Forget the humble specifications – seeing is believing and this camera gives impressive picture quality
The time difference between the first and last frame is 17 seconds
The D40 also writes data to the memory card very quickly - we shot a fast moving bus in single-shot mode with no problems. Close-up shots were superb and even the 3x zoom seemed to exceed its humble specification. Low-light shooting was good too and the noise level even at ISO 1600 is minimal.
The Hi (ISO 3200) mode setting produced rather harsh results and images shot in this mode looked somewhat noisy. Battery life is quoted at 470 shots in single-shot mode and after firing off several hundred frames, there was still plenty of juice in the tank.
Verdict
The D40 may have been around for a while now, but if you’re new to digital SLR photography or are simply counting the pennies, then this camera needs a very close look. Its performance far exceeds it seemingly low specification and it handles well.
Nikon D40 entry-level digital SLR
COMMENTS
@Tony Smith
Different Audiences? They're both older models available at a decent price for those that can't afford the latest models. The Canon is by far the better choice and about the same price.
@Jared
Different cameras with different audiences in mind and therefore different scores regarding their suitability for the DSLR newcomer.
Better luck this time
Hopefully my negative comment won't be moderated to oblivion this time.
Why does this merit 90% but the 400D only gets 75%?
seriously considered one of these
After reading Ken Rockwell, but the guy's shill at best and an opinionated egomaniac at worst.
Still a good cam but I'm happy after deciding to shell out more ££ and get a 450D.
@ Matt / saltyknob
Why not read the first paragraph of the review, i.e. the bit just under the main facts, and just before the second paragraph?
