PLEASE HELP!!!!What is the difference between a Nikon40 camera and your average digital camera??

Question

I am thinking to get one of the Nikon 40 things for my daughter, but I don't know if i should just get her a good unbulky less expensive one or the big one, she loves photography and is really good.... Any ideas??

Answer 1

Other than the fact that it has a sensor 15 times larger than a P&S camera, has the ability to use interchangeable lenses, complete control over the exposures and a high quality analog to digital converter?

If she loves photography, then she will love the ability of controlling the exposure and lens choices when shooting.  Things like long exposures for shooting fireworks, using Bokeh ( http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.ht... ) and other things that professional, advanced amateur photographers and students use day in and day out

Answer 2

Start her off with a dslr-like camera like Panasonic FZ18. It has a great zoom and much easier to handle and use. If she is old enough to use a DSLR, then by all means get her one, but you will also need a good zoom lense with image stabilizers. Get an accident insurance if there is a possibility of her dropping or banging it.

Answer 3

Do you mean the Nikon D40?

That camera can be considered a "professional" camera because it allows full manual control and many, many more options than an "average" digital camera.

An average digital camera, I'm assuming you agree, is what is called a point-and-shoot, because of the ease of controls.  These cameras have great automatic settings so that you can simple point your camera and shoot it and usually get a pretty good photo. They're usually pretty cheap and easy to replace if needed.  They can still take pretty good photos even if the user has NO knowledge of photography.

With a professional camera, also called a Digital SLR, it usually takes more practice and knowledge of the controls to get a really great photo.  An SLR is a camera that has interchangable lenses depending on the zoom length desired.  Most SLR's come with a "medium" lens (around 50mm) that is considered a "normal" lens for most situations.  If the camera you buy does NOT come with the lens, then you will also have to purchase a lens. And over time, your daughter will want more lenses with shorter or longer zoom lengths. So a Digital SLR could be more costly in the long run.

BUT, here's how I think you should decide between the two:

1) How much time and energy is she willing to put into photography?

Many hobbyists will buy SLR's because they are committed to learning more about photography and more about the controls of the camera.  If your daughter is excited to learn more, an SLR would be a great reward. There are tons of materials and even local college classes dedicated to teaching people how to use their SLR cameras.

2) How much are you willing to spend?

Like I said, over time, an SLR can get expensive because of all the accesories and lenses that can be added on.  For example, she may one day want a larger flash that can be attached.  She'll need a good bag or backpack to protect her equipment.  She'll need memory cards and maybe an extra battery.  Lenses are probably the most expensive additions, and she'll need different ones for different shooting situations eventually.  It all adds up financially.  Of course, I would never give this as a true reason not to buy an SLR, but do be aware that once someone dabbles in photography, it's hard to ever let it go.  It's like opening pandora's box.  

3) How much potential does she have?

I ask this because if you get your daughter a normal point-and-shoot camera, and she is really great at photography, then one day she will out grow it and want an SLR anyway.  A point-and-shoot can be a great starter camera, but it can only take a photographer so far.  

Either way, I think your daughter will enjoy the gift!