The newly released Nikon D40 is the cheapest and lightest (only 471g) D-SLR in their line-up. But at what cost? They had to cut out the status LCD display on top of the camera, and more importantly, rid it of its autofocus motor. Autofocus now only works with the more expensive AF-S Lenses, which have the motor built in.
This leaves you with a camera which delivers less quality then a top of the range point and shoot. Small wonder they didn't just call it a Coolpix! The size and weight is the thing that troubles me most. I really enjoy the bulk of my Nikon D200; the weight makes it easy to balance, the size makes it easier to use the controls. I've never really been able to use point and shoot camera's because they're simply to fiddly for me.
On the positive side, these overpriced low-end D-SLR's are very good for Nikon revenue and market share, which ultimately will enable them to develop the more professional camera's and lenses we all crave.
– Hayo
Page last updated Thursday, November 16th 2006
Discussion
tristan 17 Nov 2006 I was so happy with my Sony Cybershot before I read that hayo =(. Next time I buy a camera, I shall consult you (and try steal money from you to afford what you recommend).
Hayo Bethlehem 17 Nov 2006 Haha, remember, I only expressed my worries on small single lens reflex camera's. A small camera has it's uses, but small SLR camera's are a bit missing the point. Either buy a big proper camera, and accept it's big, or go for a small point and shoot.
Sander 23 Dec 2006 I don't know that small DSLRs are missing the point - they're not for you (or for me for that matter - *has a D200 as well*), but my mother had recently been complaining about her point and shoot being near useless outdoors for taking pictures due to the glare on the screen, while the viewfinder didn't show her at all what would actually show on the picture. She said herself that she wanted to look through the lens like her old film camera did, but didn't like that it was so heavy and kept banging against her as she was walking with it hanging around her neck.
And so I knew just the thing to recommend to her!
(Now if only the prices here in the Netherlands weren't quite so ridiculous. €650 in most stores, versus the equivalent of €450 in the USA... *mutters*)