 Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi - At about $700, the Canon Rebel XTi offers much more than the $599 Nikon D40. The Rebel XTi is a 10.4-megapixel camera rather than the D40's 6.1-megapixels. The Canon has better auto focus – it has more sensors and handles low-contrast scenes better. The Canon has a system to vibrate dust off the image sensor. The D40 offers more durable construction but no other advantages over the XTi.
 Olympus EVOLT E-500 - The Olympus EVOLT E-500 sells for about $675 and comes with two lenses, one comparable to the D40's kit lens, and a telephoto zoom. The E-500 has an 8.1-megapixel sensor for more resolution than the D40. The Olympus E-500 uses a smaller Four-Thirds format sensor, which generally has poorer noise performance than APS-sized sensors like the one on the D40. The E-500 has a dust-removal system which the D40 lacks. The E-500 and the D40 have comparable auto focus specifications.
 Pentax K110D - The Pentax K110D sells for $450-$550 online, so it costs less than the D40. Both are 6-megapixel DSLRs at the bottom of their manufacturer's lineups and come with 18-55mm lenses. The Pentax's great advantage is that its auto focus system has 9 cross-type sensors and two single-direction ones. We've tested the K100D which has the same system, and it is far superior to the D40's auto focus, handling low contrast better and offering much more flexibility. Other Nikons are better-built than the D40. If the Pentax K110D is built as well as previous Pentax DSLRs, it's likely that the K110D is a more durable camera than the D40 too.
Value (7.5)
The Nikon D40 is a stripped-down camera. In cutting corners to sell a DSLR for $599, Nikon has lost qualities that make many of its other DSLRs good value propositions. While the D80 is better-built and more ergonomic than its competition, the D40 is not. The D40 is fully compatible with only a small subset of Nikon lenses, and its auto focus system is a serious limitation. Its value isn't helped by its image quality, which displayed disappointing color performance.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - The D40 is designed for this group. It is simple to use and offers a range of options that will represent value to casual users.
Budget Consumers - The Nikon D40 costs more than other budget DSLRs, many of which offer better capabilities.
Gadget Freaks - The D40 relies on existing technology. There isn't anything unusual or intriguing about it.
Manual Control Freaks - Though the D40 offers full manual control, every camera in its class does as well, and some of them do it more conveniently.
Pros/Serious amateurs - The D40 doesn't have the image quality or durability for this group – since it's not compatible with many AF Nikon lenses, it's not a good choice as a backup for higher-end Nikons. This group will gladly pop an extra $300 down for the D80.
|
