Nikon D40
I have a new hobby. A few people may have noticed. It’s an incredible amount of fun. It is stretching my creativity.
Last month, Missy and I decided to step up in the camera department. With a new baby on the way, it was a no-brainer. We’ve had point-and-shoot cameras for the past few years and they were great, but never really gave the functionality that I was craving. I have known for quite some time that a digital SLR (DSLR) would be the way to go, but I’ve never seen anything that “bridged the gap” between the consumer-grade point-and-shoots to the pro-sumer DSLRs, especially in terms of price.
Last Fall, Nikon released the D40, and “entry-level” digital SLR kit at a very reasonable street price of $600. The camera body is very lightweight with a conclusive feature-set, exactly what you’d expect in a DSLR. The “kit” bundles a very nice 18-55mm lens with the body. The wide angle is very nice and the zoom reaches about as far as necessary for average shooting. However, I’ve already found several instances where a longer lens would be much more handy (especially in sports photography and in short depth of field shots). I’m considering purchasing the new Nikon 55-200mm AF VR zoom lens to complement the stock kit. And at some point, I’d love to see how the 50mm reflex lens works with the D40. I’ve seen some great photographs captured with it.
Still, as a base kit, the D40 is absolutely amazing. I’ve been blown away by how accurately the camera responds to my control and snaps the picture just as I want it when I want it. That shutter opens and closes in the exact instant I want it to. That may sound trivial to some, but it’s an element of the creative process that has become immensely important to me. In fact, each and everything I’ve learned in my few weeks with the D40 I’ve taken into deep consideration. Much like web design and music, there are facets of photography that can completely revolutionize the creativity of the artist, but they have to been meticulously learned and implemented. It’s a very disciplined art that requires time and energy to accomplish something great. It’s these kinds of disciplines that keep me thirsty to learn and grow.
I wish I could really give a technical analysis of the Nikon D40. (I’ll point you to Ken Rockwell and DP Review for that.) It would be great to really evaluate the mechanics of the camera and discuss a few best practices. But I’m still learning. I can say that I’m really happy to be embarking on this new creative journey. It is a joy to discover photography.
I’ve met new people. I’ve had some interesting run-ins with strange people. I’ve chatted with brilliant artists. I’ve looked more closely at a flower than I ever thought possible. I’ve taken over 3,000 photographs in 45 days. Now, I’m constantly “looking” at life as though every scene deserves to be recorded forever. I’m always looking for that shot.
I’ve also had some great mentors help me in ways they could never know. And so I’ll say a great thanks to Stephen Elliot who has been my primary inspiration and knowledge base so far. His expertise is vast. We’ve already snapped a lot of pictures together, and we’re bound to grab a bunch more—and often. Thanks so much, Stephen.
I’d like to say thanks to Flickr as well. It’s a constant source of inspiration and the folks I’ve met through that community have all been really great. In the creative world, it’s often easy to get caught up in ourselves, what we produce and how talented we get, but I really appreciate the folks that I meet along the way that are humble enough to take time with a total noob and hook me up with some practical expertise and spot on advice.
So, for the folks who check into davidrussell.org from time to time, thanks. You might also want to keep an eye on my Flickr profile. (There’s a feed, too.) It’s been rather explosive lately and you might find a better stream of content there right now. For all you photographers in the audience (amateur or veteran) please critique, critique, critique. I’d love to hear any thoughts.
What next? :)
The Nikon D40 (on Amazon)
My Flickr Profile (Collections: Flora | Life | Transportation)
D40/x Challenge Flickr Group
NCC Flickr Group
Stephen Elliot
Tamrac Adventure 7 Gear Bag
[tags]nikon, d40, photography, flickr, picture, hobby, dslr, digital, slr, camera[/tags]
Good grief. What a link fest.
Stephen
2007-04-27 1003hrs
Well thanks for the shout-out. I’m quite honored. Your willingness to learn makes it a joy to share whatever knowledge I might have. It’s been fun for me to mention a technique and then find your new photos on Flickr only a couple days later showing that you have once again nailed it. Keep up the great work, my friend! I think the tide of inspiration is shifting, and now I’m the one being inspired by you. =)
Missy
2007-04-27 1231hrs
I am so happy that you are passionate about so many different things. You are going to take some fabulous pictures of our baby. I honestly believe that you are so talented that you could do anything that you put your mind to. I love you!!!
