Nikon D40 SLR digital camera
For budding photographers looking to go beyond the standard digital camera, a digital SLR (single lens reflect) is the answer.
Digital SLRs are built in the same way as traditional film cameras, but instead of capturing images with light-sensitive film, it uses a light-sensitive chip to record images in digital format.
The advantages of digital SLRs include higher image resolution, the ability to upgrade lenses, and overall improved control of exposure and shutter speed.
As one of the most affordable digital SLRs on the market, Nikon's D40 model may seem like a good choice.
The limited image resolution of 6.1 megapixels is slightly disappointing, but given the price, it's forgivable. The lens that comes with the standard package, offering 18mm-55mm, is also good enough for most purposes.
But within a day of using the D40, several compromises are evident. The aperture support for the lens, at f3.5-f5.6, limits shooting to locations with very good light.
The limited aperture range also restricts the exposure range, so when a scene contains different areas of bright and dim light, the main subject of the resulting photo can end up either over- or underexposed.
What's more, you can't manually adjust the exposure.
On the bright side, the D40 does offer an extensive range of shooting options, including ISO settings, aperture and shutter priority, as well as preset shooting modes.
The D40 offers an affordable but limited entry to the world of digital SLRs, with a price of about HK$4,300.
Pros: affordable introduction to digital SLR, exchangeable lenses, fast image capture, intuitive user interface
Cons: limited manual settings, limited aperture for lens (although this can be changed and upgraded)
