Nikon D40 SLR

If you're looking for a camera that will take fantastic pictures, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg (it's under $500!), then the Nikon D40is the one you want. It's an SLR, so if you're looking for a camera that slips in your pocket, then this isn't the one.

It's a 6 Megapixel camera and it comes with a fantastic zoom lens. If you're thinking, "only 6 megapixels?", don't! Unless you're planning to print posters then 6 Megapixels is more than enough (you can print up to 11x17 and still not see pixels!). This camera will actually take much better pictures than a compact camera with 10 Megapixels! How's that possible? Well two things: The sensor is physically far bigger in this camera than you'll find in a compact camera, so there will be much less noise (and it's much better in low light since it has more area to receive the light). Also the optics in this camera are MUCH better than in the compacts.

Another note is that the Nikon has a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor as opposed to CMOS (you don't want to know...) in the Canon SLR's and all compact cameras. I'm an electrical engineer (and I've spoken to image sensor engineers!) and trust me, CCD's produce better images.

One important note: Don't be fooled by vendors advertising very low prices (even the marketplace vendors on Amazon are suspect). These are scam artists that will screw you over. Cameras sold be legit vendors are sold in a narrow price range. Good legit vendors include Amazon (like I said, direct from Amazon, not the marketplace vendors) and Adorama.

Nikon D40

Craig