I’m moving on up! I love photography but am not a pro. After seeking Y!A advice in a previous question, I’m just about settled on getting my first DSLR within the next month. I’m told the Nikon D40 is a great choice for an entry level SLR.

I’ve been to a store and handled one and liked it for the most part. I was frustrated though because while the LCD screen is amazing, we couldn’t figure out how to take pictures FROM the LCD screen without having to use the viewfinder. I hate using viewfinders! Is it possible to take pictures from the LCD screen? Would that be in Wallpaper mode or something? The person at the store couldn’t figure it out either.

This next question may be silly, but again, I’m new to SLRs… these cameras won’t have a video setting, will they? I had a Kodak Easyshare prior to this, so I was spoiled (when it worked). I was hoping not to have to buy a separate video camera.

Lastly, is it true I will have to buy a new type of camera memory card? If so, what type, and why? Will I need more than one? With the other cameras I had two 2GB cards and that was plenty. I understand I may have the capability to shoot in RAW format… is that optional, or a set in stone kind of feature? Can I switch back and forth?

Oh- and is the strap that comes with the camera a nice neck strap (like the ones Nikon shows in their tutorials)?

Any other advice or suggestions you may have about this camera as my first SLR would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

If you have any additional

I’ve been back and fourth on what to get and I was hoping someone with experience on these type of cameras could help. I’ve had about 3-4 years hands on with the Nikon d40 an I wanted to move on to videos now but I want pictures still also so I just wanted to know the basics and what some of you thought on it I’ve been looking at the d3100 vs d5100 any opinion or help would be great. Thanks.

So I have a "point&shoot" Powershot camera, and I’ve started to get extremely frustrated with the lack of settings/options/general control over how the picture is going to turn out. I’ve been looking at all sorts of entry level DSLRs, but I’m worried I might grow out of something that’s entry level, and just need a new camera in a few years. Should I look at some of the "prosumer" cameras? Or just go with a good entry level, like the Canon XSi or Nikon D40 or D60? Most consumers buying entry level DSLRs don’t really know how to do anything but point and shoot, but as I know a fair amount about cameras, I’m not sure if entry level is what I need. Also, I’m trying not to spend too much money, I’m mainly looking for something sub-00. Thanks!

I don’t need anything too fancy, just an entry-level starter digital slr camera kit.
preferably something under 0
I was looking at the Canon Rebel XT, but you can’t use the LCD screen as a viewfinder and it doesn’t make videos which is kind of a turn-off for the money I would pay for it.
I was also considering the nikon d40 or d40x

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated
I’m not really that concerned about the video part, more so about the view finder

Hi, I have a 6 megapixel nikon D40. The question that I have is simple, I have a sigma 18-50mm f/2.8. It’s not supersharp at 2.8, so if I would upgrade to a 12 megapixel camera, (3000×2000 to 4000 x 3000) then my images would be in higher resolution, making the image more detailed, so "more" sharpness?

If you have a higher resolution, can this effect other stuff, like color accuracy, So in theory if you would make a D40 with 12 megapixel with the same other specs and cpu, and compare this to the 6 megapixel version.

Also I’m still not figured out if my lens has front-focus issues, it think I have some. Is it normal for lenses to have some? Could it have something to do with just DOF, object who are close have more front focus…

If you are a owner of the D700 or D300, have you had good experiences with the fine tuning autofocus mode (a mode where you can adjust front or backfocus, so you have sharper images)

Of course, gear is not all, a newbie with a D3 and fast nikkor lens could do worse then an experienced guy with an entry level dslr?

greetz