A few years ago , $ 1,000 was a critical price barrier for digital SLRs . Now , as interest group in this category has originate among casual lensman , vendors have been belt along to produce a $ 500 model . Though no camera has reach that goal yet , Nikon ’s new D40 come close . For $ 599 , you get a very adequate to digital SLR photographic camera with impressive ikon quality .
The D40 outfit includes the pocket-size , lightweight tv camera and a freestanding 18 - 55 mm lens ( the camera is not useable in a body - only configuration ) . Even at this low monetary value , the build quality of the D40 is first-class . The rubberized grip and pebbled finish make it feel like a professional - level gadget . Nikon has done an excellent job of craft a petite camera that is easy to hold steadily and does n’t finger too cramp .
The D40 ’s 6.1 - megapixel sensor is low compare to the 10 - megapixel sensing element on many of today ’s point - and - shoots , but it offer plenty of pixels for well printing up to 8 - by-10 - inch image . The D40 ’s image quality shines because the camera includes the same trope - processing circuitry as Nikon ’s more expensive D80 ( ) and D200 ( ) models . Like its small - bodied competition , the D40 attain its bantam size by eliminating the top - mount status show in party favour of using the camera ’s rear LCD for status readouts . The top of the photographic camera has a mode dial for selecting shot mode , as well as button for picture recompense and information display . You localize all other options via the television camera ’s menu system .
The 2.5 - in LCD screen is bright and fair easy to read even in direct sun . It provides a detailed read-out of current photographic camera configurations and is soft to toggle on and off by press the Info button , which is located just behind the shutter button .
The info display include a feature that is so handy and useful for beginning lensman , that it ’s severe to believe no one has thought of it before : As you change the aperture opening , the display shows an enliven sword lily that opens and close , so you do n’t have to think back whether a higher degree Fahrenheit - stop act means a smaller or larger aperture . This is a neat lineament for novice shooters . The television camera also include a built - in help system that explicate what each feature article does , and shows an exemplar of how the feature will alter your image .
The D40 comes with every lineament that most users in this market will desire , including adjustable ISO , in the altogether way , scene mode , plus all of the image - march features that are build in to the D80 . Nikon ’s excellent D - kindling feature for brightening images — plus in - television camera reddened - eye correction , black and white changeover , and more — is readily accessible from the camera ’s menus . The only conspicuously wanting feature is a deepness - of - field preview option .
performance
Scale = Superior , Very Good , Good , Fair , Poor
The image - quality rating of the tv camera is base upon a control panel of judges ’ opinions in five categories : photograph , color , sharpness , distorted shape , and overall . Battery living tester follow a precise script , include guess with and without wink , until the battery dies.—Tested in conjunction with the PC World Test Center
specifications
Macworld’s buying advice
At $ 599 , the Nikon D40 is a great time value , and a great dick for photographers who desire to grow . The let in assistance organization and aperture display are rattling learning tools , and the fact that the television camera provides full priority and manual style , as well as Raw , ensure that you wo n’t have to compromise as your shooting prowess grows .
[ Ben Long is the author ofComplete Digital Photography , third Edition(Charles River Books , 2004 ) . ]
