I have to say I've been a Nikon fan since I inherited my dad's Nikon F1, a film 35 mm camera.  I wanted a dslr and bought a Canon, since I did not see any affordable Nikons.  The Nikon was great, but a short time later, I got the chance to return it, so I returned it and bought a Nikon D40x.  It was a kit with two lenses and a case.  The two lenses are okay; one is an 18-55mm, the other a 55-200 lens.  Both lenses are great for a starter dlsr.  I have enjoyed this camera so much and learned so much about using a digital SLR.  It has the basic auto setting, as well as flash off, then there are aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual settings.  The upper dial also has special modes for shooting sports, close up, portrait, children and landscapes.   It has an easy to read menu for more advanced settings.  The viewing screen is large, as is the viewfinder.  The feature I wish this camera had was live view, but I'll have to wait for my next Nikon for that feature.  This camera is light for a dslr and really fun to use.  I recommend it for anyone who wants a good Nikon entry level camera.

indagarden

Henderson, NV

Nikon has had a legendary reputation with cameras from film to current day digital SLRs. The power on time is short and allows you to start taking pictures quickly. This model captures pictures at a maximum of 10.2 Megapixls on a CCD sensor. Many might think this is low compared to the high mega pixels available in even the most inexpensive point and shoot today, but high megapixels does not necessarily equal better image quality. It actually can reduce image quality because as a general rule, low light gathering capability is diminished and there will be more digital noise (like graininess in film). The kit lens is an 18-55mm (35mm equivalent 27-82.5mm) unfortunately without any kind of image stabilization (Nikon calls their's Vibration Reduction). You'll may notice the 35mm equivalent is slightly wider than a similar specification Canon lens and that's because the sensor is slightly larger. Overall, this is a nice camera with the only significant weakness being the kit lens not having Vibration Reduction.

usertwo000

Dallas, TX

We bought the Nikon D40x as a starter camera for taking high quality SLR photos.  I have been throughly impressed and would recommend this camera to anyone looking for an SLR.  I bought a book on how to use an SLR and take great photos for my wife and she has really taken some amazing pictures.  We really don't need to go pay a professional to take shots for us anymore. I have also use a few higher quality and more expensive cameras through my work and I can honestly say that I can't tell the difference in the final product.  I don't know that it is really worth paying the extra money to upgrade to one of these pricey cameras. The only two downsides are the same downsides you will find in all SLR cameras.  The lenses are fairly expensive, so you better know which lenses are important to you before you buy them.  And the camera is fairly bulky, so it isn't like you can stick it in you pocket and take it on a hike.  We bought a special bag (made by Cannon I think) to store our camera and lenses and I think that makes it a little easier to carry all that stuff around.

camberwell

Cincinnati, OH

This camera is by far the most amazing starter camera I could've ever hoped for. It has all the bells and whistles of it's more expensive older siblings, but a fraction of the price. This camera really allows you to improve your photography and learn about DSLRs without bankrupting you. The only downside (and the reason for the four stars) is that it won't auto-focus with standard Nikkor lenses (they'll fit, but you have to manually focus them). If you want to expand your lens collection beyond the kit lenses, you'll need the more-expensive AF-S or AF-I lenses. The basic lenses (kit lenses) are not too expensive, but some can cost more than the camera and much more than their non AF-S counter parts. But for a basic, learn-as-you-go camera, the Nikon D40 or D40x is perfect. Now that I've had my camera for two years, I'm ready to upgrade and pass my beloved D40x to my boyfriend for him to learn on. Best purchase decision ever.

divellent

Silver Spring, MD

My husband and I used our credit card points towards the Nikon D40x several years ago and it was by far the best thing we could have used our points towards.  We now have 2 children and each time I pull out my point and shoot camera, I am sorely disappointed in the quality.  My Nikon takes flawless pictures every time (as long as I am operating it correctly :) ) and everyone always has positive things to say about my pictures.  The clarity is unmatched.  I find it easy to use, although, it does take some reading of the owners manual.  It is lightweight too.  It is a bummer that it doesn't have the video capabilities, but I know that they do make those now in a Nikon. I love how quickly the camera can go from being "cold" in the off position to ready to snap pictures.  It takes mere seconds!  This is essential when you have small children and they are only being cute for that brief second. :)

sureamiceman

Vandalia, OH

My husband bought me this camera for Christmas last year so that I could take pictures of our very active kids.  I have loved it.  I read the manual and many tutorials online to learn how to use the manual settings and with much practice, feel as though I'm taking lots of good pictures of the kiddos.  I'm glad that I don't have to hire a professional to take pictures of them all the time now.  I've blown many of the pictures up and they all look great taken on this camera.  The kit lens isn't all that great and I plan on replacing it with something nicer soon, but it certainly does the job.  Haven't had any problems with the camera and like the straightforward instructions in the manual.  I have even been asked to take pictures of friends becaue the camera does so well.  I don't think I'll need to upgrade for a very long time.  Would definitely recommend (and have!!) to others.  Really enjoy using it and lightweight.

bethanycr

Lehi, UT