A good digital SLR camera around $450?

Question

that can take bright vibrant portraits like these...

http://fc06.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/104/9/4/drowning_in_my_thoughts__by_saturdayx.jpg

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=86200663&albumID=1743096&imageID=29170263

i was thinking of a Nikon d40 since its a good price and more for beginners (i've never used a dslr and i dont know much at all about them..)

but then i searched "Nikon d40 self portrait" on flickr.com and the pictures didn't look nearly as good as theirs.. is their a camera thats a good deal that will take beautiful pics like theirs? i know that the guy in the first pic uses a Canon XTi (aka d400) but its like $700....

Answer 1

The d40 IS a pretty good camera. So is the Canon Rebel XT. Buying a good camera doesn't guarantee good photographs: you could get an image like the first one (can't see the second) with a point-and-shoot and some knowledge of Photoshop. It's the photographer that determines the quality, not the equipment - unless you're talking about cellphone cameras or the really old digital ones.

The main advantage with dSLRs over your typical point-and-shoot camera is that they give the photographer complete control. If you don't feel you need or will take advantage of details like the depth of field, shutter speed, ISO and manual focus, it may be better to go with a point-and-shoot.

Keep in mind that a dSLR body by itself is useless. You'll still have to invest in a lens, kit or otherwise, a memory card and a case - the bare minimum.

I'd link to individual images I'd taken with an XT but Y!A doesn't like me. So for examples, click the links in my profile.

Answer 2

The Nikon D40 is a fantastic camera and the kit lens is super sharp. The battery life is excellent even when using the pop up flash. I know because I own one.

Answer 3

It isn't the camera but the photographer.  Expecting someone else's photos to show what a camera can do is like buying a Chevy because they win the most NASCAR races ... one has nothing to do with the other.

http://www.jdpower.com/electronics/ratin...

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40...

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamer...

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-5...