Some xmas present advice please

Hi

My girlfriend has recently gotten into photography (currently uses a fuji digital camera) and I was planning to get her a DSLR camera for christmas, there is only 1 problem

I know very little about them!

What I would like to know is wether this camera is a good buy?
Does it have the functionality a DSLR should?
Is it suitable for somebody who has not used a DSLR camera before?
Will it be markedly better than a standard 8MP fuji camera?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...r-21/ref=nosim

If not could anybody reccomend a better alternative at the same sort of price range?

Thanks in advance

I would definitely say that's a good buy! That was my first camera ever, and would never have started out with another camera if I could choose again. The menu's are very easy to learn, and, well, I think I would go as far as saying it's the perfect camera for getting into photography. A lot of fun for the price!

To be honest mate, there isn't a better alternative to the D40, have one myself and love it

That's a great camera, but a crap price! Amazon have it £100 cheaper than Misco - I've updated the link in your post so it goes to the amazon page instead - no point sending people to Misco if they're gonna rip people off by £100!

Like mentioned above, the D40 is a great camera, I have one and love it!

The D40 is a lovley camera for the price and is wonderful for beginners.

It is a good amature camera, which is basic enough to get the hang of, but still has the capabilities to be manually adjusted by the photographer to suit their shooting style as they progress.

MP are very much over-rated and i personally wouldnt choose a camera purley on this basis. The reasons for DSLRs being superior to your standard point and shoot, is down to the DSLRs capabilities and lens. So yes, to answer your question A DSLR will always out perfom your standard camera, even if it has less MP, due to the fact it is a different beast.

Ooooooooooo..........the Nikon camp are out in force!

that is a VERY good price though - I have to admit, and would fulfill your remit.

It is a good price and seems to be a popular beginners camera. One thing you do need to consider is that not all lenses autofocus on that particular body.

D40 is great I have a D40x and use it for weddings and portraits and it is far from an amateur camera if in the right hands.

The 50mm lens does not auto focus but it is quite easy to master and makes it fun.

It would seem that those who know think it a good buy so I would go ahead and then point her in this direction so we can watch her progress and help where possible.

Most DSLR cameras, if not all. can still be used on an auto setting which allows the camera to do the work. My guess is that is how most of us start out the first time of using this type of camera. Then start getting into using more of the features.

To answer your questions one by one

yes all Nikon camera are a good buy throughout the range and have to say so are Canon to be fair to the Canon followers

Functionality? It would have sufficient settings for someone starting out using a DSLR to get to understand about NIkon.

It is a good entry level camera but you have to look a bit further and see that it doesn't have a built in motor drive for the lens. Something worth taking into consideration

D40 = http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec.../nikon_d40.asp

Conclusions = http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/page25.asp

Have a look at the in depth review especially the conclusions.

Lastly the advantage over a compact is the ability to change lenses. Don't forget the cost of a memory card to be added to the price. I would suggest looking at the sandisk Extreme111 range as it has a fast write speed.

Have a glance at the nikon D60 while your looking around , may be a wee bit more but is one of the latest in the Nikon lineup and offers a lot more for your money.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec.../nikon_d60.asp


Bazza