Nikon D40 vs Other Similar Cameras
The Nikon D40 vs other digital SLR cameras in this price range (~$400) are the Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D), Pentax K100D and the Olympus E-Volt E-500.
- The Evolt E-500 and the Rebel XT are 8 megapixel cameras.
- Unlike the Rebel XT, the E-500 has a sensor cleaning mechanism.
- The Pentax model is the only one of these cameras to provide anti-shake technology built into its body.
- The Nikon D40 has only 3 autofocus (AF) sensors; the other models have either 5 or 11 point sensors.
Summary
The Nikon D40 is an excellent camera providing several features at an attractive price. For a first time digital SLR owner, I would highly recommend this camera.
It is a pleasure to hold and it has intuitive buttons and menu systems. In short, it just “fit” my hands and my style just well. It was also the very first digital SLR camera I bought.
I would like to point out that even though you can mount any Nikon lens on this camera, you will be limited to AF-S or AF-I lenses if you want autofocus to work properly.
The Nikon D40 doesn’t have a mechanical focus drive pin which means that autofocus lens compatibility is restricted to lenses with internal focus mechanisms. Of course, this is not a bad thing as internal focus lenses are whisper quiet and fast!
If you have older Nikon lenses (non AF-S or AF-I) that you want to mount on this camera, perhaps you are better off with a different digital SLR body.