikon D40 on Sunday, received it on the following Wednesday... Great service by Amazon. The camera is exceptional! I showed it to a friend of mine, a professional photographer and he was amazed at the camera (he's a Canon guy) and even more amazed at the price. I have been interested in photography for a long time but haven't had a SLR since the film days. I am having lots of fun with the D40, its hard to take a bad picture when you use the automatic mode. Since I got the camera I have purchased a UV Filter, Remote Control, Gorillapod and a Crumpler Camera bag and have been doing a lot of reading and experimenting. Thanks KenRockwell.com for the recommendation and the tutorials. Buy Now Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens Features: 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor Buy Used and New from $1,099.00 Product Description Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90s breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikons exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90s cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode. Customer Reviews After 6 years with my faithful G5 I decided to buy a new camera. Primary reason was shooting under poor light. First, I wanted to buy Canon G10, but I was disappointed with the quality of 15MP sensor. Then I wanted to buy Canon T1i, but I came out with Nikon D90. There are several reasons for that: reasonable pixel count, very good build quality, very useful and quite good kit lens (18-105), good raw conversion software (Capture NX) and attractive price at a moment. So, what's the filling when you leave 6 year old compact and start shooting with top quality SLR? What I like about Nikon D90: - Good high ISO capability. This is relief: you can peacefully shoot up to ISO 3200, while the G5 was out by the ISO 200. Also, Auto ISO is great in low light. - Kit lens is great. I really missed wide angle before. - Metering is very good, especially with flash - D-Lighting is beautiful feature - Very responsive and fast camera - Display is gorgeous - Lens servo capabilities are excellent - Viewfinder is very good. I was afraid of that little window since I'm used to look on much larger display, but I have no problem using it (even with glasses). What I dislike about Nikon D90: - Autofocus dot in the viewfinder is not easy noticeable and you never really know do you have focus or not unless you turn on that beeping which is loud and irritating. My old G5 can change the volume and sound of autofocus beep, why D90 can't? - Quite heavy - Awkward balance when you use a neck strap - I didn't think that would be the problem, but I miss that manual focus window that shows distance. - Lens is slow. I know, it's kit lens, it's cheap, but I'm used to G5 F2.0-3.0. High ISO can compensate it, but not entirely. - Live view is really done badly. But is still very useful feature in some situations. What I still like about Canon G5: - Size. The whole camera is as big as the 18-105 lens. - Autofocus is actually quite fast in good light. (It's the shutter lag that is the problem.) - Fast lens. That F2.0-3.0 is really great thing. It's disappointing that Canon put slower lens on new G7-G10 - Very little lens distortion. - When you shoot in jpeg, you can still save the picture in raw while you reviewing it. That's very useful trick that I miss on D90. What I still dislike about Canon G5: - Noise. G5 have more noise on ISO 200 than D90 on ISO 3200. ISO 400 on G5 is unusable. - Red eyes are regular problem. - Purple fringing is terrible. - Very slow operation. - Bad autofocus in low light. - Lens not wide enough (35-140) Buy Now Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD Features: 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor Buy Used and New from $799.99 Product Description A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly advanced D-SLR capabilities, the compact and powerful D5000 offers breathtaking 12.3-megapixel image quality, along with a flexible, Vari-angle, Live View monitor for fresh picture-taking perspectives. Nikon's EXPEED image processing further enhances performance, contributing to split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly. Customer Reviews I was going to buy the Nikon D60, but got this one instead for about the same price It's really a great beginner's camera, with everything the D60 has, most of what the D90 has (including movie-shooting) and some things that neither one have, like the useful swiveling LCD. It's only 2.7 inches instead of three inches, but the ability to shoot from waist level or by holding the camera over my head is really useful. I even have shot a self portrait with it. If your more advanced, you'll probably want the D90, but if just starting out the D5000 is a great camera. I also recommend David Busch's Nikon D5000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography as a guide. It's much more complete than the manual that comes with the camera and will teach you about photography as well as the D5000. Buy Now Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Features: 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor; body only Buy Used and New from $2,319.00 Product Description This Nikon D700 12-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera has been factory-refurbished to perform as new. Includes 90-Day Nikon Warranty. Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. Nikon's flagship FX and DX-format cameras, the D3 and D300 respectively, established new benchmarks for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 advances the technology of its predecessors to a newer level. The D700 maintains this new measure with exceptional overall image quality, broad tonal range and depth, and extremely low noise throughout its native ISO range of 200 to 6400. The Nikon D700 is a fusion of astonishing image quality and agility. Leveraging the breakthrough performance of Nikon's original 12.1-Megapixel FX-Format (23.9x36mm) CMOS sensor, teamed with exclusive Nikon EXPEED image processing technology, the D700 delivers astounding image fidelity with incredible sharpness, rich color depth and broad tonal range. Shooting limitations fade with the welcome picture angle characteristics of a 35mm SLR, combined with amazing low-noise performance at up to ISO 6400 and continuous shooting as fast as 5 frames per second. Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System boosts several segments of the D700's performance, including its fast, accurate 51-area autofocus system. The D700's tempered-glass-protected, 3" VGA TFT LCD monitor features bright, 170-degree wide-angle viewing for precise image review. With a rugged self-diagnostic shutter, tested to 150,000 cycles, the versatility of two Live View modes and integrated dust reduction, the D700 is agility meets quality. 3 Super-density VGA Color Monitor Two Live View shooting modes Rugged magnesium-alloy construction Fast, accurate 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking Dynamic integrated dust r Customer Reviews This one lives up to all the hype. I came out of a D200, and difference in image quality is immediately obvious. Of course, the move to FX comes with the ability to shoot with Nikon's pro lenses again, and the combo of the two gets you back to the kinds of images you remember from your film days. So ... the improvement is part camera, part lens upgrade ... but the results are just fantastic. Now I can use the same lenses for my D700 and my F4 body (backup) which makes packing my backpack a whole lot simpler. For those of you moving up from the D200, the control layout of the D700 is very similar, so there's little learning curve regarding handling. If you are a tripod shooter like me, you'll love the ability to display the camera's settings on the rear display. I haven't found much of a use for live view yet, but I'm still playing with it. You'll find an excellent D700 settings guide out on Ken Rockwell's site. If you are thinking about this camera, just buy it ... I've not regretted the extra investment for one second. Buy Now Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Features: 12.3-megapixel captures enough detail for poster-size photo-quality prints Buy Used and New from $1,275.00 Product Description Customer Reviews Now it's safe to say, there are a ton of great reviews for this camera, and I might not even have anything new to say, but I'm going to say it anyways. I had the D200 (a wonderful camera as well) for about 16 +- months before considering the D300. I WANTED the D300, but didn't NEED the D300. It all started one day when I started planning a trip to Florida ... sort of. I typically go out weekends to TRY and relax taking pictures. I'm new to this, so I spend a lot of time, but no where near enough time, shooting and learning to get the most out of the D200. Now I'm sure it's me and not the camera, but many of my shots were on the darkside (light - dark), so I was spending a fair amount of time dealing with this in PS, iPhoto and Aperture. Was this because I'm color blind, who knows, but it was an issue (for me). In any case, the D300 was announced and Nikon said it was a much better camera (surprise?). Well with my upcoming trip, I decided to see if I could sell my D200, and then get a D300 and cross my fingers. Well I sold the D200 on a Monday, order my new D300 from B&H Tuesday, got it here on that Friday, got it together, tried it, loaded in the car, and left for Florida. Well I took a few pictures on the way down, and read the book quickly (my first mistake), so I would be better prepared when I arrived in Florida. Florida is about a 22 - 26 hour drive from Maine, so it didn't give me much time to play or read before I got there, but I was hoping enough. After all it was only an up-grade to a camera I had been using for some time now. WOW, I took 25 +- pictures at a wonderful park across the street from the hotel I was staying, and ALL of the pictures were wonderful! Wonderful in the sense they weren't dark, blurry or anything. Yes, I said to myself, I got lucky, the default settings are more suited for the way I shoot, the lights better in Florida then in Maine, I just had a good nights sleep ...? Well I have had the camera now for some time, and my rate of keepers is 10 fold over what it was with the D200. Now this only means I'm getting what I consider to be, better pictures, and after all, I'm the only one that matters here - right:) I could ramble on for hours about this camera, but I'll close by saying "It's a wonderful camera, that I'm real glad I purchased". For me it has made a huge difference in the quality of my photo's, much for me means, I'll get better, easier, and will use the camera more. [...] Skip Buy Now Nikon D90 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Features: 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor Buy Used and New from $878.99 Product Description Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90s breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikons exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90s cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode. Customer Reviews As many other reviews confirm, this is a good digital camera. After buying mine, however, I was disappointed to find that Nikon provides very poor support to users who do any kind of software post-processing with their pictures. Nikon again changed the file format for this camera versus older models. As a result, most of the software you have probably won't work. Not only do you need the newest versions of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements if you're using Adobe products (ok, Nikon might argue that's Adobe's problem, but then, they provide no support to Adobe) - but wait, even your own Nikon software may not work at all! Neither the older Nikon Capture 4 photo editing software nor the relatively new Capture NX can read files shot with your D90! Nikon's technical support say there's nothing they can do about that and I should buy ($180) or upgrade ($100) to the newest version, Capture NX 2. In my case, all I'm using my Capture software for is to de-fisheye pictures taken with Nikon's 10.5mm lens, which worked well with my previous Nikon cameras. No more. I consider Nikon's attitude unacceptable and warn