MUTE MATT
2007-04-27 1407hrs
The 50mm 1.8f Nikkor is a great lens no doubt. By far it’s my favorite and does great for shallow depth of field and low light situations. However, the D40 lacks an internal autofocus motor, so if you do purchase the 50mm you’ll have to use manual focus.
I just wanted to let you know before you made your purchase and were disappointed.
David
2007-04-27 1418hrs
Stephen: The tide is what? Yeah, right. :) Major thanks dude. You’re the man.
Missy: Thanks! I love you too!
MUTE MATT: Yep, I am aware of that one drawback to the D40. Since most of the work with the 50mm will be static in nature, I don’t think I’ll mind too much. I rely on the AF quite a bit, but I’d like to be more hands on at times with the focus. It might get me out of that comfort zone.
Thanks for adding that point. I should’ve mentioned that in the article.
Justin Thorp
2007-04-28 0932hrs
Dude, I have really enjoyed watching your flickr feed. Its been fun to watch you get better and better. Keep up the good work.
Clif Guy
2007-04-28 1323hrs
Is your feed broken? I though you had stopped talking when I didn’t see any posts since January 30 (post about SkypeOut). But indeed, you are still talking.
David
2007-04-28 1620hrs
Clif: I’ve only had one other person mention this, but they were on a Mac, so I thought it was an OS- or software specific issue as I’ve had no problems. What is the feed address that you are subscribed to?
Clif Guy
2007-04-28 1829hrs
http://feeds.feedburner.com/davidblog
Firefox says: Live bookmark feed failed to load.
David
2007-04-28 1922hrs
Clif: Hit it again now.
:)
I had some wonky code in the post succeeding the SkypeOut one, so your information really helped me narrow it down. Thanks a bunch.
Clif Guy
2007-04-28 1933hrs
Woo hoo! That did it. I just now got every post back to Feb. 1. It’s cool to be able to do a bit of collaborative troubleshooting between two people who have never met in person!
Sean S
2007-04-28 2222hrs
Whoa! All of the sudden my reader’s full of davidrussell.org. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do!
Anyway, thanks for the writeup and review (and for the mini-review). I’ve been considering the D40 for awhile now—it’s, as you said, the perfect step up from a point-and-shoot.
I’m wondering how long it’ll be before I get bored (or limited) with 18-55mm lens, though. Based on your experience, I’m even wondering if I should just try and pick up the body only and spring for the Nikon 18-200. Thoughts?
Stephen
2007-04-29 0237hrs
Sean, the 18 - 200 is a fun lens indeed! My dad has one, and I’ve spent plenty of time with it. The focal range (i.e. “zoom length”) on it is truly amazing and almost always perfect for finding the right composition. It does have it’s disadvantages however. Namely, it’s a slow lens. Slow in focusing, and “slow” in the sense that you generally need a longer shutter speed due to the unimpressive maximum aperture value (3.5 - 5.6).
I’ll take the 18-200 lens with me when I go camping, for example, but I often prefer my 28-75. When speed is crucial (e.g. shooting people or action events) having a responsive lens is essential. Given that you’re considering the D40, I assume you’re looking for a better alternative to the point-and-shooter. If that’s the case, I would definitely recommend the 18-200. If you develop a niche for a certain subject matter, you can get a lens better suited to that later.
Tamron recently announced an 18-250 lens. It’s probably cheaper than the Nikon brand you’re looking at, but it might be worth checking out. That’s my $.02
Dolan
2007-04-30 1313hrs
I don’t know anything about photography, but I know what I like and I like your pix. Your poor baby will not be able to take a breath without Dad sticking a camera in his/her face. ;)
Warhol
2007-11-17 0441hrs
I’ve read about your new interest and seen your Flickr. Some brilliant pictures worth to be noticed. With potential like that, TrekEarth is the site for you. Please visit my blog and there’s a LINK leading you to the new experience.