Hello everyone. I asked this question earlier but didn't get much help. I don't know much about electronics and I'm about to ask for my very first camera for my birthday. 
Alright, So I hear a lot about Nikon d40's. My friend has one. Now I want one. Would YOU buy it? Or is there something better in the same price range?
Also, What camera would you recommend? It can be anywhere from like 100-700 bucks. I just want it to be an impressive camera!
Also, what is all this about nikon d40 accessories? Honestly, If I spend 600 bucks on a camera, I don't really want to spend much more? Also, silly question but what are megapixels? Is 8 better than 6?
Thanks guys!
Definitively buy the D40. It is the least expensive DSLR entry level camera made by Nikon or Canon.
Link: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm
You will see a lot of angst repeated by many here about the D40 not having an auto-focus motor so it can use many Nikon auto-focus lenses .. what no one has taken the time to investigate is what that means exactly … they treat is as a flaw.
The D40 uses all the AF-S and AF-I autofocus lenses made by Nikon from 1992-present. That is over fifteen years worth of used lenses if you care to expand your lens investment by buying used Nikon lenses. Not a big deal, but those who in love with other camera models, use this information to discount the viability of the Nikon D40. They could not be more incorrect and unfortunately continue to answer with this bad information …
On the matter of megapixels … there are two factors in the resolution available from a sensor … one is the pixel count and the other is the size of the sensor itself.
Link: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm
What you get for under $700? A Nikon D40 and a 18-55mm lens. A good start. You will of course need a computer so you can convert your image files to prints (photographic or inkjet) and a 1GB (less than $15) or 2GB (less than $25)memory card and card reader (under $10).
i was looking into this camera as well.
but the thing with DSLR's/SLR's is that you are going to eventually want to buy new lens.
if you want zoom, you can spend thousands for that.
if you want macro, hundreds. etc, etc.
one reason i didnt want the Nikon D40 was the lack of Autofocus in the camera's body (taken out to save size).
so then that means you must have lens that have autofocus built into them.
so if you want to buy more lenses, you are kinda stuck with a specific group.
6 or 8 megapixels will no matter what look good on your computer.
the only difference is when you print them.
the more megapixels, the bigger sizes you can print without them looking grainy.
one bad thing about, lets say 8 megapixels on a camera with a small CCD sensor is that its prone to more noise at higher iso levels.
id go with a Super zoom camera.
i have the Canon S5 IS.
there are also other good ones like by panasonic and sony.
i forgot their model names though.
the good thing about these cameras is that it has a very high optical zoom length (10x+).
in a way, you kinda get the best of both worlds.
you get the manual settings, and yes of course, there are manual settings for when you want to get artistic.
i hope i helped.
im not an expert or nothing.
just a 16 year old has done A LOT of research.
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