everyone that you may end up having to spend much more than you thought if you want to use your D90 as most people do! Buy Now Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Black Gold Special Edition (Body Only) Features: Special black-gold edition D60; compact, comfortable, ergonomic design Buy Used and New from Product Description 10.2-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CCD image sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm) * Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System to keep image sensor clean * Nikon EXPEED image processor for fast, accurate shooting and longer battery life * Active D-Lighting mode for better shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast shooting conditions * 2-1/2" color LCD screen with auto-rotating display for easy vertical viewing * 3D Color Matrix Metering II for accurate exposure control * continuous shooting mode: 3 frames per second (up to 100 JPEG frames or up to 6 RAW frames) * program shooting modes: Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Child, Sports, and Night Portrait * in-camera image editing functions, including: D-Lighting, red-eye correction, cropping, image overlay, monochrome settings, filter effects, NEF (RAW) processing, cross star and color intensifier filters * Customer Reviews The D60 works well, is small, lightweight, and compact, and user friendly. It is a good camera. However, there is NOT much difference between the D40 and D60 other than megapixels and price. To be honest, 6 megapixels are plenty enough to make a 16X20 print. In fact, the D60 is less sensitive to light and has a slower shutter speed, creating a higher chance for blurry pictures. The glass (lense) is what's most important, not the body. So my advice--forego the overpriced D60, save yourself $300 with the D40 and buy a super good external (bounceable) flash or put towards a better lense. This is what I wish I WOULD have done. Buy Now Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens with 2 Nikon School DVDs Features: Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality Buy Used and New from $729.99 Product Description 18-55mm VR AFS DX Nikkor and 55-200 Lenses / Fast Start-up / Active Dust Reduction / 2.5" LCD / Up to 3 Frames per second / SD and SDHC Memory Slot Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available / Date imprint - Date, Date and Time, Date Counter, or None (selectable) Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder File system - DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V Compatible lenses - AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR - All functions supported; Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except autofocus; Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus; IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF - Not supported; Type D PC NIKKOR - All functions supported except some shooting modes; AI-P NIKKOR - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II; Non-CPU - Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster - Electronic rangefinder can be used Frame advance up to 3 fps Self-timer - 2, 5, 10 and 20 second duration Metering method - Matrix - 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted - Weight of 75 percent given to 8mm circle in center of frame; Spot - Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5 percent of frame) centered on selected focus point Dimensions (W x H x D) - 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 inch / 1.1 lb Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area) - EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-23 Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, DK-20 Rubber Eyecup, AN-DC1 Camera Strap, BF-1A Body Cap , DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover; Soft Customer Reviews I got this camera as a gift for my wife before her trip to Scotland. We have other digital cameras including a lesser model Nikon. We also have a Nikon SLR film camera. This is by far the best quality and user freindly camera we have ever had. The results are stunning. Excellent picture with every shot. Buy Now Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens with 2 Nikon School DVD Features: 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints Buy Used and New from $500.00 Product Description The lightest, most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and an ergonomically designed operation for first-time SLR users to enjoy. High level performance and ease. 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB sensor delivers consistent and dependable automatic exposure for ideal results in most lighting conditions Advanced 3-area AF system Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600 with manual override Eight automated Digital Vari-Programs [Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait] optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene Near-instant 0.18-second power-up Versatile shutter speed control with a range from 30 to 1/4000 s, plus bulb Creative in-camera effects and editing functions consolidated under the new Retouch menu, including D-Lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype), Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance), Small Picture and Image Overlay Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor Information displays can be shown in selectable formats Assist Images help select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting Large, bright viewfinder Fast image data transfer and recording to SD memory cards Exposure Metering System - TTL full-aperture exposure metering system Electronic-Flash - Auto, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait modes USB and NTSC PAL image transfer capable Unit Dimensions (Body Only) - Approximately Width 5.0 x Depth 2.5 x Height 3.7 inches / Weight - 1 pound, 1 ounces Nikon USA 1-Year Warranty Customer Reviews 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 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX (L) - Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S (M) - 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 Buy Now