Nikon D40

[ohstate]

Does anyone have use a Nikon D40? After doing a little research, I am leaning towards this. To date, I've only had a little digital Cannon camera, which is fine for most things, but we're getting ready to take a vacation in Alaska, with lots of wildlife viewing (bears, etc), so I want something that will handle that. I also like taking photos at football games. I'm sure this will be better than my current camera, but was hoping to get some feedback from someone who already has one. Thanks!

 

[LusbyMom]

Does anyone have use a Nikon D40? After doing a little research, I am leaning towards this. To date, I've only had a little digital Cannon camera, which is fine for most things, but we're getting ready to take a vacation in Alaska, with lots of wildlife viewing (bears, etc), so I want something that will handle that. I also like taking photos at football games. I'm sure this will be better than my current camera, but was hoping to get some feedback from someone who already has one. Thanks!

I have one, just got it a few weeks ago. So far so good. You will need a better lens then what comes with it for the football shots. What comes with it does not zoom very well. Whatever you do, don't drop it. Mine fell off the coffee table and the lens broke. I am waiting on the 55-200mm lens to come in now.

 

[wch]

Probably should have read the thread New lenses. I have one and I think it is excellent for what I do with it:
1. Pics for web publishing (size pics down to 800x500 pixels)
2. Attach to my telescope and use full manual mode
3. General purpose, every day photography Prints great photos 4x6 up to 8x10.
4. Auto mode does take pretty good pics, and with a turn of the dial can change every setting to get the pic I want.

Cons:
1. IR remote not that convenient
2. Does not remember all programed auto settings when you turn it off and then back on.
3 view finder does not show whole pic. need to learn to compensate

If you buy one get a pocket notebook to make notes on the commonly used functions. Keeps you from having to search through lengthy owners manual

Check out my web page for pics whayes photography

 

[Mousebaby]

I just bought one myself, haven't gotten it yet, but I too did a lot of research before I bought it. It is a great beginner SLR. I am by no means a pro. I think for what you want to do with it it will be perfect for you! And I agree with Lusbymom, you have to get the better lens for better zoom. I got the camera and lens she is talking about from Dell as a package deal. You might save a little money if you go to Amazon, oh and make sure you get an extra battery. You must always have an extra battery! Good Luck!

 

[LusbyMom]

I just bought one myself, haven't gotten it yet, but I too did a lot of research before I bought it. It is a great beginner SLR. I am by no means a pro. I think for what you want to do with it it will be perfect for you! And I agree with Lusbymom, you have to get the better lens for better zoom. I got the camera and lens she is talking about from Dell as a package deal. You might save a little money if you go to Amazon, oh and make sure you get an extra battery. You must always have an extra battery! Good Luck!

See i didn't get an extra battery. I used the heck out of it for 2 weeks and I think I only charged it once. It has a great battery life.

 

[JEB]

I bought one last Aug. I got the '2 lens' package-18-55 and 55-200.
This was my upgrade from a point and shoot.
It does all that I want with out spending $K,000 on lenses.
A good site for menu explanation, initial working settings and techniques is
Nikon D40
He seems Nikon biased but he has only good things to say about the D40, and he speaks down to my level ;-)

 

[Mousebaby]

See i didn't get an extra battery. I used the heck out of it for 2 weeks and I think I only charged it once. It has a great battery life.

I am the worlds worst at remembering to charge so I keep one as a backup. A lot of other photographers recommend the same thing. I have always had an extra battery even when I just had an easyshare kodak way back in the day.