I want a digital SLR but the only one i can afford is the 6MP Nikon D40....is it worth it?

Question

i love to take pictures, and it will rarely be used professionally, but the only SLR i can afford is the Nikon D40 which is only 6 MP...most cameras now are 8 and 10, so 6MP is becoming old.

The quality of pictures I see with the D40 are really really great...

so should i get it? Or will it be totally crappy in a few years where a 10MP will still be current??

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/500315-REG/Nikon_00009420_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

Answer 1

Megapixels only matter if you want to make prints larger than poster size. 6MP is more than enough for most purposes.

The D40 is a very good camera despite its age. Perhaps the biggest feature it lacks is the AF motor, so you have to get used to manual focusing OR invest in AF lenses that will work with the D40.

As an alternative, you can check out the Canon 400D or 350D. They should be a lot cheaper now that the 450D has come out.

Answer 2

The D40 is a terrific camera. I use one, and strongly recommend it. Don't worry about megapixels and technologies in a few years. These products are always changing. With the D40, you are getting a camera that is adequate for most non-professional use.

Here are some pros & cons from my perspective based on my use:

Pros:

- Takes great pictures

- The menu system is extremely easy to use

- Few unnecessary frills that you will not end up using, if you are reasonably interested in photography

- Comes with a kit lens that is very sharp. It feels a little cheesy, but takes great pictures

Cons:

- If you need to do a lot of cropping, then you will miss the extra megapixels. I use cropping from time to time, but I suspect for pros this would take the camera out of consideration

- You cannot tap into Nikon's non-DX lenses and still be able to autofocus. It would have been really nice to be able to get autofocus with Nikon's 50mm prime lens

- High ISO images are of questionable quality. But nothing to complain about at ISO 200 or 400. The high end Nikons are definitely better at the high ISO game (those are also way more expensive).

- If you absolutely need image stabilization for the standard range, then you would need to buy the 18-55mm VR lens. I have not felt any need for it so far.

If those drawbacks do not bother you, get the camera, get familiar with Adobe Photoshop or Raw Therapee -- something to process raw images to your taste, and enjoy!

Answer 3

Megapixels only come handy if you need to blow up your PICS to a larger size. 6-8 MP camera is good enough if you'll only have the regular size pics (Ithink it's 6x8 or 8x10). D-40 is a great prosumer camera, but make sure you like the feel of it and size also is a consideration.

Answer 4

I shoot with a D50, which preceded the D40, but I believe uses the same sensor. While sensor sizes and technologies will continue to improve, there is not a significant difference between the 6 and an 8 or even 10, especially given that "it will rarely be used professionally". What you're seeing isn't an illusion, it is "really, really great" quality. What matters more is the air space behind the viewfinder. The good news is, you'll grow and learn and acquire some cool lenses and then one day you'll want to upgrade to the new D-sixbillionandfive or something and your lenses will still work because Nikon will continue to support them.

Answer 5

I personally never used a Nikon before, so I don't know how well they work. The only downside I find in it is that Nikon does not have Image Stabalizer. The Canon Rebels do, and cheap than Nikons.

But I would recommend checking out the Olympus E-420. It's a DSLR with 10.0 MP and about the same price as a Nikon D40. I used an Olympus SP 550-UZ  DSLR camera and find Olympus a pretty good brand.  

Answer 6

The D40 is definitely worth it.  You should take some time to read D L's links to Ken Rockwell's site.  He stands by the D40.  (There are two versions of the D40... the d40 is 6mp and the d40x is 10mp.) Ken still stands with the regular D40!  Mega pixels don't matter!  

Another thing I would do is join 'hot deal' sites like Fatwallet.com and SlickDeals.net.   Create an account and then set up topic alert for keywords 'NIKON' and maybe another one for "D40".  Basically these sites are where frugal shoppers go and post ongoing hot deals.  'Topic Alerts' will send an e mail to you when deals are posted using the keywords entered in your 'topic alert'.  Lately, there was a deal where you could get the D40 kit @ Staples for $360!   The deal didn't last long but if you patient, sleep at your computer :)  , you can easily get a good deal on the camera!    NEVER pay retail for anything!  

Good Luck!  

Answer 7

Yes. The D40 is worth it. But consider the Canon equlivalent too. You can get the Canon for less money up front and spend the rest on lenses, memory cards and other accessories.

You could do worse than to read both of these articles written by a good photographer.

The megapixel myth

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.h...

Why your camera does not matter.

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

Answer 8

SHOP FOR A DEAL!!!!  That's what I say.  You might get lucky and find the camera you want for less if you shop around.

I am all about Amazon.com .  I bought my Dyson vacuum from there it was refurbished and it was almost $200 cheaper then in any store.  My house has never been so clean.  

Here I found your Camera. with the lens too for $468.99

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

That's not too bad of a price for something you want and will enjoy.

PS. Yes there will always be a better camera every year.  BUT it might not be better for you. 10MP is plenty. You can blow a photo up to 18 -26"  that a small poster.  Any more is over kill I think.  Unless you are a profession and you make a living on your photos. For the average hobbyist 10MP is find even 6MP is enough.  I am old school I used my 35 mm SLR that was from the 70s till just 3 years ago. Well I had a point and shoot digital but I still would use my 35-mm. I felt it was just better and it was old.  I have taken some wonderful  photos with that very old camera.