Finally gave in and brought a DSLR, Nikon D40

Finally moved on from my little fujifinepix and brought a DSLR...i had a play and really liked the Nikon, but ive been using a canon whenever working with slr's, and really cant get to grips with how to adjust the shutter speed and apperture etc and the booklet doesn't seem to help.
Any help? And anyone also have this camera, if so could you post some pictures please so I can see how it works when being used by the pro's

Nice one Luke!

Almost all of the pics in my profile were taken with the D40

Also, if you click on the D40 in my sig, you should see more pics taken with it

The camera comes with a good manual so I suggest you read it whenever you get the time - it tells you how to adjust iso and shutter speed.

I would also do a search for ken rockwells d40 set-up guide as I found that very helpful.

Look forward to seeing your photos

Welcome to the inner circle...

Might seem a bit confusing right now, but give it a week or two and you'll be well away... I think you will find many conrols work in the opposite direction to Canon..

http://www.nikondigitutor.com/eng/d40/index.shtml

Everything you need to know is on this link in video. Watch for the menu tab on the left

Bazza

Can only agree with the others re: reading and looking up etc.. I cant get to grips with a Nikon either, holding one button and turning another at the same time etc.. its confusing and awkward so Im not surprised you are having problems, they are however minor ones and Im sure you will be fine when you have had a bit of time to get used to it.
Dawn.

As with moving from any brand to another, there will be a learning curve. You just have to persevere until you just 'get it'.

Dawn, people moving to Canon from another brand would more than likely feel the same

I dont know of other makes that you have to hold down one button in order to turn a dial to access other features? Its very awkward to me, and also some of the other aspects too, its what puts me off Nikon along with a couple other things. I know Bazza wasnt overstruck with the manual either, as luke has found, its not easy to "get" and it doesnt explain things readily enough, Im sure bazza bought a book on his, might of been the D70s one, I know he had similar issues to Luke with that one.

Personally with entry level cameras, Id like to see things explained easily, a manual "should" do that. I agree that changing makes will no doubt have its problems, Im familiar with Canon and doubt Id change, although I appreciate what any other make is capable of too, I think on a technical level most of the market leaders produce excellent cameras!!

The D40 is renowned for being easy to use with a great manual - it even has an inbuilt help/info system that no other DSLR in it's price-range has (you just click on the question mark button and it gives you an explanation on screen). So I'm guessing Luke hasn't spent enough time with it or looked at the manual, because let's face it, how hard is it to follow a simple:

Menu > Shooting Menu > ISO Sensitivity > Select your ISO

?

When I got my D40 I remember how easy I thought it was to use, and then when I got my D300 I thought it was amazingly intuitive, with all the controls and dials just where I'd expect them to be. Don't forget the D40 was the cheapest, good-quality DSLR when it launched, so it would be unfair to compare it to cameras costing twice as much.

When I had a quick go of my friends Canon DSLR I felt completely lost - but I just put that down to it not being what I was used to. I'm sure I could pick holes in it if I really want to but what's the point? Millions of people out there happily use their Canons (and Nikons) so I'm guessing there is nothing majorly wrong with either. It just boils down to preference

Er.. My Oly has an inbuilt manual/info too it's great It's easy to access too. Just thought I'd say that.

Luke I hope you quickly get to grips with your camera. and enjoy using it xxx

Nikon is the only real camera!!!! LOL I sure hope nobody is really taking me seriously.