Nikon D40?

Question

I want to order a Nikon D40 but the 6.1 MP is kind of a turnoff for me. But my question is...does MP really matter when it comes to a DSLR...or is it a big thing when it comes to those kind of cameras.

How durable is this...because I want to keep this camera until I go into Senior Year of HS...I'm a Sophomore right now. I am very obsessive about keeping my cameras in one piece.

Answer 1

Pooky is correct.

You might consider this camera at COSTCO:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...

For $120 more, compared to D40, you can get the D60 which is a little bit faster and has 10 mp - since, you care for your camera, I would suggest go with this.  By the time you get out of high school at least the camera will not be so old than the D40 - with the ever changing technology:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...

Answer 2

The D40 is a terrific camera. Between a D40, and a decent image processing s/w (i am using Raw Therapee), you can do a lot.

The 6MP limitation is irrelevant when viewing on screen. Very few screens have that kind of resolution. It only matters when you print the photograph. If you want to print a poster sized image, then you may notice the limitation of the 6MP resolution. Otherwise, I would strongly recommend the D40.

Can't talk to the durability since my D40 is pretty new. But I am sure that Nikon would not put out a product that can affect their reputation as one of the top two camera manufacturers.

Answer 3

It will work perfectly fine. Get a UV (clear) filter to protect the lens, and a decent bag to keep it in, and have fun.

When you add another lens, get a decent one, and it will outlast the camera. Be aware that a handful of lenses (AF-S) will auto focus with D40. (Do look into it).

6 MP from a dSLR looks better than 10 MP from a point and shoot--because the sensor is physically bigger.

These are from 'only' 12 or so MP, but the sensor is full sized 35 mm http://www.flickr.com/little_pooky so it does quite well especially in the dark.