Is the Nikon D40 a good starter camera?

[Rav]

Looking at buying one of these for about £215 early next year.
I will have the standard lens set up of 18 - 55mm.

Is this a good startup DSLR? Im limited to a max budget of about £250 and dont want a secondhand.

Any 'sensible' advise is appreciated.

[GetCarter]

Yes.

Be advised that if you add lenses to this body you will need to buy ones with auto focus motors as the body doesn't have one. But for just over 200 notes it's a great camera.

[Simpo Two]

Uh-oh - expect Uncle Beano shortly!

[hilly10]

YES YES and Yes again

[CivicMan]

Yes, first class. Recommended.

[craig_s]

I would say so, I love mine. More experienced photographers will point out that it doesn't have whatever function, but I have learned so much from it since August and still have loads to learn before I'll even think about upgrading.
Try Flickr for example shots, and a shameless plug for my photos.

[Rav]

Thanks all for your responses.

Craig S - Those water shots are amazing.

[flat-planedCrank]

Check the review on dpreview, the front page explains the auto-focus limitations of the d40/d40x/d60 range (which may / may not be an issue).
Also check the conclusion page, does a pretty good job in summing up its strengths / weaknesses

Certainly a popular camera


Cheers.

[Adz The Rat]

My lovely mrs has got me one for xmas, cant wait to start trying some good photo's with it.
Ive not read the spec of it properly but can you do the long exposure shots with it?

[hilly10]

Had mine for 18 months great learning curve before upgrading to the D300 now theres a camera

[flat-planedCrank]

Adz The Rat said:

Ive not read the spec of it properly but can you do the long exposure shots with it?

Sure can - from dpreview : "30 to 1/4000 sec".
So anything up to 30 seconds through the camera normally, otherwise you'll need a cable / remote release for longer shots.


Cheers.

[Chimune]

I was seriously concidering a D40x as i am going traveling for 3 months in feb. Do you guys think it will be too cumbersome to travel with ?

[N10k]

craig_s said:

I would say so, I love mine. More experienced photographers will point out that it doesn't have whatever function, but I have learned so much from it since August and still have loads to learn before I'll even think about upgrading.
Try Flickr for example shots, and a shameless plug for my photos.

Some good snaps there Craig!

[craig_s]

Chimune said:

I was seriously concidering a D40x as i am going traveling for 3 months in feb. Do you guys think it will be too cumbersome to travel with ?

The D40 and D40x are smaller and lighter than most DSLRs and although it won't fit in a pocket like a compact, I'm happy to have mine round my neck for a few hours. A camera bag would be handy if you are going to be carrying 2 or 3 lenses around and also to protect it when travelling. You wouldn't have to take the bag everywhere because when I'm going out for maybe an hour or so I can get away with one of my lenses in a jacket pocket. Wouldn't want to do that for too long though.
It is probably worth the extra bulk over a compact for the picture potential, and you don't want to end up missing out on that extra special shot...