Nikon D40- Good choice for my daughter?

[Badger0-0]

"I'd like a camera for christmas" she says.
She has a Nikon 2Mb P&S compact job, that imo, is rubbish, even though it cost about £150ish.
So seeing as she's studying media at college, I thought it might be an idea to get her a proper camera (not that I know anything about it ).

After a fair bit of research, it seems like the D40 is a decent choice for someone who might be interested in learning about the hobby a bit.

Basically, I saw it at £225 from Amazon and have ordered it, as it seems a steal.

This leaves me 2 questions;

1) Is it small enough to carry around on a day to day basis?
and
2) Seeing as the forum search is down atm, have I made a wise choice?
I think I have, but just want a bit of reassurance

[Badger0-0]

Duh
I do know it's a Nikon. Just shows what mooching the net for hours does to your brain

MODS, please edit the title accordingly

[NJP87]

I have the D40 and think it's an exellent camera.

It's small and light for an DSLR and is designed for first time slr owners

[Badger0-0]

That's reassuring, cheers mate

[Badger0-0]

Just to add, she's definitely gone down the "more pixels is better" path.
She did hint at a compact 10Mb Samsung, but I couldn't see the point.
After checking whether she wanted quality or a trendy looking compact (she chose the former) I'm sure she'll be happy when she sees what it can do

Any comment on the size/ carrying about question?

[Throttle]

Yea you have made a wise choice check out link below to show you the quality of photos that people have made using it its bulky compared to some compacts but the quality of photos are going to be better

Flickr: Camera Finder: Nikon: D40

[Yandros]

Yep, you've made a very good choice. The megapixel thing is a marketing invention - the 6MP sensor on the D40 will outperform absolutely ANY compact or superzoom.

As for carrying it on a day to day basis - it's certainly small enough to go in a fair sized handbag I guess, but isn't 'pocketable'.

[RobDickinson]

D40 has some limitations in function and lens selection but its an excelent image maker.

6mp is just enough.

[Badger0-0]

Originally Posted by RobDickinson

D40 has some limitations in function and lens selection but its an excelent image maker.

6mp is just enough.

Yes, I did read about the lens thing and can see that being a limitation.
But I would like to think that if she is going to get serious, she'd probably upgrade the camera anyway.
She's a typical 17 YO, in that I think she would want the camera to do everything for her, so I'm not sure the function limitations would come into it yet.
Having said that, she is quite experimental and inquisitive in general, so I'll definitely be encouraging her to try things, as I'm sure that's the only way you can learn.
TBH, I don't know if she knows about ISO, shutter speed etc
I certainly don't
But I do know a good photo when I see one, which is why I'm now thinking "jammy cow" about my daughter
I want a D40 for myself

its an excelent image maker

This was the priority and hopefully the thing that will make her move away from compacts and start to get serious

[Badger0-0]

Thanks for the replies chaps

And thanks to the mod who corrected the title too

[RobDickinson]

Its not missing anything vital.

It has few AF points, no bracketing , mirror lockup, DoF preview etc. Nothing that will realy get in your way of taking a picture, but stuff that sometimes helps a bit, and stuff the competition has (and is mostly 'free' via software).

[hilly10]

As a learning curve its brill. Just wait till she starts to upgrade as she gets better then its gonna cost you

[Paulie-W]

Got to agree with the above. It's a great little starter/keeper camera. I started off with a D40 just after last Christmas (in case I didnt get bitten by the bug). But I did (I still take crap photographs though ) Just mind your wallet mate, it gets expensive. I wouldnt worry too much about the lenses yet.

[Kevstir]

just bought this very camera from Jessops today, i did originally order it with Amazon for £215 but they weren't getting stock till the 17th, thought its cutting it fine for Xmas delivery, noticed yesterday that Jessops were doing it for £225 so thought for the extra tenner i get piece of mind that A-I'm going to have it for my Xmas and B-if its DOA its easy to get it replaced, so cancelled the Amazon order and got it from Jessops.

i was aloud by she who must be obeyed to have a wee play before it was wrapped up, man what a step up from the 8.1mp Samsung compact i got for my birthday, this camera blows it away , i'm sooo glad i went for the d40 , cant wait till Xmas day now

Kev

[raptor]

Hi Badger had the D40 for best part of 2 years now (love it) but got this the other day
Nikon D40/D40X Digital field guide by David D Busch,£7.50 from Amazon,it's a must
for the new D40 owner very good, helped me out.