First let me say, this is not a 'professional' camera. This is a prosumer camera, or a camera a professional might use as a backup. At 10.2 MP, the image quality is very good and you can blow pictures up and crop them, and still end up with a good image.
I researched DSLRs for 2 weeks, reading about them and playing with them at Circuit City. I chose the Nikon D40x for the following reasons...
1) Heavier construction, more durable than the Canon Digital Rebel XTi
1a) Also feels better in my hand, which was a personal perference.
2) .1 MP higher than the Canon
3) 4.1 MP higher than the Nikon D40
4) $350 less than the D80 (I would have preferred the D80, but I wasn't trying to spend $1500+ after getting more lenses and accessories).
5) $632 for the D40x with the 18-55mm kit lens, which is much better than Canon's 28-55mm kit lens (which has horrible reviews).
6) Nikkor Lenses-- cannot say enough about how important it is to have a good lens. Nikon seems to have the best lenses on the market.
7) Takes an SD card-- the Canon takes a CF card. SD cards are cheaper for the same GBs
8) Nikon has a better warranty situation and I heard they are very customer oriented.
9) Nikon name is legendary in photography, and has the best and most easily available equipment.
10) For $975 (several purchases on Amazon), I got the following: D40x with 18-55mm lens, 55-200mm VR (vibration reduction lens), Nikon ballistic bag, extra battery (2 total), Nikon guide to photography, 2GB Sandisk Extreme III SD card, Sandisk USB card reader, (2) different Nikon Lens protective padded pouches, Nikon Microfiber lens/screen rag, Nikon Pen style brush lens cleaner, Digital Recovery Software, and Digital Photo Editing Software. Also included was a free trial of Photoshop.
All in all, this is a perfect camera for someone who is interested in DSLR photography but doesn't know squat about Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed, F-stops, Manual Focusing, Bokeh, etc. This camera makes it easy to get introduced to DSLR photography without feeling overwhelmed. It additionally is great for someone who is on a budget-- such as a college or high school student who wants to pursue photography as a career. The quality of pictures is absolutely amazing for a $632 camera (and that includes a GOOD lens).
Nikon D40X 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
4
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Last update: 11-28-2024
About this item
10.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for large, photo-quality prints
2.5-inch LCD monitor; 170-degree viewing angle
3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition
Image optimization functions and in-camera image retouching
Automatic Exposure with 8 Digital Vari-Program modes
2.5-inch LCD monitor; 170-degree viewing angle
3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition
Image optimization functions and in-camera image retouching
Automatic Exposure with 8 Digital Vari-Program modes