The Nikon D40 Makes DSLR Photography a Snap

Transitioning from a point-and-shoot camera to an SLR has never been easier. Entry-level DSLRs today are in many ways just bigger and better versions of their compact counterparts, with the main difference being DSLRs’ ability to change lenses. The Nikon D40 has emerged as one of the most popular and affordable DSLRs in this class.

Last week our blog’s resident audiophile, Atane, bought himself a Nikon D40 kit with an 18-55mm zoom lens. Although Atane is no stranger to technology, he admitted to being a novice when it comes to SLRs. Like most people, his only experience in this field is with compact point-and-shoots, which he used only in auto mode for capturing special occasions. He wanted a better camera for photographing his home theater equipment and also wanted to dabble in photography as a new hobby. Atane researched entry-level DSLRs online and tried out the various models at J&R’s camera store, and he liked the construction and the handling of the Nikon D40.

After unboxing the D40 and charging the battery (and skimming just a few pages of the Nikon D40’s manual), Atane was ready to hit the streets of downtown New York City with his new camera. His first pictures with the D40 show, rather amazingly, how a camera newbie can take brilliant photos with a DSLR right out of the box.

Atane takes his first pictures with the Nikon D40 (Photo by Nick Scribner)

All of the following pictures are unedited (SOOC) JPEGs taken by Atane.

Atane’s commentary: I was immediately impressed by how bright and clear the viewfinder is on the D40. I’m used to looking through a smudgy screen that is hard to see in sunlight. I was also impressed by how fast the camera focuses and how close I can get for flower shots. I really like how the out-of-focus area in this photo has that professional blur.

Atane’s commentary: The 18-55mm zoom lens is really sharp. I walk by this sign every day on the way to work, but I never noticed the picture on the Park Row sign until I viewed this photo on my computer.

Atane’s commentary: I was taking pictures of the fountain in the park on Pine Street when Nick [the writer of this post] suddenly stopped me and told me to look up at the skyscrapers. There was some really good light that lasted only a couple minutes, and I was lucky to capture this shot, my favorite of the day.

Needless to say, Atane is very happy with his Nikon D40 kit. His first day out taking pictures kindled an interest in photography, and he’s now looking forward to getting more accessories, such as more lenses and an external flash, as his interest continues to grow. And with a DSLR like the Nikon D40, the sky is the limit.

This entry was posted by Nick on Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 at 1:49 pm